Forest River Water Pump Not Working: Reasons And Solutions

As a RV owner, ensuring that the water pump works perfectly at all moments is one of the most essential things you should do. The RV water pump has to work properly in order to ensure constant water supply throughout the RV. The Forest River water pump is one of the best choices for your RV. But even this pump might not work sometimes.

The Forest River water pump not working can be due to the lack of appropriate power supply. There can be electrical problems like broken fuse, worn out parts or loose connections. An empty fresh tank could be the sole reason for the water not pumping too.

In this article, I will let you know why the forest river water pump stops working in detail along with their specific fixes.

6 Most Common Reasons Behind Forest River Water Pump Not Working:

I have observed the common problems that lead to the Forest River water pump to stop functioning. Most of the reasons involve an issue within the electrical system. Apart from the electrical problems, mainly an empty fresh water tank and broken pipeline will make the pump stop working.

As there will be no water for the pump to draw from. Here are the common reasons behind the Forest River water pump not working along with their solutions:

1. Empty Fresh Tank

The first thing you need to check once you notice the water pump not working is the fresh water tank. The water in the tank is definitely not unlimited. So, it will get empty periodically depending on your usage.

The water gauge might not show the correct level of water inside the fresh water tank all the time. So, when the fresh tanks get empty, the pump will not have enough water to pump through. Hence, it stops working as well.

To get rid of this problem, check the fresh water tank regularly. Fill up the tank with clean and fresh water completely. If necessary, fix the water gauge as well for accurate updates.

2. Lack of Power Supply

If the water pump is not working at all, the most common reason for it is that the motor is not receiving enough power supply.

The battery used in RV drains over time little by little. Especially in cold weather or if the RV has been sitting for too long without driving, the battery loses its charge.

A battery that does not hold enough charge to supply the necessary amount of current will not run the water pump. Hence, check the battery first and foremost when you encounter the issue of the forest river water pump not working.

To fix a battery which can not provide enough power, the main course of action is to charge it.

Plug in the correct battery charger with the battery and let it charge completely all the way. Disconnect the battery charger and try turning on the water pump again to check if it is working now.

3. A Broken Pipeline

Another possible reason for the water pump not working is a broken pipeline inside it. Any of the pipelines containing the water and the linkage can get damaged over time.

As a result, the water flow gets restricted and even leaks out the water. There might be holes and cracks in the pipelines that can majorly affect the flow of water in the Forest River pump.

In order to fix a broken pipeline, the first thing you need to do is locate the exact placement of the damage. Once you figure out the damage, use pipe fittings to fix the cracks and holes on the pipeline.

In case, the damage is too much to cover with pipe fittings, replace the pipelines with new ones.

4. Broken Fuse

Sometimes, a surge of current that is higher than the wire can take goes through the certain electrical wire. The fuse in that wire can’t take that current and goes off.

Therefore, another reason for the water pump not working is the blown fuse inside the electrical system.

The first step you need to take is to locate the blown fuse inside the electrical system. This location of the fusebox is different for every RV model and type so follow the manual to locate it.

Inside the fuse box, you will find the two sides of the fuse burnt if you have a blown fuse. Carefully take out the blown fuse and replace it with a new one in the proper way.

5. Worn Out Electrical Components

The various electrical parts inside the system might be broken or worn out over the course of time due to usage.

For instance, the impeller is prone to getting worn out pretty fast. This impeller controls the hydraulic capacity so the worn out impeller can not assist in pumping the water to the RV.

Apart from the impeller, other electric parts can also be worn out and stop working. The diaphragm or the outer part of the system can get damaged or punctured.

Any damaged parts within the electrical system need to be replaced in the proper way. A new water pump impeller will cost about $129-$140. Buy a new part and replace it with the help of a professional for the best result.

6. Loose Electrical Connections

Any wires that have gotten loose from the electrical system can result in the malfunction of the entire water pump.

If the RV is driven over any rough surfaces or a road filled with debris, the added vibration can make the wires and cable come loose unexpectedly. This lost connection will stop the Forest River water pump from working.

Use a voltmeter to check the steadiness of the electricity inside the water pump. When the voltmeter stops reading any current, check that specific area to locate the disconnected wire.

Secure the loose connection tightly once you have found it. If the wires are too damaged or worn out, replace them instead during the process.

FAQs.

This section will answer all the rest of the questions you might have about your Forest River water pump. I have gathered all the most frequently asked questions here for your convenience.

What Are The Signs Of A Bad Forest River Water Pump?

Before completely not working, the water pump might show you some symptoms of trouble beforehand. The signs of a bad water pump are-

1. Makes excessive noise randomly and while using
2. The pump pulses periodically
3. Turns on and off even when you are not using the water
4. Pump cycles on and off
5. Leaks water

Why Is My Forest River Water Pump Not Turning On?

The forest river water pump might have an empty fresh water tank or a dead battery. The pipelines could be blocked or clogged with debris which stops the water flow. Issues inside the electrical system can also be the reason for it not working.

How Long Does a Forest River RV Water Pump Last?

The Forest River RV water pump will last you upto ten years with proper maintenance. The little issues and problems it faces during this time can easily be fixed by following the proper guide.

Do I Need to Prime The Forest River RV Water Pump?

Yes, it is necessary to prime the water pump, especially before driving a long distance with the RV. You need to add water to the pump so that it builds enough pressure and work the water pump properly. Forest River water pump is self primed so, simply refilling the fresh water tank will prime the pump automatically.

How Do I Know If My Water Pump Needs To Be Replaced?

In most cases, the water pump does not need replacement, only certain fixes. However, if the coolant starts leaking, the radiator produces steam, the engine overheats and makes whining noises, the pump needs to be replaced.

Conclusion

Taking long outdoor vacations with your beloved RV is a dream come true. But without the proper maintenance of the water pump, you can not get the desired water supply and the perfect experience.

Even after taking care of the water pump, in case it runs into trouble, follow this guide I have provided to quickly fix up the minor problems. To avoid serious problems with the water pump, don’t leave the battery without charging for long periods of time.

In cold weather, make sure to park the RV in a relatively warmer place, preferably with a heater. Keep the fresh water tank filled and the pipes clear of debris. Thus, you can enjoy your vacation in your RV without worrying about the water pump.

Zayan

Zayan is an accomplished author and a go-to expert for all things RV and camper-related. With a passion for adventure and a knack for problem-solving, he has spent years exploring the open road and fine-tuning his knowledge of recreational vehicles.

Zayan’s writing is a testament to his expertise, offering readers practical solutions to common RV dilemmas. Whether it’s troubleshooting mechanical issues, optimizing space, or planning the perfect road trip, Zayan’s insightful advice and engaging storytelling make him an invaluable resource for both seasoned travelers and newcomers to the world of RVing.

Forest River Water Pump Not Working: Reasons And Solutions