Let’s Talk About JR Products 62135 Plastic City Water Flange 12in Fpt x 3/4″
The JR Products 62135 Plastic City Water Flange 12in Fpt x 3/4″ is a seemingly simple, yet essential component for RV and camper owners. It’s designed to provide a secure and leak-free connection to city water sources, ensuring a reliable water supply on the road. JR Products aims to deliver a cost-effective solution with this flange, promising a lead-free brass check valve, a plastic body for corrosion resistance, and an included dust cap – all for under twenty bucks. The flange’s surface-mount design also simplifies installation, which is a big plus for DIY enthusiasts.
For years, I’ve dealt with questionable water connections during my travels. Leaky connections, corroded fittings, and the constant worry of contaminated water led me to actively seek a more dependable solution. I needed a city water flange that could withstand the rigors of travel, provide a secure connection, and, most importantly, offer peace of mind when it came to water quality.
Upon unboxing the JR Products 62135 Plastic City Water Flange 12in Fpt x 3/4″, my initial impression was that it felt lightweight but reasonably sturdy for a plastic unit. The plastic flange feels durable enough to handle regular use. The brass check valve added a sense of quality, promising longevity and protection against backflow.
I considered a few alternatives before landing on this particular model. I was looking at a similar product made by Valterra, and another metal flange from a lesser-known brand. The JR Products option won out because of the combination of its affordable price, seemingly reputable brand name, and the promise of a lead-free brass check valve.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. I was hoping this water flange would be a reliable, long-term solution. Only time and use would tell if it lived up to my expectations.
Real-World Testing: Putting JR Products 62135 Plastic City Water Flange 12in Fpt x 3/4″ to the Test
First Use Experience
My first opportunity to test the JR Products 62135 Plastic City Water Flange 12in Fpt x 3/4″ came during a camping trip to a state park known for its somewhat questionable water quality. I installed the flange on my travel trailer before even hitting the road, ensuring a fresh start to my plumbing setup. Hooking up to the park’s water spigot was straightforward.
The flange performed adequately in slightly damp conditions. The plastic housing seemed unaffected by the moisture, and the connection remained leak-free. I found it easy to use, requiring no special tools beyond the basics for tightening the hose connections.
Initially, there were no major issues, but the plastic felt less robust than I had hoped. I did notice some minor flexing when tightening the hose connection. I was careful not to overtighten, worried about cracking the plastic.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use and multiple camping trips, the JR Products 62135 Plastic City Water Flange 12in Fpt x 3/4″ has held up reasonably well. There are no major cracks or leaks. The plastic body shows some minor discoloration from sun exposure and handling, but nothing that affects its functionality.
The durability seems acceptable for a budget-friendly plastic flange. I haven’t noticed any significant wear and tear beyond the cosmetic imperfections mentioned above. Regular cleaning involves rinsing the flange with fresh water and occasionally wiping it down with a mild detergent to remove dirt and grime.
In comparison to the previous metal flange I was using, this plastic unit is lighter and less prone to corrosion, which is a definite improvement. However, the plastic construction doesn’t inspire the same level of confidence as a solid metal alternative, and the limited inlet size becomes an issue at higher flow requirements.
Breaking Down the Features of JR Products 62135 Plastic City Water Flange 12in Fpt x 3/4″
Specifications
The JR Products 62135 Plastic City Water Flange 12in Fpt x 3/4″ features a 1/2″ FPT (Female Pipe Thread) inlet and a 3/4″ hose fitting outlet. It’s designed for surface mounting, which simplifies the installation process. The inclusion of a lead-free brass check valve is a significant safety feature, preventing backflow and ensuring the purity of your water supply.
The cutout dimensions required for installation are 1-1/2″ in diameter. The outside dimensions of the flange are 2-7/8″ in diameter, and the valve depth measures 1-5/8″. These dimensions are fairly standard, ensuring compatibility with most RV and camper water connection setups.
