Water pipe 32mm to stop tap

[gotti]

Currently I'm having an 32mm pipe installed from the road (water board valve) to the house. However, the plumber has advised me to downsize the pipe when inside the property to 25mm and then place a stop tap.

However, my thoughts are as I have a 32mm to the house the pipe should be 32mm until the stop tap (i.e. no down sizing to 25mm), allowing me to utilise the full flow/rate rather then down sizing the pipe and then putting a stop tap. Am I correct? And should I insist on 32mm till the stop-tap?

Any advise much appreciated.

 

[JohnD]

I will guess you are having this done because you have an unvented hot water cylinder such as a Megaflo, or an unusually large combi, and have several bathrooms, so you want a generous and unrestricted flow.

To get the best out of your 32mm supply, you would have a 32mm main stopcock, followed by a short length of 32mm plastic or 28mm copper from which you can take two 22mm copper or 25mm plastic, one to your cylinder and one to your cold water pipes (plastic pipe has thick walls, so is smaller inside than copper pipe of the same external diameter).

The plumber will argue that the long 32mm pipe into your house will deliver a good flow, and the 22mm restriction will not restrict it much, which is true, but the small extra cost of the larger stopcock and before you divide into 22mm hot and cold will make an improvement. It seems a shame to spoil the ship for such a small cost saving.

If you're paying for it, have what you want.

 

[Madrab]

At the end of the day you will be downsizing at the tap or directly after anyway. Will a couple of feet make a noticeable difference to overall flow, once your into the house's distribution pipework, wouldn't think so.

All depends on impact to flow rate at the stop tap I guess.

Can you ask the guys to test flow rate at the supply end, you will then see what impact there is to the flow once the tap's installed.

 

[gotti]

If you're paying for it, have what you want.

Thanks JohnD - Funny you say that the plumber quoted for all 32mm work and only when on the job mentioned the downsize (and no cost reduction!)

Thanks Madrab - unfortunately I'm initially installing the the MDPE pipe work first and will then will get the water company to connect up a new supply on there end.

I'll get the plumber to keep the 32mm pipe until the stop tap.


Thanks Guys!!

 

[JohnD]

A 32mm plastic stopcock is surprisingly expensive

 

[Madrab]

A 32mm plastic stopcock is surprisingly expensive

Yup, you're not kidding, quoted for a brass variable plasson replacement about a month ago, £60, lol...customer thought I was at it until he checked online