How to Clean Up This Supply Piping Mess

[Drkhrse]

Hello,
I’ve gotten some good info from the knowledgeable folks on this forum before, and this is my first post:
The main distribution pipe coming into our Chicago two-flat is 3/4” galvanized from a city-installed 5/8” meter. It runs ~30ft from the front of the basement to the mechanical room where it branches for the boilers, water heaters and risers. It’s covered with asbestos insulation so we are having it removed by abatement pros and will need to repipe the basement supply.

The supply pipe coming out of the floor is 1” galvanized with a new ball valve before the meter and an old gate valve after the meter.

Would 1” copper be a good choice? Top floor unit has 1 bath with jacuzzi tub and a kitchen with dishwasher. 1st floor unit has full bath and kitchen. Basement has laundry group, another bathroom and a kitchenette.

The building also has a hose bibb, two water heaters, and two boilers for the hydronic radiant heating system.

I measured 35 psi static pressure at the hose bibb just past the meter in the front.

Currently there is inadequate pressure/flow at the second floor shower head, especially when other fixtures are open.

The branch piping in the mechanical room is a rats nest.


[Pics 1](https://imgur.com/gallery/bAe96aS)



[Pics 2](https://imgur.com/gallery/EcujZfP)

https://imgur.com/gallery/Tpv5s9f

 

[Sylvan]

Copper Type L above ground for sure

I am surprised Chicago allowed Galvanized piping to be installed underground without protecting it from coming into contact with cement (IPS Sleeve )

Also Galvanized should never be placed underground it should have been either Brass or Type K copper

Now with a new brass valve connected to the existing galvanized piping be prepared for electrolytic action to take place and hopefully you have a valve prior to the galvanized main piping

 

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[Reach4]

Would 1” copper be a good choice?

Yes. Don't use any type M (red ink) copper.

I would run the 1 inch right up to the top unit for their water, instead of branching off of the piping that serves the lower unit. The top floor is already going to have lower pressure, because pressure drops at 0.434 psi per ft of rise, before any flow losses. So don't let the top floor lose pressure from lower floor use.