A water pump is a crucial component of any RV or camper, particularly for those who want access to running water when not connected to a hookup. The purpose of a water pump is to deliver a supply of water from your RV’s fresh tank to the faucets, showers (indoor and out), and toilet. The best pumps are those that work consistently and, if possible, quietly. You want a water pump you can depend on to deliver water where and when you need it, regardless of whether a city water connection is available at your campsite.
As we noted in our post about replacing our own RV water pump, they may not last forever; therefore, a new water pump may be necessary at times. Water flow, power efficiency, water pump size, and the RV itself are relevant factors to be considered in determining which RV water pump is right for you. In this post, we take a look at five of the best RV water pumps on the market so that you’ll be prepared if “water pump replacement” makes it onto your RV “Honey Do” list.
Let’s begin by taking a look at how your RV water pump works and how you’ll know when it’s time to replace it.
How Does an RV Water Pump Work?
The primary purpose of your RV’s water pump is to supply the water from your freshwater holding tank to various access points throughout your RV, such as your faucets, shower(s), and toilet. The pump typically requires a connection to your 12V power supply, and the size of your RV will determine the size of the pump necessary to ensure sufficient flow to all points.
An RV water pump typically runs off 12V DC power supplied by your RV’s battery, allowing it to work wherever you’re parked.
Benefits of an RV Water Pump
The benefits of an RV water pump are significant, as it’s a key component that allows you to live comfortably, regardless of where you’re camping. In conjunction with your fresh, gray, and black water tanks, your water pump is the reason you can do things like shower, flush the toilet, wash your hands & dishes, rinse off your muddy dog or your sandy shoes, brush your teeth, hard boil eggs, or do just about anything else that requires running water in your RV… all without having to be connected to a municipal supply.
As you know, we’re big fans of boondocking. And we can do all of the above (except rinse off a muddy dog because we don’t have one 😉), even if we’re camped in the middle of the desert. The reason all of this is possible is that we have a water pump that works to pressurize our plumbing, moving water from the fresh tank throughout the system.
Let’s take a look at how you might know if your RV’s water pump needs to be replaced.
Do You Need to Replace Your RV Water Pump?
If you’re having issues with your water pump, you can do some troubleshooting to help you determine the source of the issue (like if your water pump is pulsing). A few of the most common indications of a failing water pump are as follows:
- It’s not turning on or moving water: The most obvious indication, of course, would be that your water pump doesn’t turn on when you demand water (by turning on a faucet or flushing the toilet), and/or when it’s running, there isn’t any water flowing out of the taps.
- It’s loud: In most RVs, you can hear your RV water pump operating, and it’s pretty common to become accustomed to the sound it makes when water is running. If your water pump begins to make an unusual or very loud sound, it may be indicating a need for replacement.
- The water pump is leaking: If you check your water pump and the area around it is wet or there’s water coming out of the pump itself, it may be time for a complete pump or component replacement. Investigate carefully to be sure that the water is actually leaking from the pump itself and not from a nearby plumbing connection.
Your RV has a 12V water pump that’s responsible for supplying fresh water to all your faucets, etc.
Sometimes, a broken water pump can be repaired, depending on the specific issue. If one piece of the pump is cracked or a gasket needs to be replaced, you may be able to repair the unit. Quite frequently, however, it’s easier and just as cost-effective to buy a new one. That’s partly because, fortunately, water pumps aren’t that expensive or difficult to replace.
PRO TIP: If you can hear your water pump running but are not currently using water from any faucet, shower, or toilet, this could indicate a leak or an open valve somewhere in your plumbing system. But it could also be the result of air somewhere in the plumbing lines. Before assuming it’s a leak, run water up at all faucets (and the toilet) until the water runs smoothly without spurts of air. If the pump stops cycling, you don’t have a leak. If it doesn’t, start checking for signs of water that’s leaking from a pipe or plumbing connection. And of course, make sure your freshwater tank isn’t empty!
Now let’s take a look at five of the best RV water pumps available.
