Popular New Guides Product Guides Tools Checklists My Rig

Results for "plumbing fittings"

783+ Q&A Updated Weekly Free
RV Water Pump Losing Prime: Troubleshooting & Winterization
Plumbing Medium 2-4 hours 446 👍 9

RV Water Pump Losing Prime: Troubleshooting & Winterization

Got a 2022 Tiffin Open Road 34PA with a water pump that keeps losing prime during winterization — about to buy a replacement but wondering if I'm throwing money at the wrong problem? I can get it back by quickly opening and closing one of the lowest drain valves, but then it just loses prime again after a while. This has happened on other RVs I've winterized too, but it's particularly stubborn on this Tiffin.

I'm suspecting it might be the inline check valve next to the pump or maybe the one behind the Truma hot water heater, but I'd love some guidance on proper diagnosis. What are the most common causes of prime loss during winterization, and what's the best way to troubleshoot and fix this? I want to make sure I'm covering all my bases for winter storage prep. …more
RV Water Pump Running But No Water? Complete Troubleshooting Guide 202
Plumbing Easy 30-45 minutes 109 👍

RV Water Pump Running But No Water? Complete Troubleshooting Guide 202

Finally looking at my RV water pump right now and it's running constantly but there's absolutely zero water coming out of any faucets. However, when activating any fixture throughout the system, the water pump initiates and runs continuously without producing water flow at any outlet point.

All system components appear to be functioning mechanically - pump motor engages properly, electrical connections are secure, and there are no visible leaks in accessible plumbing runs. The symptom manifests uniformly across all water delivery points including kitchen, bathroom, and exterior service connections.

What diagnostic steps should be performed to identify the root cause of this no-flow condition despite continuous pump operation? …more
How to Fix RV Fresh Water Tank Leaks: Complete Diagnosis & Repair Guide
Plumbing Medium 1-4 hours 106 👍

How to Fix RV Fresh Water Tank Leaks: Complete Diagnosis & Repair Guide

Nobody warned me how tricky RV fresh water tank leaks could be — got my tools ready and determined to fix this dripping mess under my trailer myself. The dripping was pretty steady at first but seems to have slowed down overnight to just occasional drops. My tank gauge still shows full, so I don't think it's completely emptying out.

I can see there's an underbelly cover that would need to come down to access everything underneath, but I'm hoping maybe there are some easier spots I should check first? I'd rather not tackle removing panels if I don't have to - any guidance on where these leaks typically start would be really helpful, especially near the drain valve! …more
Fix Wasteful RV Kitchen Cabinets - Thick Bottom Boards
Engine Medium 4-8 hours 104 👍

Fix Wasteful RV Kitchen Cabinets - Thick Bottom Boards

After hearing my RV dealer call these thick kitchen cabinet bottom boards "industry standard" while my mechanic buddy insists they're just wasteful space-stealers, I'm completely confused. I've been doing a complete remodel to maximize storage space, but I'm shocked at the poorly designed layout.

The cabinet bottom board is a ridiculous 2 inches thick - that's eating up 10% of my entire cabinet height! Even worse, the drawer cabinet only has about 4 inches of usable space on each side because of how the PEX water lines are routed. It's like they just threw those lines in there without any thought to space efficiency.

I keep hearing about how amazing modern RVs are, but this is just terrible design. Is there any way to actually fix these issues? Can I modify the cabinet bottoms to be thinner and reroute those PEX lines properly? I really need to reclaim this wasted space but I'm not sure where to start or if it's even possible to address both problems. …more
Fix RV Low Water Pressure on City Connection: Troubleshooting Pump Assembly
Plumbing Easy 30 minutes 102 👍

Fix RV Low Water Pressure on City Connection: Troubleshooting Pump Assembly

Last week my pressure regulator started reading a solid 40 PSI on city water but my water pump keeps cycling on for 5-6 seconds when everything says it should stay completely off. When I connect to city water, my water pressure regulator shows a solid 40 PSI, which should be plenty, right? But here's the weird part - my water pump keeps kicking on for about 5-6 seconds then shuts off, even though I'm connected to city water and the pump switch is supposed to be off.

The really frustrating thing is that the pressure feels weak throughout the RV, with specifically the bathroom sink and kitchen sink seeming low, though the shower has good pressure. I've already changed out the intake/check valve and don't currently have a filter in the system. I can see the pump running while on city water, which I know is not normal. I noticed the kitchen and bathroom sink screens were plugged - which might explain some pressure issues - but now I'm wondering about the toilet's low pressure. Could there be a screen in the toilet line I'm not seeing?

