11:44AM | 05/23/05
Member Since: 05/09/05
3 lifetime posts
I am in the middle of a complete bathroom redo. New tub, new sink, new toilet, new vanity, and new faucets. I have purchase a shower/tub faucet with three handles for a period look. There is no "anti-scald" or "balanced pressure" valve. According to several sales experts, you only need them for a single handled valve. (True or false?)

Anyways, my question: is it better to increase the water supply lines from 1/2" diameter to 3/4" diameter as a solution to a scalding issue? The scalding issue is when someone flushes the toilet or the washing machine is filling and someone else is in the shower, they get burned.

Note, I can only increase the supply lines in the basement and not on any vertical lines to the second floor. Will this help?


02:13PM | 05/28/05
Member Since: 08/29/04
227 lifetime posts
Here's the deal, you can have an anti-scald installed behind the wall. It is a special device for period type fauctes. And don't let the salesman confuse you, there are two handle and 3 handle faucets that have anti-scald built right in. Check with Kohler and American standard. But in addition to that, you should have anti-scald even if you have two or three handle faucets.

But as to your question about water pipe sizing. If the water pressure in your home is real good and you isolate the water line to the toilet, by running a direct line from the meter to the toilet, you shouldn't have a problem. In the newer homes with Pex manifolds, the manifold allows for full flow to all fixtures. So if you have a pressure drop to a toilet, while someone is in the shower, you will have an equal drop in the hot water heater.

Good Luck

Raymond VinZant Plumbing Prof.


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