Forum Discussion

hohiso's avatar
hohiso
Explorer
Dec 30, 2013

Water Pressure Regulator - Two Questions

Finally bought a 'real' pressure regulator that has a gage and is adjustable. The gage is oil filled and directions are to keep it upright when in use. Straight up and down is not possible with direct connection to most water bibs, so the question is how upright is upright? Does the vent on top of the gage have to stay above the air bubble visible below it, or can it be above the oil?
Next question...for those of you who can adjust your water pressure...how high do you set it? My owners manual says not to exceed 45 psi or the warranty is void. Warranty is out of date and manufacturer is out of business so that doesn't matter anymore. Question is what is a practical safe upper limit?
  • 69_Avion's avatar
    69_Avion
    Explorer
    Dec 30, 2013
    As far as the gauge goes, keep it as "vertical" as you can get it. I leave my regulator set at the factory 50 psi. I don't take a guage with me, since I can check the output at home. I don't need to carry more stuff with me. Since your manufacturer recommends no more than 45 psi, then that is what I would stay at, or below. I rebuilt my rig with copper and PEX, and I have no issues with running it at 50 psi. I think it is just as important, if not more so, to keep a good filter in the system right after the regulator.
  • bob213's avatar
    bob213
    Explorer
    Dec 30, 2013
    I also "try" to keep mine vertical but I think as long as it is not upside down you are fine. With a 2005 RV you more than likely have pex, and if you do 50psi should be fine. I run mine at 50-55 psi as I figure the inline filter is going to reduce that by a few psi. So far no problems. Add an oxygenics shower head and you can enjoy a nice shower and still have water.
  • hohiso's avatar
    hohiso
    Explorer
    Dec 30, 2013
    Bob - Like your rationale. Since I do have a couple of canister filters after the regulator 50 psi makes sense.
    Had been thinking about an Oxygenics shower head and your recommendation just tipped the scales in its favor. Thx
  • tvman44's avatar
    tvman44
    Explorer
    Dec 30, 2013
    Any thing close to vertical should be good. Mine is at a slight angle and have never had a problem. I would think upside might cause a problem. :)
  • wa8yxm's avatar
    wa8yxm
    Explorer III
    Dec 30, 2013
    If you want to make it even more vertical, Get some garden hose elbows.

    30, 45 and 90 degree, Given one of each you can dang near turn === to ||

    Any lawn and garden shop.,
  • skipnchar's avatar
    skipnchar
    Explorer
    Dec 30, 2013
    OP wrote:
    Finally bought a 'real' pressure regulator that has a gage and is adjustable.

    Hard to imagine why anyone would want to reduce pressure to less than maximum their RV is designed to handle. INCREASING pressure above that level when source is low pressure won't increase water pressure at all so not sure what the adjustment would do for you.
  • Old-Biscuit's avatar
    Old-Biscuit
    Explorer III
    Dec 30, 2013
    skipnchar wrote:
    OP wrote:
    Finally bought a 'real' pressure regulator that has a gage and is adjustable.

    Hard to imagine why anyone would want to reduce pressure to less than maximum their RV is designed to handle. INCREASING pressure above that level when source is low pressure won't increase water pressure at all so not sure what the adjustment would do for you.


    Mainly because the 'fixed' pressure regulator are set at 45#
    With an adjustable one you can choose what pressure set point you want to use......30, 45, 50, 55, 60..whatever you are comfortable with.
    And with an adjustable regulator......chances are it is re-buildable if needed
  • hohiso's avatar
    hohiso
    Explorer
    Dec 30, 2013
    Old-Biscuit wrote:
    skipnchar wrote:
    OP wrote:
    Finally bought a 'real' pressure regulator that has a gage and is adjustable.

    Hard to imagine why anyone would want to reduce pressure to less than maximum their RV is designed to handle. INCREASING pressure above that level when source is low pressure won't increase water pressure at all so not sure what the adjustment would do for you.


    Mainly because the 'fixed' pressure regulator are set at 45#
    With an adjustable one you can choose what pressure set point you want to use......30, 45, 50, 55, 60..whatever you are comfortable with.
    And with an adjustable regulator......chances are it is re-buildable if needed

    ----------------------------------------------------------------
    Also, I have been told by someone who knows that the typical cheap in-line regulator restricts flow as well as reducing pressure.
  • Terryallan's avatar
    Terryallan
    Explorer II
    Dec 30, 2013
    Straight up, and down should be possible with a 90 degree elbow attached to the city water connector on the RV. They are readily available at Wal Mart, or your local RV dealer.

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