In food trucks and caravans, it’s quite common for a water pump to develop leaks after sitting unused for a few months. When the pump isn’t operated regularly, the internal rubber diaphragm can dry out and stiffen, reducing its flexibility and sealing ability. As a result, once the system is pressurised again, small leaks may appear around the pump head or fittings. In most cases, this is due to the diaphragm hardening over time rather than a fault with the pump itself.
To prevent this from happening, please find below a useful guide to proper pump maintenance and storage practices to keep the diaphragm flexible and in good working condition.
Maintenance Guide for Caravans & Food Trucks Owners
1. Run the Pump Periodically
The most effective prevention is to operate the pump briefly every few weeks.
· Run the pump with clean water for 1–2 minutes.
· This helps keep the diaphragm flexible and prevents it from sticking to the valve seats.
2. Flush with Clean Water Before Storage
Before storing your caravan or food truck for an extended period:
· Flush the system with clean water.
· This removes food residue, minerals, or chemicals that may cause the diaphragm to stiffen over time.
3. Do Not Leave the Pump Under Pressure
After shutting down the system:
· Turn off the pump.
· Open a tap briefly to release pressure in the lines.
Leaving the system pressurised can gradually deform the diaphragm.
4. Store in Moderate Temperatures
Avoid exposing the pump to extreme conditions:
· Freezing temperatures
· Excessive heat
Freezing is particularly harmful, as trapped water can expand and damage the diaphragm or internal valves.
5. Drain the Pump for Long-Term Storage
If the unit will not be used for several months:
· Drain the water tank.
· Run the pump for a few seconds to remove most of the remaining water from the chamber.
6. Restart Carefully After Storage
When bringing the system back into use:
· Prime the pump with water if possible.
· Run it briefly and check for leaks before normal operation.
Practical Tips –
Many operators follow these simple steps to maintain pump performance:
· Run the pump once a month for 30–60 seconds.
· Drain the pump before long storage.
· Release system pressure after each use.
· Store the unit above freezing temperatures.
· If stored for an extended period, lightly loosen and re-tighten the pump head screws before restart (this can help reseat the gasket).
Regular maintenance is straightforward but essential. Following these steps will help prevent common issues and keep your FL water pump operating reliably when you need it most.
The OffGrid Appliances Team
