Using A Home Kitchen Faucet in an RV?

We will discuss if you can replace your RV kitchen faucet with a good-quality residential home kitchen faucet.

It is known that RV fixtures are not always the most durable. Often, the faucets that you come in an RV are not of the highest quality. Or you want a faucet to fit your lifestyle better. But can you use a residential faucet in an RV?

You can use a residential kitchen faucet in an RV. However, many different variables will have to be considered. Things such as how the faucet connects to the plumbing include a detachable sprayer, does it mounts the same way as the original faucet, and more.

This article will introduce you to replacing the kitchen faucet in your RV with a residential kitchen faucet.

Types of RVs that you shouldn’t use residential faucets in

RVs that would be considered entry-level campers, such as the Aliner Scout lite, are not great candidates for faucet updates.

Any pop-up campers will be poorly designed to replace the faucet with a residential model. These faucets are usually designed the way they are for a specific reason.

Some of the more economical pull behind campers include the Forrest River Flagstaff or the Retro riverside travel trailer. These RVs are more likely to have plastic kitchen faucets with an RV-style water line connection.

This could mean that these entry-level RVs are not made to have residential faucets installed, or it could mean that you will need to be able to do a little bit of plumbing work to get it to happen. 

Can I use a Faucet With a Detachable Sprayer Head?

You can use a detachable sprayer head with your RV kitchen faucet. However, there will be multiple things to consider before you purchase your new kitchen faucet.

You will need to ensure that when you purchase your new kitchen faucet, the base can mount to your existing sink. Generally, this is just a matter of ensuring the new faucet and old faucet utilize the same number of holes for mounting and running water lines. 

Next, you will need to look into what your sprayer needs to work. Most sprayers are built into the faucet and will not require a separate water line. However, some of the more high-end kitchen faucets today have added functions.

Such as higher pressure at the touch of a button, touchless on and off features, etc. But these will need electricity under the kitchen sink. Considering some of these features, you will need to know that your faucet has electricity below it.

If electricity and water make you nervous or want the simplicity of a standard sprayer, then there are still plenty of options.

How Do I Connect a Kitchen Faucet In An RV?

This will depend on what style of connections your current RV faucet has. Some RV will have a more standard style of connecting the kitchen faucet. In these cases, you should be able to unscrew the old water lines and reconnect the new faucet.

You may have to buy some adapters if the connection styles are different. Generally, the threads on these types of RV faucets are ½ female. The water line is threaded into the faucet threads, not around the faucet threads. There are adapters made just for this purpose. If you need to find some, you will need 2- ½ male (the fitting is threaded on the outside) going to a ⅜ female (the threads are on the inside of the fitting).

Here is a quick demonstration of changing an RV kitchen faucet to a residential one.

• Make sure that there is no water running to your faucet. You will not want to unhook a pressurized water line.
• Look under your sink where the water lines connected to your faucet connect to the water lines that supply and disconnect them.
• Once you get under your sink to see the bottom of the faucet, you will see that threaded posts are sticking through the sink. On the two outermost posts, or if there is only one in the center, you will find a large piece threaded on these posts up to the sink. They are what hold the faucet in place.
• You will want to unthread these. This can be difficult, as there is usually not enough room. The purchase of a faucet wrench may help in extra-tight spots.
• Now, your faucet should be free and pull right out the top.
• Go to your preferred store, take your old faucet, and pick out your new kitchen faucet. The base must be the same as the old one. 
• Once home, you will get back under the sink and thread the pieces back on the waterline. Make sure they are snug and secure.
• Reattach your water lines to the faucet. (This is where you will use the adapters if necessary) 
• If your faucet has a sprayer, you must read the instruction manual to ensure you install it correctly.
• When installing fittings such as the adaptors listed above, make sure that either the fittings have a rubber washer on the inside or you are using some approved thread sealant to prevent leaks.
• Turn on the water, check for leaks, and enjoy your new faucet.

Recommended Faucets For RVs 

There are a lot of excellent faucets out there. When choosing a kitchen faucet, a lot of decision-making will come down to aesthetics. However, we have a shortlist of some of the best kitchen faucet brands that can be used in an RV.

• Moen: Moen is an excellent choice for kitchen faucets. They have many different styles, colors, and extras to choose from. They also have a lifetime warranty on their faucets, so you can install a new Moen faucet worry-free.
  
• American Standard: American standard has been a heavy hitter in the plumbing industry for over a century, continuing to impress us with their durable and high-quality faucets. American Standard will also offer a lifetime warranty on their faucets.
  
• Delta: Delta is another popular brand that most people have heard of. They have been offering top-quality plumbing products to the public for decades. Delta provides a lifetime warranty on its non-electronic faucets. 

These brands can be bought at local hardware stores like Lowes or Home Depot. You can also purchase these items from Amazon, but you will not get to see the product in person this way.

In Conclusion

When purchasing a new residential kitchen faucet for your RV, make sure that the base of the new one will match the holes in your sink. Check if you need to purchase adapters, and if you do, you will need to acquire those. Installing a faucet is not always the most straightforward job. If it is something you are struggling with, or don’t think you can do, call a professional. They can get the job done quickly and correctly without worrying.