Water Pressure Regulator

[Picinisco]

Since I am re plumbing the entire trailer do I need to use this old Pressure regulator.

Can I use this instead?

[PaulnGina]

If I was going to the trouble of replacing the water system like you are, I would get a new adjustable regulator that has a gauge on it, then there will be no question that the water pressure is correct.

I have one of those in-line regulators that I use in addition to the one already in our Avion. Using both doesn't seem to cause any issues.


PaulnGina
1987 Avion 34W
1995 Ford F250 7.3L PowerStroke

Not "lucky"....... BLESSED!!!!!!

[HiJoeSilver]

No you don't. Though I bet it's not so old from seeing how shiney it is, not much patina. You can use one like your bottom picture, though there is a better one available.

http://m.campingworld.com/browse/sku...FQcaaQod_BUGlg
It costs a bit more but you can adjust the pressure to your desires.

I've been using the one you had pictured this summer and not really impressed, it seems to restrict the flow quite often when the pressure is probably not very high to begin with.

[AWCHIEF]

I have a Watts adjustable regulator coming. I figured if I was going to the expense of upgrading my water filtration system to a double canister system from The RV Water Filter Store might as well go all the way.

[rmkrum]

I had one of the regulators in the lower picture. It controls pressure ok, but the flow it allowed was too low to let my tankless water heater operate properly in a campground with known low pressure. And, by the way, they had very clear signs warning of the issue with that regulator. (Which I ignored &#128534 My new one has a gauge on it. The simple low flow one got tossed. I learn, but sometimes after the test instead of before.


Sent from my pocket Internet using Airstream Forums

[A W Warn]

You do not have to use a regulator if you never encounter high pressure. But, when you travel in new places you need to be prepared for high water pressure. I was traveling earlier this year and encountered one campground with 80+psi water pressure. The campground manager warned me when I checked in. I'm glad that I had both regulators

I would use a regulator similar to the existing one. Or, use the old one if you can determine that it has been replaced. When you remove the existing regulator look into the inlet. If the screen is corroded and crammed full of sand, gravel, and scale... replace it.

I suggest using a "union" fitting on both ends of the regulator so it will be easier to maintain if needed in the future.

I don't trust those regulators that mount on the hose bib, though I carry one to protect the hose when needed.

[TG Twinkie]

I use an external pressure regulator on my Argosy. It is an adjustable one with a gauge. Never had any problems.
If you use PEX with the appropriate fittings your new system should handle the pressure.
After all, many new homes are plumbed entirely with PEX and withstand the high city water pressures.

[dkottum]

I would use a combination built-in water pressure regulator/external hookup which will do the job. I would also add a water pressure accumulator to take up excess pressure, not from the external water supply, but from the expansion within your own (locked) water system, usually caused by expansion as water is heated in the water heater.

[Picinisco]

Originally Posted by AWCHIEF

I have a Watts adjustable regulator coming. I figured if I was going to the expense of upgrading my water filtration system to a double canister system from The RV Water Filter Store might as well go all the way.

I did a search on Watts regulator and found this warning on the MSCdirect website

http://www.supplyhouse.com/Watts-038...CppxoCzJ3w_wcB

Description for Watts 0386450

"Do not use this item for any installation or repair of potable water applications. This product does not comply with the "Safe Drinking Water Act," which requires that products meet low-lead standards in order to be used in systems providing water for human consumption (drinking or cooking). This item is for non-potable (non-human consumption) water applications only."

[AWCHIEF]

Originally Posted by Picinisco

I did a search on Watts regulator and found this warning on the MSCdirect website

http://www.supplyhouse.com/Watts-038...CppxoCzJ3w_wcB

Description for Watts 0386450

"Do not use this item for any installation or repair of potable water applications. This product does not comply with the "Safe Drinking Water Act," which requires that products meet low-lead standards in order to be used in systems providing water for human consumption (drinking or cooking). This item is for non-potable (non-human consumption) water applications only."

Then maybe "you" should not use that model.

For what it is worth that is not the model that is used in RV systems. Go to the RV Water Filter Store for further information on appropriate models.

[cliffcharb]

Why would you want to remove it? Generally they are hassle free with no need to worry about them

[Picinisco]

Originally Posted by cliffcharb

Why would you want to remove it? Generally they are hassle free with no need to worry about them

It's not mine, I just hijacked a sample picture. So far I cannot see that I have one.

[Picinisco]

Originally Posted by AWCHIEF

Then maybe "you" should not use that model.

For what it is worth that is not the model that is used in RV systems. Go to the RV Water Filter Store for further information on appropriate models.

I apologize if I upset you. I just found that warning and wanted to pass it on with the best of intentions.

[AWCHIEF]

Originally Posted by Picinisco

I apologize if I upset you. I just found that warning and wanted to pass it on with the best of intentions.

Not upset. Just thought it was not germane to the discussion as it was not the type used in RVs. Go to the web site for The RV Water Filter Store for the appropriate Adjustable regulators to use and why.

[Picinisco]

yes that's me not germane, I'm Scottish!

[Gringo]

Why not just install the $41 Shurflo city water inlet with pressure regulator that comes standard on the new Airstreams? Looks to be an easy thing. Is there a good reason not to use these?

http://airstreamsupply.com/Fresh-Wat...ator-601392-05

[AWCHIEF]

Originally Posted by Gringo

Why not just install the $41 Shurflo city water inlet with pressure regulator that comes standard on the new Airstreams? Looks to be an easy thing. Is there a good reason not to use these?

http://airstreamsupply.com/Fresh-Wat...ator-601392-05

"Reason not to use"
They are not adjustable. Preset to 40-50 PSI. Modern trailer plumbing can safely and easily handle up to 80 plus. Standard sized dual water filter canister systems function at an optimum 60 PSI according to The RV Water Filter Store customer service line.

[Gringo]

Thanks for the info.
So, for me, there's no reason not to use the one that came with the trailer. I don't see any real advantages of having 80 psi in the trailer vs 50 psi. And 50 psi is less likely to cause leaks, anyhow. I don't see me worrying too much about the optimum pressure of a water filter I don't use. We don't drink plastic tank water, but we do run it through a Camco particulate/carbon filter. I suspect those will still work just fine with 15 psi less than optimum, too. Simple is good. "Adjustable" usually means less simple.

[AWCHIEF]

Originally Posted by Gringo

Thanks for the info.
So, for me, there's no reason not to use the one that came with the trailer. I don't see any real advantages of having 80 psi in the trailer vs 50 psi. And 50 psi is less likely to cause leaks, anyhow. I don't see me worrying too much about the optimum pressure of a water filter I don't use. We don't drink plastic tank water, but we do run it through a Camco particulate/carbon filter. I suspect those will still work just fine with 15 psi less than optimum, too. Simple is good. "Adjustable" usually means less simple.

Sounds ok to me. What ever works for you is what you might want to go with.

[dkottum]

The one that comes with our Airstream is within the external hose attachment, factory set at 65 psi, has a check valve, and works fine.