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Your RV faucet is giving you headaches and you have a home faucet lying around. The nearest hardware store is miles away, and going there is a waste of time, money, and effort. So now you wonder about the differences between RV faucets vs home faucets?
Thankfully, you’re here as you’ll learn if it’s a good idea to install a home faucet in your RV. Additionally, you’ll also find other useful and relevant information, such as the things to consider when buying RV faucets and how to install these items to your RV.
Can Home Faucets Work in an RV
It’s easy to mistake RV faucets with their home counterparts because of their similar looks. Therefore, the answer to that question is ‘it depends.’
Some home faucets can work in RVs and the other way around. However, you need to check for compatibility issues before you purchase a particular model.
Check the home faucet if it has the same fittings and size as your RV’s water supply system. Additionally, if your old RV faucet is metal, consider using a home faucet of the same material for secure connections.
Can Shower Faucets Work in an RV
Although the construction of residential showers is different from that of RV showers, you can still install a home faucet to your RV’s plumbing system. Like relatively any home faucet, your RV’s shower faucet should connect with the proper adapter.
Why Replace a Plastic RV Faucet With a Metal Home Faucet
The reasons to replace a plastic RV faucet with a metal home faucet differ for each RV owner. However, here are some of the reasons why you might need to change your plastic faucet with a metal variant.
- Unlikeable textures – Plastic isn’t as solid and sturdy as metal. Additionally, it can be tough to grip plastic knobs when your hands are wet.
- Tacky looks – Plastic tends to look ‘cheap,’ for lack of a better word. Some RV owners like the plastic look because the material has a unique charm. But if you want a contemporary appearance, choose metal instead.
- Less durable – Many if not most plastic faucets don’t last long. These models may last a year, but metal options generally last longer. Plus, some relatively inexpensive plastic faucets can crack after a month’s use.
Things to Consider When Replacing RV Faucets
RV sink faucet replacement is an easy and cheap way to update your interior. But installing any faucet to your RV can give you issues. Here are some important factors to think about when shopping for faucets for your motorhome.
- Measurement – Take measurements to make sure the faucet fits correctly to your RV sink. If you can, bring the parts with you to the hardware store to know the exact components you need.
- Metal or nonmetal – If you want to improve your RV’s fuel efficiency and reduce your maintenance costs, you might want a non-metallic faucet. However, consider spending the extra dollar on a more durable faucet.
- Design – Different faucets for RVs have different designs. Therefore, it’s important to choose a faucet that goes with your vehicle’s design.
- Extra features – Opt to buy an RV faucet with extra features like a built-in water filtration system and temperature controls. Again, you have to consult your budget as faucets with add-ons can have extra costs.
- RV water supply lines – Check the sizes of the water line and shut-off Modern faucets generally have 3/8-inch flex lines. However, some sinks have ½-inch flex lines.
How to Install Home Faucets to an RV
One reason to use home faucets is that you need a quick fix to replace the leaky model in your RV. However, it’s important to follow the correct installation procedure to reduce the risks of problems, such as leaks.
Step 1: Shut off the RV’s Freshwater Supply
RV freshwater systems, like the Bayite 7A108 Fresh Water Pump for RVs and Campers, need to be off before you start loosening bolts. Several cases of home faucet installation errors occur because of the failure of doing this seemingly simple step.
One incident worth mentioning is that the freshwater system can combine with the RV’s waste disposal unit, causing an unappealing stench to surround the vehicle.
Step 2: Remove the Old Faucet
Start removing the old RV faucet with the help of two wrenches. Loosen the pipes that provide hot and cold water to your vehicle with these two tools. Make sure to have a washbasin or bucket ready to catch spilling water.
Then, use a large wrench to loosen the nut underneath the old faucet. This part clamps the sink down, securing the faucet in place.
However, if the RV faucet is secured with silicone or plumber’s putty, scrape the substance first before removing the other components.
Step 3: Prepare the New Faucet
After removing the nut, wrap the threads with Teflon tape. Doing so will help add extra protection against potential leaks.
Step 4: Connect the Home Faucet
Once the old RV faucet is safely out of its receptacle, insert the home faucet into the holes. Place some silicone or plumber’s putty into the receptacle before you screw the attachment nut.
Then, secure the faucet by using the included attachment nuts in the kit. Make sure to connect the straight connectors first. Also, you may need to use some Teflon tape to ensure the joints are tight but not too tight.
Connect the hot and cold hoses afterward. Then, tighten everything in place to ensure no leaks will occur.
Step 5: Turn on the Water
The final step is to test if the connections are secure. You’ll know that you did every step correctly if leaks don’t exist. But if you find water leaking, turn the mains again and tighten the connections more.
Aside from following the steps mentioned above, you can also check out this video to help you in installing a home faucet in your RV.
What to Expect When Installing a Home Faucet in an RV
Beginner RVs may run into some issues when installing faucets in their motorhomes for the first time. If you’re not in a hurry, take your time in doing the installation process. Rushing the operation can heighten the risks of problems.
Furthermore, it’s worth mentioning that you need to make sure to use small diameter tubes and pipes. These parts won’t require a significant amount of water pressure to allow water to circulate through the vehicle.
It’s because many home faucets have large input connectors. With these models, you’re likely going to have a faucet that won’t fit into your RV’s sink or shower.
Conclusion
By now, you should know the differences between RV faucets vs home faucets. Remember, you can use residential faucets in your RV and the other way around. Just be sure to use a compatible model.
Consider following some important factors before purchasing a faucet for your RV. That way, you’ll assure yourself that you’re not going to run into issues during the faucet’s installation process.
Plus, follow the correct installation procedures. For instance, don’t forget to shut off the freshwater supply. Otherwise, your camper might smell like sewage after installing the faucet.
“Hi, I’m Francis’ husband—Calvin. Our story began with our shared passion for traveling. I have had a career journey for over 11 years at Ford Motor Company, where I took on the role of BMS SW Process Engineer.
Together with my wife, I have dedicated countless hours to exploring every nook and corner of the world. Ten years living in an RV may seem long, but time seems to fly by when I’m doing what I love with the person I love.
FMCA’s 103rd International Convention & RV Expo in Gillette, WY,
Like my wife, I hope to help you see the beauty of traveling off the beaten path by sharing insights into this lifestyle. In addition to my corporate roles, I also launched our website – Outdoorbits, in 2015 and continue to contribute my knowledge and skills to the present day. And I’ll be completely honest with you—no hiding the truth or sugarcoating the possible challenges.
So, if you want to run away from the busy lifestyle to embrace nature, I’m your guy.”