Water Pressure Throughout Coach

[JavaJelly]

Couple of questions on water pressure through coach.

1st - seems to be more pressure w/water pump than city water, even though I have it set at 60 psi w/an adjustable valve.

2nd - why on city water does the water pressure drop so much w/a second faucet turned on? Seems like it should be pretty consistent given the constant source pressure.

Are there any valves, or restricters that I don't know about.

[JavaJelly]

Couple of questions on water pressure through coach.

1st - seems to be more pressure w/water pump than city water, even though I have it set at 60 psi w/an adjustable valve.

2nd - why on city water does the water pressure drop so much w/a second faucet turned on? Seems like it should be pretty consistent given the constant source pressure.

Are there any valves, or restricters that I don't know about.

[JasonD]

I notice that we also have much better water pressure at the faucets and shower head when using the onboard water pump -- even if I have 60 psi from the city water connection. In fact, we don't even use the city water connection any more, we just fill up the water tank and use the pump.

[justlou]

Your problem is probably not pressure but low flow. If you are using one of the RV pressure regulators, they have a small opening and don't allow enough water to enter the coach. Purchase a house pressure regulator (Lowe's or Home Depot) for about $35-$40. These regulators have a 3/4" opening and will allow enough water flow to satisfy your needs.

[JavaJelly]

I'm pretty sure that is what I have now. It is about $45 at Camping World and has 3/4" opening on both sides. It is made by a company that makes home water pressure regulators.

If someone knows different, please let me know.

[Lug_Nut]

Scott, do you have the full house water filter?

Peter

[JasonD]

We have the good water pressure regulator from Home Depot. I think the problem is the whole-house water filter. We replaced it with a higher-flow filter...it helped but we still get much better flow with on-board pump.

It's really only the shower where you see the difference in flow. The faucets are fine with city water, it's the shower where you miss the higher flow.

[JavaJelly]

Yes, I have the whole house water filter. I realize that it takes 5 psi off the pressure.

However, I put the same filter in as in my house as I am on a well. 5 micron carbon filter. My house is set at 60 psi. There is still a noticeable difference.

Wondering if there is some structural/plumbing item in the coach that causes it to do this.

My experience is the same as JasonD's

[Lug_Nut]

Scott the main feed piping in the MH is 1/2" whereas your house is 3/4". While the filter may only account for a 5% PSI drop it will also cause a further decrease in flow due to the line sizes. Just try taking the filter element out and see the difference. I removed mine in my DSDP and left it out for a far better flow.

Peter

[JavaJelly]

I will try that.

Also, I was going to try to put the regulator on the other side of the filter housing. The pressure would always be at maximum w/o risking too much pressure.

For example, city/camp water is at 75 psi. If I go through the regulator first set at 60 psi then I lose pressure at the housing and w/flow restriction.

If I put it after the housing then I would get the net flow from 75 psi not 60 psi. Assuming a 15 psi loss that means I would be at the full 60 psi.

[rebelsbeach]

Something else I've started doing is just run the pump all the time....sure it'll mean more wear on the pump,but it keeps the pressure up.

[Lug_Nut]

Good point, Bob. I do the same. In fact I have never shut the water pump off since I picked the coach up new. Even when away or parked at home, it's always on and keeps the ice maker fed.

Peter

[JavaJelly]

Sounds like the consensus solution.

As you know, have to use the valve in the wet bay and then turn if off once the fresh water tank is full or it goes to overflow.

Do you just watch this or does the Essex have an automatic valve to keep it topped off?

[GaryKD]

Scott,
I'm glad you will try Peter's removing the filter suggestion. The filter may also be full/clogged. My filter needs replacing 3 times a year. 1 time in late June and one time in late July are two of the replacement times. This is because we have the grand kids, parents and "others" during our six week annual show the grand kids the USA trip. With all the females onboard the water usage is very high. The 3rd time the filter is replaced is in September and it lasts until the following June (no kids).