How to know if rv water pump is bad?

• Coolant Leak. The water pump has several gaskets that can be damaged or worn out over time.
• Engine Overheating.
• High Pitched, Harmonic Whining Noises.
• Water Pump Rust and Corrosion.
• Steam comes out from under your hood.
• Holes or leakage system on the dry side of the water pump.

When your RV water pump is not working, you’re not going to be a happy camper — because your onboard plumbing facilities are one of the most attractive parts of RV camping.

That’s why we worked up this complete guide for your RV water pump. Whether you’re wondering how to prime an RV water pump, what causes RV water pump leaks (and how to fix them), what to do when you’re experiencing problems with your water pump after your RV’s long winter(ized) nap, what you need to know about 12 volt pumps or which water pump is best. We have all the answers and detailed information here for you, so let’s get started!

Table of Contents:

Intro to RV Water Pump

Why 12-Volt Water Pumps

Best 12V Water Pumps

Troubleshooting

How to Replace RV Water Pump

FAQs

The average RV comes with a 50-gallon to 200-gallon fresh water tank.  This water is your lifeline when traveling, or when camping without hookups.  Your ability, to consume the water in your tanks, comes via the little wonder known as: the RV water pump.

Here are a water pump’s two main jobs:

Job #1 The first job of the RV water pump is to provide pressured water from your rig tank.  RVs store their water in built-in tanks, which are usually located in the base of the motorhome or trailer. Your unit has three types of tanks.  The fresh water, gray (or used) water, and black (or waste) water tank.  A pump allows you to get water from the kitchen and bathroom faucets, and keeps the shower and toilet flowing.  Most RV water pumps are small and run off your RV battery.  (Generally, that means water pumps are 12 volts).

Job #2 The second job, of the RV water pump, is to provide a certain amount of water per minute.  Trailers or campers may use pumps that produce 3.5 gallons of water per minute.  Larger motorhomes may use pumps that provide 5.3 or greater gallons per minute.  Gallons of water per minute equate to pressure per square inch, or psi.  When your rig is connected to city water, it will often bypass the RV water pump, because city water is already pressurized.

Thankfully, most RVs come with their own built-in pump. But if, for whatever reason, you’re looking to buy a new water pump, the most common type of pump you’ll see for RVs is the 12V water pump, no matter the type or brand.

12V water pump RV models are the standard operating motors for RV use. These are not to be confused with a 110V water pump or 120V RV water pump, as these models are generally made for other purposes, generally in residential homes. The differentiation is key as the plumbing system in your RV is not the same as your home, so no matter what you purchase the one requirement not to forget is 12-Volts!

There are three main metrics in relation to your water pump you can to be aware of.

Different Types of 12-Volt RV Water Pumps

Along with different manufacturers, brand names, and specs there are also different types of 12V RV water pumps. The main three are:

The most common of these are constant speed pumps, which, as their name suggests, deliver water at one speed only. Basically, these pumps are either off or on, and that’s it. Variable speed pumps, on the other hand, can create water pressures similar to what you’re used to in your home. Their in-built pressure sensor adjusts the speed of the pump motor to ensure the water is delivered at a constant pressure. They tend to be quieter — but also more expensive — than their constant-speed counterparts.

Finally, high volume water pumps are designed to deliver water at a higher rate of flow than the standard 12V water pumps found on board most RVs. They also require more electricity to operate, and so they’re usually found only on larger, 50-amp rigs. A pump is considered “high volume” if it’s got a flow rate of more than four gallons per minute, or GPM.

You’ll want to decide a few things before you start shopping. Think about whether your priorities are to pump as much water as possible, or to have an extremely quiet pump, or if you just want something that pumps water at the cheapest available price. Once you know what’s important to you in a water pump, you can begin to narrow down your choices.

There are a few major RV water pump brands.  Aquatec, Shurflo, Aquajet, SeaFlo and Flojet are the top three.  The key is finding a simple, easy to install pump, that features a quiet motor.  Aquatec boasts two units which are both quiet and offer basic installation.  Remember, an RV water pump will make noise, especially if you have multiple faucets open at one time.  This is not unusual.  Look for a pump with a 5-chamber design.  They offer greater water and pressure flow, along with a smooth overall action.  A good RV water pump will produce an even flow of water.  A jerky flow indicates variable speeds, with not enough pressure.

