A Good Reason To Look At These Water Pressure Regulators?
if you don’t control the water pressure when using soaker hoses to water your garden, you will probably bust a bunch of them in a heartbeat! That’s the main reason to look at these water pressure regulators!
The water pressure regulators covered here in these water pressure regulator reviews are commonly used for recreational vehicles (RVs).
The reason I use them is that they are equipped with dials so I can fine-tune-adjust the water pressure to accommodate my soaker hoses and I know exactly what water pressure I am operating at…instantaneously.
And, of course, if you vacation with an RV, you can also use these pressure regulators as they were originally intended…to protect your RV’s water lines from the ultra-high water pressures at most camping areas.
The standard residential home water pressure regulator…or reducer as it is sometimes called…only has a bell-shaped housing with an adjustment screw on top and, most of the time, it is best to leave adjustments of these to a professional because they affect your entire home and you do not want to inadvertently over-adjust the pressure unless you want pipes bursting and creating a lake in your basement.
TIP: It is worth noting here that these pressure regulators should NOT be left outside 24 hours a day…7 days a week. A few days outside here and there are fine…although most regulators come with at least a one-year warranty, they will deteriorate rapidly when exposed to the sun and the elements of nature…becoming brittle and suffering a significant accuracy reduction. Freezing temperatures can also crack the gauges and damage the rubber gaskets in pressure regulators.
Hopefully, you have already checked out my water pressure gauge reviews and made the choice to get at least one or two water pressure gauges, such as the Rain Bird P2A that I have in my garden’s water arsenal.
And, you may want to conveniently automate your watering system with a good digital water timer that can be set to control frequency and duration of watering the backyard garden…as well as your lawn and flower beds. If so, take a glimpse at my dialogue on digital water timers.
In beginning an examination of these pressure regulators, I will start with my personal choice that I have been using for some time now…
Camco 40058 Water Pressure Regulator
I was truly impressed by this inexpensive pressure regulator. For a little under $30, it does everything I need it to do…without fail!
With a durable, lead-free, drinking water safe brass construction, the Camco 40058 comes factory preset to 45 psi. An adjustment screw in the cap allows access to increase or decrease the pressure settings.
Even though this pressure regulator has capabilities up to 160 psi, settings above 60 psi are highly discouraged to avoid damage to hoses and pipes that may burst at higher pressures.
The Camco 40058 is adjustable to as low as 10 psi, which works great in tandem with my garden soaker hoses!
As a regulator, this device works well to keep water pressure at a consistent level. I never see surges in water pressure anymore…thanks, to the Camco 40058!
Reviewers give this regulator a 4.4 out of 5 stars rating.
You won’t be disappointed by taking a closer look at the Camco 40058 Adjustable Brass Water Pressure Regulator.
Renator M11-0660R Water Pressure Regulator
The Renator M11-0660R is an upgraded version that came out in 2016. This lead-free pressure regulator has a more durable pressure gauge filled with oil to prevent friction of the internal components which increases the life of the device. It also has a lower lead content (0.13%) than the lead-free requirement (0.25%) from the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF).
Adjustable to 160 psi, this is a solid, well-built pressure regulator. It is a little heavier than many other regulators which may mean it is constructed to be tougher.
It contains a screened filter on the inlet to prevent small rocks and other debris from clogging up the internal mechanisms.
The down-side is that the cost is about 30% higher than the Camco 40058 but, with a whopping 4.8 average out of 5 stars given by reviewers, it might be worth taking a look at the Renator M11-0660R Water Pressure Regulator.
Kanbrook Water Pressure Regulator
Kanbrook’s regulator is another one made of lead-free brass. Its adjustment goes to 160 psi and it can take a maximum inlet pressure of up to 280 psi. The dial casing is oil-filled to protect against wear and tear of internal components.
An earlier model of this regulator required an additional adapter on the outlet to be able to hook up directly to a 3/4 inch hose…a source of frustration for a number of folks who were not aware of this circumstance when they purchased it. However, it appears that the model I am reviewing has fixed that problem by increasing the outlet port to fit a standard garden hose.
