MrStop
Member
I will be upgrading my plumbing to install a new water heater, softener, and water distribution manifolds. Piping will be rerun to improve water flow and reduce the pressure drop. I’m on city water. Water enters the home with a 3/4-inch pipe and then reduces down to a 1/2-inch pipe. Water pressure is about 85 psi and flows a little over 13 gpm measured at the nearest outdoor faucet about 10 feet away from the meter. My layout will be something like follows:
Questions:
1. Do I gain anything by upgrading my main line to 1-inch instead of 3/4-inch (after the meter)? Or does it not do anything as the supply is already constricted? The supply coming into the house is 3/4-inch with a 5/8-inch meter. It runs approximately 35-feet to the utility room to the softener, water heater and distribution manifold.
2. Is the expansion tank in the picture below too close to the water heater? If so, how far away should I be?
3. Is a “heat riser” before the expansion tank helpful? I have seen some installation drawings with a “heat riser” (a 6” minimum pipe rise) between the expansion tank and water heater.
4. Should I install a check valve before the expansion tank? The installation instructions show one. Is this just for when I have hot water recirculation? Where should it be located in the system? What check valve is recommended?
5. Can I, or should I bypass the tempering valve to supply the dishwasher and clothes washer with a higher water temp?
6. Can I combine drains for the water heater condensate, T&P valve and drip pan into a single drain line? Can I add the water softener drain into that also? What is the best way to terminate into a floor drain?
7. Is a sediment filter helpful on a city water system, or am I just introducing a pressure drop for no reason?
8. What type of wall surface (e.g. plywood, osb) should I have in my utility room for mounting the distribution system? My utility room is in the basement with concrete walls. I will be building a 2x4 behind for insulation, etc. and I’m wondering what is best for mounting.
9. Any other suggestions / concerns with my layout?
Questions:
1. Do I gain anything by upgrading my main line to 1-inch instead of 3/4-inch (after the meter)? Or does it not do anything as the supply is already constricted? The supply coming into the house is 3/4-inch with a 5/8-inch meter. It runs approximately 35-feet to the utility room to the softener, water heater and distribution manifold.
2. Is the expansion tank in the picture below too close to the water heater? If so, how far away should I be?
9. Any other suggestions / concerns with my layout?
Last edited by a moderator: