Do you know how to use the water pump in your food trailer without damaging it?
This component is essential for washing, rinsing, and keeping your mobile kitchen running smoothly. In this practical guide, we’ll show you—step by step and just like we explained in our video—how to properly use and drain the water pump to avoid common mistakes and ensure its durability.

How to Use the Water Pump in Your Food Trailer Step by Step

👉 What is the water pump for in a food trailer?

The water pump is the heart of your trailer’s plumbing system. It’s responsible for:

• Pulling water from the clean water tank

• Sending that water to the water heater

• Distributing it to faucets for washing, rinsing, and cleaning

If the pump doesn’t work properly, you won’t have water to operate—so it’s crucial to know how to use and drain it correctly.

How to Use the Water Pump in Your Food Trailer

🔄 1. Check that everything is properly connected

Locate both ends of the pump:

• Inlet side: connects directly to the clean water tank

• Outlet side: should be connected to the water heater or faucet

📌 Important: Never run the pump if the tank is empty. Doing so can cause it to suck in air and get damaged.

🔊 2. Listen to the motor sounds

While in use, the pump will make normal operational noise. However, if you hear strange sounds, irregular pulses, or unusual vibrations, stop and check:

• Is there enough water in the tank?

• Is it sucking in air?

• Is any hose loose or disconnected?

How to Properly Drain the Water Pump

If you need to drain the trailer’s water system (for maintenance or when not in use), follow these steps:

🚿 1. Leave the inlet hose connected

Keep the hose from the clean water tank to the pump in place.

🔄 2. Disconnect the outlet hose

Unplug the hose that connects the pump to the heater or faucet. This allows the water to flow out freely.

🪣 3. Place a bucket to collect the water

Put the loose hose end in a bucket to catch the water. Turn on the pump and let it run until:

• No more water comes out

• The tank is completely empty

• You no longer hear bubbling sounds

📌 Warning: Never let the pump run dry (without water). This can create internal air bubbles that damage the system.

🧼 EXTRA TIP: Drain the pump if your trailer will be unused for several days

If you won’t be using your trailer for 2+ days or if it’s exposed to cold temperatures, fully drain the system to prevent bacteria buildup or internal water freezing.

🚚 At The Fud Trailer Company, we install pro-grade water pumps and teach you how to use them

Every trailer we build includes:

✅ A full plumbing system (tanks, pump, connections)
✅ Guaranteed professional installation
✅ Personalized training on usage and drainage
✅ Technical support for operational questions

📞 Need help with your water pump?
👉 Contact us for expert assistance or explore more guides on our blog to get the most out of your trailer.