low pressure at shower and kitchen

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#1

Originally Posted By: jmichalski
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OK, I admit plumbing is the weakest of all my skills. This one has me stumped. Water pressure at the hose bib is outstanding. Copper tubing, with what appears to be recent modifications (see photo).



[ Image: http://www.nachi.org/bbsystem/usrimages/1/100_6646.JPG ]

The pipe to the right is the supply to the home, coming directly from the meter to this point. The tee witha reduction in diameter I have questions about.

Add to it that we have VERY low flow at the kitchen sink and tub/shower. Any ideas on the cause? (Other than the ubiquitous - evaluations and correction (if necessary) by a qualified plumber is recommended)?

#2

Originally Posted By: dedwards
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First thing that I noticed is the reducer on the service main. That is quickly followed by a “T” fitting. Normally, you do not want to reduce the size of the service main once it enters the building and becomes the building main. Minimum size is 3/4 inch and then only in certain circumstances. Typically, the building main remains the same size until you reach the branch pipes then it is reduced. As the main progresses through the building the demand is likely to decrease. The hose bibb is most likely before the reducer so that is why you were getting good psi on it. If the main is reduced there may not be enough water available no matter how the rest of the system is designed. The galvanized pipe hanging next to the copper looks to be larger and I suspect it is the old water main. This could be a simple case of cost cutting and it has affected the performance of the system. The “T” fitting at that location bothers me too. I think it adds a tremendous amount of pipe friction at a critical location. Also remember, a 1/2 inch pipe is not 1/4 inch smaller than a 3/4 inch pipe in “volumn”, but more like half. Add it all up and I think that is the problem. Just my opinion. Terrible looking sweated joints too.

#3

Originally Posted By: ckratzer
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Joseph,


Not to discount Dougs good help,another possible scenario would be that perhaps not all the old galvanized pipe was replaced with copper.Have you been able to verify this?If there is some galvanized present in the system you could be getting clogs from the sediment that old galvanized pipes are famous for producing.


For those who ask"Why do I think there were galvanized pipes present in the past?" The plaster ceiling , the 3/4 solid wood floor, and the stripe marks on the framing that indicacte the removal of plaster and lath wall.


All these things tell a little about the homes age.


Just another possibility.

Cheremie

#4

Originally Posted By: John Bowman
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Looks like a sloopy solder job to me.


Couple of questions. How is the water pressure supply to the bath sink and toilet?

If there is a diverter spout in the bath how is the water pressure supply.

It may just be a simple matter of cleaning the aerator on the kitchen sink and shower head.

#5

Originally Posted By: ckratzer
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Aww dang it. I bet 1/2 a cent John is right.

#6

Originally Posted By: dedwards
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Yep. All good possibilities for reduced pressure

#7

Originally Posted By: Monte Lunde
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I do not see any pipe support

–
Monte Lunde CCI, CCPM, CRI


Viking Construction Services Inc.

#8

Originally Posted By: jmichalski
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Thanks for all the help. I will amend my comments to include cleaning of the aerators at the sink and shower prior to evaluation. The toilet seemed normal, and the bathroom sink was fair (about normal). So, john you may be correct - maybe I was looking for a reason to get worked up over the decrease in size of the tubing.


The galvanized pipe shown is actually black iron gas supply for the heating system - fairly common in Philly rowhomes. The age of the home, as Cheremie guessed, might indicate original galvanized piping, but at all exposed points, copper tubing was present - no galvanized.

The hose bib is before the reducer, and the reducer definitely is smaller than 3/4 inch. I do know that the reduction is significant, I just didn't know if it would be the cause of the problem. Now that I think about the other sink, it may be nothing more than a clogged aerator.

Thanks again!!