I've been full-timing for two years and never had this issue before. What should I be checking for? I'm handy enough to do basic repairs but need to know where to focus my troubleshooting efforts. …more
RV Water Pump Pulsing & Cycling Issues: 7 Causes + DIY Solutions
Plumbing Medium 45 minutes 93 👍

RV Water Pump Pulsing & Cycling Issues: 7 Causes + DIY Solutions

Noticed my RV water pump keeps pulsing and cycling on its own even when no faucets are running - is this dangerous with kids around? The water pump keeps turning on and off rapidly - like every few seconds - even when I don't have any faucets or anything running. It's doing this pulsing thing constantly.

I've heard someone mention something about an accumulator tank, but I'm not really sure what that is or how to check it. Could there be other things causing this too? I'd really appreciate some guidance on what might be wrong and where I should start looking. This is all pretty overwhelming as a beginner! …more

Still stuck on this repair?

Get a personalized answer from a verified RV mechanic. Describe your issue and get step-by-step help.

Chat with an RV Mechanic
27708 RV owners helped · Avg response under 5 min
RV PEX Plumbing Fittings Guide: Crimp vs SharkBite vs FIP Connections Explained
Electrical Medium 1-2 hours 89 👍

RV PEX Plumbing Fittings Guide: Crimp vs SharkBite vs FIP Connections Explained

Got what's probably a dumb question, but why do I have like three different types of PEX fittings in my RV and which ones should I actually be using for repairs? The current setup has what I believe are crimp rings on the PEX lines, but I'm seeing different types of fittings available and I'm confused about which approach is best for a DIY repair.

I've been looking at compression fittings, push-to-connect options like SharkBite, and traditional crimp rings, but I'm not sure which system actually works with RV PEX plumbing. Some of my connections are also threaded at the water pump and manifold areas, and I keep seeing references to FIP connections but I'm not entirely clear on what that means in the context of RV plumbing.

What's the difference between these connection types for RV PEX systems, and which option would be easiest for someone doing their own plumbing repairs? I want to make sure I'm using the right fittings and tools before I start tearing into my water system. …more
Atwood GC6AA-10E Replacement Guide: Compatible Water Heaters & Installation Tips
Plumbing Medium 3-4 hours 88 👍

Atwood GC6AA-10E Replacement Guide: Compatible Water Heaters & Installation Tips

Atwood GC6AA-10E water heater finally died after 18 years and I need a direct replacement that'll bolt right into the same cutout without modifications. Every RV parts site shows different "compatible" models and I'm not confident any of them actually fit. What drops right in? …more
How to Replace Atwood Water Heater with Furrion Tankless: Complete RV
Propane Hard 6-8 hours 88 👍

How to Replace Atwood Water Heater with Furrion Tankless: Complete RV

Replaced my buddy's Atwood 10-gallon electric/gas water heater with a Furrion tankless in his Class A — now I'm wondering if it's worth the serious cash for mine too? The existing system functions adequately but I'm interested in the space savings and continuous hot water benefits of tankless technology.

Before proceeding with this modification, I need to understand the technical requirements and associated costs. Specifically, I'm looking for information on which Furrion tankless model would be most compatible with a standard Atwood 10-gallon installation, what plumbing and electrical modifications would be required, and realistic cost projections for both equipment and professional installation.

What are the key considerations and expense ranges for this type of water heater conversion? …more
Best RV Shower Wand Mounts & Hoses: Upgrade Guide 2024
Appliances Easy 30 minutes 86 👍

Best RV Shower Wand Mounts & Hoses: Upgrade Guide 2024

I opened my RV shower and now I'm trying to decide between a basic plastic shower wand mount and a heavy-duty metal one after mine just failed completely. The original Oxygenics shower wand mount broke, and the Camco replacement I tried doesn't fit correctly and allows the wand to fall out frequently.

I'm specifically seeking recommendations for universal adjustable mounts that can accommodate standard shower wands without constant slippage or detachment issues. Additionally, the current hose is quite stiff and uncomfortable, suggesting the need for an upgrade to more flexible materials.

What are the most reliable mount and hose combinations currently available for RV shower systems? I'm interested in products with proven track records for durability and compatibility with standard RV plumbing connections. …more
How to Safely Use Multiple RV Campground Pedestal Outlets: Electrical
Electrical Easy N/A 86 👍

How to Safely Use Multiple RV Campground Pedestal Outlets: Electrical

I looked at my campsite setup and realized I need to safely tap multiple pedestal outlets for my RV without creating an electrical disaster. My toyhauler is plugged into the 50A service, but I'm thinking about also using the 20A outlet on the same pedestal for my residential washer/dryer and an electric tankless water heater.