5 Best RV Water Pumps
When considering the following options, keep in mind that the size of your RV is a key factor in selecting the right water pump. You’ll want to consider the necessary GPM (gallons per minute) and PSI (pounds per square inch) for pumping water from your fresh tank to your faucets. While a high flow rate may seem tempting (more is better, right?), since you’ll be using it while not connected to utilities, it may not be all that important. That’s a key point to keep in mind… boondocking is the primary time you’ll be using your water pump, so water conservation goes hand in hand with water pump use!
Running as little water at a time, and turning it off when you’re not currently using it, helps to conserve water when boondocking. As a result, having a pump that’s capable of a large flow rate may not be that important.
Additionally, an often-overlooked issue when replacing or upgrading a water pump is the amount of current it may require to operate. Typical pumps require less than 10 amps, so you must ensure that the existing wiring, fuse(s), switches, and/or latching controller (a device that allows multiple switches to turn the pump on and off) are sized appropriately for the replacement. Otherwise, you may have other components or wiring that also need to be upgraded.
Remco AQUAJET-AES 3.4GPM
This is the pump that we chose to use when our original water pump failed on our old motorhome. It’s the direct replacement for the unit that came installed in our 2005 Newmar Mountain Aire. Our original pump had survived more than 14 years of full-time use, including extensive boondocking, so we felt confident that a new one would serve us well too.
- Liquid Temperature: 140°F (60°C) Max.
- Amps: 10 Max.
PLEASE NOTE: If Amazon is out of stock, you can also find them at Camping World.
This made-in-the-USA 12V pump delivers a maximum flow rate of 3.4 gallons per minute at up to 65 PSI through its 5-chamber diaphragm. The unit is designed to run quietly, and its variable speed provides a smooth water flow without the pump cycling rapidly. If you completely drain your freshwater tank, this unit can be run dry and then self-prime (just add water back to the tank and you’re good to go). It’s capable of supplying water to as many as four faucets and features a built-in check valve to prevent backflow into the freshwater tank. It also includes a bypass valve to ensure smooth and quiet operation.
Two related notes to keep in mind:
- “Run dry” does not mean that you can allow it to run without a water supply for extended periods, as that could burn out a pump.
- “Quiet” does not mean “silent” as we could indeed hear ours during operation. We’re talking about being audible without being unduly loud. And there are actually a couple of important benefits to being able to hear the pump, especially for avid boondockers like us who take water conservation very seriously:
- First, you’ll hear whenever the pump is running, so you’ll know if you left a faucet open partway, or if you’ve developed a leak somewhere.
- Second, there’s an advantage to hearing the sound and frequency of the pump’s cycles. Once you become accustomed to the sound of your pump at high and low flow rates, it serves as an audible reminder of how much water you’re using. When you’re brushing your teeth, and the pump is running and cycling quickly, that sound can remind you to reduce the flow or turn it off. That kind of reminder is especially helpful if you transition often from full hookups to boondocking… as it’s an audible admonition to “Stop using so much water out here in the boonies if you want to stay very long!”
Since this pump’s power requirement maxes out at 6.5 amps, it was a perfect match for our existing wiring and 10-amp Intellitec latching switch controller. And with built-in auto-reset thermal protection, our pump will shut down if allowed to run for too long, allowing the components to cool and helping to prevent damage to the unit (again, however, you don’t want to allow it to run dry for any extended periods of time).
Installation is easy thanks to its “Quick Attach” plumbing connections. Simply attach the connectors to the existing plumbing to/from your old pump and then snap them into place on the new one. This makes it much easier to install it when you’re working in the typically tight spaces where RV water pumps are installed.
As we mentioned earlier, “more” is not always better. That’s exactly why we chose this model over its bigger brother with a higher flow rate (5.3 GPM, even though Amazon sometimes incorrectly lists it as 3.5). Not only did we have no need for higher water flow (3.4 GPM is plenty, especially when conserving water while dry camping), but it also guaranteed that we didn’t have any issues with the power requirement. That’s because the larger pump can require a maximum of 10 amps, while our original (and our new replacement) draw a max of only 6.5 amps. So compatibility with our current electrical system was guaranteed.
