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How to Quiet Your RV Water Pump

Charles Coushaine, Punta Gorda, Florida

I tackled the long-awaited task of quieting my RV water pump. Despite moving its location and isolating the pump and water lines, it was still way too loud for our liking.

As a last resort, I installed the IRVWPC2; an Intelligent RV water pump controller. This smart device detects the pressure needed for a given flow rate and electrically alters the power to the pump which greatly lowers the noise. My overall noise level was reduced by over 23 dB, less than a quarter of the original audible noise. When my pump runs now, I don’t hear it. Success!

I just replaced our 12-year-old water pump with a new SHURFlo that I thought would be much quieter than my old pump. I even tested it with some water in a bucket and it was whisper quiet. However, once installed in my camper it became way too noisy, so I moved it and attempted to address all the noise-causing issues. I isolated the rubber mounting feet onto a free-standing piece of plywood–no effect. I used soft long rubber feed lines–no effect. I even wrapped the feed lines in insulating foam–no effect.

So, I did an experiment. I measured the noise level when running my kitchen sink which is flow-restricted to reduce water usage. The noise level was 77 dB which is way too loud. I then ran my toilet–which is relatively free flowing–and the noise level was lower to 64 dB.

This 13 dB reduction actually equates to about 1/2 the audible noise level and was pretty acceptable. From these results, we can deduce that the restrictions in water flow greatly increase pump noise, and further, we can deduce that the current rubber pump mounting is okay and not contributing to the overall pump noise.

At this point, I reached for technology to get my noise lower. I ordered a device called IRVWPC2, or Intelligent RV Water Pump Controller. This is a device made in Canada that electrically reduces the power to the water pump when the flow is reduced. It is wired to the water pump and, using a pressure sensor automatically adjusts the flow based on the allowable flow at the sink, toilet, etc. This greatly reduces the water pump noise.

To install it, I turned the power off to the pump and let the pressure out of the water lines by opening a sink faucet. I then mounted the IRVWPC2 above the pump to keep it close and dry (if there was ever a water pump leak). I disconnected the output line to the pump and attached the device’s pressure sensor. Then, I reconnected the water line. At this point, I followed the wiring diagram and hooked up all four wires putting the controller between the RV power and the water pump. This was very easy using the WAGO connectors supplied.

Now for the test. Per instructions, I left off the wire to the pressure sensor and just ran the pump until all the air was out of the system.

I then attached the pressure sensor wire and did another sound test. After this test, I was thrilled that the pump was extremely quiet at 54 dB.

This 23 dB reduction equates to under 1/4 of the actual audible sound level that I started at!

NOTE: This IRVWPC2 controller does much more than quiet your water pump. Inside there are several dip switches that enable many pump-saving options. One can shut the pump down after a set run time. This is great if your dog accidentally turns on the faucet when you are away–which happened to a friend. One can shut the pump off if left on too long while another can detect if the pump is dripping at ultra-low flow and shut it down. All times are adjustable.

I am amazed! When I started this project, I was hopeful to get the sound to a lower bearable level. After installing the IRVWPC2, the sound is essentially gone. We cannot hear any water pump noise from inside our camper.

Even our UV sterilization faucet which is highly flow-restricted is now a constant flow and dead quiet. This mod has exceeded all my expectations. Highly recommended!

It took me three hours to complete this modification and cost me $200.