How Can You Quickly Spot Plumbing Problems In Your RV?

RV plumbing problems run the gamut from minor annoyances to major headaches, but they all require some attention. As with your home, unaddressed plumbing issues in an RV can quickly lead to severe water damage. Unfortunately, it's easy to miss many small problems, especially if you only use your RV seasonally. These issues can eventually lead to mold, rot, and worse.

The best way to avoid this fate for your RV is to learn how to spot the signs of RV plumbing trouble quickly so that you can repair the underlying issue. These three tips will help you uncover hidden plumbing issues before they turn your beautiful RV interior into a mess.

Your Water Pump Is Running

You might not notice this warning sign if you spend most of your time hooked up to external water supplies and keep your pump off. However, if you spend more time boondocking, you should always pay attention to the sound of your pump. Although most RV water pumps are relatively quiet, it'll typically make some noise while it's running.

Your pump uses a pressure switch to move water to fixtures on demand, so the pump should only run while the water is running. If you hear your pump turn on randomly, that's a good indication of a leak somewhere in your RV. A pump that runs continuously or cycles several times per hour may indicate a major leak, although you'll typically also notice your storage tank running dry.

Your Overflow Pipe is Leaking

RVs with fresh water storage tanks typically have an overflow pipe to prevent the tank from becoming overfilled and overpressurizing the plumbing system. A tank fill valve prevents the tank from overflowing when you're running on city water and your tank is already full. If you notice your overflow pipe dripping while using city water, that's a cause for concern.

In most cases, the problem will be with the fill valve itself. If the valve is faulty, it may allow water to leak into the tank, even when closed. However, your particular RV may have other potential paths for water to return to the storage tank. While the overflow should prevent disasters, fixing this problem is still important to avoid wasting water and potentially creating a mess.

You Can Smell Moldy, Musty Odors

Although it might seem obvious that a moldy or musty odor indicates a problem, many RV owners ignore this symptom. While it can be tempting to think that the problem is just a little extra humidity, a moldy smell often indicates a leak that's been ongoing for some time.

Once you notice these symptoms, it's time to start hunting for the leak. If you can't find anything, you may want to consider taking your vehicle to an experienced RV repair shop. Even though this might seem like a lot of effort for a little odor, taking the time to find the moisture source can save you from suffering significant water damage.

For more information, reach out to a local RV repair shop, such as Pacific RV LLC.