Ask Experts Questions for FREE Help !
Ask
    Midwest_Mike's Avatar
    Midwest_Mike Posts: 1, Reputation: 1
    New Member
     
    #1

    Apr 5, 2012, 11:00 AM
    Water flow to multiple fixtures
    I just purchased a home built in the 1950's. I'm having issues with water flow, if using the shower and the sink is turned on or the toilet flushed, I lose almost all pressure. The pipes are copper, but I've noticed that it appears to be 1 main supply to that bathroom. I think that is part of the issue, but am not sure. I was going to add a supply line for each fixture: toilet, sink, shower from the main lines. Is it a safe bet that this would fix my problem?
    RickJ's Avatar
    RickJ Posts: 7,762, Reputation: 864
    Uber Member
     
    #2

    Apr 5, 2012, 11:58 AM
    Probably not. If your lines are copper we presume there is little to no corrosion inside of them restricting flow.

    The pressure to the house is constant... same as for all of your neighbors.

    It's not uncommon that water pressure to one area is reduced if water to other areas is being used.

    So to make a long story short, it sounds like the issue just goes with the territory.

    ... but it couldn't hurt to call a couple local plumbing companies for a free estimate - to see if they can identify something wrong... BUT if they DO say something is wrong, don't pay them until and unless you have confirmed that the problem is solved. Look at the contract carefully.
    hkstroud's Avatar
    hkstroud Posts: 11,929, Reputation: 899
    Home Improvement & Construction Expert
     
    #3

    Apr 5, 2012, 12:00 PM
    What size it the pipe between the main and the bathroom?
    speedball1's Avatar
    speedball1 Posts: 29,301, Reputation: 1939
    Eternal Plumber
     
    #4

    Apr 5, 2012, 02:39 PM
    Quote Originally Posted by Midwest_Mike View Post
    I just purchased a home built in the 1950's. I'm having issues with water flow, if using the shower and the sink is turned on or the toilet flushed, I lose almost all pressure. The pipes are copper, but I've noticed that it appears to be 1 main supply to that bathroom. I think that is part of the issue, but am not sure. I was going to add a supply line for each fixture: toilet, sink, shower from the main lines. Is it a safe bet that this would fix my problem?
    Hi Mike and Welcome to The Plumbing Page. At AskMeHelpDesk.com. I live in a 50's house. You have a volume problem that causes you to lose pressure. Our homes were originally piped in galvanized iron pipes. Over the years the pipes build up rust and cut down on both volume and pressure. That's the time most of us got a repipe job in copper. All well and good. But if the water service line's still galvanized then you have found the source of your problem and all the branches you run into your bathroom from the main will be useless . Go outside and tell m me what type of pipe you have on your water service. Try this. You should have a hose bib near where the water enters your house. Turn it on and have someone inside run the bath tub and flush an toilet. If the pressure falls to a trickle then you've located the source of your pressure loss. Let me know what you find. Good luck, Tom

Not your question? Ask your question View similar questions

 

Question Tools Search this Question
Search this Question:

Advanced Search

Add your answer here.


Check out some similar questions!

Not getting hot water in all fixtures [ 1 Answers ]

My bathrooms back up to each other and are on the same line at the end of the house. One bathroom gets hot water and the other bathroom on the other side of the wall is not getting hot at all. This is for the shower and sink. All other fixtures are getting hot, just not this bathroom. This...

Venting of multiple fixtures in bathroom, [ 5 Answers ]

Hello my name is Jef, I'm doing a remodel of an existing toilet with a sink but adding a shower and a washer. Do I need separate vents for these new additions or can I tap into the existing vent? Thanks for any help you may be able to provide.

City water, need to maintain pressure w more fixtures [ 3 Answers ]

I am adding on and will increase my fixture count. The city will force me to increase my water main from 3/4 to 1-1/4 at about 5k including city costs. Is there a way to add a 'reciever' tank much like an air system to help maintain flow when the city tests?

Brown water from only hot fixtures [ 2 Answers ]

I have brown water coming out of all hot water (only) fixtures. Does anyone have any Idea what it is and then how to fix? Thanks Deane

How to increase water flow when multiple fixtures running? [ 7 Answers ]

Dear Ask Me, I want to increase water flow when multiple fixtures are running. We have a 2900 sq foot two level L-shaped rancher built in 1963 in Atlanta. For our family of four, the water pressure is fine. When someone is taking a shower there is a noticeable drop in pressure and volume when...


View more questions Search