Water Pressure Regulators

[harryc]

I have a technical question about water pressure regulators like the Camco brass cylindrical or even the adjustable ones. Doesn't the static pressure in your water system (that is your piping) equal the water pressure at the water valve? Isn't it more of a flow restrictor than a regulator? I was also looking at the Valtera 1117 which is a little more sophisticated but I have my doubts that the static pressure is reduced. It's the tap at the use point (like the sink) that stops the flow and not the regulator so you have line pressure all the way to the tap. It just seems to me that, if you are at a park that has 120 psi water pressure, your piping is going to be 120 psi until you open a valve.

[Spk64]

Yes and no would be the correct answer for a normal water pressure regulator. The downstream side has a spring and diaphragm. If no water is flowing then the regulator is also off and the pressure is regulated by the spring and diaphragm.
The cycling on and off happens quickly and frequently to maintained the downstream pressure.
I cannot speak for the low end RV regulators.



Steve

[TeJay]

The cheap RV regulators don't regulate the pressure they just restrict the flow. That will in effect reduce the chance of over pressurizing your system if a CG has high water pressure. You do have a reduction of pressure but also a reduction of flow. With a true regulator you don't loose the flow or volume.

It's not unlike an air compressor. A cheap AC may rate the compressor at 150 PSI but when you try using an air impact gun or paint sprayer the AC can't keep up with the CFM demand of those items. You need a good rating of CFM or (cubic feet per minute. That's what does the work.

I'm sure there's a more technical explanation but.

TeJay

[Wizard]

A good regulator like my Watts will regulate the pressure without restricting the flow

[Tha_Rooster]

Originally Posted by Wizard

A good regulator like my Watts will regulate the pressure without restricting the flow

X2 don't waste your money on the little hose end jobs go to you home improve my store and get a watts.

[MSHappyCampers]

What is the right Watts regulator to buy for RV use? I want one with the gauge built in. Thanks!

[MSHappyCampers]

I see that Valtera has an adjustable regulator also. I called them to get more info and they did not have as tech support person, but the lady that answered said that the adjustable regulator had about 14-15 GPM flow rate at 45 PSI, compared to about 9 GPM on the standard regulators.

I just went to the Watts website, and it looks like their adjustable regulators have about 7-8 GPM flow rate at 50 PSI. I wonder if the lady at Valterra knew what she was talking about!

I wonder how this unit compares to the Watts regulators from a quality standpoint?

I just found the one below on Amazon. It looks exactly like the Valterra unit and has the same part number except for the letters at the end, but MUCH less expensive! The specs say it is lead-free, but that is not cast in the metal as the Valterra model is. Anybody tried this one?

http://www.amazon.com/Pressure-Regul...ct_top?ie=UTF8

[Spk64]

I have been using the Valtera adjustable regulator. So far no problems. Did not notice any loss of volume.


Steve

[wa8yxm]

Originally Posted by harryc

I have a technical question about water pressure regulators like the Camco brass cylindrical or even the adjustable ones. Doesn't the static pressure in your water system (that is your piping) equal the water pressure at the water valve? Isn't it more of a flow restrictor than a regulator?

No, they are regulators and control the static pressure rather well when new.. Eventually they wear out

YES the ones you describe are flow restrictors as well. I do not recommend them with one possible exception.

The Valterra Adjustable

What I recommend are WATTS or ZURIN units that are not really designed for RV use. these have a bell shaped housing with a bolt of some kind sticking out of the top this housing is atop a brass body.. The bolt is the pressure adjustment.

They work well when new, controlling static pressure without impeading flow but do need to be rebulit from time to time. (easily done)

true story:
Was talking to the owner of the campground where I'm parked and another camper and we were discussing regulators (not needed here) I mentioned that when a park is on CITY water that is often 80 PSI and in one park I visited it has been measured at 112 PSI.. the other camper mentioned he'd stayed at a campground like that and the area where it was located.

Same campground.

[Carrier]

This is what I use.

[dennis45]

Originally Posted by MSHappyCampers

What is the right Watts regulator to buy for RV use? I want one with the gauge built in. Thanks!

I have mine set in the water bay at 60 psig. It does a good job. Yes, I know the hose is not protected but it's just simpler this way.

[MSHappyCampers]

Originally Posted by Wizard

A good regulator like my Watts will regulate the pressure without restricting the flow

Jerry, how do you set the pressure without a gauge?

[NeilV]

The Valterra adjustable unit works fine however the Watts is the Gold Standard of regulators. Where I grew up in Massachusetts just about every family had one member who worked at the Watts plant at one time or another.


I have had the Valterra adjustable regulator with the gauge like listed below for over 5 years now and it has been trouble free:
Amazon.com: Valterra A01-1117VP Brass Lead-Free Adjustable Water Regulator: Automotive

[Wizard]

Originally Posted by MSHappyCampers

Jerry, how do you set the pressure without a gauge?

Same regulator as carrier posted, gauge and regulator purchased at Lowes.
Gauge screws to regulator output then removes and stores. Gauges are notorious for leaks.