Water Supply and Pipe Design Methods • Up to five 3 Ú4 inch branches or up to ten 1

Ú2 inch branches can

Flow Rates be served by a 1 1 Ú4 inch main
- is the volume of a substance that passes a point
in a system per unit of time. Fixture Units

- varies by type of fixture and water pressure at - Method developed by Dr. Roy Hunter of the
the fixture. National Bureau of
Standards (now the National Institute of
Water Demand Standards and
- is defined as the volume of water requested by Technology, NIST)
users to satisfytheir needs. - is an arbitrarily chosen measure that allows all
types of plumbing
Design Load - is the maximum probable or peak fixtures to be expressed in common terms; that
instantaneous demand for domestic water by a is, a fixture having
group of fixtures. The design load is typically twice the instantaneous flow rate of a second
expressed in gpm, L/min or L/s. fixture would have a
fixture unit value twice as large.
Pressure Difference
A pressure difference must exist at a plumbing The sole purpose of the fixture unit concept is to
fixture to cause water to flow—that is, water make it possible to calculate the design load on a
pressure at the fixture must be at a higher level system composed of different types of fixtures,
than atmospheric pressure for water to flow from each having different flow rates.
the fixture. Pressure difference (ΔP) is the
driving force of fluid flow. Water Supply Fixture Unit (WSFU)

static head, in psi, ΔPstatic= -0.433Z - is a probability factor that represents each
(in English) fixture connected to the water supply system and
used to determine the total use of water within a
static head, in kPa, ΔPstatic= -9.8Z given system.
(in metric) Method 2: WSFU Design
Method 1:Simple Empirical Design Method Table Method

In the empirical design method, piping In residential and small commercial buildings,
is sized with rules of thumb based on WSFU design tables can be used to establish
observation and experience. meter and distribution pipe size based on
the total demand in WSFUs and the supply
The empirical approach is used in design of pressure (the available static pressure after static
plumbing systems for head loss). Table 13.10 represents WSFU tables
residences and similar buildings with simple used to size building supply and branch lines,
plumbing systems. and meter and service lines.

For example, the mains that serve fixture Meter and distribution pipe can be sized using
branches can be sized as follows: the following methods:

• Up to three 1 Ú2 inch branches can be served 1. Obtain minimum service water pressure for
by a 3 Ú4 inch main the location of construction. Usually this is
• Up to three 3 Ú4 inch branches or up to six 1 available through the municipal water
Ú2 inch branches can department.
be served by a 1 inch main
2. Compute the total WSFUs, including 3. Based on the maximum desired velocity (e.g.,
proposed and projected future 8ft/s or 2.4m/s) and design load (Q), solve for
plumbing fixtures. the minimum required diameter (Di-min):
3. Calculate the maximum developed length of
water piping: the In customary units, minimum required diameter
actual length of pipe between the source of (Di-min) of the pipe, in inches, is based on the
supply and the most maximum desired velocity (v) of a fluid flowing
remote fixture plus the developed length of through a pipe, in ft/s, and the volumetric flow
fittings. Developed length rate (Q) in gpm:
can be approximated by multiplying the actual Di-min = Squareroot of 0.409Q/V
length to the most In m/s:
remote fixture by 1.2 to compensate for loss of Di-min = Squareroot of 21.22Q/V
meter and fittings.
4. Select a pipe size for the appropriate pipe
Meter and distribution pipe can be sized using material (from design tables such as Table 12.9
the following methods: through 12.15, 12.17 through 12.22 in Chapter
12) with an inside diameter equal to or greater
4. Compute the static head (the pressure loss than the minimum required diameter, Di-min.
from elevation change) and subtract it from the
service water pressure. Static Head is found by Method 4: Equal Friction Design Method
multiplying the vertical height (Z), in feet or in
meters: This method is more complex and more
accurate, but usually requires several
5. Use Table 13.10 to determine the meter and iterations before pipe diameters are selected.
distribution pipe Sizing the piping using the equal friction design
sizing based on the total demand in WSFUs, method requires several iterations.
maximum developed length of water piping, and Often, it is a matter of trial and error, even for
the supply pressure (the available experienced engineers; the process
static pressure after static head loss). involves first selecting a pipe size for the
building main, which runs from the water
Method 3: Velocity Design Method system to the riser(s), and then determining the
friction loss for the pipe used from
The velocity design method entails selecting the the charts in Figures 13.6 and 13.7. The chart
smallest pipe diameter without exceeding a used will depend on the type of pipe
preestablished maximum velocity for the design roughness (material).
load in the pipe. It is typically used accurately in
a down feed system and works well in To make a pipe selection for a specific condition
preliminary design of a plumbing system using the equal friction design method:
provided the system layout is reasonably
symmetrical. This method does require an 1. Find the volumetric flow rate along the side of
investigation of pressure loss to ensure that the chart.
residual pressure at the most remote fixture is 2. Move horizontally across the chart to the pipe
adequate. diameters and, for specific nominal diameters,
note associated pressure drops and velocities.
The procedure is outlined below: 3. Select a pipe diameter having the desired
1. Sum the total number of WSFUs for hot water pressure drop (including fittings) without
and cold water. exceeding the velocity limitation requirements.
(See Table 13.7.)
2. Determine maximum probable demand in
gpm. (See Table 13.8
or Table 13.9.)
WATER SUPPLY DESIGN CONCERN pipe, fitting, pump, or valve. Over
time, this eventually manifests as
Water Velocity pinhole leaking.

