How much water pressure is too much?

Dreamnair · 09-14-2009, 07:54 AM

The water pressure in our AS is not impressive, although still functional. The shower is the biggest disappointment...it just kind of dribbles out (maybe this is intentional since the water heater capacity is only six gallons).

I have reason to believe that the Shureflo inlet valve for city water now on our trailer reduces incoming pressure to 40 psi. They now make the same valve for 65 psi. Can the AS piping take the higher pressure? Any reason not to change?

Thanks,
John

**moosetags** · 09-14-2009, 08:14 AM

Is this a long term condition or one that has developed recently?

We had the same problem last year, and it turned out to be our in-line water filter was getting clogged with use and further restricting water pressure. We use one of those blue filters that hooks to the city water hose. We replaced the filter, and all was well again. We now carry a new back-up filter with us.

Brian

RLS · 09-14-2009, 08:23 AM

We have the same problem. My filter is new and so is the pressure regulator. I just removed the regulator and all is good. I would guess my pressure reg. is not right. It drops the pressure down to about 25 psi! Maybe a pressure gauge connected some where would be a good idea?

Bob

**moosetags** · 09-14-2009, 08:31 AM

I have also had that problem with the little brass pressure regulator becoming more and more restrictive. Replacing it did the trick. I now also carry an extra one of those.

Brian

HowieE · 09-14-2009, 08:20 AM

I doubt if input pressure regulation is your problem.

First I would look at the screens on each of the faucets for dirt. Also the shower head should be removed and checked for dirt. To test if it is pressure or a supply problem just remove the kitchen faucet screen and turn the water on. If there is a significant difference clean the screen and then clean the others.

Raising the pressure of the regulator will only have an effect if the source pressure is above the set pressure of the regulator. I doubt you will see many systems that exceed 65 psi. The neighbors would be screaming because there washer machine control valves and hoses would be failing left and right

**azflycaster** · 09-14-2009, 08:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dreamnair

The water pressure in our AS is not impressive, although still functional. The shower is the biggest disappointment...it just kind of dribbles out (maybe this is intentional since the water heater capacity is only six gallons).

I have reason to believe that the Shureflo inlet valve for city water now on our trailer reduces incoming pressure to 40 psi. They now make the same valve for 65 psi. Can the AS piping take the higher pressure? Any reason not to change?

Thanks,
John

Are you sure that the button on the shower head is not in dribble mode?

Dreamnair · 09-14-2009, 03:28 PM

Thanks for the feedback. I know the screens at the faucet aren't the problem...they've both been replaced.

As for in-line filters, I'm not aware of any in the system (internal to the AS). Would appreciate comments to the contrary.

For RLS: Was your regulator built-in to your AS or external? Did you replace it or leave it out altogether?

John

Alwhisman · 09-14-2009, 03:51 PM

40 PSI is fine. I run mine at 27-33 psi. Has your shower head been replaced? If pressure seems lower there, you might just need to replace it with a low pressure/water saver style. They work on less water, thus, saving. A regular househould head would require too much water flow t get you where you want.

Mine was replaced before I got it, and the water kinda just fell out, lol. Instead of going original or RV, I got a water saver and it does well. I dont have the shutoff (dribble) like RV styles have.

Hope this helps

Al

davidz71 · 09-15-2009, 10:06 PM

Do you have a bypass system on your water heater? The lower cold water connection on mine has a tendency to allow sediment to back into the hose and eventually blocks it. I then have to disconnect it and run a coat hanger wire through the flexible braided hose to clean it out.

RLS · 09-15-2009, 11:40 PM

I have the external one. Every time I try using it the wife yells to get rid of it when taking a shower! We also just got a new Oxygenics Body Spa Home/RV Showerhead that works great when not using the pressure regulator.

So,as of now the pressure regulator is not being used, but you have me thinking about it and I guess it would be a good idea to go to the store and get a pressure gauge to hook up to the water line.

Bob

Dreamnair · 09-17-2009, 07:16 AM

For Davidz71. Thanks, I'll take a look at the connections.

For RLS: Are you sure you don't have a pressure regulator at the city water entrance? Your unit is a few years younger, but I'd be surprised if they changed that valve in the meantime. If you do, it might be rated at 65 psi instead of 40. I'd still like to hear from someone as to whether the AS plumbing can take 65 psi. Did you get your showerhead at an RV dealer? Does it have an internal backflow valve of its own?

Thanks,
John