If I add a third bathroom to my house, how will it affect my water pressure?

Question

I'm planning a future addition to my house, which will include a new bathroom. I was told be someone that I need to be careful when adding more plumbing, because it will affect my water pressure. If it will give me poor water pressure, then what steps can I take to make sure this doesn't happen?

Answer 1

Water pressure and water volume are two different issues. You will maintain the same water pressure but your volume will go down.

Here is what you do. Go to where your water meter is and measure what size pipe you have coming into your house and determine what material it is made of. It will be copper, plastic, galvanized or lead. Measure before the meter and after the meter. Now count how many fixtures (2 toilets, 3 sinks and so on) that you currently have in the house. Contact your local Public Works department, tell them what you size and type of service you have and how many fixtures you have and then ask them how many fixtures you can have on that size service line.

If you are going to have more fixtures than the service can handle you may think about going to a larger service line. Also if you have a lead service line you may wish to replace it for health reasons. If you replace the service with a larger one make sure you replace the meter as well otherwise you will be chocking the volume with the meter. This can be costly so get a couple quotes and adjust your budget accordingly.

Answer 2

It can effect your water pressure if the new bath is in use at the same time as other baths. In some homes there is a pressure regulator on the main line. Be careful not to increase the pressure too much or it could rupture your water pipes.

Answer 3

No effect

Answer 4

IF YOU HAVE A 3/4 OR BIGGER SUPPLY LINE IT SHOULD BE MINIMAL