Now test to see what your current water pump is producing.  You can check your gallons per minute by placing a 1-gallon milk jug under the faucet.  Open the faucet, and clock how long it takes to fill.  Divide that into a minute and you will have your actual operational gallons per minute.  The next step is to test your water pressure.  Purchase a water pressure test gauge, online or from your local dealer.  This gadget will allow you to test water pressure in your unit, as well as water coming into your tanks via the campground.

Before purchasing a new RV water pump, consider these few things. First, check to make sure your existing pump can’t be fixed – you can find a great guide to troubleshooting water pumps coming up next. Then, think about your water pump priorities – lots of pressure, quiet operation, inexpensive price, or other features. Pick the most important to you and start by looking at pumps at the top of the list in those areas. With a little research, you’re bound to find one you’re happy with!

DIY troubleshooting, maintenance and repair are great ways to save money, helping you boost your travel budget so you can enjoy more adventures in the long run. And when it comes to RV water pump problems, many of them are actually totally fixable, even if you’re not a mechanical expert. Let’s go over some common issues and easy DIY fixes.

1. Why does my RV water pump sound like it’s working but no water is actually flowing to any of the faucets in the trailer?

Yikes! We’ve all been there: the moment of that sinking feeling when you realize something is wrong. If your RV water pump runs but there’s no water coming out of your faucets, don’t panic. Step back and take a deep breath. Let’s explore this issue one step at a time.

A. First, let’s make sure that there is actually water in your freshwater tank. I know this seems really obvious, but it’s an easy thing to forget. Check the tank gauge. If your tank is empty, or even just low, your RV water pump will not work. (It needs something to pump!)

B. Now that you know your tanks are full, the next step is to check all the water lines that lead in and out of the actual water pump. Look for loose connections and worn, split or cracked lines. You want to start with the water line to the fresh water tank. Once that is done, check all the lines leading out of the holding tank and up into your rig.

C. Now you need to decide if there is water flowing to the pump. Start by carefully loosening the water line to the pump. If you disconnect it and discover water in the line you know water is traveling toward the pump, which is good news. Reconnect the line. If the water line seems dry, then the issue is the actual water line coming to the pump from the tank.

Check to see if there is any type of blockage or tube damage. Now re-establish suction by refilling the water line with water. Connect it again with the pump and turn the pump back on to see if the water begins to move toward the faucets. This could take a couple minutes to be sure the faucets are fully open and have someone watch for the outpour. Anything?

D. If there is still no water, then it’s time to break down and actually examine the pump. It’s possible that something in the motor of the pump needs to be replaced or it’s time for a whole new unit. Here’s what to do. Grab a friend and ask them to turn the water pump off and on when you need it. (That is, have them toggle the onboard RV water pump switch at your cue.) Disconnect the water line from the pressure side of the pump.

Turn the pump on and see if the water is pumping out. (It’s a good idea to have a bucket handy, in case it is!) Is it coming out quickly with pressure or does it drip, drip, drip? If only the water trickles out, then you most likely need to get a new water pump. If the water coming out seems to be pressurized, however, then the issue is between the RV water pump and the actual RV faucets.

Shut off all the water valves and start checking the water lines to all the faucets. You may be able to replace some lines and fittings on your own. Make sure the valves are tight. If you feel frustrated, don’t worry. You can always hire a professional to check the lines for you — and now that you have determined the problem you are bound to save a lot of money at the RV repair shop.

2. I winterized the RV water pump last fall. Now it’s spring and I can’t get the thing to work. What did I do wrong?

Ok, this happens often — and it can feel like a terrible inconvenience, right when you’re ready to take off and go on a new year’s worth of adventures. If your water pump won’t turn on after winterizing, check the following things:

If you have checked all of these issues and you checked the areas mentioned in the first question, then you may need to fully replace the RV water pump.

3. The pump cycles on and off with the faucets turned off. Help!

You’re sitting there enjoying a nice, quiet evening in, and you hear it: your pump cycling on and off, even though you’re not trying to run any water.