If pipe diameters are small, cost is low but noise, An unsatisfactory connection or arrangement of
erosion (from high velocities), and pumping An piping that can cause non-potable water to
unsatisfactory connection or arrangement of enter the potable water system. A cross-
piping that can cause non-potable water to connection can cause used or contaminated
enter the potable water system. A cross- water to
connection can cause used or contaminated mix with the water supply.
water to
mix with the water supply. An air gap is the vertical distance through open
air between an opening in a fixture or faucet
An air gap is the vertical distance through open conveying potable water to the flood level rim of
air between an opening in a fixture or faucet a tank or fixture.
conveying potable water to the flood level rim of
a tank or fixture.costs (from high-pressure CROSS-CONNECTIONS
losses) are high. BACKFLOW

Large diameter pipes reduce noise erosion and A type of cross-connection that occurs when
pumping costs but result in high installation contaminated liquid or substance unintentionally
costs. An intermediate pipe diameter is desirable. flows backwards into distribution pipes
containing potable water.
Maximum water velocities in plumbing water
supply piping are usually limited to a range of 5 Backpressure or back siphoning is backflow
to 10 ft/s (1.5 to 3 m/s). caused by a negative pressure (vacuum) in a
potable water system.
Maximum velocities of up to 15 ft/s (4.5 m/s)
are allowed for equipment feed lines in Vacuum breaker, a device or plumbing
mechanical rooms (e.g., boiler feed lines) where assembly that when properly installed in a
noise is less of a concern. The maximum safe plumbing system prevents backflow.
velocity for thermoplastic pipe is about 5 ft/s
(1.5 m/s). VACUUM BREAKER

CAVITATION ATMOSPHERIC VACUUM BREAKER

Atmospheric vacuum breaker
A physical phenomenon that occurs (AVB), the most common type,
in a liquid when it experiences a consists of a body, a check valve-
drastic drop in pressure that causes like member, and an atmospheric
the liquid to vaporize into small opening. The AVB is not a testable
vapor bubbles. device.

