There are items in your RV that you probably obsessed over before buying: your towels and dishes, the air fryer, and more fun things.
Then there are things you never really think about until they quit working, like your RV water pump. If you’re in the market for a new water pump, and you must be since you’ve clicked on this article, you’re in luck.
You don’t even have to obsess over which one you want. We’ve taken all the guesswork out of it for you! Read on for our top picks of the best RV water pumps.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall
Precitade Shurflo
Budget Option
Seaflo 42-Series
Quietest Option
Lippert Components
Best Overall
Precitrade Shurflo
Shurflo is a well-known name in the RV community with regard to water pumps. They’ve been around since the 1960s. This has given them the advantage to not only perfect their product but to expand and grow as RVing has.
The Precitrade Shurflo has a flow rate of 3.5 gallons per minute, which is pretty standard for an RV water pump.
It also has a check valve that prevents water from flowing into the pump when you’re hooked up to city water.
Because it is the same size as the water pumps in most RVs, replacement is relatively easy and, if you’re handy, can be done in under 30 minutes.
The Precitrade Shurflo is a nice little workhorse that quietly does its job in the background so you don’t have to think about it. There are even some Shurflo pumps that are still working after 20-25 years!
Pros
- Easy to install
- Quiet
- Check valve prevents city water backflow
Cons
- The pressure cut-off is pre-adjusted
Budget Option
Seaflo 42 Series
The Seaflo-42 series pump is a variable-flow RV water pump that delivers 3.0 gallons of water per minute.
This pump comes with all the hardware you need and is compatible with most RVs as a replacement unit.
Even though the Seaflo 42-series RV water pump is capable of running if your tank runs dry, we don’t recommend it!
Pros
- Compatible with most RVs as a replacement
- Can run dry without damage
Cons
- Some reports of the pump not shutting off
Quietest Option
Lippert Components
Have you ever tried to shower in the morning without waking up everyone else in your RV and just automatically turned on the pump switch – and the sound woke up everyone else in the RV?
You just might be able to avoid that situation with the Lippert Components RV water pump.
This pump delivers 3.0 gallons of water per minute, which is a little on the lower side but still plenty of pressure to enjoy that shower.
It comes with a screen to help keep debris out of your pump and help it last longer.
The real downside to this RV water pump is that the manufacturer suggests a duty cycle of five minutes on and then ten minutes off. This is great for a quick shower but not so much other times.
Another benefit of purchasing the Lippert is that, if you ever need it, they have excellent customer service representatives. You’ll probably appreciate that feature more than anything if you ever need to call.
At a pricepoint that’s just a little more than our budget option, this RV water pump delivers decent pressure quietly and at a great price.
Pros
- Quiet
- Lower price point
- Great customer service
Cons
- Five minutes on/10 minutes off duty cycle
Best for Running Multiple Fixtures
Remco 55 Aquajet
If you have a larger RV or need to deliver water pressure to several areas at the same time, the Remco 55 Aquajet is your best option.
This RV water pump produces 5.3 gallons of water per minute, which is nearly twice as much as our other options. Or, the energy-saving option delivers 3.5 gallons per minute.
The Remco 55 has state-of-the-art electronics that adjust the output according to demand. What this means for you is that there is enough water pressure to wash dishes while someone is in the shower. It also means that, like the Lippert, this pump is quieter when running.
All of the technology also means a larger housing. Be sure to measure your area to see if the Remco 55 fits as a replacement.
Pros
- Can run several fixtures at once
- Quiet
- Variable operating speeds
Cons
- More expensive option
- May be too big as a replacement for some RVs
Best for Small Campers
Seaflo-21
Now that we’ve taken a look at all the bigger RV water pumps, it’s time to look at one designed for pop-ups, tear-drops, and other smaller campers.
The Seaflo-21 is the perfect water pump for smaller rigs that don’t require as much water pressure. At only 1.2 GPM and 35 PSI, it will work well to wash dishes and fill the toilet. But, that’s not a lot of pressure for a shower, or to wash dishes and shower, or flush the toilet at the same time.
Pros
- Small size for smaller campers
- Very quiet
Cons
- Low flow rate
- Low pressure
RV Water Pumps Buyer’s Guide
Size
When it comes to replacing your RV water pump, size matters. Most of the choices listed above are made to replace a standard RV water pump and fit in the space provided. However, you should always measure your space just to be sure. Water pumps like the Remco 55 are made for larger rigs, and the Shurflo-21 is made for smaller rigs. These may not fit properly in an average RV.
Pressure
The RV water pump pressurizes your system to provide water to your fixtures. It’s measured in pounds per square inch or PSI. A PSI of 35 is common for most RVs. However, there are exceptions. Be sure to check your owner’s manual so you can take advantage of as much water pressure as your system can handle!
Flow Rate
One of the specs on your new RV water pump will likely be GPM, which stands for gallons per minute. This is the number of gallons per minute that your pump can process. The typical range is 3.0 to 5.5 GPM. Larger rigs are generally set up with water pumps with a higher GPM that can service more than one fixture at a time.
Noise
All water pumps make noise, which is a good thing because then you know your pump is working. Most manufacturers don’t give a measurement of the noise level on their water pumps, so reading reviews and asking other RVers about their experience is the best option here.
RV Water Pumps Frequently Asked Questions
How does an RV water pump work?
RV water pumps are used when you’re not hooked up to a water supply and are pulling water from your fresh water tank.
The pump will kick on and pressurize the lines with water. When you turn on a faucet or flush your toilet, the water is released, and the pump kicks back on to repressurize the line.
Should I turn my water pump off when I’m not using it?
Ask this question to any RVer, and the answer will most likely be 50/50 on whether or not to turn your RV water pump off when not using it.
It doesn’t hurt to leave the water pump on because it will only build up pressure when needed unless you have a faulty water pump or leak in your plumbing.
You can always leave your pump on during the day when you’re in and out and using water and then turn it off at night.
How long do RV water pumps last?
This will vary according to use, but a good RV water pump should last you anywhere from 7-10 years. As stated above, there are some ShurFlo pumps that are still working after 20 years.
Are there accessories I can purchase to prolong the life of my water pump?
There are a few items you can purchase to prolong the life of your RV water pump.
A filter system will not only keep you and your family safe from bacteria and your water tasting great; it will also help keep particles out of your water pump. This is especially important if you’re hooked to a well or cistern.
Your pump may come with a filter strainer as a safeguard against small particles getting into and ruining it. Having extras on hand is always a good idea.
A pressurized accumulator tank will help regulate the pressure in your water pump, so it doesn’t have to work as hard. This is especially helpful if you choose to keep your pump on all the time.
How do I know when to replace my water pump?
When you turn your water pump switch on and hear the pump working but not shutting off, chances are it’s time to replace your water pump.
Wrapping Up the Best RV Water Pumps
There you have it. The best RV water pumps for your home on wheels. It’s not a fun or sexy item, but it’s definitely essential!
Now that you’ve chosen and replaced your water pump and can take a long shower without having to worry about not having enough pressure to rinse your hair, it’s time to take a look at your RV water hose.