Generally, if your RV water pump keeps running even when you’re not actively using it, it indicates that you have a leak somewhere in the system. This might be due to something as simple as a loose connection or something as annoying as a crack in one of your lines or a defective RV water pump pressure switch.

Regardless, you’ll need to thoroughly inspect the entire system to try to find the cause of the leak. Loose connections or defective valves can also let air into your lines, which will lead to sputtering faucets — and sometimes, a face full of water when you’re not expecting it.

Keep in mind that if you’ve winterized your RV water system improperly, your RV water pump may have frozen — which would cause damage requiring it to be replaced entirely. If you’ve thoroughly inspected your RV water system and haven’t found the culprit of the leak, then you know what to do: seek a qualified RV repair professional!

4. Why is my RV water pump so noisy? I can hear the pipes rattle and it makes me nervous. Is there some form of RV water pump troubleshooting?

Is the noise of your RV water pump driving you batty? It could be the design or the installation. RV companies are often in a hurry to put all the parts in the right place. In some cases, this results in RV water pumps that are loose and cause vibrations that sound like banging on a pipe with a hammer. Check out the above video for an RV water pump troubleshooting, noise-fixing remedy.

Step #1:  Locate the water pump and turn it off.  It may be under the bed, under the sink or under the rig.

Step #2  Turn off the pump.

Step #3 Remove the pump by unscrewing it and put a piece of felt or rubber padding under the pump. Now screw the water pump back on. TADAH! No noise from constant travel vibrations!

Step #4 Wrap all of the water pipes with foam pipe insulation and duct tape. Make sure the insulation is at least a half inch thick. Secure it on each end. This should stop the clanging sounds.

Step #5  Pumps that turn on and off in rapid succession creates unwanted noise and additional vibrations. The easiest fix is to adjust the water pump. Check your manual and adjust the flow to low.

If you are still having trouble, it may be time to install an accumulator. Talk to a professional and be sure to tell them which RV water pump your rig currently has installed.

5. After keeping my RV in storage, I realized I need to prime the pump. Can you tell me how to prime an RV water pump?

Good news! This is a really common issue, and it’s really no big deal to fix. Here’s how to prime RV water pump. (Also check out the video above for extra instruction.)

Step #1 Fill up your fresh water tank.

Step #2 Turn on the cold water in your RV and make sure the faucets are completely open.

Step #3 Switch on the water pump near your RV water tank.

Step #4  This should prime the pump by pushing water up from the tank through your faucet. Let the water flow a while, then turn the faucets off. Each and every faucet needs to be purged of air, so you may want to open and close and run water to the faucets one at a time. (Don’t forget other water outlets like your showerhead and RV toilet!)

Step #5 Your pump will be fully primed when the water pump only turns on when a faucet is actually open. (Not in between.)

If your RV water pump won’t prime, refer back to the first question on this list.

6. How can I repair a leaking RV water pump?

RV water pumps should turn on every time you flush the toilet or turn on a faucet. If after you complete your tasks and turn off the water, and the pump continues to run and run, your RV water pump is likely leaking somewhere. The first thing to do is check for a broken check valve.  This valve tells the water pump when to stop.  If it’s cracked, it will often tell the pump to keep pumping which causes your fresh water tank to rise. Try this:

Step #1  With the water off, take off the current check valve. It will usually be on a tube or hose that connects the water pump to the fresh water tank.

Step #2 Place a new check valve on the line. Make sure the arrow on the valve is pointing right at the fresh water tank.

Step #3 Connect the other end of the valve to the RV water pump and make sure it’s a good fit.

Now check your RV water pump again!

If that’s not it, inspect all of the water lines in the unit. Look for cracks, splits or rot. If the lines are damaged they will depressurize the water pump and encourage it to run. You can repair a damaged water line, but the specific steps will vary depending on your RV make and model. Refer to your user handbook — and, let’s be honest, YouTube! — to find full details for your specific rig.

First, you’ll want to shut off your water supply and ensure the RV is disconnected from any electricity. You don’t want to get electrocuted over this DIY upgrade! Be sure also to turn off the breakers at the inverter, so your RV battery doesn’t keep a live current running through the wires.

