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theoldwizard1's avatar
theoldwizard1
Explorer II
May 31, 2017

Water pressure regulator

When my daughter's family bought a RV last year, they bought a (rather expensive) surge protector and a water pressure regulator. The surge protector does not "turn on" until it see several minutes of constant voltage, which will catch you unless you remember this. The pressure regulator result in low volume/pressure at the faucets inside.

I can kind of understand the surge protector but I never used a water pressure regulator back when I was an active camper.

How many do or do NOT use a water pressure regulator ?

Are there good ones that do not result in low volume/pressure ?
  • A good pressure regulator does not reduce flow. I use a Watts set at 53#. That with an Oygenics shower head gives me a shower like at home. There are cheaper regulators than the Watts that work well. Most of the adjustable regulators will outperform the preset ones. I don't hook up to a water source without it.
  • My regulator was for 40 psi. That is plenty of pressure and way more than provided by the pump when not hooked up. I would rather have low pressure than blown fitting due to excessive pressure.

    Actually I go one step further. I rarely camp where there are hook ups and I stopped hooking up even if city water is available. I fill my tank and use the RV water pump. That not only keeps the pressure down but it makes sure the water in my tank does not become stale and does not grow mold.
  • It all depends on.

    1. The amount of water pressure your system can handel.
    2. The water pressure of the supply you are connected to.

    If you do not know what the water pressure is at the park you are at. Use the pressure regulator.

    If it is not to high then you don't need it and if you use it you will get less pressure.

    I have been in Parks where the water pressure was over 100lbs.

    Most are under 50 lbs.