Signs you need RV plumbing and tank repair
- Water pump runs constantly or cycles on and off with no faucet open
- No water pressure from the pump or the city water connection
- Water under sinks, around the toilet or on the floor
- Tank gauges always read full or always read empty
- Dump valve stuck, hard to pull or leaking
- Slow draining sinks or shower
- Sewer smell inside the RV
- Toilet will not hold water in the bowl
- Cracked fittings or lines after cold weather
Black tank waste carries germs, so leave tank and dump valve repairs to the tech and wash well after any contact. Turn off the water heater and let it cool before any water system work, and turn off the pump and city water before a tech opens lines.
Common causes
What gets done where it's parked, and what needs a shop
Usually done on site
- Finding and repairing leaks in lines and fittings
- Replacing water pumps, pump switches and check valves
- Replacing faucets, shower valves and toilet seals
- Repairing or replacing gray and black tank dump valves
- Tank sensor cleaning, replacement or upgrade
- Clearing many drain and tank clogs
- Water pressure regulator and city water inlet repair
- Winterizing and de-winterizing the water system
May need a shop or lift
- Dropping and replacing a holding tank when there is not enough clearance or support on site
- Leaks that have caused floor or subfloor rot needing structural repair
- Lines buried behind walls or under floors that require removing interior panels on a larger scale
Every mechanic's setup is different. The one who accepts your request will tell you if your job needs a shop.
Before the mechanic arrives
- Dump and flush the holding tanks before the visit if you safely can
- Clear out cabinets under sinks and around the pump so the tech can reach them
- Note whether the problem happens on the pump, city water or both
- Take photos of leaks, water damage and the pump or valve labels
- Tell the tech if the RV was winterized, and when
Photos of warning lights, leaks or damage help the mechanic bring the right parts. You can add up to five with your request.
Questions to ask when you get a quote
- Is this leak in a fitting, a line or an appliance like the water heater?
- Do you carry common RV plumbing parts, or will some need to be ordered?
- Can you check for water damage around the leak?
- Is my pump bad, or is the problem a check valve or leak elsewhere?
- Can you winterize or de-winterize the RV while you are here?
- Would a sensor upgrade or tank flush help my gauges read correctly?
Trackara never handles payment for the work. You agree the price with the mechanic before they start, and you pay them directly. How to read a repair quote.