ARCH 203 Building Services week 2

Cold Water Supply

Direct system
Indirect system
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Cold Water Supply
introduction introduction
Direct system of cold water supply
Indirect system of cold water supply
Backflow protection
Secondary backflow protection
Cold water storage cisterns
Cold water storage calculations
Boosted cold water systems

DIRECTCOLDWATERSUPPLYSYSTEM
Direct system of cold water supply:
Cold Water Supply
COLD WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM...direct system
Direct system of cold water supply:
Note: Before desiging a coldwater system for a building it is essential to know the local Water
Authorities requirements. There are two distinct systems, namely: Direct and Indirect, but some Water
Authorities will allow some modifications to these systems.
Direct system:
This system is used mostley in areas where large level of reservoirs provide a good mains
suppland pressure. In this system all sanitary fittings are supplied with cold water direct from
the main and a cold water feed cistern is required only to feed the hot water storage cylinder the main, and a cold water feed cistern is required only to feed the hot water storage cylinder.
The capacity in litres of the feed cistern is required to be at least equal to the capacity in
litres of the hot water cylinder. The water regulations require a cistern of 114 litres (minimum)
capacity and is therefore small enough to be accommodated in the top of an airing cupboard,
thus saving lagging of the cistern and pipework.

Cold Water Supply
COLD WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM...direct system
For efficient operation a high pressure water supply is essential For efficient operation, a high pressure water supply is essential
particularly at periods of peak demand.
Pipework is minimal and the storage cistern supplying the hot water cylinder
need only have 115 litres capacity.
The cistern may be located within the airing cupboard or be combined with
the hot water cylinder. the hot water cylinder.
Cold Water Supply
COLD WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM...direct system
Drinking water is available at every drawoff point and maintenance valves
should be fitted to isolate each section of pipework.
With every outlet supplied from the main, the possibility of back siphonage
must be considered must be considered.
Back siphonage can occur when there is a high demand on the main.
NNegative pressure can then draw water back into the main from a flooded
inlet, e.g. a rubber tube attached to a tap or a shower fitting without a
check valve facility left lying in dirty bath water.
Cold Water Supply
COLD WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM...direct system
In old systems without check
valves, there is a risk of water
becoming infected due to backflow becoming infected due to backflow
(water flows back into the mains)
and such installations are no longer
permitted in new housing.
The hot water system is
extremely inefficient and unable to
supply central heating.
Cold Water Supply
COLD WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM...direct system
Direct system:

Direct system:

Cold Water Supply
COLD WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM...direct system
A direct supply system fitted with a modern boiler, antisyphon and
backflow devices complies with:
most modern water bylaws and eliminates the dangers of
bacterial contamination.
This system is easy to install and maintain and, because the water
is under constant mains pressure the risk of freezing is reduced It is under constant mains pressure, the risk of freezing is reduced. It
does, however, slightly increase the risks of leaking joints.
This system is recommended where there is sufficient mains water This system is recommended where there is sufficient mains water
supply to maintain a good quantity of water at adequate pressure
during peak periods.
INDIRECTCOLDWATERSUPPLYSYSTEM
Indirect system of cold water supply:
Cold Water Supply
COLD WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM...INdirect system
Indirect system of cold water supply:
Note: Before desiging a coldwater system for a building it is essential to know the local Water
Authorities requirements. There are two distinct systems, namely: Direct and Indirect, but some Water
Authorities will allow some modifications to these systems.
Indirect system:
In this system all the sanitary fittings, except drinking water drawoffs at sinks and fountains,
are supplied indirectly from a coldwater storage cisterns.Snce the cistern suplies cold water
to baths basins showers etc and also feeds the hotwater cylinder to baths,basins,showers,etc.,and also feeds the hot water cylinder,
its capacity in liters will be approximately double that required for the direct system. The
water regulations require a cistern of 227liters minimum capacity, and therefore will be
accommodated in the roof space.

Cold Water Supply
COLD WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM...INdirect system
Indirect cold water system.
Water comes into house via
rising main, is branched off to
feed at least one tap (in this feed at least one tap (in this
case the kitchen and outside
tap.
It also feeds the boiler next It also feeds the boiler next
to the sink) and then continues
to a storage tank in the loft.
From here it is distributed to
the other taps in the house. the other taps in the house.
Overflow pipes are marked O.
The position of stopcocks etc
is marked on the diagram below is marked on the diagram below
which also shows the hot water
path.