Specifically, I want to plug in an electric tankless water heater for my toyhauler's setup, but I'm concerned about whether a 20A outlet can even handle that kind of load. Are these outlets on the same breaker as the 50A service? I don't want to trip breakers or worse, cause any damage to the campground's electrical system.

What's actually safe to plug into those extra pedestal outlets when you're already using the main 50A connection? I'm being extra cautious because I've heard horror stories about RV electrical issues. …more
RV Hot Water Pressure Problems: How to Fix a Stuck Backflow Preventer in Your Water System
Plumbing Medium 1-2 hours 85 👍

RV Hot Water Pressure Problems: How to Fix a Stuck Backflow Preventer in Your Water System

About four years into owning my 2019 Winnebago, the hot water pressure is starting to completely tank — should I repair this backflow preventer or replace the whole unit? My 2002 Winnebago with an Atwood 10 gallon water heater just lost all hot water pressure overnight. Cold water works perfectly fine, but turn that handle to hot and... nothing. Zero pressure at any faucet.

The weird thing is the tank itself has hot water and pressure - I can open the relief valve and water shoots out fine with good pressure. It's like something is blocking the hot water from getting out of the tank to the faucets. I've checked what I can reach and don't see any obvious blockages in the lines.

Anyone know what could cause hot water pressure to just disappear like this while cold water works normally? There's gotta be something simple I'm missing here. …more
How to Travel with a Winterized RV: Complete Cold Weather Guide
Plumbing Easy N/A 82 👍

How to Travel with a Winterized RV: Complete Cold Weather Guide

I noticed my travel trailer isn't winterized for my Connecticut to Florida Keys trip in February — can't afford professional service right now, need DIY solutions under $200? I'll be stopping at my brother's place in New Jersey first, and then caravaning to our first stop in Fredericksburg, VA at a KOA with a full bathhouse.

I've winterized my travel trailer for the cold months up here, and I recently heard a podcast about travelers staying winterized and using RV antifreeze for quick bathroom needs during the trip. I'm wondering if anyone has experience with this approach.

I know I could de-winterize before leaving, but I'm worried about pipes freezing during the drive south since we'll be going through some cold states. On the other hand, traveling winterized means no water systems working during the trip. What's the smartest way to handle this? Should I keep it winterized for the whole drive and deal with no water, or is there a better strategy I'm missing? …more

Need a second opinion?

Not sure if this applies to your rig? An RV technician can confirm the fix for your specific make and model.

Ask an RV Expert
27708 RV owners helped · Avg response under 5 min
How to Fix Atwood Water Heater Mixing Valve 90029 Leak - Step-by-Step
Propane Medium 1-2 hours 80 👍

How to Fix Atwood Water Heater Mixing Valve 90029 Leak - Step-by-Step

Nobody can explain why my pressure gauge reads 150 PSI at the Atwood 90029 mixing valve when every manual says it should max out at 125 PSI. My Atwood water heater has been sitting unused for about 8 months, and now I've discovered the mixing valve (part #90029) has developed a slow drip.

I'm wondering if this is something I can fix myself or if I need to replace the whole valve? I've heard something about O-rings going bad during storage, but I'm not sure if it's worth trying to rebuild it or just bite the bullet and get a new one. Any advice on the best approach would be really appreciated! …more
How to Sanitize Your RV Water Tank After Summer Storage - Complete Guide to Cleaning and Maintaining Fresh Water Systems
Plumbing Easy 2-3 hours 78 👍

How to Sanitize Your RV Water Tank After Summer Storage - Complete Guide to Cleaning and Maintaining Fresh Water Systems

About to tackle sanitizing my Winnebago Navion's water tank this Saturday after months of Arizona summer storage — what supplies should I have ready? The fresh water tank was completely drained before storage and has remained empty for approximately 4 months.

Given the extended storage period and the harsh desert conditions with temperatures exceeding 100°F for most of the summer, I need to determine the proper protocol for bringing the water system back online. Is a simple rinse sufficient, or does this situation warrant a full sanitization procedure?

What is the recommended bleach ratio and contact time for sanitizing after this type of extended hot weather storage? I want to ensure the water system is safe for consumption before our next trip. …more
Robert, RV Mechanic
Ask an RV Mechanic Avg reply < 5 min

My Rig Settings

Hi, I'm Hank!
Need help setting up? I can walk you through it
Rig Info
Give it a name you'll recognize
Power & Electrical
Climate Control
Water System
Refrigerator Type
Leveling System
Convenience & Features
Sync across devices