RV fresh water system
WATER, WATER, EVERYWHERE !
by
Les Doll
The typical RV fresh water system is a
combination of advanced technical accomplishment balanced by the economic
principles of profit and loss. The manufacturer desires a functional water supply
system at a "cost effective" level, and generally this is the case.
Modern RVs are equipped with pressure demand
type automatic pumps, polyethylene fresh water storage tanks, and polybutylene
water lines. The various and innumerable joints and connections are of the
compression ring type which are very quick and economical to assemble at the
factory level when everything is exposed and in the open.
These systems are designed to be operated at
a certain maximum water pressure level in the neighborhood of 35 to 45 pounds per
square inch. The on-board pump has a built in pressure switch that shuts off the
power to the pump when this pressure has been reached. So far, so good, and
everything is as it should be.
However, (and there always seems to be a
"however"), there is a city water connection to supply water at home or at the RV
park via a hose connection. Often, the pressure at these facilities, exceeds 80
pounds per square inch or more, sometimes much more, in certain situations. This
high pressure can and does cause leaks to develop where none had come before and by
the Law of Murphy, you are either out to dinner or it's 3 in the morning.
A simple device is available and necessary
for your peace of mind. A water pressure regulator should be used whenever
connecting to an outside water supply source. This device controls the incoming
water pressure to supply a continuous and regulated 45 PSI maximum. It is connected
at the supply end of the hose to protect the hose and the RV at the same time.
Available at your local RV supply store. 
|
