When you buy an RV, you quickly discover there’s no shortage of accessories and equipment. While some products are all about comfort, others protect your RV. If you’re new to RVing, it can be challenging to decipher which items are essential and which can wait.
A water pressure regulator is one item that appears on almost every must-have RV gear list. So does your RV need a water pressure regulator? Let’s look and see!
What Is an RV Water Pressure Regulator?
An RV water pressure regulator does precisely what its name implies; it regulates the water pressure going into your RV. While it sometimes seems like most RV parks and campgrounds have less than stellar water pressure, that’s not always the case.
A water pressure regulator protects your RV when the water pressure could exceed the safe operating range for your RV’s plumbing system. This helps prevent cracks and leaks, which can cause tremendous damage if they go without repair for too long. While leaks can occur with or without a water pressure regulator, these devices provide an extra layer of protection.
What PSI Should RV Water Pressure Be?
RV water pressure should fall between 40 and 50 PSI. You may enjoy showering with intense water pressure; however, you should back it down a notch in your rig. RV water lines and connections cannot handle the same pressure as a sticks-and-bricks house. You could cause severe damage to your plumbing system and the structure of your RV if you don’t take the necessary precautions to protect it from intense water pressure.
Image Source: RV Guard. (Our highest rated pressure regulator)
Are RV Water Pressure Regulators Adjustable?
You can find adjustable and non-adjustable RV water pressure regulators. An adjustable water pressure regulator can allow you to set the maximum PSI of your water with more precision. This can be helpful if you use your water pressure regulator in applications other than in your RV.
An adjustable water pressure regulator typically comes with a premium price tag compared to a non-adjustable water pressure regulator. However, either option is relatively inexpensive, and their protection is worth it.
We choose RV Guards regulator for our travels. But, there are other options.
What Happens When Water Pressure Is Too High in an RV?
When you connect your rig to a water connection with water pressure that’s too high, you can cause severe damage to your RV’s water lines. The water travels from the link through the drinking water hose, then spreads throughout the various water lines in your plumbing system. If the pressure in your water lines is too high, the water will find the weakest spot in your plumbing system to escape.
This typically results in leaks around fittings and potentially even a cracking or bursting water line. Since water lines run throughout your RV and behind walls, you may not immediately notice the leak or damaged water line. This could result in water damage and mold growth in your RV, and neither is a fun experience.
Does Your RV Need a Water Pressure Regulator?
We consider an RV water pressure regulator an essential piece of RVing equipment. If you’re planning to use the city water connection to connect your RV to a water source while using it, you should have and use a water pressure regulator. You’re taking a significant risk if you don’t use one.
A water pressure regulator isn’t as essential if you regularly fill your fresh water tank and rely on your water pump to pressurize your water lines. Because the water will flow into an empty tank, it won’t build enough pressure to damage your water lines. However, water pressure regulators are inexpensive and worth having in case your water pump fails.
Other RV Water Pressure Regulators
There are two leading contenders for the best and most popular RV water pressure regulators. Either option will do the job and help keep your RV safe from the risks of excessive water pressure.
Renator RV Water Pressure Regulator
The Renator RV water pressure regulator is an excellent choice if you’re looking for an adjustable water pressure regulator. Settings can range from 0 PSI to 160 PSI. The brass construction helps ensure it can withstand use while RVing and that the elements won’t destroy it.
Installation is simple. All you need is to screw it onto the threads of the water spigot, connect the water hose, use a screwdriver to adjust the pressure, and turn on the water. The item arrives preset to 45 PSI, so you shouldn’t need to make any adjustments when you first connect it to your RV.
Camco RV Brass Inline Water Pressure Regulator
Camco is a popular name in the RV and camping gear industries. Their inline water pressure regulator is solid brass for strength and durability. You can buy with confidence that this item will last for years of RVing adventures.
While it’s non-adjustable, it keeps the water pressure at a consistent 40 to 50 PSI. You must screw it onto the spigot, connect your hose, and turn on the water. You’ll have water flowing at a safe PSI into your rig in seconds.
Are RV Water Pressure Regulators Worth It?
An RV water pressure regulator is worth every penny. These simple and inexpensive devices can help you avoid extensive and expensive repairs to your rig. You want to do all you can to protect your RV’s plumbing system and minimize the potential for leaks and cracks in the water lines. An RV water pressure regulator does the job, and it won’t break the bank.
If you’ve been RVing without a water pressure regulator, we strongly advise you to stop. It’s only a matter of time before you connect to a water connection with extreme water pressure that could cause damage to your rig. Add one of the water pressure regulators we recommended to your cart, so you don’t have to worry about water pressure anymore while RVing.
Would you prefer an adjustable or non-adjustable water regulator for your rig?
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