As the low pressure returns to PRESSURE VACUUM BREAKER

normal pressure levels, the bubbles Pressure vacuum breaker (PVB), a
implode as the vapor changes type of backflow prevention device
phase back to a liquid and thus used to keep nonpotable (or
drastically decreases its volume. contaminated) water from entering
the water supply. Similar to an AVB,
The implosion causes noise and except that it contains a springloaded poppet.
high levels of erosion where the
imploding contact the walls of a
DOUBLE CHECK ASSEMBLY Pipe Insulation

Double check assembly (DCA) or In most commercial buildings, heat loss

double check valve is a backflow increases the cooling load and the costs of air
prevention device assembly that conditioning. Pipe insulation is applied to the
consists of two check valves outer walls of piping to reduce heat loss from the
assembled in series usually with a pipe or prevent condensation on the outside pipe
ball valve or gate valve installed at walls. Under high humidity conditions it is
each end for isolation and testing. necessary to insulate cold water lines to keep
condensation from forming.
WATER HAMMER
The sudden closing of a valve that will cause Leaks
fastflowing water to stop quickly, resulting in a
large increase in pressure. Plumbing leaks contribute significantly to water
consumption in operating plumbing systems.
Produces a force that makes pipes rattle with A leak of just one drop per second will waste
banging or thumping sounds as they expand about 2700 gal (10 200 L) of water a year.
and contract from exposure to an increase in Leaks not only waste money and water, they can
water pressure. cause damage to walls, flooring, ceilings,
furniture, and electrical systems.
Air chambers or water hammer arrestors, used
in the supply branches serving each fixture VISCOSITY
and uses trapped air to cushion the hydraulic As water flows through a pipe, its viscosity
shock. (thickness) decreases with temperature
decreases.
Air chambers, installed vertically above the Water at 40°F (4°C) is twice as viscous as water
fixture water connection and are concealed in at 90°F (32 °C) and four times as much at 170
the wall. The trapped air is compressible, °F (77 °C).
which cushions the pressure surge as the As a result, pumping energy and cost are higher
valve is closed and absorbs the hydraulic when water temperatures are lower.
shock.
TESTING
Water hammer arrestors are patented The water supply system should be tested for
devices that absorb hydraulic shock. Such leaks before it is covered with finish materials to
devices, when installed, must be accessible for determine if it is watertight.
maintenance. One type should be placed at Tests commonly run on water systems require
the end of the branch line between the last that it be watertight under a hydrostatic water
two fixtures served. Additional arrestors should pressure of 125 psi for a minimum of 1 hour.
be placed at the midpoint of a run longer than Any leaks that occur should be repaired with the
20 ft. joint compound originally used.

THERMAL EXPANSION AGING

Occurs no matter what type of piping inner walls become increasingly rough as pipes
material is used in the water system. in a plumbing system.
Expansion must be considered in the design Buildup from calcium deposits and corrosion
of the system. Expansion from temperature reduces the inside opening in the pipe, which
increases can push a pipe through a wall or restricts flow.
cause it to burst. The effects of aging in aplumbing system are
There are two methods in common use for related to piping material, quality of water (e.g.,
providing for expansion in pipelines: hard versus soft), and water temperature.
expansion bends and expansion joints.
Water Heaters water. Ultraefficient water heaters are vented
Types of Water Heaters with plastic pipes that go directly
1. Storage Tank Water Heaters through an outside wall. Because they draw
combustion air directly from outside,
A storage tank water heater consists of a storage through one of those pipes, their combustion
tank and a heating medium. processes are sealed off from the
Typically, storage tank sizes include 30, 40, 50, occupied space.
60, 65, 75, 80, 100, and 120-gal (120-
to 400-L) capacity. They are available in natural 2. Instantaneous on-demand (tankless) water
gas, propane (LP), fuel oil, and heaters
electric models. Instantaneous water heaters, sometimes called
Heating Medium for Storage Tank Water Heaters tankless water heaters or demand water
A. Electric water heaters have coil-like heaters, supply hot water on demand. They do
elements that extend into the tank, which not rely on a standby storage in a tank
heat water as electric current passes through the to artificially boost their capacity. Instead, they
elements. See Figure 13.11. have a heating device that is activated
B. Gas and fuel oil fired water heaters have by the flow of water when a hot water valve is
burners located on the bottom of the tank opened. Once activated, the heater
and a vent that passes up through the center of delivers a constant supply of hot water. The
the tank. The vent tube extracts output of the heater, however, limits the
residual heat from the combustion products rate of the heated water flow. They are more
before the gases are exhausted to the top efficient because they do not have any
of the tank into a vent that carries them outdoors. tank standby losses.

