Knowing the best steam pipe size (1/2 or 3/4 inch) to get:
This is another big problem. Many people have 1 steamhead in their steam room when the problem of sticky wet steam can be avoided by having 2 steamheads. Two steamhead splits up the steam. If you have 2 half inch steam pipes, having 2 is like having a single 1 inch pipe.
Many people are deceived thinking they are getting the benefit from 2 steam heads when they have 1/2 inch pipes. Having 2 steam 1/2 inch steam pipes with larger killowatt generators really is just 25% more piping size. The best dual steam lines are when the lines are 3/4 in pipes and you have 2 jumbo sized steam lines. This is when it is super quiet and the steam quality has less condensate than two 1/2 inch lines.
So, don't just think 2 steam lines are better just because you are getting two of them. Two 1/2 inch pipes on a larger model will still be much louder than two 3/4 inch pipes. Also, with dual 3/4 inch pipes there is less back pressure and the steam is much dryer and the steam cloud stays in the air rather than sticking to the walls like the wetter type steam.
Notes: if you only have one steam head on any of the larger size generators when you really should have two, by having 1 steam head it will cause your feet to burn. I have a review page on feet burn if you are worried you may be oversizing your generator or need two steam heads. I do not recommend putting steam cages around steam heads also. Many people return their generators and get smaller sizes when it comes out with two much force. See my foot burn page.
Notes: before you buy a steam generator, don't wait till you get it and find out you need a 3/4 inch pipe your steam generator only works with half inch pipes.
Notice: if you want steam with the driest steam fraction possible and you want your steam to avoid steam traps at the ceiling, know the differences on how larger diameter piping helps increase steam quality.
Many people complain about their generators not making enough steam several years after they install it. It is not always the generator that is the problem. It is the piping. When people call in with complaints like this, the first thing I ask is what is your pipe size or they just have to tell me the brand and I know also. Nearly every issue is with generators that use 1/2 inch pipes. Back in the day most generators worked at 15 psi and didn't require larger pipes. If you are going to use a very small killowatt size generator it doesn't matter as much since not as many grams of steam are coming through. On my steam generator sizing page, please let me know your pipe size. I cannot recommend a model without knowing this first. Take my Steam Generator Sizing quiz here.
Know before buying a steam generator
Know before buying a steam generator
Know before buying a steam generator
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DiscountSteamGenerators.com
We're open now
1-800-336-9285
Ask for Sharon
We're open now
1-800-336-9285
Ask for Alex
Warning: Pipes smaller than 3/4 inches can cause more feet burn as more steam is forced out further. If you have a larger pipe size, the stream has a larger diameter and doesn't have the same force and is much more comfortable if your steam head is close to your feet in the steam room. Those who are upsizing because of ceramic, porcelain, or natural stone are upsizing to a larger size. This automatically makes it spray harder than the normal room cubic foot size. (see my page on steam feet burn).
I urge people not to use 1/2 inch pipes if using a steam generator for residential use and your feet are within distance of the steam blowing on your feet.
