Design Seminar:

Plumbing

1. Sneha Nagarajan (10110058)

2. Srishti Shubh (10110060)
What is Plumbing?
The art and science of creating and maintaining sanitary conditions in buildings
Or
The art and science of installing, repairing and servicing of pipes, fixtures and
appurtenances necessary for bringing in water supply, distributing it within and
removing the liquid and water-borne wastes
It includes fixtures and fixture traps; soil and waste pipes; vent pipes; building
drain and building sewer; storm drainage pipes, their devices, appurtenances
and connections to all within or adjacent to the building

Plumbing has been a part of the human race since the dawn of human
civilization. Some civilizations saw very sophisticated systems for their time while
the services declined marginally during

Earliest plumbing arrangements were unearthed in the Indus Valley Civilization

almost 5500years old

Another civilization with highly developed plumbing system was the Egyptian
civilization and the Romans. Aqueducts were constructed to carry water from
sources to houses. Extensive underground sewage systems. Public baths.

Sanitary systems declined after the Romans and AD476 and only around the
1500’s to 1800’s were concerns raised for better sanitary systems!
Indus Valley Civilization: Drainage System
Roman Bath: Thermae
 Aqueducts
Roman Lead Pipes:
With a folded seam
The Basic Plumbing Components of any building:

1. Water supply distributing pipes

2. Fixture and fixture traps
3. Soil, waste and vent pipes
4. Storm water drainage
NBC GENERAL REQUIREMENTS for design considerations:
•Smooth joints
•Avoid noise transmission
•Avoid formation of air locks
•Avoid unsightly arrangement
•Economy in labour and materials
•No piping under wastewater pipes
•Gradual size and direction changes
•Maximum rate of discharge required
•Water-tight pipes and pipe-connections
•No back-flow towards the source of supply
•Wholesome water supply for drinking and culinary purposes
•No direct connection of boilers or hot machinery, use feed cistern
•No cross-connection between pure and contaminated water pipes
•Sufficient strength of pipes underground or under traffic loads or frost
•Maintain definite air gap in all appliances (minimum 15 cm or twice pipe
bore for storage cisterns)
•Corrosion protection measures in corrosive environments (e.g. corrosive
soils, proximity to electric cables), e.g. exterior CI tubing
Supply System
3.1.1 Potable Water
All premises intended for human habitation, occupancy, or use shall be provided with
supply of potable water. This water supply shall not be connected with unsafe water
resources, nor shall it be subject to the hazards of backflow.

3.1.2 Water Provision

Plumbing fixtures, devices and appurtenances shall be provided with water in sufficient
volume and at pressures adequate to enable them to function properly and without
undue noise under normal conditions of use.
There should beat least a residual head of 0.018 N/mm2 at the consumer‘s tap.
NOTE—The residual head shall be taken at the highest farthest outlets in the building.

3.1.14 Maintenance
Plumbing systems shall be maintained in a safe and serviceable condition.

3.1.15 Accessibility
All plumbing fixtures shall be so installed with regard to spacing as to be accessible for
their intended use and for cleaning. All doors, windows and any other device needing
access within the toilet shall be so located that they have proper access.
4.1.1 Water Supply for Residences
A minimum of 70 to 100 litres per head per day may be considered adequate for
domestic needs of urban communities, apart from non-domestic needs as flushing
requirements. As a general rule the following rates per capita per day may be considered
minimum
for domestic and non-domestic needs:
NOTE— The value of water supply given
as 150 to 200 litres per head per day
maybe reduced to 135litresper head
per day for houses for Lower Income
Groups (LIG) and Economically Weaker
Section of Society(EWS),depending upon
prevailing conditions.
4.3.1.1 For residential buildings, the requirements of
water shall be based on the actual number of occupants;
where this information is not available, the number of
occupants for each residential unit may be based on a
family of five. For assessing the population in other
occupants, reference may be made to Part 4 ‗Fire and
Life Safety‘.

4.1.1.1 Out of the 150 to 200 litres per head per day, 45 litres per head per day may be
taken for flushing requirements and the remaining quantity for other domestic purposes.
4.1.2 Water Supply for Buildings Other than Residences

The NBC states several codes for

plumbing needs of buildings of various
other uses. Refer Section 4.1 of part9 for
the same.