See Figure 13.12 3. Circulating Water Heaters

Circulating water heaters consist of a separate
Types of storage tank water heaters include storage tank that stores water heated by
the following: a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger may be a
• Residential storage tank water heaters are separate unit that is heated by stream
designed for the residential market, but or hot water from a boiler or may be contained
can be appropriate for many small commercial in a boiler.
facilities. These water heaters, which
are available with tank sizes up to 120 gal and 4. Tankless Coil and Indirect Water Heaters
gas inputs up to 75 000 Btu/hr, are No separate storage tank is needed in the
manufactured in large quantities. As a result, tankless coil water heater because water is
they are relatively inexpensive and heated directly inside the boiler in a hydronic
widely available. (hot water) heating system. The water
• Commercial storage tank water heaters are flows through a heat exchanger in the boiler
similar to residential models except that whenever a hot water faucet is opened.
they are available with much higher gas input A separate storage tank is required with an
ratings (1 000 000 Btu/hr or more) and indirect water heater.
larger storage tanks (up to 250 gal). They also Like the tankless coil, the indirect water heater
feature larger pipe connections, more circulates water through a heat
rugged controls, and a few features that are only exchanger in the boiler. But this heated water
rarely found in residential heaters, then flows to an insulated storage tank.
such as flue dampers and electronic ignition.
Because the boiler does not need to operate as
• Ultraefficient water heaters use power frequently, this system is more efficient
burners and enhanced heat exchangers to than the tankless coil.
force hot combustion gasses into chambers and
tubes that are submerged in the stored
5. Heat Pump Water Heaters First Hour Rating (FHR)
Heat pump water heaters extract energy from The FHR relates to the gallons of hot water
outdoor air and use it to produce hot available for one hour of peak demand. It is the
water very efficiently. Heat pump water heaters maximum output of the water heater over an
use an electric motor to run a hour, in gallons of hot water in a 100°F
compressor. The compressor draws a gaseous temperature rise. The FHR is the sum of the
refrigerant through an evaporator “standby” hot water found in the tank plus the
raising its pressure until it liquefies in the capacity of the heater to heat water during that
condenser. This heat pumping process heats first hour.
the condenser and cools the evaporator. In
removing heat from air, the heat pump both FHR (in gallons) =70% of tank capacity
cools and dehumidifies the air, thus helping to (gallons) + recovery rate (gallons per hour)
also meet cooling needs.
Recovery Rate
6. Solar Water Heater is the quantity of water that the burner or
A solar water heater typically includes collectors element can heat to a 100°F (38°C) increase in
mounted on the roof or in a clear one hour. This is referred to as a 100°
area of the yard, a separate storage tank near the temperature rise, which means that the water
conventional heater in the home, temperature is increased 100°F.
connecting pipes, and an electronic controller.
For example, if a burner can take 40 gallons of
7. Desuperheater 40°F (4.4°C) water and raise its temperature to
A desuperheater is an attachment to an air 140°F (60°C) in one hour, that burner/heater has
conditioner or heat pump that allows waste a 40 gal recovery rate.
heat from that device to assist in heating
domestic water. In hot climates, a In sizing a storage tank-type water heater, the
desuperheater can provide most of a home’s hot FHR of a water heater must meet or exceed
water needs. the peak hot water
demand.
Determining water heater size
Table 13.18 is a guide to selecting the minimum
Design Load recommended gas-fired storage tank water
- is the maximum amount of something a system heater size, in gal.
is designed to handle or the maximum amount of
something that the system can produce.

