Hesch
New Member
I am currently remodeling our master bathroom with plans to install a multi-fixture shower setup. I will also be taking the opportunity to re-pipe most of the house since we still have a good amount of old galvanized hanging around. So, I have quite a bit of freedom to install whatever supply lines are required/recommended for this new shower setup. Edit: I should add that I will also be installing a Manabloc with 1/2" PEX runs direct to most fixtures, including the master bathroom lav and toilet.
My plan is for 3 fixtures (2.5 GPM standard head, 2.5 GPM hand shower, 2.5 GPM rain head) fed by a thermostatic valve and 3 separate volume controls. I envision we will use 1 or 2 fixtures about 95% of the time, while rarely running all 3 at once. However, since I am pretty much starting from scratch with my home's plumbing, I would rather do it right and have a system that can still deliver optimal flow and pressure from all 3 fixtures. For context, I measured 10 GPM and 70 PSI at the hose bibb 6' past the meter. I plan to tee off of a 1" copper main line approx. 60' from the meter for the shower supply lines.
If you were plumbing in this new shower, how would you do it? What size pipe and valve would you use?
Option 1: 3/4" copper or 1" PEX supply > Kohler 1/2" MasterShower valve > 3/4" PEX > 1/2" MasterShower volume controls > 1/2" PEX > drop ears
Kohler claims 10.9 GPM @ 45 PSI, which exceeds the 7.5 GPM I need, but I have seen that valve's flow rate called into question on this forum before.
Option 2: 3/4" copper or 1" PEX supply > Kohler 3/4" MasterShower valve > 3/4" PEX > 1/2" MasterShower volume controls > 1/2" PEX > drop ears
The 3/4" valve is rated for 17.2 GPM @ 45 PSI. This would eliminate any concerns about flow rate, but it is $130 more.
Option 3: Your Recommendation?
I know this topic has been beaten to death, but I searched and searched and still feel like I could not find a clear answer/recommendation. Any advice is appreciated.
My plan is for 3 fixtures (2.5 GPM standard head, 2.5 GPM hand shower, 2.5 GPM rain head) fed by a thermostatic valve and 3 separate volume controls. I envision we will use 1 or 2 fixtures about 95% of the time, while rarely running all 3 at once. However, since I am pretty much starting from scratch with my home's plumbing, I would rather do it right and have a system that can still deliver optimal flow and pressure from all 3 fixtures. For context, I measured 10 GPM and 70 PSI at the hose bibb 6' past the meter. I plan to tee off of a 1" copper main line approx. 60' from the meter for the shower supply lines.
If you were plumbing in this new shower, how would you do it? What size pipe and valve would you use?
Option 1: 3/4" copper or 1" PEX supply > Kohler 1/2" MasterShower valve > 3/4" PEX > 1/2" MasterShower volume controls > 1/2" PEX > drop ears
Kohler claims 10.9 GPM @ 45 PSI, which exceeds the 7.5 GPM I need, but I have seen that valve's flow rate called into question on this forum before.
Option 2: 3/4" copper or 1" PEX supply > Kohler 3/4" MasterShower valve > 3/4" PEX > 1/2" MasterShower volume controls > 1/2" PEX > drop ears
The 3/4" valve is rated for 17.2 GPM @ 45 PSI. This would eliminate any concerns about flow rate, but it is $130 more.
Option 3: Your Recommendation?
I know this topic has been beaten to death, but I searched and searched and still feel like I could not find a clear answer/recommendation. Any advice is appreciated.
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