4.1.4 Water Supply for Fire Fighting Purposes

4.1.4.1 The Authority shall make provision to meet
the water supply requirements for fire fighting in the
City/area, depending on the population density and
types of occupancy.
4.1.4.2 Provision shall be made by the owner of the
building for water supply requirements for fire fighting
purposes within the building, depending upon the
height and occupancy of the building, in conformity
with the requirements laid down in Part 4 ‗Fire and
Life Safety‘.
4.1.4.3 The requirements regarding water supply in
storage tanks, capacity of fue pumps, arrangements of
wet riser-cum-downcomer and wet riser installations
for buildings above 15 m in height, depending upon
the occupancy use, shall
Water Sources and Quality: The NBC guidelines lay out the rules to ensure water quality
at the various stages of supply and consumption and disposal. Potable or for other
purposes. Fresh water sources: lakes/rivers. Waste water reclamation
4.4 Storage of Water
4.4.1 In a building, provision is required to be made for storage of water for the following
reasons:
a) to provide against interruptions of the supply caused by repairs to mains, etc;
b) to reduce the maximum rate of demand on the mains;
c) to tide over periods of intermittent supply; and
d) to maintain a storage for the fire fighting requirement of the building (see Part 4
‗Fire
and Life Safety‘ ).

There are clear guidelines as to what material is to be used for various uses and their
design considerations.
While designing we need to keep in mind the design of
1. Manholes
2. Catch rings and ladders
3. Overflow pipes
4. Vent pipes
5. Scour pipes
6. Connections to these
7. Tanks
Calculation of Drain/Trap Diameter:

4.4.10 The quantity of water to be stored shall be

calculated taking into account the following
factors:
a) hours of supply at sufficiently high pressure to
fill up the overhead storage tanks;
b) frequency of replenishment of overhead tanks,
during the 24 h;
c) rate and regularity of supply; and
d) consequences of exhausting storage
particularly in case of public buildings like
hospitals.
 PLUMBING
WATER SUPPLY EXERCISE
12
fixture
total fixture units = 30 = 20 gpm units

longest length = 90'

meter pressure loss = 9 psi

rise pressure loss = 4.33 psi
System is predominately fu 12 gpm
9
fixture pressure loss = 15 psi flush TANKS

6'
total pressure loss = 28.33 psi

flow
8
30 fu flow 20 fu 8 fu flow fixture
Available pressure of 60 psi, minus
28.33 pressure loss = 31.67 psi units
20 gpm 14 gpm 7 gpm
to push the water through the system.

flow
6'
The available pressure in psi per 100'

system rises 10'

flow
31.67' gpm 8 10 fu
x 100 = 23.46 psi / 100'
135'
Limit the velocity of
10
water through the piping
to no faster than 8 feet / sec. fixture
Water units
Meter
Using the pipe size chart 2 30 fu flow
make a table that shows the
max. gpm for each pipe size: 20 gpm

pipe dia. max gpm Available

pressure =
1/2" 3 1/2
60 p.s.i.
3/4" 10
1" 18 10'
50' 12' 8'
1 1/4" 28
1 1/2" 44
2" 78 Measured length of system (origin to farthest fixture) = 90'
Calculated length (measured length + 1/2 measured length) = 90 + 45 = 135'
4.7 Distribution Systems in Multi-Storeyed Buildings
4.7.1 There are four basic methods of distribution of water to a multi-
storeyed buildings.
1. Direct supply from mains to ablutionary taps and kitchen with WCs and
urinals supplied by overhead tanks.
2. Direct Pumping Systems
3. Hydro-Pneumatic Systems
4. Overhead Tanks Distribution

4.7.2 Direct Supply System

This system is adopted when adequate pressure is available round the
clock at the topmost floor. With limited pressure available in most city
mains, water from direct supply is normally not available above two
or three floors.

4.7.3 Direct Pumping

Water is pumped directly into the distribution system without the aid of
any overhead tank, except for flushing purposes. The pumps are
controlled by a pressure switch installed on the line.
4.7.4 Hydro-
Pneumatic Systems
Hydro-pneumatic
system is a variation of
direct pumping system.
An air-tight pressure
vessel is installed on
the line to regulate the
operation of the pumps.
The vessel capacity
shall be based on the
cut-in and cut-out
pressure of the
pumping system
depending upon
allowable start/stops of
the pumping system.
The system shall have
reliable power supply to
avoid breakdown in the
water supply.
4.7.5 over-head Tank
Distribution
4.7.5.1 This is the most
common of the distribution
systems adopted by various
type of buildings.
4.7.5.2 The system comprises
pumping water to one or more
overhead tanks placed at the
top most location of the
hydraulic zone.
4.7.5.3 Water collected in the
overhead tank is distributed to
the various parts of the building
by a set of pipes located
generally on the terrace.
Plumbing Fittings
 water
flow
water water
flow flow

90 degree 45 degree 90 degree

standard ell standard ell side tee

water water water

flow flow flow

standard valve of
coupling various types

inline tee
STANDARD PIPE FITTINGS
( FRINGES )
GLOBE VALVE GATE VALVE

CHECK VALVE ANGLE VALVE

Plumbing Fixtures
3.1.5 Plumbing Fixtures
It is recommended that each family dwelling unit should
have at least one water closet, one lavatory, one kitchen
wash place or a sink, and one bathing wash place or
shower to meet the basic requirements of sanitation and
personal hygiene.