Indirect system:
Cold Water Supply
COLD WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM...INdirect system
y

Cold Water Supply
COLD WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM...INdirect system
An indirect system supplies all sanitary appliances hand basins, showers,
baths and WCs with water fed from a storage tank.
Mains water for drinking is available at the kitchen tap only This can Mains water, for drinking, is available at the kitchen tap only. This can
also supply washing machines and a garden tap, which must be fitted with a
check valve.
The advantages of an indirect system include tankfed water being at low
pressure, reducing noise and the likelihood of leaks. If they do occur, these
produce less water and damage than a highpressure system and there is
less wear and tear on valves and washers. Pump boosted showers can only less wear and tear on valves and washers. Pump boosted showers can only
be fed from this type of system.
Cold Water Supply
COLD WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM...INdirect system
The indirect system is more expensive to install (more
pipework and tanks) and, unless properly installed and ) ,
lagged, it is vulnerable to frost damage.
Modern lagging enables this to be carried out easily Modern lagging enables this to be carried out easily.
If the water supply is cut off, the dwelling still has
plenty of stored water for essential use.
Recent water regulations insist that cold water
storage tanks are fitted with kits to protect the water
from contamination and infection, thus making the water
potable (drinkable).
Backflow Prevention AND Commercial Applications
Cold Water Supply
Backflow Prevention AND Commercial Applications
What Is Backflow?
Most of the time water flows "forward" from the water supply system into the building.
Backflow is the term used to describe the "backward flow" of water into the water supply
system.
In other words, backflow would occur when water from the building "flows back" into the
public water supply.
backflow can be caused when water from a garden hose "flows back" the building.
Backflow can be caused by either back pressure or backsiphonage of a plumbing system. If
water flowing backwards contains hazardous chemicals or bacteria, it can cause an
unhealthy or dangerous situation.
Cold Water Supply
Backflow Prevention AND Commercial Applications
In water supply systems, water is normally maintained at a significant pressure
to enable water to flow from the tap shower etc to enable water to flow from the tap, shower etc.
When pressure fails or is reduced as may happen if a water main bursts, pipes
freeze or there is unexpectedly high demand on the water system, the pressure in
the pipe may be reduced and may allow contaminated water from the ground, from
storage of from other sources to be drawn into the system.
Cold Water Supply
Backflow Prevention AND Commercial Applications
To prevent such an occurrence, many regulatory regimes require there to be an
air gap between the delivery point of mains water and local storage or use air gap between the delivery point of mains water and local storage or use.
Where flooded mains inflow is permitted a backflow prevention device is required.
In this way backflow prevention device protects the drinkable water system from
contamination hazards which can be severed.
There are over 10 000 reported cases of backflow contamination each year Some There are over 10,000 reported cases of backflow contamination each year. Some
cases can be fatal.
Cold Water Supply
Backflow Prevention AND Commercial Applications
In this situation, dirty water from the hillside pool will back siphon or back flow down the
hosepipe and into the clean water tank. To prevent this from happening, the houses external
tap should be fitted with a backflow prevention device.
The simplest, and most effective way to provide backflow prevention is to provide
an air gap. An air gap is simply a space between any device that opens to a
plumbing system (like a valve or faucet) and any place where water can collect or
pool.
Cold Water Supply
Backflow Prevention AND Commercial Applications
An air gap, as it relates to the plumbing trade, is the unobstructed vertical
space between the water outlet and the flood level of a fixture.
A A simple example is the space between a wall mounted faucet and the sink rim
(this space is the air gap). Water can easily flow from the faucet into the sink,
but there is no way that water can flow from the sink into the faucet without
modifying the system. This arrangement will prevent any contaminants in the sink
from flowing into the potable water system by siphonage and is the least expensive
form of backflow prevention.
Cold Water Supply
Backflow Prevention AND Commercial Applications
To install a backflow preventer in a building, water will be unable to flow back
into the public water pipes. The backflow preventer creates an isolated or closed
plumbing system. For some homeowners, thermal expansion could produce leaky
faucets or set off the relief valve on hot water heaters or in some cases other faucets or set off the relief valve on hot water heaters, or in some cases, other
damage may occur.
Thermal expansion occurs when your hot water heater heats the water, causing
it to expand.
COLDWATERSTORAGECISTERNS
Cold Water Supply
COLDWATERSTORAGECISTERNS
Cisterns can be manufactured from galvanized mild steel (large nondomestic
capacities), polypropylene or glass reinforced plastics. They must be well
insulated and supported on adequate bearers to spread the concentrated load.
Plastic cisterns will require uniform support on boarding over bearers. A
dustproof cover is essential to prevent contamination. dustproof cover is essential to prevent contamination.
Cold Water Supply
COLDWATERSTORAGECISTERNS
For large buildings cisterns are accommodated in a purposemade plant room at For large buildings, cisterns are accommodated in a purposemade plant room at
roof level or within the roof structure.
This room must be well insulated and ventilated, and be provided with
thermostatic control of a heating facility.
For maintenance and repairs each cistern must be capable of isolation and
