Where Are RV Water Pumps Located? (9 Places to Check)

If you’re an RVer, then you know that having a water pump is essential. One of the worst things you can experience while camping is a faulty water pump, especially if you rely on your motorhome’s water to cook, clean, and bathe. That’s why one of the things RVers need to know is where their motorhome’s water pump is located.

Without one, you wouldn’t be able to get water in your RV or fill up your tanks. Unfortunately, there is no generalized location where you can find an RV water pump.

Depending on the manufacturer and model, RV pumps are installed at different locations on a motorhome. Where you might find a water pump on a Forest River fifth wheel won’t be the same place you find one on a Keystone toy hauler. 

But where are RV water pumps located? And how do you use them? In this blog post, we’ll answer those questions and give you some tips on using your RV water pump. So read on for all the info you need!

What is an RV water pump and what does it do?

RV water pumps are essential for anyone traveling in a recreational vehicle. They are responsible for pumping water from the freshwater tank to the faucets and showerhead, providing a steady supply of water for cooking, cleaning and bathing. 

RV water pumps can either be manually operated or automatic, and they vary in terms of strength and capacity. Some models are designed for low-pressure systems, while others can handle high-pressure systems. 

There are also RV water pumps that come with a built-in filter, which helps to remove impurities from the water before it reaches the faucets. No matter what type of RV water pump you choose, it is important to make sure that it is installed properly and that all the hoses are securely attached. Otherwise, you could end up with leaks or other problems.

Where are RV water pumps located on different models of motorhomes?

Many people enjoy traveling in RVs because they provide all the comforts of home while on the road. One important aspect of RV travel is having a reliable water supply. 

Most RVs have water pumps that are located in different places, depending on the model of the RV. Typically, the water pump is located either in the front or rear of the RV, near the fresh water tank. This location is chosen because it is close to the water source and makes it easy to pump water into the RV’s plumbing system. 

In some models, the water pump may also be located near the grey water tank, which is used to store wastewater. 

Nine Places to Check for your RV Water Pump:

As mentioned earlier, RV brands will place water pumps in different locations.

However, besides considering the best fit for the design of your motorhome, the RV brand will also consider the type of pump your motorhome should use and how you will use it. This means they will evaluate how many areas need pressurized water (bathroom, kitchen, outdoor shower) and where it will be easiest to service.

Below we have briefly discussed the five places you should check if you want to locate your water pump to maintain or fix it. We have also included the brands that use these locations most often to make it easier for you.

1. Behind a Docking Station in an RV Basement Storage

How one of the first places you should look when searching for your RV water pump is behind your docking station in your motorhome’s basement storage area.

Usually, to check if your water pump is located here, you will need to unscrew and remove the panels that lie directly behind your docking station. By doing this, you should easily access your water lines and your water pump.

Forest River models often have their water pumps located behind a docking station in an RV basement storage area.

2. Behind a Panel in a Storage Compartment

Some RVs have their water pumps located behind a panel in a storage compartment. To access the pump, you will need to remove the panel and then follow the water lines to the pump.

If you cannot find your water pump behind your docking station or in a storage compartment, it is likely that it is located under your RV.

3. Under Your RV

If your RV water pump is not located in prominent places, it is likely that it is located under your RV. To access the pump, you must crawl under your RV and look for the water lines. Once you find the water lines, follow them to the pump.

It is important to note that some RV water pumps are located in hard-to-reach places. If you cannot find your water pump, it is best to consult your RV owner’s manual or contact a qualified technician for help.

4. Under the Main Bed

One of the first places you should look when searching for your RV water pump is under the main bed in your motorhome.

RV Water Pump Under Main Bed
(RV Water Pump Under Main Bed)

Usually, to check if your water pump is located here, you will need to unscrew and remove the panels that lie directly under your bed. By doing this, you should easily access your water lines and your water pump.

For example, with the Keystone Bullet and Outback models, you can locate your RV water pump by opening up the secured panel on the left-hand side of your queen-sized bed. You can also access it from behind the bedside table.

