[Cob] Re: pipes

[Barbara Roemer]

Check on your water pressure before embarking on a pex project or any
plumbing with an on-demand water heater.  Our pressure is fairly low and we
have conventionally sized pex runs (larger for washer, smaller for
sink/toilet/tub) which do not work well with the combo of mixing valves and
the instant-on heater.  It's gotten worse over three years as our water is
heavily mineralized, as well, so now, to get hot water at any tap other than
the washer, we have to turn another tap on to a trickle so there is plenty
of volume running through the on-demand heater.  We understand we can
correct the extremely wasteful problem either by replacing the on-demand
heater with a conventional one; putting in a pre$$sure tank; or replacing
the valves with non-mixing types (a line to a faucet for hot, and a line to
faucet for cold).  Although it's the most costly option, we will probably
opt for the pressure system so we'll have sufficient pressure to run a drip
system for the orchard and gardens.  We worked with a plumber, but our pex
installation was his first.  Also, the local plumbing store loaned us the
pex tools since they're pretty pricey and Home Despot wants to sell you the
materials and the tools.

Barbara