These specifications are crucial because they directly impact the flange’s performance and usability. The 1/2″ FPT inlet limits the flow rate somewhat, while the 3/4″ hose fitting is compatible with standard garden hoses and RV water hoses. The lead-free brass check valve is vital for preventing contamination of the fresh water tank, safeguarding the health of the users.
Performance & Functionality
The JR Products 62135 Plastic City Water Flange 12in Fpt x 3/4″ performs its primary job adequately, providing a connection point to city water sources. The check valve functions as expected, preventing backflow. However, the limited 1/2″ inlet size can restrict water flow, especially when multiple fixtures are running simultaneously.
The biggest strength is its simplicity and ease of installation. A potential weakness is the plastic construction, which might not be as durable as metal alternatives in the long run. Overall, it meets the basic expectation of providing a water connection, but it doesn’t exceed expectations in terms of flow rate or robustness.
Design & Ergonomics
The JR Products 62135 Plastic City Water Flange 12in Fpt x 3/4″ is a simple surface-mount design. The plastic construction keeps the weight down. It is easy to handle during installation and use.
It is generally user-friendly, with no significant learning curve. However, the plastic material doesn’t feel as premium or substantial as metal alternatives.
Durability & Maintenance
The lifespan of the JR Products 62135 Plastic City Water Flange 12in Fpt x 3/4″ will likely depend on the environmental conditions and usage frequency. Regular exposure to sunlight and extreme temperatures can degrade the plastic over time. Maintenance is straightforward.
The unit needs occasional cleaning to remove dirt and debris. Replacement is probably easier than repair, given the cost-effectiveness of the unit.
Accessories and Customization Options
The JR Products 62135 Plastic City Water Flange 12in Fpt x 3/4″ comes with a rubber dust cap to protect the inlet when not in use. There are limited customization options beyond the standard hose connections. It’s compatible with standard RV water hoses and fittings.
Pros and Cons of JR Products 62135 Plastic City Water Flange 12in Fpt x 3/4″
Pros
- Affordable price point makes it an accessible option for budget-conscious RV owners.
- Lead-free brass check valve ensures water safety and prevents backflow contamination.
- Surface-mount design simplifies installation for DIY enthusiasts.
- Lightweight plastic construction is corrosion-resistant.
- Includes a rubber dust cap for added protection.
Cons
- Plastic construction may not be as durable as metal alternatives.
- The 1/2″ FPT inlet can restrict water flow, especially with multiple fixtures running.
- Limited customization options.
Who Should Buy JR Products 62135 Plastic City Water Flange 12in Fpt x 3/4″?
The JR Products 62135 Plastic City Water Flange 12in Fpt x 3/4″ is perfect for casual campers, RV owners on a budget, and DIY enthusiasts. It’s also good for those who prioritize water safety due to the lead-free brass check valve. It’s ideal for anyone needing a simple, easy-to-install city water connection.
Those who need high water flow rates or require a more robust and durable connection should skip this product. Professional RV technicians or those frequently camping in extreme conditions might want to consider a metal alternative.
A water pressure regulator is a must-have accessory to protect your RV’s plumbing system. A high-quality RV water hose is also essential for a reliable and leak-free connection.
Conclusion on JR Products 62135 Plastic City Water Flange 12in Fpt x 3/4″
The JR Products 62135 Plastic City Water Flange 12in Fpt x 3/4″ offers a budget-friendly solution for connecting to city water sources in your RV or camper. Its simple design, lead-free brass check valve, and ease of installation make it a decent choice for casual users. However, the plastic construction and limited flow rate are drawbacks to consider.
The price is justified for what you get – a basic, functional water connection with added safety features. It’s a good starting point for a new RV owner on a budget, or as a replacement for a broken fitting.
I would recommend it to those who understand its limitations and are looking for an affordable and easy-to-install option. But, keep in mind, there may be better options if your needs are more demanding. So, if you’re looking for a quick and inexpensive fix, give the JR Products 62135 Plastic City Water Flange 12in Fpt x 3/4″ a try, but be prepared to upgrade if you need more durability or flow capacity.