Locate your RV’s 12V water pump, and use the appropriate tools necessary — most likely a screw driver — to loosen the hose clamps and pull the hoses off the pump. Then, remove the fixtures holding the pump itself, and take that out as well. Cut the old wires connected to your pump, remembering which lines up with which end of the appliance. Then, drop the new pump into place and replace the wires, hoses, and fixtures. Voila! A new water pump.

In summary:

Now you are ready to install your new RV water pump. Follow the instructions included with your new RV water pump. It will include using some form of pipe tape or thread to tighten the water line connections. Make sure you pay attention so that you put the in with the in and the out with the out. (Um, yep… This is kind of important!)

If the above steps sound a little out of your league, that’s no problem! You can easily find an RV repair service who will be willing to help you replace your RV water pump. The trick is finding one that won’t charge you an arm and a leg for the service!

Fortunately, we’ve whipped up this piece on finding trustworthy and affordable RV repair help that won’t cost you an arm and a leg for basic services.

Don’t forget to test your new install before walking away from your project! Having a bucket and some towels handy in case of a loose connection, test your water pump by turning everything back on.

How do I prime my 12V RV water pump?

You may need to prime your RV water pump after replacing it, or if your RV’s been out of use in storage for a time. Fortunately, priming an RV water pump is easy!

Step #1 Fill up your fresh water tank.

Step #2 Turn on the cold water in your RV and make sure the faucets are completely open.

Step #3 Switch on the water pump near your RV water tank.

Step #4 This should prime the pump by pushing water up from the tank through your faucet. Let the water flow a while, then turn the faucets off. Each and every faucet needs to be purged of air, so you may want to open and close and run water to the faucets one at a time. (Don’t forget other water outlets like your showerhead and RV toilet!)

Step #5 Your pump will be fully primed when the water pump only turns on when a faucet is actually open. (Not in between.)

And finally, rest assured that many modern RV water pumps are self-priming, meaning you won’t have to worry about any of these steps!

How long do 12V RV water pumps last?

When well cared for, an RV water pump can last up to 10 years — though, of course, there’s always some variation depending on manufacturer, model, and plain old luck of the draw.

Is there a difference between 12v RV water pumps?

Yes, actually, there is. While all those pumps operate on the same voltage, they can vary in power and pressure. The best way to see a water pump’s power is to see how many gallons it can pump in a minute. You can also check the PSI, but gallons pumped per minute is pretty easy to understand. Look for one that pumps at least three gallons per minute for decent power. A Flojet RV water pump is a good brand that’s easy to find and pumps a good amount of water through quickly.

Where can I learn more on how to do RV repairs with confidence?

If you want to become a professional yourself, NRVTA has courses that will help you save time and money by teaching you to maintain and repair the majority of RV issues on your own. Click here and use code RVSHARE for 5% off all courses.

The RV Owners home study course comes in two options.

Online & USB

& that’s a wrap!

We hope you found this complete guide useful and it covered all your questions! Did we forget something? Ask below!

This post contains affiliate links. RVshare may receive compensation if you make a purchase after clicking on a product link.

For more helpful information see these RVshare articles:

Driving RVs and 5th Wheel Trailers is a very rewarding experience that is becoming more and more popular, with many new models being released by all of the major manufacturers every year. However, it's also something that can be quite challenging to learn how to do well. You or someone you know may have just picked up your first RV or trailer, and are still getting used to everything it has to offer. Even the most experienced RV owners will find there are new things in RV technology every year.

This blog was created because one of the most confusing things about using your first motorhome can be the water pump. Water pumps are often an unknown entity since they aren't always used. Many truck owners have them on their trucks and have little issue with them, but never really use them either. But as you probably know, in an RV you rely on water pumps a lot more than you do on trucks. And if you have never used one before then it's pretty likely that when you start using your water pump it will give you some issues in one form or another at least once while you are out camping or traveling.

An RV water pump is a small electrical pump that pushes water throughout the plumbing system in your RV.

If you have a motorhome or camper, you probably already know what it is because you use it every day. If you're new to RVing, then you may not know how important this device is.