Water heating system must be designed to have

sufficient capacity to provide hot water during
periods of peak use.
An accepted method of determining the
maximum demand on a water heater is to
determine peak usage during a particular time of
day.

Sizing Storage Tank Water Heaters

Residential water heaters are typically sized
based on their first hour rating (FHR).
Table 13.19 provides specifications for Table 13.21 provides test results of a single
selected storage tank water heaters. instantaneous.

Sizing a Large Multifamily Water Heating

System

An approximation method used to determine hot

water demand in large multifamily buildings (10
or more dwelling units) is based on the demand
unit (DU). See Table 13.22.

Sizing Instantaneous Water Heaters

Instantaneous water heaters are selected based
on the amount of hot water needed to meet the
design load (peak instantaneous demand), in
gpm or L/min, at a specific water temperature
rise and other criteria.
Table 13.20 provides typical specifications for a For apartments or condominiums, a DU is
selected residential gas-fired instantaneous counted for each bathroom and clothes washing
(tankless) water heater. machine served by the water heating system,
For apartments or condominiums with 10 or
The design load (the flow rate of the more units
instantaneous water heater) is determined by
adding flow rates of fixtures used Maximum probable demand (MPD) of hot
simultaneously. water, in gal/hr,

To determine the required temperature rise MPD = 350 + 11 (DU)

needed, subtract the incoming water temperature
from the desired output temperature. This expression assumes 11 gal/hr for each
demand unit plus a 350 gal/hr reserve capacity.
A hot water boiler is typically sized to heat water conveys it to the house sewer (referred to as the
for buildings containing 10 or more dwelling collection line)
units. It is customary to include a storage tank
with the boiler to act as a reserve for times when
instantaneous demand exceeds boiler capacity.
Size of the storage tank is again based on the
number of DUs served by the water heating
system. See Table 13.23.

House Drain/House Sewer Sizes and Slope

Minimum storage tank capacity, in gal,

STC = DU . gal/DU
The House Trap – a device placed in the house
Table 13.22 provides capacities of cylindrical drain immediately inside the
storage tanks. foundation wall of the building; serves as
barrier; prevents gases which occur in the
Sanitary Drainage System public sewers from circulating through the
plumbing system.
A sanitary drainage and vent system,
sometimes referred to as the drain, waste, and
vent (DWV) system, is a network of pipes that
remove wastewater from a building.

DRAINAGE AND SEWERAGE SYSTEMS

HOUSE SEWER – part of the drainage system

beginning just outside
the foundation wall and terminating at the main
sewer. The terminal
of a house sewer can also be a septic tank.
HOUSE DRAIN – part of the plumbing system
which receives the
discharge of all soil and waste stacks within the
building and
DRAINAGE SYSTEM - takes the waste water Fixture Units
from the plumbing fixtures and deliver it to the
sewer

SEWERAGE, SEWERAGE WORKS -

(construction, collection, transportation,
pumping treatment and final disposition of
sewage)

BUILDING SUBDRAIN - underground

system; cannot drain by gravity into the building
sewer

SUBSOIL DRAIN - underground drainpipe;

receives only subsurface or seepage water and
convey it to a sump for disposal by gravity
flow or by lift pump

BUILDING DRAIN (HOUSE DRAIN) -

lowest horizontal piping of drainage system;
conveys to the building sewer beginning 0.6 m.
outside the building wall
House Drain, House Sewer, Main Sewer
BUILDING SEWER (HOUSE SEWER) -
starts at the end of the building drain

HOUSE DRAIN - part of the lowest horizontal

piping of a plumbing system; conveys it to the
house sewer

HOUSE SEWER - part of plumbing system

extending from about 4 or 5’ from inner face of
foundation wall

FIXTURE UNIT - one fixture unit equivalent

to a flow rate of 7 1⁄2 gallons of water per min;
28.3 liters per min (1 cu.ft/minute) TRAPS USED IN PLUMBING SYSTEM
Trap – a device to prevent the passage of sewer
PLUMBING UNIT - minimum standard air through it; also called anti-siphon traps
quantity of one (1) water meter, one (1) water
closet, one (1) lavatory, one (1) shower head and
drain for a bathtub or shower stall, one (1)
kitchen sink, one (1) laundry tray and three (3)
floor drains and four (4) faucets/hose bib

