Plumbing Project - Re-Pipe the House

[gsmith22]

a lot of " I thinks"... don't knock it till you've tried it , and if it's not for you, so be it.

its "I thinks" because I don't have enough information to do an accurate dynamic pressure loss calculation using Bernoulli's equation to explicity show how much pressure loss would occur. I've done enough of those calculations to know that restricing the pipe size over a long distance (more than several feet) is going to cause large pressure losses much more so than a single location restriction like an aerator. Its entirely possible that individual unique circumstances may allow the 3/8 pipe to work. But I would caution that in most instances, it won't be a pleasant experience. My other criticisms, lack of pipe/fitting availability and standardized plumbing fixture connections at 1/2", are still very ligitimate concerns even if the pressure loss situation is acceptable. In summary, I'm not knocking it just that you should go into it with eyes wide open and understand why you don't see lots of 3/8 plumbing systems. That is because in many cases actual function, availabilty of materials, and complexity of connections steered the instllation to 1/2"

 

[The Cobbler]

whatever you think is fine. all I know is I tested my kitchen faucet with 50' long pc of 1/4" air hose & there was zero issues. there was zero difference in time when filling a given size container with either the 1/4" hose or the 40 plus feet of 1/2" copper . what was noticeable different was the length of time to get full hot water at the faucet. If & whgen I get around to repiping the faucet, I will have 25 to 30 feet of 3/8 soft copper. I call that a win .
3/8 OD is very common size in plumbing , it's not at all a difficult to obtain size. .
believe the textbooks all you want, I'll believe my tested facts too.
you have valid point if you're on a pump and have low pressure , but that's not my case
cheers !

 

[mustang5.0]

My BIL and SIL moved into my inlaws old house. We totally redid the whole house inluding rebplumbing the supply lines. with PEX. After forming a plan of attack it was a breeze. Two bathrooms shared a common wall.

 

[karoc]

This deserves bump, what a good tutorial for DIY’er such as myself

 

[Digster]

Very informative post, nice work as well.