What is the standard size for a residential water service line?

The standard size for a residential water service line is typically 3/4 inch. This size is commonly used because it provides an adequate flow of water for most household demands, ensuring that multiple fixtures can be used simultaneously without significant drops in water pressure. A 3/4 inch line strikes a good balance between sufficient volume and manageable cost, making it the most practical choice for residences.

While smaller sizes such as 1/2 inch are sometimes seen in certain applications, they may not handle the demands of larger households or multiple simultaneous uses effectively. Larger sizes, such as 1 inch or 2 inches, are typically reserved for commercial applications or larger residential systems where higher flow rates are necessary, which is not common in typical residential settings.