FIXTURE DRAIN - the drain from the trap of a

fixture to the junction of the drain
TRAPS USED IN PLUMBING SYSTEM

Two forms of water-sealed traps

1. Common Seal – 2” depth
2. Deep Seal – 4” liquid content

Deep seal – 3” minimum, 4” maximum liquid

content
Types of Permissible Traps
1. P-Trap – 1⁄2 S (CLARIFIER) - intercept or to separate, and
2. Drum Trap prevent the passage of oil, grease, sand
3. Grease Trap CLARIFIER - (interceptor)
GREASE INTERCEPTOR - interceptor of 3
Objectionable Traps/Non-Permissible Traps cubic meters capacity
1. Full S and 3⁄4 S Traps GREASE TRAP - device to retain grease from
2. Bag Trap one to four fixtures (maximum)
3. Mechanically Sealed Trap SAND INTERCEPTOR - (INTERCEPTOR)
4. Internal Partition Trap AIRBREAK - physical separation into indirect
5. Light Metal Partition Traps waste receptor from fixture,
device indirectly connected
SEAL - vertical distance between AIR GAP, DRAINAGE - unobstructed vertical
the dip and the crown weir of a distance between the lowest
trap/the water in the trap between the opening from any pipe to the flood level rim of
dip and the crown weir the receptor
TRAP - a fitting or device so AIR GAP, WATER DISTRIBUTION -
constructed as to prevent the unobstructed vertical distance through
passage of air, gas free atmosphere between the lowest opening
TRAP ARM - that portion of a from any pipe or faucet conveying potable water
fixture drain between a trap and the to the flood-level rim
vent DOUBLE-BEND FITTING - fitting shaped
TRAP SEAL (WATER SEAL) - maximum like the “S”
vertical depth of liquid that INDIRECT WASTE PIPE - a waste pipe that
a trap will retain, measured within the does not connect directly with the building
crown weir and the top of the dip of drainage
the trap RECEPTOR - approved plumbing
fixture/device to adequately receive discharge
from indirect waste pipes
SPECIAL WASTE - require special methods of
handling (use of indirect waste piping and
receptors, corrosion resistant piping,
sand, oil or grease interceptors, condensers or
other pre-treatment facilities

Interceptors

Interceptors are passive devices designed into a

plumbing system that trap, separate, and retain
these toxic or undesirable substances from
wastewater before it is discharged into the sewer
line.
3 major difficulties: 5. Wind Effects: wind passing over the top of
soil pipe roof terminal; a downdraft ripple the
1 Trap Seal Loss – inadequate ventilation of the liquid content
trap/subsequent (-) and (+) pressures
Vents
2 Retardation of Flow in Drainage System-
improper atmospheric conditions due to Vents are pipes that introduce sufficient air into
insufficient ventilation, or incorrect installation the drainage system to reduce air turbulence
of fittings (from siphoning or back pressure) and to release
sewer gases to the outside.
3 Material Deterioration and Removal of
Objectionable Gases- wastes of the plumbing Fixture Branch- Each plumbing fixture is
system contain chemical elements creating connected horizontally to the sanitary drainage
compounds of acid nature detrimental to piping system by a drain line called a fixture branch.
materials Drainage pipes shall be run in practical
alignment & at a uniform slope between
manholes of not less than 20mm/m or 2%
VENTILATION toward the point of disposal.
5 ways in which a trap seal may be lost:
Stacks - The fixture branches feed into a vertical
1. Siphonage: minus pressure in the drainage pipe referred to as a stack.
system

