What Size PEX Line Should I Use for an External Water Spigot?
Asked by User1234XYZ
I'm planning to run a PEX water line from my 3/4" hose bib around my house to a new spigot. The total distance is about 77 feet, and I have 4 elbow joints in the mix. My water pressure is 60 psi, and I'm only going to be using one hose at a time. Given that I'll be using 1/2" PEX, how much will it affect my water pressure? Would it be better to go with the 3/4" size even if I'm just using it for watering a small garden and washing my car? Thanks in advance!
Answers
I've done this before, and I can vouch for the 3/4" option. I ran 1/2" PEX for my outdoor spigots, and while it worked fine, having the extra size means less pressure drop. Plus, my setup was directly connected to a 1" PEX main, so it had great pressure. Better safe than sorry with the larger size in your situation!
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Honestly, I'd stick with the 3/4" unless cost is a big barrier. You can find comparison tables for 1/2" vs. 3/4" garden hoses to visualize the flow differences. If you can, avoid using elbows; smooth curves are preferable for minimizing water pressure loss.
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Go with the 3/4"! It's a smarter choice for your setup. If you're asking about the elbows, remember that PEX is pretty flexible; try to make a continuous run without too many joints to avoid leaks down the line. Also, make sure your setup is deep enough to avoid freezing if you're in a colder area!
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DIYMasterJohn: Exactly! If the source pressure is already low, you'd definitely benefit from the larger diameter.