Best RV Water Pressure Regulators In 2022 (Buying Guide)
A RV water pressure regulator is the insurance policy you need for your RV that you didn’t know you needed. The best rv water pressure regulator sits between the incoming water source and your RV, preventing uneven and even dangerous water flow into your water tank or plumbing system.
Water pressure regulators may have a single pressure setting, or you might get an adjustable regulator that you can set where you want it.
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What’s An RV Water Pressure Regulator?
Your RV can handle water pressures between 40 and 60 PSI. Unfortunately, municipal water pressure can hit 100 PSI. That’s separate from the risk of water pressure surges when you’re refilling from pressurized or high-up water tanks.
Incoming water with a pressure higher than what your RV plumbing system can handle will damage it. Wide fluctuations in pressure can cause problems, too. For example, the pressure surges can damage plumbing connections, creating difficult to find and repair leaks.
This is why you want the best RV water pressure regulator possible on your incoming water connection, while providing a tight seal so that you’re not leaking water as you try to refill your water tank.
However, people sometimes choose cheaper models that may leak so that they can protect their RV plumbing at relatively low cost.
In other cases, you get leaking interfaces because the connection can fit such a wide variety of hoses.
Don’t use on the grey or black water hose!
Do not use a water pressure regulator on the grey or black water hose of your RV. This will contaminate your drinking water when you reuse the water pressure regulator, because they cannot be thoroughly cleaned.
If the regulator is damaged, it is generally cheaper to replace it than fix it.
Are there different types of water pressure regulators?
The biggest difference between the various kinds of water pressure regulators are found in the valves. Let’s learn more about the five main types of water pressure regulators used in RVs.
01. Direct acting regulator
This is the simplest type of water pressure regulator. It responds directly to variations in downstream pressure.
It limits the water sent on to the RV by controlling the plug position, lowering it to reduce the water flowing through the pipe so that too much isn’t sent into the system.
That results in de facto lower water pressure. It is a simple system. It tends to be cheaper than other types of pressure regulators.
02. Pilot operated regulator
Pilot operated regulators are similar in design to direct acting or direct operated water regulators. The major difference is the pilot that separates the pressure outlet and the diaphragm.
This means the pressure loading force in the diagram can be controlled in response to pressure changes. That results in a pressure regulator that can respond faster to condition changes like a water pressure surge.
A downside is here
The downside is that it requires an external sensor to track the water pressure level. One benefit of the pilot operated water pressure regulator is the tight control over the water flow.
A simpler system would have 45 PSI plus or minus a few PSI, but it won’t go above 50. With the pilot sensor, it is as if you have two different pieces controlling water pressure.
Accurate water pressure
That results in much more accurate water pressure. You’re getting 45 PSI plus or minus a fraction of a PSI.
03. In-Line Barrel Regulators
This is the simplest, cheapest type of water pressure regulator you can find. It typically limits water pressure to 40 to 45 PSI, the safe range for most RVs.
They are not adjustable. Whether or not it is easy to use or prone to leakage depends on the model.
04. In-Line Barrel High Flow
These water pressure regulators are designed to work with much higher water pressures. For example, you might be able to fill your water tank with a high pressure water hose at the car wash as well as a standard garden hose.
However, this type of regulator is not adjustable. Yet there are ones that are.
05. Adjustable Water Pressure Regulators
This kind of regulator is the only type where you can control the water pressure. They typically have a pressure gauge as well as a regulator knob or other control.
This is the only option if you want to have customized control over the water flowing into your RV. The more advanced design makes this the most expensive type of water regulator.
9 Best RV Water Pressure Regulators Review
01. Camco Brass Water Pressure Regulator with Gauge
One point in favor of this water pressure regulator is the easy-to-read gauge. You don’t need your reading glasses to know that the water pressure is creeping up to dangerous level.
The color coded gauge tells you both when pressure is too high and too low. This will mean that you get a warning if the water pressure is very high and that’s what you want.
Numeric PSI rating
It will not tell you an exact numeric PSI rating. It is preset to forty to fifty PSI. The water pressure tends to be on the low end of this range. Any clogs or scale means you may get 35 PSI instead of 40.
Another benefit of this unit is the design. The gauge is flush against the water valve. It takes up very little space, and you don’t have to deal with a collapsing unit.
Designed for garden hose
The unit is designed to connect to the standard three quarter inch garden hose. Furthermore, it is certified to be low lead. This unit is not adjustable.
It sometimes allows air into the line, and that can cause pressure to drop. The unit rarely leaks, but this will make the low pressure problem worse when it occurs. If it leaks, it will typically be at the gauge.
Modest life span
It has a relatively modest life span. It may run for several months before it fails. It does do better than some cheap models in this regard.
Pros
- Easy to read gauge
- Fits the standard water hose
- Low lead
Cons
- Can’t get an accurate reading
- Not adjustable
- Tends to have low water pressure
02. Renator Water Pressure Regulator Valve
This is an adjustable water pressure / regulator. It is adjustable up to 160 PSI, though that doesn’t mean your RV water system can handle that.