You need a water pump to get water to all the faucets and appliances in your RV. It pushes water through the pipes, so there is enough pressure to get to all the faucets in your rig.

The pump is essentially an electric motor that pushes water from your freshwater tank through the faucets and shower head in your rig. Without it, you wouldn't have any access to water.

Most RVs have 12-volt pumps hooked up to the battery. Some higher-end models have 110-volt pumps that are powered through an electrical outlet. This type of pump allows you to use the faucets while driving down the road since they don't need to be plugged into the battery. The 110-volt pumps can also be used when you're plugged in at an RV park or campground so that your batteries don't drain as quickly.

Having a RV water pump that isn't working properly can be very frustrating. This is especially true when you're in the middle of a camping trip and have no access to running water! The good news is that a lot of the time it's a pretty easy fix.

We've put together this list of the top 10 reasons why your RV water pump might not be working properly. If you still can't get it fixed after going through this list, we recommend contacting us so we can help out further.

There are several reasons why your RV water pump may not be working properly and several ways to diagnose these issues.

If only the water trickles out, then you most likely need to get a new water pump. If the water coming out seems to be pressurized, however, then the issue is between the RV water pump and the actual RV faucets. Shut off all the water valves and start checking the water lines to all the faucets.

If your RV water pump isn’t working, it can be hard not to pack up and head home. However, before you call it quits, you should consider your options.

There are a few reasons why you might be experiencing a failure with your water pump, and you might be able to fix it at your campsite.

So let’s take a look at some of the common reasons your RV water pump isn’t working and what you can do about them. Let’s get started!

An RV water pump is a vital piece of an RV’s water system. It helps transfer water from your freshwater tank to your faucets, toilets, and showers. These are essential components, especially for those who enjoy off-grid campsites or camping in locations where there isn’t a water connection at the campsite.

An RV water pump will almost always run off the RV’s 12-volt system. This can allow you to run your water pump off the battery bank when not plugged into a power source.

An RV water pump’s job is to send water throughout the water system of an RV. Not getting water at any of the faucets is a significant indication that your RV pump isn’t working. Inconsistencies in how it delivers or pumps water to your faucets can also be a big sign something isn’t right.

If you notice a change in how your water pump sounds, this could also cause concern. Rough or growling sounds from your pump may mean you’re low on water, there’s air in the lines, or there’s a significant issue with your pump. If the sound doesn’t go away or return to normal, then you’ll want to inspect your water pump.

Pro Tip: Hear some weird noises coming from your water pump? We took a closer look at Why Does Your Water Pump Randomly Turn On?

You’ll first want to locate your water pump. Many manufacturers mount the water pump under sinks or in the RV underbelly. You may need to remove false walls or other items to access it. Even if you’re not experiencing any water pump issues, it’s a good idea to locate your water pump for future knowledge.

Once you locate the water pump, you’ll want to inspect it and see what is causing your specific issue. Please make sure you note when you’re experiencing the problem or what the conditions are that caused it. Your water pump can draw your attention to a more significant issue like a loose water line connection or cracked pipe.

Depending on your symptoms, you’ll likely need to inspect water lines, fuses, and the electrical connections running to and from the water pump. If the pump is several years old, it may be time to replace it.

There are a handful of common reasons why an RV water pump isn’t working. If you’re experiencing issues with your RV water pump, stay calm and consider these possibilities.

If you’re trying to run water and not getting any noise from your water pump, there’s a chance it overheated. This can cause a short circuit to occur in the wiring to prevent it from running. You’ll also want to check if you’ve blown a fuse or have a low battery.

Some RVers will be lying in bed or enjoying their favorite show and hear the distinct sound of their water pump cycling. A water pump will not cycle without reason. If you’re hearing this noise, it’s because your water lines are losing pressure, and the pump is trying to maintain it.

This is often an indication of a leak in the water system or a cracked line. You can typically tell the severity of the issue by how frequently the water pump is cycling. You’ll need to inspect all of your fixtures and connections and look for any signs of water drops.

You may not have as much water in your freshwater tank as you thought. Your water pump will struggle to pump water from your tank to your fixtures the lower it gets. It will often run very loud and rough the more you run it with lower water levels.

