For all you plumbing pro's out there: My wife and I have been buying and rehabing homes for rentals. Many have required new plumbing, either cause of age, old plugged galvanized pipes, or freeze damage. Most of the houses are 3br, one bath homes. My current project is a 2 story with 2, 3br Flats, 1 upper and 1 lower. It is in dire need of new plumbing throughout. My practice on the other houses has been to run 3/4 inch copper from the meter as a main branch, and go down to 1/2 copper as I near the fixtures (except the HW heater which has 3/4 in and out). My question is How do I size the pipe to provide sufficient flow and pressure especially for the upper flat.
Also the meter is at the opposite end of the house from the HW heaters and from where the lines will branch to the various apts. Approw 30-40 feet, if this is a factor for flow/ pressure considerations.
Is there a rule of thumb or a formula? will my standard practice be correct. I have noticed that most of these old houses were plumbed originally with 1/2 galvanized throughout.
thanks for any help or suggestionsNYFlyer56@aol.com