I am looking to install an outdorr shower in the back of home:
1) Can I make my own mixing valve out of fittings from the hardware store? Example: a gate vale for the each hot and cold line and a “t” to send the mix to the shower head. Or is it bad to cross the lines like that?
2) If it is bad to cross the lines like that could I just install a vacuum breaker on each line before the “t” to keep any water from the opposite line from trying to make its way back (not really sure if that would happen anyway with all the pressure)
3) could anyone point me towards some decent outdoor shower fixtures.
Thanks for any help
Replies
You wouldn't have any problems with your idea but it would be easier to just buy a fixture. They get wet in the shower and if exposed to rain - so what. Get a set with a tub spout so you can wash your feet without having to take a full shower. Also easier to wash up the kids.
"Also easier to wash up the kids."
Issat what they call 'em now? Huh.Remodeling Contractor just on the other side of the Glass City
LMAO, thanks.
ok. so definitely no issues with "T-ing" hot and cold lines together.
Probably no big deal if you're aware and shut off both c&h, but if you have a shut off after the "T" and leave the hot and cold valves on, the hot or cold can backfeed into each other, giving you hot water coming out of a cold faucet elsewhere.
Bing
Using a 2 gate valve set up will only have a backfeed issue when using the shower.
If your hot & cold lines are of equal size, length & same # of fittings the flow for the most part will be even.
Now if someone somewhere else is using hot or cold then it could backfeed to the line being used if there is a great enough demand on that part of the system.
Ralph is spot on with using a shower valve, unless you have the parts laying around a shower valve with tub spout will be cheaper.
Are you in a climate where it can freeze? If so, what are you going to do about draining the lines or protecting them from freezing?
This is what I came up with to wash the dog. Two gray quarter turn basin stops, some CPVC and an accessory shower hose head inlaid in a piece of western red cedar. It has been out there in the salt air and weather for 10 years.http://gfretwell.com/ftp/shower.jpg
is that an electrical conduit and outdoor outlet in the picture?
"is that an electrical conduit and outdoor outlet in the picture?"Sure, what's the problem, it has wet location trim.
I'm no electrician and am often amazed at what code allows. On a gut level, I'd be more comfortable with it further away from the water supply.
You have receptacles next to your kitchen and bathroom sinks, do they bother you too?
There is an element immersed in a water heater and that is not even GFCI protected. Same for the garbage disposal.
Edited 7/26/2009 2:10 am ET by gfretwell
Alright. Thanks for all the feedback. In the interest of saving time I would like to use cpvc. Could I paint it white the same day I install it? I like copper, for looks and function, but really don't have all the time in the world.
Allright, don't get angry. Your OK with it, and it's been there for 10 years, so I guess no problem.
There is a vague possibility that an inspector would interpret an outdoor shower as being an outside "spigot" and require some sort of backflow prevention, especially if you have a wand on the shower. But from a practical standpoint it's not a problem.