Ever since we had our first RV water leak, back when we first hit the road, I have been paranoid about water damage from burst pipes or leaky plumbing. I have always made a point of turning off the water pump at night or while away from the rig while boondocking. But I would usually forget to turn off the water when hooked up to park water.
Then one day, while working at our favorite RV park near Gonzales, TX we were out for a walk and noticed the nightmare I always dreaded. Water was pouring out from under the door of a trailer next to us. It had clearly been flowing a while and was dripping from various points under the rig. Nobody was home.
We quickly turned off the water and notified the management. I then made a mental note to immediately get a shut-off valve for our hose.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UFMSW0h_7Q4[/youtube]
We produced this quick video tip for the RV Travel newsletter to show a simple, inexpensive way that will help ensure you don’t experience costly water damage should you have a leak in your RV.
By installing a garden hose shutoff valve at the RV end of your freshwater hose, it is quick and easy to turn off the water whenever you leave your rig for the day. Sure, you can turn off the hose at the source but this may take extra effort. Simply having the shut-off valve in place also serves as a reminder to to use it!
Below are a few more tips for how to avoid RV water damage from plumbing leaks. Please leave a comment with any questions or tips of your own!
Turn off your water pump at night or when away from your rig for extended periods if not hooked up to RV park water.
Use a garden hose shut-off valve to quickly and easily turn off water at RV parks when away from your rig.
Listen for frequent cycling of your water pump which may indicate a plumbing leak.
Always insulate your hose and/or water pump in freezing weather to avoid frozen pipes.
Frequently inspect under cabinets and around your water heater.
Never pack cabinets with plumbing so full that items might bend hoses or interfere with plumbing.
Periodically inspect hose clamps and fittings on all RV plumbing.
Hey Jim,
This is good info to have. I will make sure I incorporate this into my bus. I thought about a shut off valve, but not the pressure regulator. I would hate to come back to the bus to see Durango dog paddling in the living room.
Now that would be a mess nopawdy wants! 🙂