Ever taken a shower or washed some dishes and had the water come out inconsistently, heard a hiss, or had the water spray? This problem can be annoying and unpredictable though not at all dangerous. The problem is that you probably have extra air trapped in your water lines.
Getting rid of this issue is a simple matter of “bleeding” the water lines of any excess air. Your water will flow regularly once this is done, so it’s well worth it to finish the process so your water doesn’t come out in unexpected ways.
“Bleeding” air from your water lines is easier than it sounds. The process mostly involves using your water pump and turning on your faucets or connecting to city water with pressure. We will explain how in detail below.
Hot or Cold?
Before you begin, try to make some observations. Does the spurting only occur when using hot water? How about cold? Observing when your inconsistent pressure and air issues pop up can help you narrow down the source of the problem once you bleed your lines. Alternatively, you can fix the problem before if it’s really obvious.
We’ll go into how to find and fix the problems water.
How do I bleed my RV water lines?
The process is pretty easy. You don’t even need any special tools for the purpose. Here’s a breakdown of what is actually needed.
First, ensure that your freshwater tank is full. If it’s not, fill it up to get the best possible effect from bleeding your RV water lines.
Locate your RVs water pump. The water pump is usually located quite close to your RV water tank as it’s connected to the water tank. The water pump has the job of pushing water from your fresh water tank into the RVs water lines. The pump increases the flow of water and stabilizes pressure, providing a consistent flow of water for RV users.
Turn your water pump on. You’ll need to turn it on because the pump normally only works when a faucet or sink is attempting to run water, which you aren’t doing quite yet. There is likely a switch on the outside of the pump.
Go to the furthest faucet from your water pump and tank. Which one is further really depends on which side your fresh water tank is on. Turn the faucet on. Let the faucet run until a solid stream of water comes out.
Do this for every faucet until you reach the faucet nearest your pump. Continue running water until the spurting or inconsistent flow stops.
Hot or Cold?
As mentioned in the previous paragraph, run both, and separately if you can. The issue could come directly from your hot water heater and you wouldn’t know if you are running both at the same time.
Another way with city water
Are you at an RV park or able to connect to local water? You won’t need your RV water pump on for this one.
- Connect the city water to your RVs exterior connector for water
- Turn on all the faucets in your RV, including your shower. Flush the toilet too.
- Let the water run continuously.
- The problem is likely fixed once water stops spurting out.
How did air get in my RV water lines?
This is an important question too. Bleeding your RV water lines is less useful if you don’t fix the source of the problem.
Start Inspecting
Take a look around your RV’s various parts related to water and you might find some problems.
Water Pump
The water pump may have a crack in the inlet valve that carries air in as it pumps out water. Check for gaps between the inlet valve and hoses. Ensure that everything on the water pump is tight. The water pump itself might be pushing water into the lines.
If your water pump’s housing or inlet valve has a crack that is bringing in outside air, this can be a problem that requires replacing. It’s possible to fit plastic or metal housing but it might not be worth it.
Water Hose
The hose that carries water from your freshwater tank or water pump could have problems. Check for cracks, a loose fitting, or clamps that aren’t tight enough. Any open connection and gap can invite air into your water lines.
Water Heater
It’s possible that your lines only sputter when hot water is coming out. The culprit could be your hot water heater. Check the hoses that come out of the hot water heater for any gaps or cracks. The first sign could also be a very small leak.
Note also that there is a tiny gap on top of your water heater. This is normal.
Start fixing
If you find a problem, replace the hose, fix it, or tighten a clamp. Small gaps can cause water pressure and spurting problems as they continuously take in unwanted oxygen.
These problems are likely noticeable but rather small. If you find an issue, you might just need to head to a hardware store for a new clamp. Many times, clamps can be put on using the supplies screw and might not even need any tools.
Conclusion
Fixing air issues in your RV water lines shouldn’t require any tools of much expertise, though stopping the source of air might. Try testing both water temperatures first to see if you can notice if air issues are coming from your water heater or some place else.
Use your observation skills and look at the various hoses that carry water into your RV, as they are the most likely cause of absorbing air into your RV water lines. Loose fittings are generally quite easy to fix and spot, and they do happen over time.
Once fixed, enjoy turning on the shower or water without having the facuet just about spit at you.