How Do You Bleed Air Out of RV Water Lines? The Step-by-Step Guide

Have you ever woken up to your RV shower sputtering and splashing water, combined with the pipes shaking? This may indicate that there’s air trapped in your RV waterlines!

There are various reasons why there are air bubbles within the lines, but either way, the solution is to bleed air out of it. But how do you bleed air out of RV water lines in the first place?

Read on as I show you the simple and effective methods to follow:

How Do You Bleed Air Out of RV Water Lines?

There are various methods and tips to follow to bleed air out of your RV’s water lines properly. Follow any of these:

1. The Simplest Method

This method doesn’t require any tools, though it should only be done when you’re at home, as it requires a lot of water. Follow these steps:

1. Fill the RV’s fresh water tank completely. Once the tank is filled, switch on the water pump for water to circulate through the pipes.
2. Open the farthest faucet from your tank and let it sputter and blow water. Sometimes, you get all water, so just let it run for a few minutes.
3. After that, the water will begin flowing normally. Once it runs normally for a few minutes straight, you will know all air is out of the pipes.
4. Switch off the faucet and you’re good to go!

2. The Efficient Method

If ever the water still sputters and blows water even after a few minutes, then you may need a more efficient way to bleed air out. This will require a few hours and proper tools but is more effective.

With this method, you need to connect your RV’s waterline to a pressurized source, like the faucet in your house. This is better to use compared to the onboard water pump and tank, as the house’s water line is significantly stronger.

Use the appropriate tools to connect the RV waterline with your house’s outdoor faucet. Once done, follow these steps:

1. Open all the RV’s water outputs, including the shower, kitchen faucet, and outside faucet.
2. Wait for a minute or two, and all sputtering air will stop in all water sources, then you can get a continuous flow of water.
3. When all the air is out of your RV’s pipes, you can now disconnect its public water source, starting the water pump. Since there is water in the tubes, the pump will prime well and work properly. As the water pressure normalizes, you can switch off all the opened water faucets.

And you’re done!

3. Bleeding Your RV Water Pump

If the water pump itself has air trapped inside, this is also a simple fix. All you need to do is to switch on your water pump, allow the water to circulate, then turn on the farthest faucet from the pump.

When the water stops sputtering and you have a continuous stream of water, then all air is out of the pump. You can also choose to prime the water pump, following these steps:

1. Locate where the water pump is installed then disconnect its output pipe.
2. Attach a rubber hose in its place, ensuring that it’s long enough to prevent the hose from kicking.
3. Fill a container with 12 ounces of water. Hold the hose’s free end higher than your water pump, then pour water in it.
4. Cover the hose’s end with your thumb and switch on your water pump. After a minute or two, the water will hit your thumb. Once it does, switch the pump off and remove the hose. Reconnect your outgoing water pipe.

After this, there shouldn’t be air bubbles in the water pump anymore, and the RV water pressure is back to normal.

4. Bleeding the RV’s Hot Water

There may also be air bubbles in the water heater, and though I this doesn’t usually happen, it’s best to bleed the tank as a maintenance procedure. While it takes some time (mostly due to cooling and filling water), it’s easy to do! Follow these steps:

1. Switch off the heater and allow the water in the tank to cool down, taking up to an hour. You will know the water is cool enough when you can touch the water heater without feeling any warmth.
2. Switch off the main water supply, opening the faucets to relieve pressure.
3. Switch off all pressure release valves and wait until all the water has come out.
4. When the water is completely out, close both the faucet and valves, then switch on the main water line.
5. Let the water heater tank fill up with water and once it’s full, you can turn it back on again. Now, you’ve purged the air bubbles that may have been in the water heater.

While you’re bleeding air out of the water heater, this is a good time to clean it as well, which can prevent air from coming in next time. I recommend that you clean your heater tank with an anode rod and rinsing rod to flush out dirt and mineral deposits.

You can also clean it by opening the pressure release valve, pouring water and vinegar solution. Wait for a few minutes and drain the tank afterward.

Read More: What Can I Use to Clean My RV Shower? The Different Methods Explained

Do you want to learn more about RV maintenance and care, particularly around your RV water lines? This informative video can show you a lot about the topic:

Wrapping It Up

If your RV’s shower performs oddly and would sputter, then it may be time to bleed any trapped air out of it. Fortunately, it’s a simple task many RV owners can do, taking a few hours and tools you already have. But of the sputtering still continues, do have it checked by a mechanic to prevent the issue from worsening.

I hope that this article answered your question, “how do you bleed air out of RV water lines?” Now that you’re familiar with what to do, learn more about your RV and make sure it’s in excellent condition to run for your adventures!