Shurflo Revolution 3.0GPM
For a quick and easy installation/replacement, look no further than the Shurflo Revolution RV water pump. This model of the Revolution series of pumps is an affordable option that provides a steady water flow for your RV. Utilizing a one-piece diaphragm and four independent pump chambers, it’s capable of pumping 3.0 gallons per minute at a pressure of up to 55 PSI. This unit should be compatible with the 12V power supply in most RVs, requiring only 7.5 amps of current at maximum flow.
- 12 VDC, 3.0 GPM, 55 PSI, and 7.5 Amps
- Self-priming water pump with internal bypass-low cycling
As with the Remco unit above, it features an internal bypass for quiet operation, is self-priming, can be safely run dry, and includes thermal overload protection to prevent the motor from overheating. Shurflo offers a one-year warranty, and with an average rating of 4.5 stars from Amazon customers, most RVers appear to be very satisfied with it.
Flojet “Quad Quiet” Pump
The Flojet “Quad Quiet” pump is also easily installed and is another great option on our list. Its quad-chamber pump design produces up to 3.2 gallons per minute at a maximum pressure of 35 PSI. As a result, this unit is best suited for small to mid-size RVs with fewer outlets. The internal bypass prevents pulsating water flow, the sealed motor offers run-dry capability, and self-priming ensures you won’t run into trouble if your tank runs out of water. The maximum power demand is listed as 7 amps, so there should be no problems with standard RV wiring.
- Open Flow: 3.2 GPM
- Amps @ 10 psi: 3.9
With an average of 4.4 stars from all Amazon reviewers, we’re sure that this pump will work great in your RV.
Seaflo Self-Priming Pump
The Seaflo Self-Priming Pump delivers three gallons per minute at a maximum pressure of 55 PSI and comes with an impressive four-year warranty. In addition to being self-priming, this pump provides smooth and quiet operation, and can be run dry without sustaining damage. It weighs in at just over four pounds.
- [ SPECIFICATIONS ]: Model SFDP1-030-055-42 | Voltage 12V | 3.0 GPM (11.3 LPM) | 55 PSI | Max Draw 7.0A | Self-Priming 6 ft | EPDM Valves | Santoprene...
- [ 4-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY ]: Backed by SEAFLO’s industry-leading 4-Year Warranty, ensuring durability, confidence, and long-term protection for...
Despite some comments related to disappointment with customer service, more than 1,500 reviewers give this product an average rating of 4.5 stars, indicating overall satisfaction with the pump itself.
Remco AQUAJET-ARV 5.3GPM
Also made in the USA, this model from Remco is a powerhouse, pumping out a maximum of 5.3 gallons per minute at up to 65PSI. This robust pump is the bigger brother to the one we use ourselves (#1 above) and includes all of the same features. It’s also a 12V pump with a 5-chamber diaphragm, offering steady, smooth, and quiet water flow. It features a built-in check valve for backflow prevention and can run dry for short periods without losing prime.
- Aquajet Variable Speed RV Water Pump - The Aquajet RV pump employs state-of-the-art electronics to automatically control motor speed - the pump...
- Aquajet's soft start feature eliminates annoying rapid cycling, and its exclusive 5-valve design can deliver twice the flow and pressure of...
Because the unit features a powerful motor and a high flow rate, the power demands of this pump (as high as 10 amps at maximum flow) may exceed the capabilities of your RV’s existing wiring. Plan accordingly before purchasing this unit to ensure you don’t need to run heavier-gauge wire to meet its power requirements.
Protect Your RV Water Pump With A Filter/Strainer
Regardless of which model you decide is the best RV water pump for your needs, be sure that it’s protected with an inline sediment strainer. There’s no sense spending the time, energy, and money to replace or upgrade your old water pump, only to have the new one fail due to silt or grit in the water supply. Even if you use a whole-house water filter, protecting the pump right at the inlet is worthwhile protection.
Your RV likely came with one installed, so now would be a good time to inspect and clean it. If it’s old, too dirty to get clean, or your RV didn’t come with one, pick up a unit like this one and install it in line with the inlet side of the new pump.
- Great Product
Which RV Water Pump Will You Choose?
