You just woke up or it’s a hot day and you really need a shower before moving onto the next thing. The thought is irritating because you are sure that the water pressure is going to be low in your shower, so it will take longer and the water just doesn’t come out the way it does at home. Low water pressure can be annoying in the shower or at the sink.
Water pressure can be improved upon and changed, sometimes with basic maintenance of your shower and water lines. Other times the water pressure might just not be what you want.
A shower can have a variety issues that lead to low water pressure. Potential problems include the water source itself and hardware within your RV. Read on to learn more about what to do.
RV Park Water Lines
So we are going to put this out there right away: The water pressure issues in your RV might not be your RVs problem. Your RV can only send water into the shower so fast. If it’s not receiving enough water, or at a high enough pressure – you’ll have a challenge with water pressure.
You can test the water pressure by connecting a pressure gauge to the inlet house for the RV park. The pressure should be between 40-50 PSI though some showers can handle 60 PSI. This is about the same as a home water pressure with most homes capable of 60 PSI. PSI by the way means pounds per square inch – this is how fast and hard the water comes out.
If the pressure is below 40-50, this is below the normal range. While we could suggest telling the RV park there is a low water pressure issue, there isn’t a great chance they will fix it right away- if at all.
The next best thing to do is buy a water booster pump. A water booster pump can increase the water pressure of your existing water supply. A water booster pump can come in handy as you might experience the same issue at multiple RV park sites.
Kinked water line
Many people have vivid memories as a kid – or even an adult, or folding part of a running hose in half to keep water from coming out. Then they could lure someone into taking a drink and wonder why no water was coming out. The prankster could then unfold the hose and have it spray the other person.
This is the same problem as a kinked water line. Any kinks or bends in the water line can drastically effect water pressure within the RV and the shower.
Check the lines by opening up necessary cabinets to access internal water lines. One kink will make all the difference in sending water into the RV at the right speed.
A kinked water line is the easiest and cheapest part to fix, though it will leave you wondering how the water line got kinked. If you discover the source that causes a hose to get loose enough to bend, fix that too!
Water Filter
If you’ve ever had a water filter on a pitcher or your sink at home, you know gross they can get. A clogged water filter can certainly slow down the flow of water into your RV.
This is especially true in RVs, where the RV park might not have a water softener or filter, and you might be filling up with well water too. RVs are especially popular in the south and west, where larger amounts of sediment and minerals are found in the soil and can make their way into your filter and clog them.
So, find your water filter, which is likely within your existing water pump or outside. Remove the water (usually under a cover) and either clean it or replace it, especially if it is dirty.
The water filter can make a big difference in water pressure as the water can be readily slowed down by a badly clogged filter.
RV Water Pump
Your water pump could be the problem to. Are the water pressure issues elsewhere in the RV? Does the water pump seem louder or quieter than normal?
You can also check the water pressure coming out of the RV water pump itself the same you tested the RV park water. If the water pressure is too low, your RV water pump might need some maintenance or replacement.
Leaks
Kinks and leaks can seriously slow your water down. However, if water is actually leaking somewhere, it’s best to check the issue before water starts damaging the insides of cabinets or wherever it is leaking.
Leaks can often be found by seeking the smells of moisture or the sound of dripping. You can then either patch up the hose that is leaking or replace it (after shutting off the water, of course).
Finding a leak quickly might be pretty important. Part of the issue here is that leaks are often found by surprise or after issues like water pressure arise.
Shower head
Your shower head could be a problem too. Some shower heads also get clogged by calcium, lime, rust and other sediments that could escape water filters. Clean out the shower head.
The shower head also might not be “set” right. Many shower heads have a rotating dial that impacts the number and size of holes. Ensure thal necessary holes in the shower head are visible so you are getting all the water coming through.
Conclusion
Water pressure issues in an RV can be annoying. They are also a sign of possible problems in your water system. Try checking to see if the incoming pressure is correct using a pressure gauge.
Otherwise, start a thorough search for leaks that could cause damage. You can also check and clean your water filter as well as your shower head to ensure proper water flow.
Your water pump can also be a problem – ensure it’s running properly to send the necessary water.