Download EB home run (cold)Home-run plumbing is replacing traditional piping for three reasons. First, it costs less to install. The system uses more pipe than traditional trunk and branch piping, but the flexible 1/2-inch pipe eliminates the dozens of fittings needed for 3/4 or 1-inch rigid pipe on trunk and branch piping. The reduced labor and fitting costs more than offsets the cost of the additional pipe. The second reason is its hydraulic balance. Someone using a shower, for example, will not get a temperature or pressure shock when another plumbing fixture is opened.
The third reason is that home-run systems conserve water and energy. Studies conducted by the National Association of Home Builders show that home-run systems use 30-40 percent less water than traditional systems. The small diameter pipe is able to deliver tempered water faster, thus reducing the amount of water wasted while waiting for the desired temperature. That also results in less energy used to heat the water.
The attached illustration is a floor plan for a home-run plumbing system. The water service pipe enters through the garage and connects to a 1-inch copper manifold. The manifold has 1/2-inch ports that supply cold water to 14 plumbing fixtures and devices throughout the house. The three devices in the garage are the water heater and pumps for radiant floor heating. The fourth device treats water from the sinks and showers, and supplies the water to flush the toilets. That is why there are no cold water lines to the toilets.
When I look at the floor plan, I see more than a home-run plumbing system; I see one half of a sprinkler system. When sprinklers are added, the system becomes a manifolded grid that supplies the plumbing fixtures and sprinklers at the same time. My next post will include the same plan for the sprinkler portion and the complete combination of plumbing and sprinklers.
The floor plan is for a home being built in New Mexico, and the cost of the combined plumbing/sprinkler system is $1.50 per square foot. The cost breakdown shows that the sprinkler portion accounts for just under 60 percent of the total. This means that the sprinklers cost less than 90 cents per square foot. A similar system was recently installed in Minnesota where the total cost was 99 cents per square foot, so the sprinklers cost around 55 cents per square foot. How is that for affordable sprinklers?
Home-run plumbing systems act as control centers, or manifolds, for hot and cold water that feed supply lines to individual fixtures. Home-run systems equalize pressure, and therefore allow several fixtures to be used simultaneously without dramatic changes in pressure or temperature.
Posted by: plumbing fittings | March 25, 2012 at 01:39 PM
I am totally agreed with this post. The reasons explained in the post why to install Home run plumbing is good. I like it because its eco friendly because of conservation of water as well as energy. Good Share..!!!
Posted by: plastic inserts | March 25, 2012 at 11:11 PM
Home-run plumbing has many advantages than traditional piping. Aside from that,it is eco-friendly especially nowdays that there is shortage in water supply. Great article.
Posted by: plumbing supplies | April 04, 2012 at 10:41 PM
I've noticed EB home run replacing traditional piping a while ago, i hear it does help energy saving.
as for me i still use traditional piping but i am considering changing that.
Posted by: pdf viewer | April 13, 2012 at 02:38 AM
I read your plan and system of plumbing.It is well planning with best support to economical.Also it is useful for saving the water.Thank for well suggestion.
Posted by: licensed plumber | May 30, 2012 at 04:06 AM
Thanks for sharing the information regarding the home run plumbing.. It's a great help to me as I was looking for it so that I can read it very deeply.. Your tips are very helpful and I will definitely look forward to it..
Posted by: Kingwood electrician | August 31, 2012 at 03:41 AM