Pumps & Plumbing: The Backbone of Life Aboard and On the Road

Whether you're cruising a coastline on your boat, living the full-time RV lifestyle, or heading out for a weekend camping trip, a reliable plumbing system is what separates a comfortable adventure from a frustrating one. The Pumps & Plumbing category covers everything that moves, stores, treats, and disposes of water across marine, RV, and outdoor applications — from freshwater delivery pumps to holding tanks, marine toilets, macerators, water heaters, and circulation systems.

Unlike household plumbing, onboard and on-road systems face unique challenges: constant vibration, limited space, 12-volt DC power constraints, and the need to manage both freshwater and waste in sealed, self-contained environments. Choosing the right components means understanding not just fit, but flow rates, pressure ratings, tank capacities, and sanitation requirements.

What's Covered in This Category

The Pumps & Plumbing category spans several critical subcategories. Holding Tanks & Waste Treatment Systems are the foundation of onboard sanitation, storing and treating black and grey water until it can be properly discharged. Circulation & Air Conditioning Pumps keep coolant and climate-control systems running efficiently aboard vessels and in coaches. For onboard facilities, Toilets, Manual & Electric, Fixed Mount & Parts range from simple hand-pump models to fully electric marine heads. Water Heaters provide the on-demand hot water comfort that makes extended trips genuinely livable. And when it comes to managing waste efficiently, Macerator & Waste Pumps grind and pump discharge to keep holding tanks clear and systems flowing freely.

Top Brands in Pumps & Plumbing

Camco is one of the most trusted names in RV and marine plumbing. Founded in 1966, Camco has built an in-house development team specializing in innovative products for the RV, marine, and outdoor recreation industries, with a catalog spanning plumbing, marine, and camping products. Their extensive lineup of freshwater hoses, water filters, pressure regulators, antifreeze, and sanitation accessories make them a one-stop shop for both routine maintenance and seasonal winterization.

Thetford sets the standard in mobile sanitation. As the world's leading manufacturer of mobile sanitation products for the RV, marine, camping, and truck markets, Thetford makes mobile living a more pleasant experience. The brand's pioneering innovations include the first slide-action valve for RV holding tanks, the first low-profile RV toilet, and the first polyethylene holding tank.

Shurflo is the go-to brand for freshwater pumps in both RV and marine applications. Since its foundation in 1968, Pentair Shurflo has been leading the way with reliability in RV, marine, and industrial spraying markets. Shurflo pumps are engineered to deliver maximum efficiency in a compact size, offering high flow rates and consistent pressure for reliable performance under demanding conditions.

Dometic brings decades of engineering expertise to marine and RV climate and fluid systems. Known for their integration of water heating, air conditioning, and circulation systems, Dometic products are designed for boaters and RVers who demand performance and reliability in tight, demanding spaces.

Groco has long been a respected name in marine plumbing hardware. With a deep catalog of sea cocks, intake strainers, valves, and through-hull fittings, Groco focuses specifically on the precision-engineered bronze and stainless components that keep bilges dry and systems leak-free aboard serious offshore and cruising vessels.

Shopping Tips for Pumps & Plumbing

• Match your pump to your application: Flow rate (GPM) and shut-off pressure (PSI) determine whether a pump is right for a single-fixture van or a multi-room motorhome.
• Consider power source: Most RV and marine pumps run on 12V DC, but some water heaters and circulation systems require shore power or a generator.
• Don't overlook holding tank capacity: Matching tank size to your crew size and trip length is just as important as the treatment products you use.
• Plan for winterization: In cold climates, choosing pump and plumbing components that are easy to blow out or bypass can save costly repairs every season.