Depending on where you’re camping, this could be a relatively easy fix. All you’ll need to do is get water into your freshwater tank. The city water connection is typically the easiest way to fill your tanks. However, you may need to transport water from the water source to your RV and siphon or dump it into your freshwater tank.

Depending on how low your tanks are and how much air is in the lines, removing any air from the lines will take time before your water pump returns to normal operations. It may sound rough or continue to sputter for several hours.

There are multiple reasons why a water pump would work too hard. However, what typically results is the water pump overheating. Ideally, this trips the breaker to shut off power to the pump. This helps ensure that you don’t continue to use it and cause further damage.

You’ll want to inspect the water pump to discover why it’s overheating. This could result from a clog in the lines or a water line that is pinching. These can cause pressurization issues in your water system and lead to tripping breakers.

RV water pumps have a check valve, allowing water to flow in one direction. If you turn on the water pump when the system is pressured via the city water connection, it can cause issues for this valve. Another culprit is if your water system gets exposed to high water pressure. This is one reason why we suggest always using a water pressure regulator.

Installing an inline check valve can help reduce the chances of experiencing a failed check valve on your water pump. They’re typically easy to install and require no tools. You’ll need to disconnect from the city water connection and cycle your water pump to fix the issue.

Pro Tip: Is it time to replace your RV water pump? We uncovered which RV water pumps are Decent, Better & Best.

An RV water pump will typically last for ten years or longer. However, the life expectancy will also depend on how often you’re using your water pump. Some RVers use their water pumps for camping off-grid as a part of their full-time traveling lifestyle. It shouldn’t come as a surprise that these water pumps will typically have a shorter life as they’re used substantially more than someone using their RV a handful of times each year.

It’s also critical to maintain your RV water pump. If you’re not using your RV during the winter months, it’s a good idea to winterize your RV’s water system. Doing so can ensure your water pump and entire water system are ready to go for the next camping season.

Have you ever had to repair or replace your RV water pump? Tell us about your experience in the comments!

To be honest with you, we hate paying for camping. There are so many free campsites in America (with complete privacy).

You should give it a try!

As a matter of fact, these free campsites are yours. Every time you pay federal taxes, you’re contributing to these lands.

Okay, you’ve filled up the RV water tank and hit the switch to pump the last of the antifreeze out of the plumbing lines.

The only problem is… the RV water pump just keeps running and won’t shut off.  The water flow is only a matter of a few drips at best.

Now what?

The first step is to eliminate the obvious.

Are you absolutely sure there is a supply of water getting to the pump?  Silly things like “you left the drain open when you thought you were filling the tank” have fooled more then one person into thinking their RV water pumps were bad.

If you disconnected the line from the tank to the water pump when you pumped RV antifreeze through the water lines last fall, has everything been reconnected correctly?

Is there a shut-off valve you forgot to open?

If your pump never made any noise at all when you hit the switch, lack of electricity may be a concern.  Check the fuse in the 12-volt panel.  If it’s good, check for power at the fuse with a volt meter or a test light.

Must read: The Difference Between A Voltmeter And A Multimeter

Next check for power at the pump itself.  If 12 volts are present at the pump, one last check should be made before you declare the pump bad:  Check the ground for the pump motor.  If the pump isn’t  grounded, the presence of 12 volts will mean nothing.  It takes a good ground to make the circuit.

Once you have determined that yes, indeed, there is a water pump problem:

1. Drain the fresh water tank.

2. Disconnect the water lines.  (But have a couple of towels handy, as there will still be a bit of water in the lines that may run out.)

3. Disconnect the electrical connections.

4. Unbolt the RV water pump from its mounting

5. Bring the water pump itself out to the work bench.

All of this sounds very easy, and in theory it is.

There may be one tiny problem:  If your RV water pump is mounted like the one in my travel trailer, you may have to be a 60 lb skinny-as-a-rail contortionist to physically reach all the connections required to remove the RV water pump.  There may be a removable access panel that will help you get at it, but most likely, it’s just going to be awkward and a bit of a pain.

There are 3 or 4 different brands of RV water pumps on the market.

Some have rebuild kits available, though most would be considered throw away items.  With a wide selection of models available from $60 to about $150, it may be wise to just install a new pump and be done with it.

