How to Plan Pipe Sizes for Optimal Water Pressure in Home Plumbing

When building a house you must design the house for adequate water pressure. Optimal water pressure to a house should be 35 to 60 pounds per square inch. If your city delivers low pressure water you must optimize the plumbing pipes' size to get the maximum water pressure. The size of pipes you use will vary depending on the location of the water fixtures.

Instructions

- 1
  Select at least 3/4-inch copper pipe for your water supply. This will ensure you get optimal water pressure. If your water supply comes in at low pressure consider putting in a 1-inch copper pipe. To check the water supply pressure ask the local water company for a water supply pressure reading.
- 2
  Use 1/2-inch copper pipes for the bathroom. Use this size for all fixtures in the bathroom. This includes the toilet, sink, bathtub, shower and any other fixture installed.
- 3
  Install 3/4-inch copper pipes for the kitchen sink and any other fixtures in the kitchen.
- 4
  Use 3/4-inch copper pipes for the water heater and any water tank you might have. It is important that you do not use a smaller pipe for the water heater as this will decrease the pressure to the hot water in the whole house if you use a smaller size.
- 5
  Use 1/2-inch copper pipe for all other fixtures you will add to your house. This can include washing machines, outside water hoses and extra sinks in the house.

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