Direct Self-Siphonage - found in unventilated

traps serving oval- bottomed fixtures (lavatory,
slop sink); result of unequal atmospheric
conditions caused by the rapid flow of water to
the trap
Indirect or Momentum Siphonage - the result
of a minus pressure in the waste piping caused
by discharge of water from a fixture installed on
a line which serves a fixture placed at lower
elevation
Siphonage by Momentum – the result of a
minus pressure in the waste piping caused by Two Principal Classifications of Vents
discharge of water from a fixture installed 1. MAIN SOIL AND WASTE VENT (STACK
on a line which serves a fixture placed at lower VENT): used to ventilate the soil and waste
elevation pipes portion of the soil-pipe stack above the
2. Back Pressure: plus pressure; blows the highest installed fixture branch extending
water out of the fixture into the through the roof the terminal for the many main
room; at those located at the base of soil stacks, vents
or a soil pipe changes its size: 2 – 5” Ф
direction abruptly. 2. MAIN VENT (VENT STACK): “relief” and
3. Evaporation: use of deep seal trap “yoke” vents; tributary; collecting vent line;
recommended to prolong the interval relieves any back-pressure; terminates in the
of total loss of the trap seal soil-pipe stack, at least 3’ above the highest
4.Capillary Action: a suspension of a foreign installed fixture branch size: 2 – 5” Ф
object (rag, string, lint) into the
trap seal
VENT SYSTEM - provide flow of air to or BACKVENT PIPE - connects directly with an
from a drainage system; individual trap underneath/behind the fixture
provide a circulation of air to protect traps seals (INDIVIDUAL VENT/REVENT PIPE)
from siphonage INDIVIDUAL VENT - (BACK VENT PIPE)
and backpressure REVENT PIPE - (BACK VENT PIPE)
MAIN VENT (VENT STACK) - principal
artery COMMON VENT - (UNIT VENT/DUAL
VENT STACK - vertical vent pipe VENT)
STACK VENT - the extension of a soil or waste DUAL VENT - (UNIT VENT)
stack above the highest horizontal drain UNIT VENT - an arrangement of venting so
connected to the stack (SVTR) installed that one vent pipe will serve two traps
VENT PIPE - a pipe or opening used for BRANCH VENT - a horizontal vent pipe
ensuring the circulation of air in a plumbing connecting from a branch of
system; for reducing the pressure exerted on the drainage system to a vent stack or stack vent
trap seals GROUP VENT - a branch vent
COMBINATION WASTE AND VENT
SYSTEM - horizontal wet venting of one or DRY VENT - a vent that does not carry water or
more sinks/floor drains by a common horizontal water borne waste
waste and vent pipe WET VENT - portion of a vent pipe through
CONTINUOUS WASTE - drain connecting the which liquid waste flow
compartments of a set of fixtures to a trap or LOCAL VENT - a pipe or shaft serving to
connecting other permitted fixtures to a convey foul air from a plumbing fixture or a
common trap room to the outer air
CIRCUIT VENT - group vent from in front of
Types of Vents the last fixture/connects to vent stack (LOOP
Individual Vent: back vent-serves a single trap VENT)
Unit Vent- ventilates two fixture traps;discharge RELIEF VENT - acts as auxiliary vent (“yoke
into a sanitary cross with deflectors vent”)
Circuit or Loop Ventilation- ventilates 2 or LOOP OR CIRCUIT VENT - (extension is
more fixture traps that discharge into a usually vertical immediately beyond its
horizontal soil or waste branch extended at connection to the soil or waste pipe); connected
slight grade to the stack vent
Relief Ventilation-eliminates minus and plus YOKE VENT - pipe connecting upward from a
pressures in the drainage system; on long soil or waste stack below the floor and below
vertical pipes, a relief vent, often horizontal connection to a adjacent vent
referred to as yoke or by-pass vent maybe Stack
installed at 3 – 5 floor intervals SOIL PIPE – portion of the plumbing system
Wet Ventilation- vent pipe through which which receives the
wastes flow discharge of water closets
Looped Vent- used on fixtures located in the WASTE PIPE – part of the drainage system
room away from which conveys the
partitions that might be utilized to conceal the discharge of fixtures other than water closets,
waste and vent. such as sinks,
Local Vent- a conduit/pipe shaft used to convey lavatories, urinals, bathtubs; usually smaller in
foul odours from Ф than soil pipe
a fixture or room; used to some extent in
connection with
water closets; terminates at the roof
Utility Vent- used for underground public
restrooms
PUMPS
- is a mechanical device used to move a fluid by
converting mechanical energy to pressure energy
called head.
In buildings, pumps are used to circulate or
pump water in domestic hot and cold water
systems, hydronic (hot water) and chilled water
distribution systems, feed water systems
for boilers and chillers, condensate return
systems, well systems, wastewater treatment
systems, sump installations, and other process
piping systems.
Types of Pumps

