Abysmal shower flow until removed pressure regulator

[stlsailor]

Hooked up and had abysmal water pressure in shower. I had a brass water pressure regulator (wpr) hard-coded at 45 psi. I tried another brass wpr hard-coded at 40-50 psi. Same results. I tried a plastic one (didn't see pressure coding). Same results. I tried the last one I had with me -- a brass one with a gauge which showed low water pressure from the campground hookup. Same result. Finally I tried with no wpr and we had decent shower pressure.

My conclusion after reading a number of threads: I need to get a wpr that allows me to adjust the pressure to what I need to get decent shower flow. Can someone suggest a model that works well and where I might find it?

FWIW I have a 29' TT Coachmen Freedom Express 248 RBS.

Dale

[Radio]

I have one regulator, a brass one with a gauge that is likely just like yours.

When I'm setting up I check the gauge. Then if pressure is low I take it back out and put it away. Although yes, pressure could fluctuate, it hasn't given me any issues.

It's cheap, light weight and takes up little space in my storage bins.

[KeithInUpstateNY]

My first thought would be to replace the shower head instead of another (4th?) WPR, especially if it is the factory installed shower head. They are, indeed, abysmal under all but ideal conditions. Many people speak highly of Oxygenics, though I've never tried it myself. But almost any low flow hand held shower head will be better than the OEM shower head.

[CC75]

My shower had a water restricter at the hose before water entrance to the shower head. I removed it. I can use the knobs to restrict flow when I need to conserve.

[Mr. Dan]

Originally Posted by CC75

My shower had a water restricter at the hose before water entrance to the shower head. I removed it. I can use the knobs to restrict flow when I need to conserve.

Same here.

[Radio]

Originally Posted by KeithInUpstateNY

Many people speak highly of Oxygenics, though I've never tried it myself. But almost any low flow hand held shower head will be better than the OEM shower head.

I can't speak to amount of flow or anything else but we have an Oxygenics and we just plain like it better. We have the low end all plastic version which works exactly the same as the fancy shiny versions. Only cheaper.

[Decon Blue]

You really need to try a HIGH FLOW regulator, Valterra makes one, around 25.00 dollars. Major difference. It’s preset at 45-50 psi, but it’s High Flow. Can’t recommend it enough. You’ll be amazed ! Check EBay, do a search for HIGH FLOW RV WATER REGULATOR.

[Mr. Dan]

Originally Posted by Radio

I can't speak to amount of flow or anything else but we have an Oxygenics and we just plain like it better. We have the low end all plastic version which works exactly the same as the fancy shiny versions. Only cheaper.

Radio, do you have a part/item/etc. number?

[Duckogram]

I use a rainbird gauge. If it reads 55 psi or less than I do not use a regulator. If it is over 55 I use a 55 psi regulator. My DW likes her hollywood showers.

[Nurek]

I've never used one in 2 years.



Ever notice on the Stat Sheet on the bathroom mirror says "water pressure tested to 100PSI" ? If that is what they claim, I'm hardly worried.

[Springerdad]

Originally Posted by Decon Blue

You really need to try a HIGH FLOW regulator, Valterra makes one, around 25.00 dollars. Major difference. It’s preset at 45-50 psi, but it’s High Flow. Can’t recommend it enough. You’ll be amazed ! Check EBay, do a search for HIGH FLOW RV WATER REGULATOR.

X2. I tried those straight flow through ones and they were flow restrictors. Bought a good Valtetra adjustable and flow is just like no regulator flow.

[donkro]

Our factory showerhead was abysmal as others have said. Switched to Qxygenics showerhead, works great!

[1984fireball]

Originally Posted by KeithInUpstateNY

My first thought would be to replace the shower head instead of another (4th?) WPR, especially if it is the factory installed shower head. They are, indeed, abysmal under all but ideal conditions. Many people speak highly of Oxygenics, though I've never tried it myself. But almost any low flow hand held shower head will be better than the OEM shower head.

The Oxygenics head with the 5 or 6 settings changed our shower way to the good. $50ish but I will keep getting them. Plus my regulator is similar to this
"NABLUE Water Pressure Regulator, Brass Lead-free Adjustable RV Manual Operation Pressure Regulating Valve DN20 1.6mpa with Gauge"
and I can adjust it with a flathead. $35ish. Had to get it online.

[ard58]

Originally Posted by Decon Blue

You really need to try a HIGH FLOW regulator, Valterra makes one, around 25.00 dollars. Major difference. It’s preset at 45-50 psi, but it’s High Flow. Can’t recommend it enough. You’ll be amazed ! Check EBay, do a search for HIGH FLOW RV WATER REGULATOR.

X3 Valtera has one with an orange end, which I ordered from CW for $15. Works great.

[BandJCarm]

Put in Oxygenics and no longer put in a regulator. No problems so far. Showers much better.

[Springerdad]

Our OE showerhead was miserable, pressure regulator or not, flow restrictor in the head removed. Fixed that with an Oygenics as well. What a difference.

[alix lines]

we bought a Camco shower head and it is wonderful! Also bought the flexible steel hose which is so much easier to use and control. We attached the on/off button at the tap end so you are not fiddling with the shower head when turning the water off and on during your shower. Ours looks slightly like a "rainhead" and has several different settings. I like the jet while my DH likes the rainhead. The Camco is a little cheaper than the Oxygenics.

[ben31]

Adjustable Water pressure regulator - https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N7JZTYX
Oxygenics Shower Head - https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00F5MUB66

The Oxygenics is a WHOLE LOT BETTER than the stock shower heads. They also keep a trickle of water running, which is supposed to keep it from getting cold, when you shut the valve on the head to lather up. That part doesn't work so well on any of them - these included. I added a flow control valve to my shower's hot water input and that now keeps the water from getting cold, when I close the valve on the shower head.

[Waterops1]

Originally Posted by Nurek

I've never used one in 2 years.



Ever notice on the Stat Sheet on the bathroom mirror says "water pressure tested to 100PSI" ? If that is what they claim, I'm hardly worried.

Tubing/hoses may be good for 100 psi but connections have failed. Had a pop-up down at Disney World 40 years ago with no PRV. Came back to the site at night to find our belongings laid out on the table. Failed to turn water off when leaving for the day and found out DW gets high water pressures. Neighbors saw water running out and shut it off for us . A good PRV is standard for me (as is shutting off spigot when going out). Live and learn.

[Tiggerdad]

Originally Posted by ben31

Adjustable Water pressure regulator - https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N7JZTYX
Oxygenics Shower Head - https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00F5MUB66

The Oxygenics is a WHOLE LOT BETTER than the stock shower heads. They also keep a trickle of water running, which is supposed to keep it from getting cold, when you shut the valve on the head to lather up. That part doesn't work so well on any of them - these included. I added a flow control valve to my shower's hot water input and that now keeps the water from getting cold, when I close the valve on the shower head.

This is the regulator you need. Those that are straight and screw on are junk. You need a gauge to accurately set and know what your pressure is. Wtts make an equally good adjustable regulator.