3.1.8 Fixture Traps and Vent Pipes

Each fixture directly connected to the drainage system
shall be equipped with a liquid seal trap, Trap seals shall
be maintained to prevent sewer gas, other potentially
dangerous or noxious fumes, or vermin from entering the
building. Further, the drainage system shall be designed
to provide an adequate circulation of air in all pipes with
no danger of siphonage, aspiration, or forcing of trap
seals under conditions of ordinary use by providing vent
pipes throughout the system.
Drainage System
3.1.6 Drainage System
The drainage system shall be
designed, installed and maintained to
guard against fouling, deposit of solids
and clogging and with adequate
cleanouts so arranged
that the pipes may be readily cleaned.

3.1.9 Foul Air Exhaust

Each vent terminal shall extend to the
outer air and be so installed as to
minimize the possibilities of clogging and
the return of foul air to the building, as it
conveys potentially noxious or explosive
gases to the outside atmosphere. All vent
pipes shall be provided with a cowl.
Drainage Installation
• Soil and Waste Drainage System
- Two-pipe Ventilated Gravity System
- U/G Petrol Interceptor for Carpark
- Discharge to Public Foul Water System

• Storm Water Drainage System

- Rain Water Outlet at Roof, Balcony & Canopy
- Discharge to Public Storm Water System
CASE STUDIES
STUDY OF PLUMBING SYSTEM OF A TYPICAL 2 BHK APARTMENT
BUILDING

BATH/WC. (DETAIL A)
KITCHEN (DETAIL B)
DUCTS
DETAIL OF BATH/ WC. AND KITCHEN SINK WATER SUPPLY AND DRAINAGE SYSTEM
AND SCHEDULE OF FIXTURES AND FITTINGS
INSPECTION
CHAMBERS
DETAIL OF EXTERIOR DRAINAGE CONNECTION AND SCHEDULE OF MATERIALS
TERRACE PLAN SHOWING FLOOR PLATE SLOPE

RAINWATER PIPE
100 dia.
POSITIVES:
• Intelligent placing of Ducts and Wet areas to facilitate easy outflow and maintenance.
• Separation of Toilet and Kitchen sewage lines for separate drain out into respective
pipelines.
• Separate Water Supply pipes for Domestic and Flushing purposes.
• Rainwater pipes are place in appropriate corners, having maximum catchment
area, reducing number of pipes required.
• New-age flush and tap systems used.
• Pipework hidden from plain view in elevation with the help of extruded Chajjas and
Elevation Fins.
• No overlap of Bathrooms with bedrooms or kitchen between levels.
• Toilets ventilated into ducts, preventing escape of foul smell to Living areas.

NEGATIVES:
• No provision for Hot water supply in Bathrooms and Kitchen.
• Door clearance for WCs not standard.
 CITY OF MILWAUKEE CROSS CONNECTION PROGRAM

Milwaukee is the largest city in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. It is located on the south-western
shore of Lake Michigan.
Map and Location of Milwaukee City
WHAT IS BACK FLOW?

In water supply systems, water is normally maintained at a significant pressure 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), then such reduced pressure in the
pipe may allow contaminated water from the ground, from storage or from other sources to
be drawn up into the system.
WHAT IS CROSS CONNECTION?

Cross-connections, are defined as actual or potential connections between a potable

water supply and a non-potable source, where it is possible for a contaminant to enter
the drinking water supply.
STATISTICS:
• Approximately 15,800 commercial water accounts serve buildings in Milwaukee.

• The Plumbing Inspectors developed a reference manual identifying the various

types of cross connection configurations and the proper cross connection control
devices to correct them.

