I'm getting really frustrated with my water pressure situation and could use some expert advice. I just hooked up my water pressure gauge at the campground and it's reading 60 PSI, but my regulator has always been preset to 50 PSI. This is the first time I've used this particular gauge (bought it about 6 months ago), and it immediately shot up to 60 with no way to adjust it down.
Is 60 PSI going to damage my RV's plumbing system? I'm worried because that seems high, but I'm not sure if it's actually dangerous or just at the upper limit. Could my regulator be failing, or might this new gauge be giving me a bad reading? I'm planning a trip to get a replacement tomorrow, but I want to make sure I'm addressing the right problem here.
60 PSI is at the high end of acceptable but generally OK for modern RVs. If your regulator is set to 50 but reading 60, the regulator may be failing or gauge inaccurate. Compare with another gauge and consider an adjustable regulator.
Yes, 60 PSI is too high for most RV water systems and can damage fixtures, seals, and plumbing components. Since you previously had 50 PSI set and now your new gauge immediately jumps to 60 PSI without allowing adjustment, you likely have either a faulty pressure regulator or the new gauge itself is defective. Don't rush to Lowe's just yet - this issue is probably with your water pressure regulator, not the gauge. Most RV manufacturers recommend keeping water pressure between 40-50 PSI maximum to prevent damage to your system.
The most likely culprit is your water pressure regulator has failed or its adjustment mechanism is stuck. These regulators have internal springs and diaphragms that can wear out over time, causing them to lose their ability to maintain proper pressure settings. When a regulator fails, it often defaults to allowing full city water pressure through, which can easily reach 60-80+ PSI.
Another possibility is that your new gauge is reading correctly, but you've been getting higher pressure all along and your previous setup wasn't accurately measuring it. Some older or cheaper gauges can give false readings. Additionally, if you recently moved to a new campground or connected to a different water source, the incoming city pressure could simply be higher than what you're used to dealing with.
Internal debris or mineral buildup in the regulator can also cause the adjustment screw to become ineffective. If you're in an area with hard water, calcium deposits can interfere with the regulator's internal mechanisms, preventing proper pressure control even when you try to adjust it down.
First, test your new gauge's accuracy by connecting it to a different known water source, like your home's outdoor spigot, and compare the reading to your home's pressure (which you can check with your water utility). This will confirm whether the gauge is reading correctly or if it's defective.
Locate your water pressure regulator - it's typically a brass or plastic device screwed directly onto the campground's water spigot before your water hose connection. Look for an adjustment screw on top or side of the regulator. Try turning this screw counterclockwise while watching your gauge to see if you can reduce the pressure. If the adjustment screw turns freely but doesn't change the pressure reading, your regulator has failed internally.
Check the date on your current pressure regulator if it has one stamped on it. RV water pressure regulators should be replaced when they fail to maintain proper pressure settings, with replacement interval depending on usage frequency and water quality conditions. Also, inspect the regulator housing for any cracks or signs of mineral buildup around the adjustment mechanism.
If your gauge tests accurately elsewhere, you'll need to replace your water pressure regulator. Head to an RV supply store rather than Lowe's if possible - RV-specific regulators like the Valterra A01-1117VP or Camco 40055 are designed for the constant pressure regulation RVs need and typically cost $15-25. These are much more reliable than generic hardware store regulators.
Installation is straightforward: disconnect your water hose, unscrew the old regulator from the campground spigot, and thread on the new one. Make sure to wrap the threads with Teflon tape to prevent leaks. Connect your water hose to the outlet side of the new regulator, then slowly turn on the water while monitoring your gauge.
Start with the adjustment screw in the middle position. With water flowing, make your adjustment while watching the gauge (turn clockwise to increase pressure, counterclockwise to decrease) to see real-time pressure changes. Aim for 45-50 PSI maximum. Repeat this process until you achieve the desired pressure setting.
If you determine the gauge itself is faulty, replace it with a quality unit like the Camco 25523 or similar. These typically cost $8-15 and will give you years of accurate readings. When installing a new gauge, use pipe thread sealant or Teflon tape on the threads to prevent leaks and ensure accurate readings.
You should be able to handle this repair yourself since it involves simple threaded connections that don't require special tools or skills. However, if you discover damage to your RV's internal plumbing from the high pressure - such as leaking fixtures, blown toilet seals, or damaged water heater relief valves - you may need professional help to assess and repair those components.
Call a mobile RV technician if you find multiple plumbing leaks inside your RV or if your water heater's pressure relief valve has been discharging water. These issues often result from prolonged exposure to high water pressure and may require specialized knowledge to properly diagnose and repair. The cost for professional plumbing repairs typically ranges from $150-400 depending on the extent of damage.
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