Connecting your recreational vehicle (RV) to a campground’s city water supply only to find no water flowing suggests a blockage or misconfiguration. Diagnosing this common issue requires a systematic approach, starting with the simplest external components and moving inward to the internal plumbing. By methodically checking each potential failure point, you can restore pressurized water to your RV.
Checking the External Water Source and Hose
The first step in troubleshooting is to confirm that the water supply itself is functioning correctly. Disconnect your hose from the RV and briefly turn on the campground spigot to verify that water is flowing freely and with adequate pressure. If the flow is weak or nonexistent, the issue lies with the park’s utility connection, not your RV.
Once the spigot is confirmed, inspect the water hose for any physical obstructions. A hose that is sharply kinked, especially near the connection points, can completely stop the flow of water, mimicking a system failure. In colder weather, a frozen hose can also create a total blockage, requiring thawing before water can pass through.
A frequently overlooked component is the water pressure regulator, which is typically attached to the spigot or the RV inlet to protect the plumbing from high pressure. While regulators are designed to maintain a safe pressure, a faulty unit or one clogged with sediment can severely restrict flow, leading to a “no water” symptom. To quickly test if the regulator is the culprit, temporarily remove it and connect the hose directly to the RV inlet; if water flows, the regulator needs cleaning or replacement.
Troubleshooting the RV City Water Inlet
If the external supply and hose are working, the next point of inspection is the city water inlet on the side of the RV. This inlet contains a small, spring-loaded check valve, which acts as a one-way gate. The valve’s purpose is to allow city water to flow into the RV while preventing water from the fresh water tank and pump system from flowing back out.
This check valve is a common point of failure because it can become stuck in the closed position due to mineral deposits, debris, or excessive pressure fluctuations. When stuck closed, the valve completely blocks the incoming city water supply, resulting in no flow inside the RV. You can often see a small screen or filter inside the inlet, which should be inspected for any visible debris that might be causing the blockage.
To attempt to unstick the valve, gently press the small plastic plunger or pin located in the center of the inlet with a clean, blunt object. Another method involves briefly turning on the RV’s fresh water pump while the city water hose is disconnected. This creates back pressure against the check valve, which may be enough to dislodge the stuck mechanism and allow it to reset.
Identifying Internal Plumbing Valve Errors
Once water has successfully passed the external inlet, the problem may be traced to an incorrectly positioned valve inside the RV’s plumbing network. The most common internal error involves the water heater bypass valves, which are used during winterization to prevent antifreeze from entering the water heater tank. If these valves are left in the bypass position, they divert the cold water line directly to the hot water line, bypassing the tank entirely.
If this configuration is maintained, it can severely restrict or completely stop the flow of water to the hot water faucets when using city water, as the system is not set up for normal operation. Depending on the RV’s design, this system may use one, two, or three valves. For normal use, all valves must be correctly positioned to allow water to flow into and out of the water heater, not across the bypass line.
Clogged Water Filter
Another internal restriction can be a severely clogged main water filter cartridge. This filter is typically located near the fresh water tank or pump. If it has not been changed in a long time, accumulated debris can create a near-total blockage, stopping all flow to the faucets. Replacing the filter cartridge is a simple maintenance task that restores full water flow.
Diverter Valve Position
Check any diverter valves, such as those used for filling the fresh water tank from the city connection. Ensure they are fully set to the “city water” position. If the valve is partially diverting flow to the tank, it will significantly reduce the pressure available at the faucets.