Typical Cross Connections:

Apartments
- Laundry Tub Faucets
- Hose Faucets
- Boilers

Office Buildings
- Boilers
- Chillers
- Soap Dispensers
- Water Closets
- Coffee Makers
Restaurants
- Beverage Dispensers
- Food Grinders
- Steamer
- Dishwasher
- Glass Washer
- Soap Dispenser
- Hose and Spray

Manufacturing Plants
- Chemical Dispensers
- Cooling Towers
- Boilers
- Hose Faucets
- Equipment using Potable Water
MILWAUKEE DRAINAGE SYSTEM
Janitors Faucet
Laundry Tub Faucets
Hose and Spray
Hose and Spray
Fill Valve
Boilers
Electric Boiler
Cooling Towers
Coffee Makers
Carbonator
Carbonator
Soap Dispenser
Commercial Dishwasher
Parts Washer
Chemical Dispenser
CORRECTIVE MEASURES APPLIED:

• Hose thread vacuum breakers were installed.

• A licensed plumber working under a permit is required for any other form of
cross connection correction.
Hose Bibb
Hose Bibbs – Medical Whirlpool
Backflow Preventer
BUILDING SERVICES INSTALLATIONS

Reliability

Flexibility New Technology

Design Intent
Energy Efficiency Health & Safety

Sustainability Maintainability
Sanitary Plumbing System Enclosed in Fire-Rated
Service Duct

Sanitary
stack

Cleaning Eye
Service
duct

Sanitary Plumbing over Bed / Living / Dining Rooms and
Kitchen
Common Error
In buildings under Land
Titles (Strata) Act, sanitary
pipes are sited over
bedrooms, living room,
dining room or kitchen of
the strata unit below.
Central Building Plan Unit 30.11.1999
Clarification
• Pipe leakage and maintenance work would
pose nuisance conditions and inconvenience
to owners of lower level strata units.
• Sanitary pipes shall be routed away from
such places.
• Maintenance duct with access taken from
common areas shall be provided if dry areas
cannot be avoided.
 Sanitary Plumbing over Bed / Living / Dining
Rooms and Kitchen

Details of Double Floor Slab / Maintenance Duct

 Sanitary Plumbing over Water Tanks /
Transformer / Switchgear
Common Error
• Sanitary pipes sited
over water tanks,
transformer and switchgear
•Leaks from sanitary pipes could
contaminate water tanks etc.
Clarification
• Sanitary pipes shall not be
located over water tanks,
transformer, switchgear or
other places where it can
cause health and safety
hazards.
Sanitary Plumbing over Water Tanks / Transformer
/ Switchgear

Water Tank

Sanitary Pipe
 Ventilation Stack Terminating at Roof Level

Clarification
Common Error
Ventilation stack
Ventilation stacks shall terminate
terminate at at the highest roof level and shall
be sited inorcommon
communal private roofservice
terrace areas outside private roof terraces /
gardens.
/ garden causing foul odour
nuisance to residents.
This will facilitate maintenance work and minimise inconvenience
and nuisance to occupants.

To avoid vent pipes terminating in the private roof

terraces / gardens, the vent pipe may be offset and
extended for termination at the highest point of the building or
other suitable location that will not cause smell nuisance or health
hazard to the occupants.
Design Considerations for
Sewerage
 Sewer Connection
Clarification
Common issue
• In general, only one sewer
Can a development have connection is permitted per
more than one sewer development.
• This is to minimise
connection?
• number of road openings
• inconvenience to
neighbouring properties
when public sewer is
located in adjacent
property
• disruption to sewerage
system due to
interruption of sewage
flow
 Sewer Connection

Common Issue Clarification

• Existing sewer connection shall be re-
Can a new
used whenever possible.
connection be • Where a new sewer connection is
provided for a required because of development
development if the layout, it is necessary to obtain
written consent from the owner of
existing sewer is adjacent lot.
located in
neighbouring
property?
 Sewer Connection
Clarification
• Builder shall pre-consult authorities
for all subdivision cases.
• This is to safeguard sewer
connection for the sub-divided land
parcels.
• Existing drainline / sewer within the
subdivided plots shall not be
abandoned / diverted without
written approval.

Common Issue
Sewer connection affected by subdivision of land
 Energy Conservation

• Locate hot water heater in conditioned space

• Insulate hot water heater
• Insulate exposed hot water pipes
• Insulate cold water pipes with freezing potential
• Place water pipes in interior walls, if possible
• Use low-flow fixtures
• Seal all wall fenestrations through which pipes run
―If I could do it all again, I'd be a plumber.‖

Albert Einstein was

named an honorary
member of the
Plumbers and
Steamfitters Union after
publicly stating that he
would become a
plumber if he had to do
it all over again!
References:
1. National Building Code
2. Daisariya Architects, Mumbai Pvt Ltd
3. www.mmsd.org
THANK YOU!