Installing a new RV water pump is as simple as remounting the pump, and reinstalling the water lines.

Be sure to use teflon tape on any pipe thread connections.

Pay attention to arrows on the water pump housing indicating which port is the “in” or “out”.  (They may be labeled as well.)

Carefully read the instructions supplied with the new pump and you’ll be up and running in no time.

For the most part, 12-volt electric water pumps have proven to be quite reliable and long lasting.

The water pump is responsible for moving water from the radiator through the engine and back. Your car must have a constant flow of coolant from the radiator throughout the engine to keep it cool and at optimum temperature. If the water pump is working properly, your car will maintain a constant operating temperature, and it will run smoothly and get you wherever you want with ease. When signs of a malfunctioning water pump in your vehicle appear, it can lead to a host of serious engine problems.

The water pump is the reason your engine stays cool and your cooling system works well. However, a faulty or damaged water pump can be disastrous for your car. Don’t worry, there are several symptoms of a water pump malfunction that you can quickly diagnose.

The water pump has several gaskets that can be damaged or worn out over time. In this case, coolant may leak out and drip under the vehicle. If you notice coolant (in most cases green or red liquid) under the center front of your vehicle, it’s time to check the water pump.

The main purpose of a water pump in its life is to run coolant through an engine to cool it down. If the water pump cannot do this, the engine may overheat. Regardless of the cause, engine overheating is not a problem to be solved. Heat problems can cause problems such as cracked cylinder heads, burnt pistons, and damaged head gaskets.

Pulley placement problems often manifest as a high-pitched sound coming from the front of the vehicle. This is because a weakened pulley can create a whirring or howling sound at a fairly high pitch when pulled by the pump. This is usually caused by improper pulley placement or bearing problems inside the pump. Unfortunately, once the bearings in the pump wear out, this is the end of the road for the part, and you will need to look for a replacement water pump.

In many cases, contaminated coolant can cause corrosion of the impeller. And it can also generate rust when the pressure plug is bad and causes bubbles. This will cause the pump to be ineffective in moving the coolant and lead to added damage to all of the cooling system components and may completely damage the vehicle’s engine. Therefore, this is something that we should not overlook.

Finally, if you notice steam coming from the front of the engine when driving or stopping, this is an instant sign of the engine overheating. As discussed above, the engine will maintain a constant temperature when the water pump works properly and supplies coolant to a working radiator. If you notice steam that is coming from the front of the engine, you should move to a safe place and contact a mechanic as soon as possible. Never drive a car with an overheated engine.

Last but not least, you can see the holes in the water pump due to the formation of bubbles at the coolant inlet of the pump. The pressure increases and the bubbles implode and cause harm. Regardless of the condition of your vehicle, your water pump will become obsolete. And over time, the outer seals begin to break and deteriorate. If car owners even check the dry side of the water pump, there could be holes. And this is one of the signs of a bad water pump. For this reason, drivers should take their car to a mechanic as quickly as possible.

The combustion that takes place inside an engine subjects the mechanical parts to very high temperatures, and the water pump is precisely the essential part for the cooling circuit to carry out its function. It goes without saying that when replacing the timing belt, the water pump also deserves special attention.

So do not hesitate, and periodically check the proper functioning of your water pump, as it is especially important for the life of your engine and, therefore, of your vehicle.

Choosing a water pump manufacturer is not an easy choice you should take lightly. Since it is one of the essential parts of your vehicle. Having good quality spare parts can provide several benefits. Therefore, you should choose an experience and reliable manufacturer who offers the right water pump for your vehicle and meets the original manufacturer’s specifications. Therefore, proper maintenance and quality replacement parts will ensure the success of your vehicle running smoothly.

Dolz is an automotive water pump giant with over 90 years of experience in the spare parts industry. Over the years, the company has succeeded in creating some of the most reliable and durable water pumps on the market. Dolz water pumps are ISO 9001: 20015 certified, which means uncompromising quality, peace of mind, and customer satisfaction. Dolz manufactures a wide range of water pumps for trucks and cars, and we have something for everyone. Buy your best car water pump from Dolz and enjoy the worry-free driving experience!