Plumbing Question

[mach158]

Question concerning my house plumbing. I have a well that comes in and T's to a pressure tank and then runs to some filters then to a water softener then to the rest of the house. The line coming from the well is likely 1.25" and then goes down to 1" at the T where it goes to the pressure tank then drops to 3/4" at the shut off right after the T for the well pressure kick on.

I have three bathrooms and 6 kids so we go through a lot of water with showers, etc. I have been thinking of going into a whole house filter that can clean itself to save on monthly filter costs. So I have thought about this plan for an upgrade.

Instead of dropping down to 3/4" right after the pressure tank, to keep the 1" line all the way to the water softener and new whole house filter and then switch to 3/4" after the whole house filter.

Am I wasting money running that almost 20' of 1" line instead of 3/4" or will I see a benefit with all the potential water usage if people are showering and stuff?

Edit to add: Everything is mostly copper.

 

[jrsavoie]

If you run pex, cost will not be terrible.

 

[joe_padavano]

I used 1" copper everywhere when I replumbed my old house, with 1/2" stub outs to the fixtures. I don't regret it.

 

[jrsavoie]

I used 1" copper everywhere when I replumbed my old house, with 1/2" stub outs to the fixtures. I don't regret it.

I will whenever I have to replumb. Now I have 1" past the filters and 3/4" main runs.

Can I go from 3/4" to 1" and back to 3/4" if I have to replumb something for any reason? Such as when I change the water heater, move the kitchen and add a bathroom?

There's not always time to rip everything out. With Shark bites and stuff now, I could upgrade a little at a time.

 

[Jackfre]

Honestly I don’t think you will see a lot of difference. I think your issue may be multiple draws and drawing down the pressure and your well pump it playing catch-up. How large is your well pressure tank. Perhaps look at upsizing the pressure tank or adding another. My neighbor just did this and said it has greatly improved water pressure performance. You can probably watch this happen on your pressure gauge comparing it to time of water use. Operating in the lower pressure range coupled with all the pressure drop you have in the filters/softeners can aggravate the issue.

 

[joe_padavano]

Honestly I don’t think you will see a lot of difference.

^^^This.

 

[JRC3]

What pressure is you switch running? How deep is your well? What size is the pump?

A Cycle Stop Valve might be a good choice. https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/threads/well-pumps-cycle-stop-valves.468498/#post-8821303

 

[mach158]

Pressure switch is a 40/60 and the pressure tank is a 40 gallon. I don't know what the pump specs are but I do know the well is approx. 90-100' deep with a 5" steel casing.

I figured having the water softener and the filters was causing some factors in the lower pressure/supply when multiple demands took place. That's is why I was curious if I had 1" going into the pressure reducing stuff (filter/softener) if I might be able to alleviate some of that.

Perhaps switching to the whole house filter that can clean itself versus the cartridge filters that I have to replace monthly or the pressure drops will help alleviate the issue itself.

Seems like I can run multiple things but when that toilet needs filled you would think it has the 1" line sucking away all the water some times.

Edit to add: I appreciate the input from everyone and JRC3 I will be looking in to the Cycle Stop Valve and seeing what that is all about.

 

[mike93lx]

Have you tested the water to confirm what you need to treat for? That will also give you an indication on sizing to make sure it is all effective

 

[mach158]

Yes, we test the water on a regular basis and that is why we currently have a double filter setup. The whole house filter system is suppose to address all our water issues on that side of things as well. All the requirements would likely be met with the current piping but it has 1" inlets just like the water softener and kind of helped bring on the idea of running that 1".

 

[TractorJeff]

If you are upgrading 20 feet, then go ahead and do it. No sense in 1.25 inch going down to 3/4 inch, then back up to 1 inch. Just do it!