If you are considering buying this regulator, it would be wise to make sure that the fittings do not require an additional adapter to fit a 3/4 inch hose…especially since it costs only a few dollars less that the Renator M11-0660R.
Take a look at additional descriptions and reviews for the Kanbrook Water Pressure Regulator.
MICTUNING C46500 Water Pressure Regulator
Here’s one more lead-free brass water pressure regulator…the MICTUNING C46500…adjustable to 160 psi.
The main body is cast as one piece to minimize water leakage, as well as a stainless steel dial gauge body…making it sturdier than other regulators having a plastic gauge. And, it is touted as having a lifespan of over 5 years.
The price is about the same as the Kanbrook and the Renator regulators…give or take a few dollars.
The advantage is that it can be used to check pressure for water, oil, and gas. The MICTUNING C46500 also has a dual layer screened filter on the inlet side to keep small particles like gravel from causing damage to the valve body.
The valve spool can be removed for ease of cleaning or replacement, if necessary.
Reviewers have given this pressure regulator an outstanding 5 out of 5 stars!
It is definitely worth your time to look at the MICTUNING C46500 RV Water Pressure.
Santu Water Pressure Regulator
Next, we’ll look at the Santu Water Pressure Regulator. This one is advertised as lead-free brass, with an oil-free gauge, and adjustable to 160 psi.
Comments have indicated that this regulator is basically the same as the higher-priced Valterra Water Pressure Regulator…the only difference is that the Santu has a plastic adjustment cap and the adjustment cap on the Valterra is metal.
There are almost 5 dozen reviewers giving this regulator a respectable 4.5 out of 5 stars.
For a more input, visit the Santu Water Pressure Regulator page.
Trumeters Model A01-1117SS Water Pressure Regulator
Last, but not least, this Water Pressure Regulator, Model A01-1117SS, by Trumeters, is a step-up in pressure regulators since the complete unit has been made in stainless steel…which gives the absolute assurance that it is lead-free and it will likely outlast most other pressure regulators made in brass.
It is also adjustable to 160 psi…just like the other regulators discussed above…with an easy-to-read gauge…and, it is factory preset to 45 psi.
With a screen filter on the inlet, the same as the other higher-priced regulators, the internal components are offered greater protection for a longer life.
NOTE: The instructions guide the user to adjust inlet water pressure only with all water turned off on the outlet side of the device. This is really a general rule for all water pressure regulators.
Reviewers give this a 5.0 out of 5 stars rating. Most of them are very impressed with the “all stainless steel” aspect of this product.
Interested readers may definitely want to take a closer look at Trumeters Model A01-1117SS Water Pressure Regulator.
The regulators researched in these water pressure regulator reviews will safely protect your soaker hoses while supplying your garden with water they need.
In summary, I am so impressed with the Trumeters Model A01-1117SS that I plan on giving it a try if and when my Camco 40058 finally bites the dust. But, that probably won’t be anytime soon…
Tell me what you think about these regulators in the comments section. You can also email me: jim@perfect-vegetable-garden.com.
Jim, the Lifelong Gardener
Jim,
I would have to say I am most impressed with the Trumeters Model A01-1117SS Water Pressure Regulator, I like the idea of the stainless steel. I am looking for a few things for my garden using a soaker hose is there a timer I can purchase to automatically water a certain amount of time daily? Also, can I use the Trumeters Model A01-1117SS Water Pressure Regulator with a timer and build an enclosure around it to leave it hooked up? Thanks for the review.
Randy
Hi Randy,
I agree…the Trumeters’ stainless steel water pressure regulator is very formidable! And any enclosure will protect your regulator and timer…even a 5-gallon bucket. The whole purpose is to keep the regulator’s dial and the timer’s LCD screen out of direct sunlight.
Whatever type of enclosure you create, make sure to allow some air circulation for the instruments in case it gets a little too warm. Those LCD screens do not like extreme temperatures.
If you are looking for an excellent timer, check out my reviews on water timers, featuring the Rain Bird 1ZEHTMR. The timers I evaluate all have the buttons and whistles that you need to successfully automate multiple sessions per day and multiple days per week…and with pause features in case of rain or the need to manually water the garden.
Jim