Water Pressure Regulator

[2112]

My regulator failed and I need a replacement. The Watts are up to ~$150 now.

Has anyone had any luck with these cheap RV Guard regulators or something similar in this price range? There are several that look identical. All the reviews on the different brands seem to be hit or miss.

Are these serviceable like a Watts?

Thanks

[agesilaus]

Remember the second law of Engineering: Better is the enemy of 'good enough'. If it works don't spend more to get something more expensive that does the same job as the cheap version

[ItsyRV]

I've used one of those brass non-adjustable (not even a gauge) regulators I picked up for about $15 or so bucks and it's worked forever with no problems. Never needed to adjust the pressure and wasn't that interested in what the pressure was so long as it was safe. I even have a few of those $8 plastic regulators in a baggie in case I need another one or run into someone who forget theirs on the last bib.

[2112]

Thanks for the ideas.

I'll see what HD and Lowe's has on their shelves. From looking at their websites I may be able to cobble something together for ~$80. That should last me a lifetime.

If I don't like what I find there I may order the one agesilaus pointed out

[fj12ryder]

CA Traveler wrote:
I've used that regulator for several years, no problems.

Yep, me too. No problems. Sometimes more expensive just means it costs more. 🙂

[Dutch_12078]

Last year I replaced the 20 year old pump in our motorhome with a Shurflo Revolution pump that was given to me. The original still pump works fine, so I've kept it as a spare. We're full timers, and the pump see a lot of use since many of the state parks we prefer are electric hookups only. We also use it as a booster pump at campgrounds with low pressure.

[LouLawrence]

willald wrote:

MFL wrote:
^^I agree, there is a reason the Watts regulator costs more. The RV Guard model looks like the Valterra regulator. Bad thing about a cheap model, just more expense, when you decide to toss it, and get a proven high quality one.

Myself...I quit using any, just fill my 60 gal fresh tank as needed, and have a great, consistent water pressure. Nice too, in case you ever have a water leak, you catch it right away.

Jerry

I curious....How long have you used this approach, and how many water pumps you replaced?

I like this idea, but am always hesitant to, as I'm concerned that the water pumps they put in RVs, like many other RV components, aren't meant for prolonged use.

I'd be concerned that if we used the water pump all the time for everything water related like you are advocating here, we'd be replacing a lot of water pumps.

How has your water pump held up under this kind of constant use?

I full time and use this same method. That means the pumps are used A LOT 365 days/year. I do have 2 pumps pumping at all times but I don't think that makes too much difference other than some additional water flow. I usually replace 1 pump or the other every 3-4 years so that's a pretty good run considering the amount of use they get.

[wa8yxm]

I too have not used that specific model. as to re-buildibility ask if the seller has a rebuild kit... (If not then likely not) That looks a lot like the Valterra adjustable.. I've not used that one either but it gets good reviews from others.

I have used both Watts and Zurin.. And well none better.

The ones I had were 3/4 inch and from static (no flow) to full shower flow. the pressure gauge did not even wiggle.

The el-cheapo cylinderical ones.. from 50 to 5

[handsome51]

I went to Home Depot and bought a regulator that is used on a house, a pressure gauge, water hose connections and built my own water regulator for my RV .That was 16 years ago and it still works fine.

[Lwiddis]

I agree with MFL. No water pressure blowouts when you use the fresh water tank and the pump. Saw a blowout once and it wasn’t pretty inside that RV.

[jdc1]

agesilaus wrote:

CA Traveler wrote:
I've used that regulator for several years, no problems.

Ditto at least mine looks like that, not sure of the brand tho. I have no idea why you's need a $150 regulator.

25 years of RVing, never had a problem with the cheapo's.

[MFL]

willald wrote:

MFL wrote:
^^I agree, there is a reason the Watts regulator costs more. The RV Guard model looks like the Valterra regulator. Bad thing about a cheap model, just more expense, when you decide to toss it, and get a proven high quality one.

Myself...I quit using any, just fill my 60 gal fresh tank as needed, and have a great, consistent water pressure. Nice too, in case you ever have a water leak, you catch it right away.

Jerry

I curious....How long have you used this approach, and how many water pumps you replaced?

I like this idea, but am always hesitant to, as I'm concerned that the water pumps they put in RVs, like many other RV components, aren't meant for prolonged use.

I'd be concerned that if we used the water pump all the time for everything water related like you are advocating here, we'd be replacing a lot of water pumps.

How has your water pump held up under this kind of constant use?

I did have to replace one pump, on previous FW, after many years of use. I only camp on full hookups about 2 weeks a season. I still just fill tank, put water hose away. Most of my camping is in state parks, where only electric is offered.

I do carry a spare pump that I sometimes use to fill my tank from 6 gal water jugs if needed. It is the same pump as my current FW, so can exchange in an emergency, if my installed pump failed.

I would not worry about any of the better quality pumps failing over many years of use. The one I replaced, still worked fine, but would run just a second, to rebuild lost pressure. I won't waste time trying to repair something easily replaced for under $100 bucks.

Jerry

[4x4van]

willald wrote:

MFL wrote:
^^I agree, there is a reason the Watts regulator costs more. The RV Guard model looks like the Valterra regulator. Bad thing about a cheap model, just more expense, when you decide to toss it, and get a proven high quality one.

Myself...I quit using any, just fill my 60 gal fresh tank as needed, and have a great, consistent water pressure. Nice too, in case you ever have a water leak, you catch it right away.

Jerry

I curious....How long have you used this approach, and how many water pumps you replaced?

I like this idea, but am always hesitant to, as I'm concerned that the water pumps they put in RVs, like many other RV components, aren't meant for prolonged use.

I'd be concerned that if we used the water pump all the time for everything water related like you are advocating here, we'd be replacing a lot of water pumps.

How has your water pump held up under this kind of constant use?

I do this as well. Only use campground water to fill the tank (if needed; I always leave home with a full tank to start). 32+ years, 3 RV's...have not had to replace a single water pump.

[agesilaus]

Amazon

OK I have this one, a MICTUNING looks like the one you posted. Has 270 ratings and 5 stars. Mine works as expected but is heavy and broke the plastic water inlet on my RV. I should have either used a 90 degree elbow or placed it at the other end of the hose.

So far as I know you need a regulator to protect the piping not the pump. The pipes are not rated for high pressure. Joints will fail.

[willald]

MFL wrote:
^^I agree, there is a reason the Watts regulator costs more. The RV Guard model looks like the Valterra regulator. Bad thing about a cheap model, just more expense, when you decide to toss it, and get a proven high quality one.

Myself...I quit using any, just fill my 60 gal fresh tank as needed, and have a great, consistent water pressure. Nice too, in case you ever have a water leak, you catch it right away.

Jerry

I curious....How long have you used this approach, and how many water pumps you replaced?

I like this idea, but am always hesitant to, as I'm concerned that the water pumps they put in RVs, like many other RV components, aren't meant for prolonged use.

I'd be concerned that if we used the water pump all the time for everything water related like you are advocating here, we'd be replacing a lot of water pumps.

How has your water pump held up under this kind of constant use?

[Land_Yachters]

I had the guard variety and it broke after a few months of use. Gauge broke. Regardless of adjustment, needle never moved. Even when it had no water hooked up to it. Had to replace it with what was available at campsite with basic, no adjustment variety, and have just forgotten to replace original.