Should you find yourself in need of a new RV water pump, we hope you’ll find our list of the five best RV water pumps helpful.
While often overlooked, your RV’s water pump plays a crucial role in your RVing experience. When you’re traveling on the road or boondocking, your RV’s water pump is entirely responsible for the flow and pressure of water between your fresh tank and multiple water outlets throughout your RV. Should your current water pump fail, we know you’ll be glad to have a top-rated replacement.
How To Replace Your RV Water Pump Yourself
Now that you’ve chosen the best RV water pump for your rig, check out our DIY video showing how to do the replacement project yourself:
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Tom
Thursday 5th of June 2025
Can you please comment on freezing conditions, if any of these pumps can tolerate freezing with water in them, or if they offer a way to drain any water in them after the plumbing has been drained? Thanks, Tom
TheRVgeeks
Thursday 5th of June 2025
Hi Tom. None of these pumps have a specific process or mechanism for doing it, but if you follow your RV manufacturer’s instructions for how to winterize (whether you’re using RV plumbing antifreeze or blowing the lines out with an air compressor), that process should also clear the pump of any water so that it’s safe and won’t freeze.
Here are links to our articles about winterizing:
How to Winterize Your RV’s Plumbing With RV Antifreeze Tips for Winter RV Camping How Much RV Antifreeze Do I Need To Winterize My RV Plumbing? How to Winterize Your RVBruce
Thursday 5th of June 2025
We never hook up to "city water". We just fill our fresh tank and use our pump. Main reason is if we hear the pump running or cycling when no one is using water, then we know we have a leak somewhere. On city water service, you could have a slow drip in a concealed area for a very long time and never know it until the expensive damage becomes apparent. Also a large leak can water-log your RV, expecially if you are out for the evening, or even overnight while you sleep. The most you can leak out is what is in your freshwater tank.
Also, freshwater tank low equals black tank near full... time to dump the sh*tter!
I wired a relay off the washroom lights, so whenever you turn ON the washroom lights, the water pump is powered ON. No more need to yell for your spouse to Turn The Water ON!
I also added a surge tank so the pump cycles less and gives a more even flow. Same idea as those on water wells have at home.
TheRVgeeks
Thursday 5th of June 2025
Sounds like a great plan, @Bruce... an ounce of prevention is worth XX gallons of water! 😉 And thanks for sharing your bathroom light switch hack... that's ingenious!
Pat
Sunday 29th of October 2023
I'm a little confused as the Shurflo Revolution link leads to a pump from RecPro that says it's compatible with the Shurflo 4008 but does not actually appear to be a Shurflo. Seems like the specs are pretty similar. Your thoughts?
TheRVgeeks
Sunday 29th of October 2023
Hi Pat... thanks for bringing that to our attention. Unfortunately, the problem is with Amazon. The unique codes they use that are supposed to identify a product sometimes get reused/reassigned to a new one (or the seller using Amazon as their platform just decides to change the product but keep the code)... so our links sometimes (and beyond our control) end up pointing to the wrong thing.
We've gone ahead and re-pointed the links to the correct product (3.0GPM ShurFlo RV Fresh Water Pump)... so you can either use this link we just added here, or refresh the page (if you're on a computer, you may have to hold down your shift key on your keyboard and then use your mouse to click on the page reload/refresh button in your browser's toolbar to get it to load the page fresh from the server instead of the locally-cached copy your browser already has).
Thanks for your help!
Tim Gerrity
Tuesday 2nd of August 2022
The Remco pump has failed me, twice. Both the backflow preventer discs inside the pump fell out of their proper locations, allowing city water to flow back through the pump and overflow the fresh water tank.
According to Remco, these pumps are not repairable.
TheRVgeeks
Wednesday 3rd of August 2022
Oh no! Sorry to hear about that, Tim! But good to know that the Remco Aquajet pumps aren’t repairable… so we (and others) can plan accordingly.
Taylor
Monday 28th of March 2022
We are full time RVers ourselves (for the past 2 years) and are now needing to replace the water pump, since we almost always use it exclusively while boondocking most of the time. Just wanted to thank you for the info, it's very helpful!