What a mess when you turn on the water pump and immediately see water running out onto the floor! (This is most likely to happen when you're getting ready for your first RV outing after a long cold winter.)

If you see the water running out, then you're ahead of the game -- because you know where to look.  If the water pump keeps on running, or pulses on and off continually, then you still have a leak.  It may just take a bit more effort to find the problem area.

With a thorough search inside cabinets, outside storage spaces, or even under your RV, you can usually find the problem area.  Removable panels will allow access to the plumbing behind the shower faucet and the area around the water heater.  Sometimes, as in our Dutchman 18B travel trailer, there are water lines running along the inside -- under the bed storage area.

Once you have located the spot where water sprays out, it’s time to determine what type of fittings or hose will be needed to make the repair.

Wouldn’t it be nice if all manufactured products never wore out, or failed? 

Unfortunately, in the RV world -- due to weight or cost restrictions, and of course exposure to the elements -- some RV components have a higher failure rate than what you find in the average house.

Many of the following RV repairs can be avoided altogether with proper RV maintenance and storage procedures.