Chapter 20:Freshwater Systems
water delivery system (as long as it’s potable-
water certified), but hose installations aren’t
generally as neat or as chafe-free.
Freshwater Piping Sizes
Half-inch pipe or tube (DN 15 mm) is stan-
dard for small to mid-size boats. Larger
vessels with more than five fixtures to sup-
ply are better off with^3 / 4 inch (DN 20 mm),
and this is the standard size for higher-output
pressure-water pump systems. Branch lines
can be^1 / 2 inch (DN 25 mm). Most mixer taps
and faucets are^1 / 2 inch (DN 25 mm), but
smaller ones may be^3 / 8 inch (10 mm). As
we’ve seen, sink and shower drains should
be 1, 1^1 / 4 , or 1^1 / 2 inches (DN 25, 32, or 40 mm).
A larger size is better if you can fit it. I
recommend against^3 / 4 - inch (DN 20 mm)
drains.Fine Faucets
Plenty of excellent marine faucets are available
(properly called “mixer taps” when they com-
bine hot and cold water), but I usually prefer to
use high-quality home faucets. These come in
beautiful designs and in a wide array of shapes
and sizes. Delta, Moen, and Grohe are some of
the many well-known brands. Easily available
at most large home-supply outlets and
plumbing-supply stores, they not only are
rugged and convenient, but also give a boat an
extra touch of class at a reasonable price.Figure 20-5. PEX
tubing and
fittings