independent operation. independent operation.
Cold Water Supply
COLDWATERSTORAGECISTERNS
Specification for storage cisterns up
to 500 l actual capacity for water to 500 l actual capacity for water
supply for domestic purposes.
Cold Water Supply
COLDWATERSTORAGECISTERNS
Where storage demand exceeds 4500
liters, cisterns must be duplicated
and interconnected. In the interests
of load distribution this should be
provided at much lower capacities provided at much lower capacities.
Specification for galvanised low carbon steel
cisterns, cistern lids, tanks and cylinders.
Cisterns for domestic use. Cold water
storage and combined feed and expansion storage and combined feed and expansion
(thermoplastic) cisterns up to 500 l
specification.
Cold Water Supply
COLDWATERSTORAGECISTERNS
C 24
Cold Water Supply
COLDWATERSTORAGECISTERNS
Cold water storage data is provided to allow for up to 24 hours interruption of
mains water supply
Cold Water Supply
COLDWATERSTORAGECISTERNS
Boosted Cold Water System I
Cold Water Supply
Boosted Cold Water System
For medium and high rise buildings, there is often insufficient mains pressure to
supply water directly to the upper floors supply water directly to the upper floors.
Boosting by pump from a break tank is therefore usually necessary and several
more of these tanks may be required as the building rises, depending on the pump
capacity.
Cold Water Supply
Boosted Cold Water System
A break pressure cistern is also required on the down service to limit the head or
pressure on the lower fittings to a maximum of 30 m pressure on the lower fittings to a maximum of 30 m.
Knowing the flow rate and pressure needed, then identify the most suitable type
of electric pump. On twopump sets, the pumps act as backup for one another
one pump is normally sufficient to provide for average requirements, while at times
of peak demand the backup pump is used as well.
Cold Water Supply
Boosted Cold Water System 1
The drinking water header pipe or storage vessel supplies drinking water to the
upper floors upper floors.
As this empties and the water reaches a predetermined low level, the pipeline
switch engages the duty pump.
A float switch in the break tank protects the pumps from dry running if there is
an interruption to mains supply.
The various pipe sections are fitted with isolating valves to facilitate
maintenance and repairs.
Cold Water Supply
Boosted Cold Water System 1
Boosted Cold Water System II
Cold Water Supply
Boosted Cold Water System 2
As an alternative to the drinking water header pipe, an autopneumatic cylinder
may be used may be used.
Compressed air in the cylinder forces water up to the float valves and drinking
water outlets on the upper floors. As the cylinder empties a low pressure switch
engages the duty pump. When the pump has replenished the cylinder, a high pressure
switch disengages the pump.
Cold Water Supply
Boosted Cold Water System 2
In time, some air is absorbed by the water. As this occurs, a float switch detects
the high water level in the cylinder and activates an air compressor to regulate
the correct volume of air.
Break pressure cisterns may be supplied either from the storage cisterns at roof Break pressure cisterns may be supplied either from the storage cisterns at roof
level or from the rising main. A pressure reducing valve is sometimes used instead
of a break pressure cistern.
Boosted Cold Water System III
I
Cold Water Supply
Boosted Cold Water System 3
In modest rise buildings of several
storeys where water is in fairly
constant demand, water can be
boosted from a break tank by a
continuously running pump.
The installation is much simpler
and less costly than the previous and less costly than the previous
two systems as there is less need
for specialised items of equipment.
Sizing of the pump and its delivery
rating are critical, otherwise it
could persistently overrun, or at
the other extreme be inadequate the other extreme be inadequate.
Modern pumps have variable settings allowing considerable scope around the
Cold Water Supply
Boosted Cold Water System 3
Modern pumps have variable settings allowing considerable scope around the
design criteria. The pump is normally scheduled to run on a timed programme, e.g. in
an office block it may commence an hour before normal occupancy and run on for a
couple of hours after. Water delivery should be just enough to meet demand.
When demand is low a pressure regulated motorised bleed valve opens to
recirculate water back to the break tank.
Water Supply
Pressure Boosting Pressure Boosting
SUMMARY
Cold Water Supply
SUMMARY...
Direct system Note:
In a direct system all the cold water taps and wc cistern are fed off
the rising main, the main advantages being that suitable drinking water
is available from every cold tap and there is sufficient water pressure
especially for electric showers.
The main disadvantage is a greater risk of contaminated water
getting into the water main.
To check what system is in your home, isolate the water supply at your
stop cock if you dont know where it is now is as good a time as any to stop cock, if you dont know where it is, now is as good a time as any to
find out.
When you have isolated the supply turn your bath and wash basin,
cold water taps on. If after 10 seconds cold water continues to run
then you have an indirect system, if the water has stopped you have a
direct system.
Cold Water Supply
SUMMARY...
InDirect system Note:
An indirect system is where only the kitchen sink is fed from
the rising main, all the other cold water outlets are fed
indirectly using gravity from a head tank (cistern), usually
situated in the loft. The hot water outlets are also fed from
the same head tank the same head tank.
The advantages using this method are less likely hood of
contaminated water getting into the mains supply and because of contaminated water getting into the mains supply and because of
the reduced water pressure there is less chance of noisy pipes.
The disadvantages are only the kitchen sink should be used
for drinking water and due to using the head tank for both hot
and cold water storage this tank usually has to be a lot
bigger.
HOMEWORK 2
Make a research on:
C l l Cold water supply systems
Drawings and text required