water pressure regulator

[dave-g]

I'm looking for a good quality water pressure regulator. I find the small brass ones restrict water flow, but , if left for a while the pressure creeps up. ( turn the faucet on- high pressure rush of water for one second) . I also have not added an expansion tank- so maybe it the water expanding in the hot water heater.

But the flow rate still does not seem high enough in the shower.

Maybe this one?
http://www.campingworld.com/shopping/item/Adjustable-Water-Regulator-Lead-Free/49511/&?&affiliateid=3274&cvsfa=2734&cvsfe=2&cvsfhu=3439353131&gclid=CLS4jKjJh7ICFcRM4AoduXkA7Q

[sandy43]

Read this post.

http://www.keystonerv.org/forums/showthread.php?t=5800&highlight=water+regulator&page=2

[JRTJH]

Flow rates in the shower have often been an "issue" with RV living. Many people new to RV's think that they can shower in the RV as they do at home. Most home showers are supplied by a 40+ gallon hot water heater that is capable of providing 60 - 100 gallons of hot water hourly and easily accommodate a shower flow rate of 3 GPM and provide 20 minutes or more of hot water to the shower. RV's, on the other hand have 6 or 10 gallon water heaters that can provide somewhere between 10 and 16 gallons of hot water per hour, at 3 GMP that would be maybe a 3 minute shower. So RV shower flow rates are reduced to about 1.5 or 2 GPM to lengthen the time before hot water is consumed and the shower begins its "brrrrrrrr" mode.

So, to expect a flow rate similar to the home shower just isn't possible (unless you like 2 minute showers) unless you adapt somewhat.

Many have changed to Oxygenitcs shower heads which mix air with the water at the shower head. This gives the sensation of increased pressure and a more "invigorating" shower without increasing the water flow rate.

Using a good water pressure regulator is almost a necessity at many campgrounds now, and the small diameter brass (or plastic) marshall regulators are, at best, a compromise and most of them will reduce flow rate as well as pressure. The one you're looking at with the gage also reduces flow rate somewhat, but not as much as the cheaper models.

Realistically, I don't think you'll ever find a RV shower that matches the home shower in flow rate AND duration of hot water unless you opt for a tankless HW system. Those who've done that report mixed success, some like it, some say it uses too much propane.

Most of us, adapt to shorter showers, less standing in the hot water or head to the campground bath house for one of those "lingering showers" when we really feel we need that pampering......

[Halibutman214]

Change the shower head and you will be happy. It makes a WORLD of difference.

[Herap]

dave-g,

I too wanted something better than the 'fixed' pressure regulators you find at most rv stores. What I did was go to www.rvwaterfilterstore.com and ordered a an N55BG from them. This particular model is adjustable which makes it quite nice. I've set mine to 45psi and I keep it there. Look around this site and see if there's something you may like.

Ray

[michol02]

Bought this one at Lowes (item# 74752)for $31. Bought hose fittings to replace pipe fittings that it came with($6.50). It's preset at 50psi and is adjustable. I bumped mine down a bit, and I have excellent water flow. I wish I would have seen the one at Camping World, I like the pressure gauge incorporated into it.1752

[fla-gypsy]

The regulator that gets the best reviews in my experience was the Watts brand from the big box stores.

[Bob Landry]

I ordered a Watts regulator fron rvwaterfilterstore after having a couple of the Camco cheapies fail. The big box store also sell them, but I think it's a little cheaper online after you piece together everything you nee. I think mine was around $80 and that was the one with stainless hardware.

[CUFFS054]

I am the newest poster boy for Oxygenetics (sp) shower heads. Man, what an improvement!

[720Deere]

Am I missing something or does the Oxygnetics shower head not have a shutoff valve? I guess one could be added in-line, but having a shutoff is pretty important when boondocking.

[CUFFS054]

Sort of yes, but no. There is a "flow control knob" that goes between the hose and head that reduces the flow to a trickle, but does not completely shut off the flow.

[Donegal Bill]

I think (camper is in storage so I cant confirm this) But turn the spray head..I know it has one, just forgot how it works.

[Festus2]

The Oxygenics does not have a true shut off that competely shuts off the water. Instead, it has a "flow control" which reduces but does not cut off the flow of water. According to Oxygenics, a 100% cut off could result in an accumulation of hot water in the line and then when you turn the lever to allow the water to flow again, you will get mostly hot water. There is a potential for scalding and therefore a safety hazard.
The Oxygenics system, does not allow this to happen and is, according to their brochure, a safer way to go instead of a cut-off.

[Johnnyfry]

Actually, the opposite happens. When you shut off the shower flow, cold water, being more dense, displaces the hot water and gives you a cold shot when you turn the flow back on.

The cure is either a check valve in the hot line or a decent single handle temp control shower valve. Many plumbing codes do not permit the dual handle design common in our RVs.

John

[Cool Canuck]

I thought the thread was about water pressure and regulators. I have a A31 Cash Valve Regulator (http://www.cashvalve.com/pressure.asp). Very happy with it. You need something like this (Watts is good) or suffer from low flow and bulged hoses.

[Festus2]

John -
Not to belabor the point but according to the Oxygenic website (FAQ's) it states...
"There is a risk of being burned from shower heads that have shut off valves. When the water back up in the pipes, the hot water moves to the front of the head and you can be scalded when you resume showering."
This is the reference that I was alluding to in my post above.

Cool Canuck -
Yes, you are quite right. This thread is supposed to be about water pressure regulators. So you won't read any further posts from me about Oxygenics. Thanks for your reminder.

[Cool Canuck]

Not a problem Fetus. All good info, its just that I got to page 2 and wasn't sure I was in the same thread.

[Russ26SAB]

Twist the bottom for shut off