No Water Coming Out of Your Mars Caravan Taps? Step-by-Step Checks

If you turn on a tap in your Mars caravan and no water comes out, it can be frustrating – especially when you’re away from home. The good news is that many “no water” issues are caused by simple things that can be checked quickly.

This guide walks you through a safe, step-by-step process to find the cause.

Important: Always follow basic electrical and plumbing safety. If you are unsure at any point, stop and contact Mars support or a qualified repairer.

1. Decide What Setup You’re Using: Tanks & Pump or Mains Water?

First, identify how you are trying to get water:

• Option A – Using the onboard tanks and pump (off-grid or not connected to park water).
• Option B – Connected to mains water through a hose at a caravan park.

The checks are slightly different depending on which setup you’re using.

2. If You Are Using the Onboard Tanks and Pump

2.1 Is There Water in the Tanks?

• Confirm you have actually filled the fresh water tanks (not just connected a hose).
• Check your tank gauge if fitted, or carefully open the filler cap and look/listen for water when gently rocking the van.

If the tanks are empty or very low, fill them first and try again.

2.2 Is the Pump Turned On?

• Locate the water pump switch (often on a control panel or near the pump area).
• Turn it ON and listen:
  • If you can hear the pump running when a tap is opened, that’s a good sign.
  • If you hear nothing at all, continue with the checks below.

2.3 Check Pump Fuse / Power

• Make sure the 12V system is on (master switch).
• Check the relevant fuse or breaker for the water pump circuit in your 12V fuse panel.
• If a fuse is blown, replace it only with the same rating. If it blows again, stop and seek professional help.

2.4 Check for a Closed Valve or Tap Position

• Some vans have valves that:
  • Switch between tanks and mains.
  • Isolate individual tanks.
• Make sure any tank isolation valves are in the correct “open” position for tank use.

Refer to your handover photos or documentation if you’re unsure which way is “open”.

2.5 Try a Different Tap

• Open a different tap (e.g. kitchen instead of bathroom) and see if you get any water or pulsing.
• If one tap works but another does not, the issue may be local to that tap or line (e.g. a kinked hose or blocked aerator).

2.6 Prime the Pump and Clear Airlocks

Air trapped in the lines can stop water flowing:

• With the pump ON, open a tap fully on COLD and leave it open for 30–60 seconds.
• If you hear the pump running but only spurts of water or air come out, keep the tap open to allow the air to purge.
• Repeat the process on the HOT side once the cold side is flowing (if you have a hot water system).

If the pump runs and never builds pressure or water, there may be a suction issue, leak or blocked filter.

2.7 Check the Pump Inlet Filter (If Accessible)

• Many pumps have a small inline filter/strainer on the inlet side.
• If you can safely access it:
  • Turn off the pump and 12V system.
  • Carefully remove the filter bowl.
  • Check for debris or blockages and clean if needed.
  • Reassemble, ensuring seals are correctly seated.

Note: If you’re not confident working on the pump or plumbing, contact a qualified repairer.

3. If You Are Using Mains Water Connection

3.1 Check the Park Tap and Hose

• Confirm the park tap is turned on fully.
• Check the hose for:
  • Sharp bends or kinks.
  • Leaks or splits.
• Disconnect the hose from the van and briefly run water out of the end to confirm there is water and pressure from the tap.

3.2 Check the Caravan Mains Inlet

• Reconnect the hose to the van’s mains water inlet, ensuring it is firmly attached.
• Make sure any mains/tank selector valves are set to the correct position for mains use.

3.3 Do You Still Need the Pump On?

• Some systems use the pump for tank water only and mains pressure is supplied directly.
• Others may require certain valves or settings to be changed when switching between mains and tanks.

If you’re unsure, refer to your handover documentation or contact Mars support with photos of your setup.

4. Mixed Situations – Half Flow, Pulsing or Sputtering

If you are getting partial flow, spluttering or pulsing rather than no water at all, see also our article:

• “Water Pump Pulsing or Running Constantly – Troubleshooting Guide”

That article covers symptoms where some water is flowing but not consistently.

5. When to Stop and Call for Help

Stop and contact Mars Campers support or a qualified repairer if:

• You smell burning or see obvious electrical or pump damage.
• There are visible leaks inside the van or under the chassis.
• The pump runs for long periods with no water at all despite full tanks and basic checks.
• You are not confident working around the plumbing or 12V system.

When lodging a ticket, include:

• Van model and VIN.
• Whether you are using tanks or mains water.
• A description of the symptoms (e.g. “pump runs but no water”, “dead silent”, “only air and spurts”).
• Photos of:
  • The pump and any visible valves.
  • The mains inlet and hose setup (if relevant).

Summary

Most “no water from the taps” issues come down to a few common causes: empty tanks, pump or 12V switched off, a closed valve, an airlock, or a simple hose issue when on mains.

By working through this checklist step by step, you can often identify and resolve the problem quickly – or gather clear information for Mars support to help you further.