Pex pipe is more plastic and durable and replaces copper pipe. You can upgrade your shower experience with Pex pipe’s wide selection. It is available in different diameters like 3/4 inch pex to 1 inch pex; among them, 1/2 inch and 3/4 inch are commonly used. A 3/4 pex pipe outside diameter is 0.875 inch, inside diameter is 0.681 inch, and weight is 11.00 lbs/100ft. Usually, 1/2 inch diameter pex is good enough for a shower.
But if you eagerly ask, can I run 3/4 pex to shower? The answer is yes, you can. You will need 1-inch primary pipeline diameter to use 3/4 pex. It is able to supply 1.83 gal/100ft water which is commendable. Simultaneously, If you wait a long time for water, having faster water with pex ¾ will be a delight in the shower. No technical issue is involved in not using 3/4 pex, but this 3/4 pex pipeline will increase the chance of water misuse.
Usually, the pex pipe diameter depends on the pipe length; the more the length, the more the diameter. Read on to have your detailed answers.
Can I run 3/4 pex to shower?
According to a study in Germany, 78 % of people find the low water pressure in the washroom annoying, and it is the third most annoying moment in the bathroom. In that sense, pex 3/4 can relieve you from that trouble, and having faster water with pex 3/4 will be a delight in the shower.
The shower is one of the efficient ways of taking a bath as it spreads water throughout the body and cleans dirt stuck on the body. The motion of the water is one of the most critical aspects of the shower. Hence, you need to install a proper line setup to get proper water flow.
Using 1/2 or 3/4 is pex is excellent and standard though 3/8 is also used. The general rule is that the greater the distance, the greater the diameter of the pipe. For 250 feet length line, a 3/8 inch diameter pipe is fine.
Similarly, 350 feet line length needs a 1/2 inch diameter pipe for adequate water supply, and 500 feet length needs a 3/4 inch diameter pipe to supply water.
Likewise, it is better to use a smaller pipe diameter than the supply line; for example, 1/2 pex is good enough for the shower as long as the supply line for the shower is 3/4.
If you require more than 4.5 GPM and your pipe is more than 93 feet, 3/4 pex is acceptable. You can enjoy a warm bath with lots of water and feel the difference. The more expansive line will help you to fill your bathtub early.
On the other hand, using a washing machine and dishwasher is easier with 3/4 pex. However, depending on your requirements and restrictions, 1/ 2 and 3/4 pex sizes can be okay for a shower.
Things to Consider Before Using 3/4 Pex Pipe In The Shower
The importance of understanding pex primacy, color code variation, capacity, and physical characteristics before installing a pex ¾ shower cannot be overstated. Therefore, some information and considerations you need to know before using ¾ pex pipe.
Pex pipe
Pex pipe, or Cross-linked polyethylene, is famous and currently substituting copper and galvanized steel pipe. That is because of its affordability, flexibility, and DIY-friendliness in remodeling and construction sites.
It eliminates the trouble of joining and leaking problems. Thus, it has a customizable size to accommodate water pressure and particular household installation.
Pex has a wide range in length, from 50 feet up to 1000 feet long. It is color coded but available in 4 colors. They don’t have any color specialty, and the color is used to make it easy to install.
- Blue PEX pipe transports cold water
- Red PEX pipe transports hot water
- White PEX pipe through which cold and hot water can be carried through
- Gray PEX pipe, like white, is suitable for both hot and cold water
Types of pex
Based on the barrier, pex is divided into three categories
- Non-oxygen barrier
- Pex A
- Pex B
- Oxygen barrier
- Aluminum barrier
1. Non-oxygen barrier
The non-oxygen barrier is popular for potable water application.
- Pex A: Pex A is flexible, cold-resistant, and perfect for kitchen and bath fixtures
- Pex B: Pex B is a bit stiffer and not so cold resistant
Both of them are available in red, blue, and white colors.
2. Oxygen barrier
An oxygen barrier is used to protect the pipe from corrosion or rust. It is available in Pex A and Pex B with multiple colors and diameters.
3. Aluminium barrier pex
Aluminum barrier pex is a three-layer tubing; also known as Pex-AL-Pex and helps it to hold its share after bending. It is the best choice for heating systems at high temperatures and outdoor use.
Pex diameter
Pex diameter is available from ⅜ to 1 inch for residential applications. The most widely used size is ½ or ¾.
In the market, you can find three types of pex pipe with A, B, and C designations. Pex A, Pex B, and Pex C are manufactured differently. Pex A is the softer one and easy to work with.
And Pex B is often the best residential plumbing because it can expand to resist cracking and chlorine. Pex C is the most economical choice. It is the stiffer one, so good for short repair.
Conclusion
The shower dramatically affects our health, and you should maintain the best option. Approximately 2.25 times more water can be carried by a 3/4″ water line compared to a 1/2″ line and is suitable for large shower heads. However, parting words are simple; you can use 3/4″ pex pipe, and it will be best to balance the water waste.