Yet, a different Keystone model, “Hideout,” has its water pump installed underneath yours. If you have this model, you will need to access the pump from behind the head.

If you cannot find your water pump under your bed, it is likely that it is in a storage compartment or behind a panel.

5. In a Storage Compartment

Some RVs have their water pumps located in a storage compartment. To access the pump, you will need to remove the panel and then follow the water lines to the pump.

If you cannot find your water pump in a storage compartment, it is likely that it is located behind a panel or under your RV.

6. Behind a Panel

Some RVs have their water pumps located behind a panel. To access the pump, you will need to remove the panel and then follow the water lines to the pump.

If you cannot find your water pump behind a panel, it is likely that it is located under your RV.

7. Under a Sofa or Bench Seat

Many RV water pumps are located underneath a sofa or bench seat. To access the pump, you will need to remove the cushion and then unscrew the panel that is underneath. By doing this, you should be able to access your water lines and your water pump.

For example, the Heartland Trail Runners water pump is located near the sofa bed under a panel, and the Sonic 231VRL trailer has its water pump installed under the sofa with a convenient hose for adding anti-freeze.

Other Sonic models also have their water pumps located underneath the sofa. These include the Sonic 220VRB, Sonic 190VRD, and Sonic 170VRE.

If you cannot find your water pump under your sofa or bench seat, it is likely that it is located in a storage compartment, behind a panel, or under your RV.

8. Under a Dinette Bench

As mentioned before, some newer motorhomes have their water pumps located under a dinette bench. This makes it easier to access the pump while also quieting any noise that the pump may make.

If you cannot find your water pump under a dinette bench, it is likely that it is located in a storage compartment, behind a panel, or under your RV.

9. Inside a Kitchen Cabinet

One of the more easily accessible locations where your RV water pump could be located is inside a kitchen cabinet.

Some motorhomes, like the Grand Design Xplor 240ML, have a water pump inside a cabinet near the left-hand side entrance with an access panel next to the entrance outside the motorhome.

Yet some newer motorhomes have decided not to use a kitchen cabinet and instead install a water pump under a dinette bench to make it easier to access while quieting the noise.

If you cannot find your water pump inside a kitchen cabinet, it is likely that it is located in a storage compartment, behind a panel, or under your RV.

No matter where the water pump is located, it is an important part of the RV’s plumbing system and helps to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable camping experience.

Where are RV water pumps located on Class A motorhomes?

Where are RV water pumps located on Class A motorhomes
(RV water pumps located on Class A motorhomes)

Most Class A motorhomes have the water pump located in a cabinet near the fresh water tank. This location is convenient because it allows the pump to draw water from the tank, which provides a consistent supply of water pressure.

Additionally, this location also allows the pump to be easily accessible for maintenance and repairs. While some pumps may be located in other areas of the RV, such as under the sink or in the basement, the vast majority are located in the cabinet near the fresh water tank.

Therefore, if you are looking for your RV’s water pump, chances are it will be in this location.

Where are RV water pumps located on Class B motorhomes?

Class B motorhomes are typically equipped with a water pump that is located in one of two places: either near the water tank or near the fresh water hookup. If your RV is equipped with a freshwater hookup, the pump will most likely be located near that connection.

This allows you to easily access the pump when you need to fill your tank or clean your lines. On the other hand, if your RV doesn’t have a freshwater hookup, the pump will most likely be located near the water tank.

This location is convenient because it allows you to easily access the pump when you need to empty your tank or flush your lines. No matter where your RV’s water pump is located, it’s important to always keep it clean and well-maintained to ensure optimal performance.

Some Final Words

As you can see, it may take some doing to locate your water pump. Winterizing the part becomes a chore as you spend so much time trying to find it. But RV makers have gotten creative over the years as they have to find the right spot in a small vehicle.

Go to the forum of your RV’s manufacturer and talk to the owners of RVs as they will know. They have been there as well.

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