How to Install Pipe Loops to Balance the Water Pressure Diagram

Step 1

Locate the thermostatic valve on the shower plumbing. This is a valve connected to the pipes being routed from the hot and cold adjustment knobs. This valve may have only one pipe if there is only one adjustment knob.

Step 2

Position each of the shower heads in the desired position. Mark the wall where the shower heads will be installed as a reference.

Step 3

Measure, mark and cut two pieces of PVC pipe that are 1 inch long. These are your spacer pieces. Sand the inside and outside of both ends to remove any burrs.

Step 4

Measure the horizontal distance between the thermostatic valve and the auxiliary shower heads. Measure, mark and cut six pieces of PVC pipe that correspond to the measurement. Sand the inside and outside of both ends to remove any burrs. These are your horizontal pieces.

Step 5

Measure the vertical distance between the bottom shower head and the thermostatic valve. Divide the measurement in half and subtract 1 inch. Measure, mark and cut five pieces of corresponding pipe. Sand the inside and outside of both ends to remove any burrs. These are your vertical pieces.

Step 6

Remove the cap on the bottom of the thermostatic valve. Spread a small amount of PVC cement around one end of the first spacer and slide the glued end into the thermostatic valve.

Step 7

Spread a small amount of PVC cement around the clean end of the pipe piece. Slide on an elbow fitting and twist the fitting until the outlet points to the right.

Step 8

Spread cement on one end of a horizontal piece. Insert the glued end into the elbow.

Step 9

Spread glue on the clean end of the horizontal piece and slide on an elbow connector. Turn the connector until the outlet points up.

Step 10

Spread cement on one end of a vertical piece. Insert the glued end into the elbow.

Step 11

Spread cement on the clean end of the pipe and slide on an elbow. Turn the elbow until it points to the left. Spread cement on one end of a horizontal piece and slip it into the elbow.

Step 12

Spread cement on the end of the pipe and attach an elbow joint. Turn the connector so the outlet points up. Steps 6 through 12 will form a rectangular shape with a top, right side, bottom and partial left side.

Step 13

Spread cement on the end of a spacer and slide it into the top of the elbow. Spread cement on the clean end of the spacer and slide a T-joint over the top.

Step 14

Spread cement on one end of two horizontal pieces. Slide the glued ends into each of the side outlets on the T-joint.

Step 15

Spread cement on the clean ends of the horizontal pieces installed in Step 14. Slide an elbow onto each end so they point up.

Step 16

Spread cement on the ends of two vertical pieces. Slide one glued end into each of the elbows installed in Step 15. Connect the pieces to the bottom outlet of the shower heads with the manufacturer's provided parts.

Step 17

Connect two more vertical pieces to the top outlet of the shower heads with the manufacturer's provided parts.

Step 18

Spread cement on the ends of the vertical pieces installed in Step 14. Slide an elbow on each piece so they point towards each other.

Step 19

Spread cement on one end of two horizontal pieces. Slide the glued ends into each of the elbows.

Step 20

Spread cement on the clean end of each horizontal piece and slide the ends into the horizontal outlets on the T-joint. Steps 13 through 20 will form a rectangle that is bisected vertically by the auxiliary shower heads.

Step 21

Measure the distance between the T-joint installed in Step 20 and the bottom outlet of your main shower head. Measure, mark and cut a corresponding piece of PVC pipe. Sand the inside and outside of both ends to remove any burrs. Spread cement on one end and insert it into the top of the T-joint.

Step 22

Connect the top of the pipe installed in Step 18 to the bottom outlet of the main shower head.