How to Replace a Camper's Outside Showers

rv image by Greg Pickens from Fotolia.com

RVs and campers come with sophisticated plumbing systems allowing for hot and cold running water in sinks, toilets and showers. Some campers and RVs have showers on the outside of the rigs allowing for refreshing sessions in the great outdoors. Sun and the UV rays will break down the seals and epoxy of the exterior shower nozzles and heads over time, necessitating the need to replace or repair the showers. Replacing the shower head and nozzle requires a bit of time and work.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Drain the System

Step 1

Drain the hoses and water lines leading to the external shower by turning off the water source and opening up the spigots and water flow valves so any water remaining in the hoses is bled out. Let the hoses and lines set for 24 hours to drain and dry.

Step 2

Unscrew the main hexagonal washer and fixture at the shower nozzle entry point to the RV with the adjustable wrench. If the fixture won't move, spray a generous portion of WD40 onto the fixture and allow it to penetrate the metal. Unscrew the fixture after the solvent has loosened the metal on the fixture. Unscrew the nozzle from the pipe coming out of the RV and discard. Remove the fixture and set to the side.

Step 3

Unscrew the four small screws on the metal washer attached to the RV and where the pipe extends from using the Philips screw driver. Remove the metal washer and place to the side with the four screws. Do not lose the screws. Scrape away any eroded or decayed epoxy from where the washer rested.

Step 4

Inspect the hoses running into the pipe and look for dry rot, cracking or erosion. Leave the hoses if there is no damage. If damaged, cut the hose off with the utility knife, and then going laterally down the hose from the pipe attachment, split the old hose open and pry off. Push one end of the new hose into the hot water outflow pipe and the cold water outflow pipe. Slip two hose clamps over each hose.

Step 5

Attach the new hose ends to the shower pipe extending from the RV (there will be a T connector allowing both hot and cold connections). Screw the hose clamps down on each hose, where the hose connects with the pipes. Tighten as tight as possible with the screwdriver. Slide the metal washer back over the pipe and screw in the four attachment screws to fix it in place. Epoxy the edges and around the metal washer to make a watertight seal.

Step 6

Slide the large hexagonal washer over the pipe and metal washer and tighten into position with the adjustable wrench. Tighten until firm. Do not over-tighten this hexagonal washer, turn only until you cannot easily turn any more. Screw the new shower nozzle onto the water pipe coming out from the RV or camper.

Step 7

Turn the water back on in the RV or camper and allow the hoses to prime. Turn on the hot and cold spigots and test the shower.

Tips & Warnings

Do not over tighten the hexagonal washer as doing so can crack the siding of the RV or bend the camper walls.

Article Written By Eric Cedric

A former Alaskan of 20 years, Eric Cedric now resides in California. He's published in "Outside" and "Backpacker" and has written a book on life in small-town Alaska, "North by Southeast." Cedric was a professional mountain guide and backcountry expedition leader for 18 years. He worked in Russia, Iceland, Greece, Turkey and Belize. Cedric attended Syracuse University and is a private pilot.

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