Plumbers... need some help!

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Hunter8282

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I need to redo the water at my hunting shack after this past winter... :( I am planning to use PEX and get rid of the galvanized/PVC/copper mess that's there now.

My jet pump froze and cracked so I am starting from scratch with this new pump tank combo.

From there I am going to come over a foot or so to a tee and then a drain valve at the end of the line. From the tee I'll go up about 4' which will start my main cold water "trunk" line if you will. It will feed the hot water heater, a shower, bathroom sink, toilet, washing machine and kitchen sink. Most all of those are in line expect the bathroom sink. The total span of this trunk line is approx 20' ending at the feed to the shower and the feed to the kitchen sink. I will do the same with hot water coming out of the hot water heater (about a 2' rise) and hitting all the same except the toilet.

My question is should I use 1/2" for the "trunk" lines reduced to 3/8" for the "feed lines" or go bigger (3/4" to 1/2")?
 
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First off I'm not a Plumber I'm a Sprinkler Fitter. But if it was for me I'd go with the 3/4"down to 1/2" just make sure you can drain the line's and the pump. Pex is very forgiving with freezing but not so as you found out with the pump.
 
Hunter8282 said:
Would you feed and come out of the Hot Water heater with 3/4" or 1/2"?
Click to expand...


At my then new house 10 years ago I came out of the pump tank (have deep well pump)with ¾”, ran that to close to the hot water tank and tee it off to 1/2'' one side feeds the tank and the other continues on to supply cold to where it is needed. Water coming out of the HW tank is also 1/2". Never had a problem with pressure or volume. (2 bedroom house, 2 full bathrooms, laundry room, kitchen and two outdoor spigots. I use copper, as I’m a now 13 year retired pipefitter and had no problem soldering or working with copper. I never worked with PEX so know little about it.

If you’re concerned about draining down pitch your lines a little and have a couple drain valves at the low points.
 
Code here is 3/4 main line. You can branch off with 1/2. I would install a fitting for an air compressor to blow out the lines for winter.
 
All good ideas listed so far. Go with 3/4" for the main line and 1/2" for the feeders. Just make sure your pump puts out sufficient pressure so you can get an adequate water flow. Down slope and air line fitting for blow out are excellent ideas.
 
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Nice diagram!

I too would go with the 3/4 backbone >> 1/2 taps just so you have the most water available. Your faucets will allow the right amount of flow for best operation.

I read it has a built-in pressure switch but I didn't see the pressure range. Should be about 40-50 PSI.
 
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