Pump Drives

Pumps are driven by a drive, usually an electric

motor in building plumbing systems. A fuel-
powered engine can also drive a pump, but this
type of drive is typically reserved for temporary
or emergency applications.

Pump Drives Configuration

Close Coupled
It is on the same shaft as the pump impeller.
Drive and pump are directly connected.
The design approach is less costly and is
acceptable on small pumps where
vibration and noise are not problems.
Flexible Coupled
Minimize vibration and wear between the
pump and pump drive.
Used in typically large pumps used in
building plumbing and heating and cooling
systems.

Pump Drives Configuration

Constant Speed Drives

- are drives designed to operate at a specific
speed (e.g., 1750, 3500
rpm).
- These drives are usually sized to handle the
largest loads so they are typically oversized for
normal operating loads.
- They are economical in terms of initial cost but
not economical in lifetime operating cost.
Types of Speed Control

Multispeed Drives
Have separate speed settings (e.g., high,
medium, and low) so they can be adjusted to
control speed and, thus, pump flow rate.
Variable-Speed Drives
Provide speed control over a
continuous range.
Variable speed drives control pump speed by
changing the speed of the driver and thus
flow rate.
They are the most expensive type of drive in
initial cost but the least costly to operate.

Pump Performance
1. Pump Capacity
- is the flow rate at which liquid is moved or
pushed by a pump to the desired point in the
system. It is commonly measured in either
gallons per minute (gpm), liters per minute
(L/min), or cubic meters per hour (m3 /hr).

2. Total Dynamic Head

Total dynamic head (TDH) is the total energy
developed by the pump expressed in height of
liquid. It is the algebraic sum of static head,
pressure head, friction head and velocity head.

Static Head (Z) - is the actual vertical distance

measured from the water level in the reservoir
from which the pump draws the fluid to the
highest point in the discharge piping.
 Pump affinity laws are scientific relationships
3. Power and Hydraulic Efficiency that describe changes in pump capacity, total
Brake horsepower (BHP) is the actual dynamic head, and BHP when a change is made
horsepower delivered to the pump shaft under to pump speed, impeller diameter, or both.
stated operating conditions of the pump where
horsepower is 550 foot/pounds per second.
Water horsepower (WHP) is the pump output
delivered by the pump.

4. Net Positive Suction Head

The term used to describe this suction pressure
of a pump.

Net positive suction head

required (NPSHr)
The minimum head required to prevent
cavitation with a specific liquid at a specific
flow rate.
It is directly related to pump design.

Net positive suction head

available (NPSHa)
The difference between the actual head of the
liquid available (as measured at the pump’s
suction inlet) and the vapor pressure of that
liquid.
This is the amount of NPSH available to the
pump from the suction line.
It is directly related to system design.
Net positive suction head
available (NPSHa)
It is defined as atmospheric pressure + gauge
pressure + static pressure - vapor pressure -
friction loss in the suction piping.
5. Pump Speed
Pump speed (N) is tied to the rotational speed of
the drive (motor). It is expressed in revolutions
per minute (rpm).