It even has a water pressure gauge, so you can monitor the water pressure. The M11-0660R model was updated in 2016 has a better, more reliable brass regulator.
More durable and Less prone
It is more durable and thus less prone to failure. For example, the regulator gauge contains oil that lubricates the parts, ensuring an accurate readout for years.
The unit has a built-in water screen to prevent sediment and debris from reaching your water tank. However, this does nothing about hard water.
Lead-free and NSF certification
The solder used in the assembly of this water pressure regulator is nearly lead-free. It meets NSF safe water certifications. NSF is one of the premier, independent food safety standards organizations.
One downside is the price. This unit costs several times more than a simple in-line water regulator. Another issue is durability.
Redesign in 2016
The units made since their redesign in 2016 is more reliable than the prior ones, but it is still not the most reliable on the market. The valve is prone to failing after a few months, and then it can’t control the water pressure.
It will almost always fail by the two year mark. You can tell when this happens by watching the gauge. Attaching it to hoses is relatively straightforward, but the valve screw can be hard to turn.
That can make it an effort to adjust the water pressure.
Pros
- Adjustable
- Built-in pressure gauge
- High pressure tolerance
Cons
- Price
- Short-lived valves
03. Valterra RV Hi-Flow Water Pressure Regulator
Valterra makes this unit in both brass and stainless steel. We recommend the brass unit because it is significantly cheaper but just as reliable.
Furthermore, it is lead free. This water pressure regulator is designed to limit water pressure to 50 to 55 PSI.
Note that this is too high for older RVs. Know what water pressure your RV can handle before you buy it, because you cannot adjust it to get water inlet pressure below fifty PSI.
For higher water pressures
It does handle the water pressure well. This may be the best RV adjustable water pressure regulator for newer RVs that call for higher water pressures.
There is no pressure gauge. However, that’s not uncommon in cheaper units. This water pressure regulator will last up to two years. That’s far better than others in its price range.
Continual use
The unit tends to leak at the seals, especially after a few months of continual use. It also leaks at the middle section where it swivels.
That’s one reason why we’ve recommended so many simple, straight water pressure regulators for RVs. There is no gauge, so you don’t know when the seals leaking is causing the water pressure to drop.
Pros
- Long-lasting, barring the seals
- A rare option for high pressure systems other than adjustable ones
Cons
- Multiple leak points
04. RVAQUA Water Pressure Regulator for RVs
This may be the rv water pressure regulator for high pressure applications. It can work at up to 160 PSI. On the other hand, you can turn the water pressure down to nearly zero.
It is an adjustable pressure regulator, and you control it via an easy-to-use screw. The unit itself is easy to install. One point in its favor is the lead-free construction.
The Screened filter
Another is the screened filter that helps prevent debris and water scale from reaching your RV’s plumbing system.
Note that this is not the same as a classic water filter. It will prevent a piece of lime scale from a water-well clogging your pipes, but it won’t filter out rust or fine sediment.
NSF water safety
Instead, it meets NSF water safety standards. Another benefit of this product is that you can remove the valve spool and clean it, if there is a blockage or hard water scale buildup.
This stainless steel water gauge is less prone to leaking than average. However, you can’t replace the seals on your own.
An issue is durability
One issue with this regulator is durability. It may last up to a year, but it doesn’t always last that long. The gauge itself may fail sooner than that.
The failure here is obvious, since you’ll typically stop seeing a pressure reading though water is flowing through the system.
In other cases, it stops providing accurate readings.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Safe and protects your drinking water
- Key parts can be cleaned and cleared
Cons
- Not durable
05. Valterra Brand Water Pressure Regulator
This is an advanced water pressure regulator for RVs. It has a large, numerical pressure gauge. It comes with an inlet filter. This can prevent blockages, and you can clean it without opening up the valve.
One benefit of this design is that it is adjustable. Just turn the knob next to the pressure gauge with a flathead screwdriver. This does mean you won’t accidentally alter the water pressure.
45 PSI and Compatibility
The unit is preset to 45 PSI. Turn it up, and you can enjoy a decent shower. It is three quarter inch hose compatible. It can screw on directly to the average campground water spigot.
This water pressure regulator is larger and heavier than average. It is roughly five inches by five inches by one inch. It weighs about a pound. It hardly leaks, though this tends to occur around the joints on the main body.
Few issues are here
However, it sometimes cracks. It will certainly leak in these cases until there is a total failure resulting in water gushing through the pressure regulator.
You can’t fix it when this occurs. Expect it to last around a year with continual use. The unit seems designed to last about as long as the warranty.
Pros
- Adjustable
- Can clean incoming water filter without disassembly
Cons
- Size and weight
06. Camco RV Water Pressure Regulator; Model 40058
This is another adjustable Camco water pressure regulator. It has an adjustable knob. It has a moderately large and somewhat easy to read pressure gauge.
