1/2" vs 3/4"supply lines
#1
09-30-00, 05:36 PM
We are installing a custom shower with one hand held shower and two body sprays on opposite walls. We have 1/2 " supply lines and a 1/2" rough in valve ( Grohtemp 9.0gpm @ 45psi).
Do we need to use 3/4" supply lines for the volume needed to supply the three different water outlets?
A 3/4" in rough -in valve will increase the water volume to 15gpm. (And increse the expense by $150.00!!
In your opinion should we use 3/4" lines over all?
Thanks for your help!
Do we need to use 3/4" supply lines for the volume needed to supply the three different water outlets?
A 3/4" in rough -in valve will increase the water volume to 15gpm. (And increse the expense by $150.00!!
In your opinion should we use 3/4" lines over all?
Thanks for your help!
#2
10-01-00, 12:36 AM
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quote:<HR>Originally posted by Gram2Twinz:
We are installing a custom shower with one hand held shower and two body sprays on opposite walls. We have 1/2 " supply lines and a 1/2" rough in valve ( Grohtemp 9.0gpm @ 45psi).
Do we need to use 3/4" supply lines for the volume needed to supply the three different water outlets?
A 3/4" in rough -in valve will increase the water volume to 15gpm. (And increse the expense by $150.00!!
In your opinion should we use 3/4" lines over all?
Thanks for your help!<HR>
#3
10-01-00, 12:46 AM
HOW BIG IS THIS SHOWER?? The price difference between 1/2" and 3/4" copper pipe is about $.30/ft. The price difference in the fittings as a few cents each. The labor is the same. I would have the plumber who quoted you $150 extra go back and recheck his figures!!
#4
10-01-00, 12:50 AM
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I'm not a plumber, but if your supply lines are 1/2", then I would stick to 1/2", unless you want to replumb all the way back to a 3/4" supply.
Stepping pipe size down as it gets closer to fixtures increases the water pressure. Stepping up from 1/2" supply to 3/4" at the shower, I believe, would not increase the pressure OR the volume at the shower. One of the pro plumbers in here can advise you better, but that's my opinion, and what I would do. Good Luck!
[This message has been edited by OldGuy (edited October 01, 2000).]
Stepping pipe size down as it gets closer to fixtures increases the water pressure. Stepping up from 1/2" supply to 3/4" at the shower, I believe, would not increase the pressure OR the volume at the shower. One of the pro plumbers in here can advise you better, but that's my opinion, and what I would do. Good Luck!
[This message has been edited by OldGuy (edited October 01, 2000).]
#5
10-01-00, 10:49 AM
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#6
10-02-00, 12:07 AM
I don't know much about showers, but I do know your pipe and valve size depends on how much water goes through all of the heads. Here's an article from Grohe which you might find useful: http://www.groheamerica.com/customshowers.htm I know some people who like to remove the restrictors from shower heads and the flow rate can go way up. Your best answers might come from a Grohe showroom or sales represenative. If you need the 3/4" valve, you are better off with 3/4" supply piping and have a big water heater.
Have fun with your new shower,
Phil H
Have fun with your new shower,
Phil H
