This $7 Hack Will Protect Your RV’s Water Inlet From Damage and Leaks

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Hooking up to city water looks simple enough, but that straight hose connection can be tougher on your RV than you think. The weight of the hose hanging straight out creates stress on the inlet, and over time, those plastic fittings can crack or start leaking. That’s where a cheap little 90-degree elbow comes in.

This quick video from Camco shows how quickly you can install this upgrade.

Benefits of Upgrading

Adding a 90-degree elbow at the city water hookup might not seem like much, but there are a few real benefits that make it worth the small investment.

Less Stress on Fragile Plastic Fittings

Most RV water inlets are made of plastic. They’re fine for normal use, but they aren’t built to handle constant sideways pressure from a heavy hose. By redirecting the hose downward, the elbow keeps the pull closer to the wall of the RV, cutting down the twisting stress that causes cracks and leaks over time.

Reduced Risk of Accidental Damage

A hose sticking straight out of your camper can easily be run into, potentially causing damage to the inlet. An elbow fitting keeps the hose tucked neatly down, lowering the chances of snapping or breaking the connector.

Easier Hookups and Disconnects

A hose that naturally hangs downward is easier to thread onto the fitting without fighting the weight pulling against your hand. If you use a quick-connect elbow, you don’t even have to twist anything – just snap it on and you’re done.

But Doesn’t the Hose Still Pull?

Some RVers push back on this hack because the weight of the hose doesn’t magically disappear with an elbow. And they’re right. The force is still there. The difference is how that force is applied.

When the hose sticks straight out, it acts like a lever. When the hose sticks straight out, the weight isn’t just pulling down; it’s pulling down at the end of a long “handle.” The farther away the hose sticks out, the more pressure it puts on the plastic inlet. That constant stress is what eventually cracks or weakens the fitting.

By adding a 90-degree elbow, the hose now hangs downward, shortening that lever arm to just a few inches. The stress on the inlet is reduced, plus the connection is far less likely to get bumped or snapped off if you walk past it.

Two Simple Options

1. Standard 90-Degree Elbow

The most common fix is a basic brass elbow, like the ones Camco sells. It threads into your city water inlet and redirects the hose downward. Simple, cheap, and effective.

2. 90-Degree Elbow with Quick Connect

For those who want something sturdier and faster, there are aluminum elbows with a quick-connect fitting built in. These work like an air hose connector: no messing with washers, no twisting, and the hose snaps on or off in seconds. This is the option I chose. They’re a little more expensive, but it’s a simple upgrade that makes life slightly easier.