The unit has a weep hole to relieve excess pressure. Water will typically drip out of this instead of spray in a messy jet. The water pressure regulator is made of lead-free bras. It meets NSF low-lead standards.
Note that if you see green, the bronze is corroding. This can occur around the plastic cap on the adjustment screw.
60 PSI maximum
This unit should not be used above 60 PSI. It may fail at those pressures. It often leaks near the plastic fitting connects to the brass body.
The fitting that connects to your RV water spigot may leak, too, because it isn’t always deep enough to get a tight seal.
Life of use
This unit lasts several months of heavy usage. Once it reaches its end of life, the regulator may stop working. Then you can’t alter the pressure setting. In other cases, it stops most water flow, causing your water pressure to fall.
Pros
- Easy to read gauge
- Pressure relief won’t make a big mess
Cons
- Can’t be used at high water pressures
- Can leak from multiple points
07. U.S. Solid Water Pressure Regulator
One benefit of this water pressure regulator for RVs is the secure three quarters inch NH thread. The thick tread creates a tight seal that prevents leaks.
NSF lead-free
This is another water pressure regulator that meets the stringent NSF lead-free standards. Better yet, it has an inlet screen to keep out large pieces of debris, though this isn’t as good as a formal water filter.
The water pressure is adjustable. This is another unit where the water pressure is adjusted using a screwdriver. It can be set anywhere from 0 to 160 PSI. It may leak around the dial.
An issue is here
A different issue is that the water pressure gauge may get stuck, so it no longer shows an accurate pressure reading.
This is sometimes due to leaking around the gauge that causes water to get into the gauge face.
Pros
- Leak resistant
- Built-in water filter
- Adjustable
Cons
- Issues with pressure gauge
08. TargetEvo Water Pressure Regulator with Gauge
This water pressure reducer doesn’t just have a standard pressure regulator. That’s adjustable to 160 PSI. Simply the brass screw at the top to increase or lower the water pressure that reaches your RV.
It also comes with a built-in pressure gauge. The unit is made from essentially lead-free. It goes one step farther in protecting your drinking water by having a metal mesh screen on the intake side.
Tiny particles of rust or bacteria
This won’t prevent tiny particles of rust or bacteria from reaching your drinking water, but it prevents pieces of water scale and pebbles from entering your water system.
The unit is roughly six inches by six inches by one inch. It weighs a little over one pound. This is a little larger than average. It is designed to connect to conventional water hoses.
Terms of price
It is middle of the market in terms of price. The unit has average durability. Ironically, if the gauge or control fails, it will continue to deliver the same pressure as you last had it set at.
This means it will continue to provide protection for plumbing downstream if the valve fails.
What is a difficulty here?
The downside is that the adjustment screw can be hard to keep in place. This means that it may creep up from 40 to 45 PSI over time if you don’t monitor and readjust it.
Yet it is more likely to creep downward, so you slowly lose water pressure.
When should replace the entire gauge?
In other cases, the screw breaks and you can’t adjust it unless you take it apart. In this situation, it is better to just replace the entire gauge.
Pros
- Protects your water quality
- Adjustable
Cons
- Pressure may shift over time
09. MICTUNING Water Pressure Regulator Valve
This Mictuning brand water pressure regulator is centered on an adjustable valve. It can be set for anything from 0 to 160 PSI. It is preset to 45 PSI by the manufacturer.
To change the setting, you’ll need a screwdriver to turn the knob. This water pressure reducer is made from lead-free brass. It exceeds NSF water safety standards regarding lead in solder.
Resisting bacterial growth
The brass has the added benefit of resisting bacterial growth. This unit is designed for standard three quarter inch and NH thread water hoses. It will fit with almost every RV water port.
The unit has a stainless steel gauge. The large numbers are easy to read, though it doesn’t have obvious red warning indicators that make it easier to know when things are problematic.
How to get a replacement valve?
One issue is that water may leak into the gauge, at which point, it won’t work. Unlike many other water pressure regulators, you can remove the valve spool to either clean it or replace it.
However, it isn’t easy to find a replacement valve if it is required. You can’t get replacement seals. The unit is cheap enough that you won’t be upset if you have to replace it due to leaking seals.
Quality control isn’t easy
Quality control with this design can be a problem, too. Sometimes the gauge gets stuck. The valve will continue to regulate flow but you don’t know what the water pressure is.
In other cases, the threads are crossed, so you can’t screw it in properly.
Pros
- Removable valve
- Easy to read
Cons
- Quality control issues
Final Verdict
The best RV water pressure regulator allows you to quickly fill your water tank without damaging your plumbing, your water tank or your RV plumbing fixtures.
They must always protect your vehicle and your health by being safe to use with drinking water. Beyond that, the best water pressure regulator will be the one that balances cost with convenience.
For security concerns, we also wrote “RV dash cam reviews.” So if you feel any risk in RV life on the road and want a rear-front dash camera, don’t forget to check it out.
