Exploring the world in an RV is the most exciting thing anybody could wish for. And most importantly, you will need to have a constant supply of water during this period. But the RV water lines are made in such a way to handle a given amount of water pressure.
However, there are some campsites which have their water pressure higher than that of the RV. If the water lines are connected without considering the difference in the water pressure and proper regulation made, you are likely to experience burst pipes, leaks and compromised appliance performances.
The above issues among others are not safe for your RV camping and road trip. It is, therefore, important to invest in the best RV water pressure regulator to prevent damages to your RV components, connection, and seals. This is a very necessary investment that will protect your recreational vehicle from the different city water pressures.
Learn more about the RV water pressure regulators in this article.
A review of the best RV water pressure regulator
Here are the best 4 products that will save you a lot when it comes to RV water pressure management:
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1. Velraptor Adjustable RV Water Pressure Regulator
Are you looking for the best of the best? Search no more. The Adjustable RV water pressure regulator from Velraptor is what you have been looking for. It is made of durable brass which is lead-free making it a safe product for your water.
It does its water pressure regulation perfectly well, therefore, protecting the hose and the RV water filter from damage. You can adjust its pressure up to 160 pounds per square inch (PSI) which is within most pressure limits of RVs. This product is simple and easy to connect to the campsite’s water supply.
Take note that its connection type is the thread type due to its NH threads. It has a nominal diameter of DN20. You can easily read its gauge to know the pressure at which it is operating at. This product weighs 1.05 pounds. Whenever you are adjusting the water pressure with this regulator on, make sure that all the water faucets in the RV are turned off.
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Cons
2. Valterra A01-1114VP High Flow RV Water Pressure Regulator
A cheaper but efficient water pressure regulator just like the number one above is also available in the name of Valterra A01-1114VP. It is what you should resort to when the top pick isn’t available.
It is made of the safe stainless steel. This product also contains screened washer and gripper. This water pressure regulator provides close to 20% more flow compared with standard regulators. What’s more, it is easy to install and use.
This product is capable of keeping your RV water lines at a consistent and safe speed of between 40 and 50 PSI regardless of the place you are. It is a well-crafted but low-cost product that will get the job done for you. This product weighs just 12 ounces.
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3. Camco 40055 RV Water Pressure Regulator
Introducing the cheapest product in our list; cheap on price but not on construction and performance. The Camco 40055 RV water pressure regulator is good in protecting the RV plumbing hoses, but not the RV sewer hose though from the city water that is always under high pressure.
It reduces the water pressure to between 40 and 50 PSI which is a safe range for the recreational vehicles. Attaching this product is very easy; you only require the ¾-inch garden hose threads to have it done.
Made of brass, the product has been certified by CSA to have low contents of lead. It also complies with the state of California’s AB1953 as well as Vermont Act 193, Maryland HB 372 and Louisiana HB 471 Laws due to the low contents of lead it has.
It is actually an inline RV water pressure regulator. With this product, you will be able to prolong your equipment’s life since there will be no risks due to hose failure. The brass used in its manufacture is also known for its strength and durability.
The water getting to your faucets is safe for drinking because brass doesn’t contain metal impurities that are harmful to the body. It neither corrodes nor contains lead and weighs 0.8 ounces.
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4. U.S. Solid Adjustable RV Water Pressure Regulator
Of the 4 products in this guide, the Adjustable RV Water Pressure Regulator from U.S. Solid is the most expensive. But this is simply in accordance with its topnotch features and qualities. It is lead-free since it has been made from a hot casting.
This product has been tested and found lead under the 0.25% lead-free requirement. The lead-free brass doesn’t allow bacterial growth making the water passing through this pressure regulator healthier and safer.
Its installation is very simple and easy. It has the ¾’’ NH hose thread that is compatible with most water sources. The thread design is thickly done so as to make a good seal that is capable of preventing water from leaking.
It is adjustable to even and safe pressures to help you control the usually unreliable water pressure at most campsites. And the regulator is so simple to operate. The other good thing with this water pressure regulator is that it also doubles up as an inlet filter to keep out particles such as debris and gravel.
These foreign materials are what cause damage and blockage of such valves. Its pressure can be adjusted from 0 to 160 PSI. To make the adjustment, you simply need a screwdriver for selecting your desired pressure. This will protect your water tanks, pipes, filters and the RV shower heads among others. It weighs 1.32 pounds.
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Do you need RV water pressure regulators?
Do you want to have memorable RV trips? The best RV water pressure regulator shouldn’t, therefore, be missed among your essential tools. With the regulator, you will be fully in charge of the indoor faucets and water lines.
Taking a shower, doing dishes and sufficient water supply for various uses within the RV will take place without problems. What makes the RV water pressure regulator so essential is the need to level the water pressure so that your RV equipment isn’t damaged by high water pressure.
Most recreational vehicles’ water lines can accommodate close to 100 PSI of water pressure. Most RV parks have their water pressure low enough to cater for the needs of RVs even without the regulator. However, these pressures do fluctuate with some parks even having higher water pressures that can damage water lines.
A leaking water line isn’t something that you would like to see in your RV. It can lead to flooding in the RV which can damage your floors, cabinets, walls and storage bins. To prevent such ugly occurrences, you, therefore seriously need to invest in the best RV water pressure regulator.
