Troubleshooting Backflow From The City Water And Holding Tank Water Inlets

Question:

I have a 2020 Power Lite 2414LE toy hauler bumper pull. I am having issues with the city water inlet. Without being hooked up and when I start the water pump, water is pumped out through the city water inlet. Also, when I am hooked up with city water, the freshwater inlet will have water flowing outside the trailer. Could it be the inlet check valve thats not functioning and needs to be replaced? Or? Hopefully you can help.

asked by: Ernie G

Expert Reply:

Depending on how your plumbing is setup you could have a check valve at the water inlets and also in certain spots throughout the system. On my dad's fifth wheel he has specific valves he has to shut off or on depending on whether he's using city water or holding tank water.

I recommend first replacing the city water inlet since that one should have a check valve attached to it. We have a variety of options like the RV City Water Inlet with Brass Check Valve # 37262165, which has a 1/2" MPT connection.

From there you'll need to trace your plumbing the best you can to see if there's any other check valves that will need replacement.

If the city water is also filling your holding tank then the check valve inside of your water pump is bad and you'll need to replace the pump. I'm assuming that the tank is filling and then backflowing up out of the inlet.

We carry a large variety of water pumps so you'll want to match the GPM and PSI rating of what you currently have. For example, the HydroMax RV Fresh Water Pump # P25201 runs off of 12v DC power and has a - 12 Volt - 3.0 GPM and 55 psi rating.

I also recommend always using a water pressure regulator like the # A01-1124VP when hooking up to city water and making sure you blow out your water lines before the winter to protect your trailer's plumbing.