The above 4 products are very effective when it comes to regulation of water pressure. In fact, they are the best you can currently find on the market. You’ll need them; don’t make the regret later.
Factors to consider before buying RV water pressure regulator
The options for RV water pressure regulators currently on the market are numerous. You can end up taking days or even weeks just searching for what will suit you. This is brought about by the confusion that often comes in as a result of the many regulators claiming to be the most ideal.
To help you make a decision earlier enough, here are some of the factors you should pay close attention to:
1. Material
What kind of material has been used to make the regulator? This is a very important factor that you shouldn’t ignore at any given time. There are materials which can contain elements that are harmful to the body when taken in the water.
The best material is always brass though stainless steel is also a very good option you can consider. Most RV water pressure regulators you will come across are actually made from brass. It is solid, sturdy and highly resistant to chemical elements.
Also, check on the quality of the material. It can be brass, yes, but if it is weakly done then it won’t last for a long time. Will you, therefore, keep buying the same thing over and over? A heavy-duty regulator that can resist corrosion, lead and rust is what you should go for.
Anything that is likely to contaminate your water will be posing health risks to you. Prevent the contamination and corrosion at the buying stage once and for all.
2. Type
The RV water pressure regulators are available in different types. You, therefore, have to look for your option very keenly. You can consider spending more time searching so that you come out with the best product. It really has to be compatible with the recreational vehicle and its entire water system.
2.1/In-line barrel type
One very common type of RV water pressure regulators is the in-line barrel type. This type is usually inexpensive and that is why most RV owners prefer it. Its design also allows it to restrict water pressure of between 40 and 45 PSI.
With the in-line barrel, you cannot make water pressure adjustments. Besides reducing the pressure of the city water, it also restricts the flow of water. This leads to weaker flow of water in the RV shower head, bathroom sinks and kitchen.
2.2/ In-line barrel high flow
The second type is the in-line barrel high flow RV water pressure regulator. It costs more than the type discussed above. However, it is a better choice due to the high rate of water flow and hence a better flow in the shower and sink. This type doesn’t allow for pressure adjustments as well.
2.3/ Adjustable
Another type you will most likely come across is the adjustable RV water pressure regulator. It even features a gauge that you can use to regulate the pressure. This type is the most expensive of them all.
The relatively high price is just as a result of the many benefits it offers. The most important benefit being its adjustability which makes it easy to make changes on the water pressure as per your needs. You can even assign each section of your water lines such as sinks and shower with their own adjustable regulators.
3. Price of the product
The price is also another important aspect that you should consider before making any purchase. When making a decision based on the prices, make reference to the products’ features, pros, and cons. This is the best way you can arrive at the best water pressure regulator for the RV available at a fair price without compromising on quality.
The highly priced products are believed to be of greater quality compared to the cheaper alternatives. However, this is not always the case in all scenarios as you can find a better product with high qualities at a considerably lower price.
4. Ease of using the RV water pressure regulator
Before buying, make sure that you access the pressure gauge. Is it enough to meet and cater for all your needs? It is recommended that you choose a regulator which can handle water pressure of up to 50 PSI.
The regulator, in its small size, is capable of keeping the water getting into your RV within a safe pressure. Most modern RVs are even designed with plumbing systems that are capable of handling up to 100 PSI. But if you have the older models, then a maximum of 50 PSI is what your regulator should be able to handle. Even 60 PSI isn’t bad for the newer models.
Making the best out of your RV water pressure regulator
Once you have successfully bought your regulator, make it a point of checking its condition regularly. And note that its performance will be deteriorating after a long duration of use, just like it is the case with fixtures and valves in any plumbing system. It is, therefore, important that you check on it as a way of maintaining it to provide the best quality services.
2. Master the signs
You need to be in the know of different signs capable of indicating the deterioration in the regulator’s part. Such are cases of water hammering and water pressure inconsistencies. Once you have started witnessing these signs, you can decide to either replace the regulator altogether or have it repaired by a qualified personnel.
You can as well use a gauge to ascertain the water pressure in case of such signs. This is what will help you determine if the regulator is effective. Actually, the water pressure should be tested once a year.
High water pressure will cause strain on the plumbing system of the RV. This can cause dripping faucets, running toilets, burst pipes leading to flooding and water hammers that will affect the RV’s walls. These are very costly to repair hence should be avoided early enough.
Always make sure that the condition of the regulator and water pressure levels are regularly checked so that impeding problems are fixed before it is late. With that, the RV’s entire water system will not be affected negatively.
Conclusion
A recreational vehicle without sufficient supply of water isn’t enjoyable at all. But in order to enjoy every bit of RV camping, you should therefore invest in a high-quality RV water pressure regulator. This little device will make you enjoy just the recommended pressure and flow hence making your life in the RV enjoyable and convenient.
The best RV water pressure regulator you can consider is the Velraptor Lead-free Adjustable Water Pressure Regulator. It will protect your RV’s plumbing system, the hose and filters from possible damage by reducing the water pressure to recommended levels.
It is easy to connect and is also made of brass which is lead-free making the water passing through it healthier and safer. Its pressure limits are adjustable up to a maximum of 160 PSI. The brass is heavy-duty and will surely last for a long time. These are just a few of the many features that make this product the best.
The other three remaining products are also of great quality. You can consider them as well depending of what your needs are. We hope you enjoyed going through this guide.