WATER SUPPLY

Galvanized Steel
is steel pipe that has been treated with a zinc coating. This galvanized coating
keeps the water from corroding the pipe. It was once the most common type of
pipe for water supply lines, but because labor and time that goes into cutting,
threading, and installing galvanized pipe, it no longer used much, except for
limited use in repairs. However, galvanized pipe for water distribution is still
seen in larger commercial applications.
Copper
Copper pipe is mostly used for hot and cold water distribution, as well as being
regularly used in HVAC systems for refrigerant lines. Although once used in gas
piping, this is no longer allowed in most jurisdictions. Copper piping works in
both underground and above-ground applications, but copper can be affected by
some soils and it should have a protective sleeve if used underground.
PVC

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PVC is an acronym that stands for polyvinyl chloride. Of the different types of
plastic pipe used for water supply, PVC has a wide variety of plumbing uses,
from drainage pipe to water mains. It is most commonly used for irrigation
piping, home, and building supply piping. PVC is also very common in pool and
spa systems. PVC pipe is often white but it can also come in other colors. You
can often tell what it is used for by the colors and marks on the pipe. For
example, purple pipe with black lettering is used for reclaimed water. PVC also
comes in a variety of thicknesses, called schedules. Schedules 40 is the most
common for pipes used in water distribution.
Historically, PVC was one of the first forms of plastic used instead of copper for
water supply pipes. PVC is normally used for cold water pipes only, as heat can
eventually break down the plastic. Always check with local code restrictions
before using PVC pipes for hot water delivery lines. In homes plumbed with first-
generation plastics, the cold water lines are often PVC, with CPVC used for hot
water lines.
PVC connections are made by using a primer that softens the PVC and then
applying PVC glue that melts the joints and pipe together. PVC pipe should
always be clearly labeled if it is used for both potable (drinkable) and non-
potable water in the same building.
CPVC
The acronym CPVC stands for chlorinated polyvinyl chloride. It is often (but not
always) a cream-colored or off-white plastic. This type of pipe can stand
temperatures up to about 180 degrees Fahrenheit or so (this depends on the
schedule), so it can be used for both hot and cold water lines. CPVC is the same
outside diameter as copper and PEX, so the same push-fit fittings used for PEX
and copper, such as SharkBite, will also fit the CPVC piping.
PEX
PEX stands for cross-linked polyethylene. It is sometimes known as XLPEl. With
good resistance to both hot and cold temperatures, PEX is commonly used for
both hot and cold water lines in homes, and for hydronic heating systems (such
as radiant under-floor systems).
PEX is considered more durable than copper, with a likely lifespan of more than
50 years. For professional plumbers, PEX tubing has now largely replaced copper
and other plastics used for water supply pipes. They prefer PEX because of its
low cost, and because it comes in long rolls of tubing that are easy to transport.
Because the flexible tubing can be bent around corners, fewer elbows and other
fittings are required, speeding up installation.
PEX can be joined in many different ways, including push-fit fittings and crimp
rings secured with specialty PEX tools.
1. TYPE OF PIPES: PEX
Commonly Used For: Water supply lines
Polyethylene cross-linked pipe (PEX) is an affordable plastic tubing that’s popular for water
supply lines because it doesn’t leach traces of rust or corrosion into the water as some other
types of pipes (for instance, galvanized) have been known to do. It is also simple to install.
“Its physical flexibility makes it easy to work with and maneuver compared with more rigid
PVC pipe,” O’Brian explains, “and the ability to use several connection methods allows it to
work with a variety of tool options.” Its color-coded construction is another plus for keeping
plumbing organized. PEX tubing, such as Uponor AquaPEX Tubing (available
from SupplyHouse), comes in three colors: red for hot water, blue for cold water, and white for
either hot or cold water.
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While traditional water supply lines branch off a main water line and can supply water to a
number of fixtures, a single PEX tube attaches directly to a hot or cold faucet while the other
end connects to a centrally located water distribution manifold, such as these Viega
MANABLOC Manifolds (available from SupplyHouse). The benefit of a manifold is that each
PEX tube has its own shut-off valve, so you can easily turn the water off to a sink faucet
when you need to make repairs without turning the water off to other fixtures. A single PEX
tube that runs from the manifold to a fixture is called a “home run” connection.
2. TYPE OF PIPES: PVC
Commonly Used For: Drain, waste, and vent pipes
Pipe made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is often used in a home’s sewage system. “DWV is
a type of PVC pipe that is used in Drain, Waste, and Venting systems,” O’Brian says. “It
should be used in applications with low-temperature and low-pressure needs,” meaning it’s
ideal for a toilet’s drain line, but it’s not suitable for highly pressurized water supply lines or
for carrying hot water.
You typically find three-inch and four-inch PVC pipes and connections, such as this PVC
DWV 90-degree Elbow Fitting (available from SupplyHouse), in main drains and in a home’s
main vent stack. Smaller PVC pipes, up to three inches, are often used for sink drains and
plumbing vents to prevent air locks in drainage pipes.
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3. TYPE OF PIPES: ABS
Commonly Used For: Drain, waste, and vent pipes
If you come across a black pipe in a sink, tub, or toilet drain, it’s probably made from
acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). “ABS is another material typically found in DWV
systems, and it works in a similar fashion to PVC,” O’Brian says. Not surprisingly, ABS pipe
comes in the same sizes as PVC pipe. These days, however, it’s a bit less popular in new
construction than it once was. “It’s slightly more durable in high-impact occurrences than
PVC but cannot be exposed to direct sunlight.” A variety of ABS pipes and components,
such as this Nibco P-Trap (available from SupplyHouse), can be used to make repairs to
existing ABS drain, waste, and vent systems.
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4. TYPE OF PIPES: Copper

Commonly Used For: Water supply lines
Copper pipe has been in use for decades, so you’ll find it around sinks, showers, tubs, and
other fixtures in older and newer homes alike. It continues to be a favorite for water supply
lines because the metal does not affect the quality of the water.
The biggest caveat with copper plumbing, such as this ½-inch Straight Copper Pipe by Kobe
Wieland (available from SupplyHouse), is that its installation requires a propane torch—quite
the opposite of DIY-friendly. “If not enough heat is applied [at the joints], the solder won’t
flow into the joint to make a proper seal,” O’Brian explains. “Yet, too much heat can also
inhibit proper sealing of the connection.” You need to hire a professional plumber to install or
make repairs to copper pipes in your home.

5. TYPE OF PIPES: Galvanized

Commonly Used For: Water supply and drain lines in older homes
Although galvanized pipe isn’t used in new construction anymore, it was once widely used
and can still be found in many older homes. “Galvanized pipe was a great option to go with
when lead pipe was still in place, since it provided a lead-free alternative,” O’Brian says. If
your home has galvanized drain and waste pipes, you can find replacement pipes and
fittings, including galvanized elbows and tees, at SupplyHouse.
Over time, galvanized pipes have a tendency to rust. So, if your home has galvanized water
supply lines, it’s a good idea to retrofit them with copper or PEX lines to ensure clean and
clear drinking water. In a retrofitting situation, PEX is often preferable because, as explained
above, the tubing is flexible, which makes it easy to fish through spaces inside the
walls without having to remove drywall.
Benefits of earthing or grounding in an electrical system

1. Overload Protection – In scenarios where excessive power surge occurs, a

grounded system helps immensely. This simple form of surge protection can instantly
save your electrical appliances and devices from getting fried by excessive electrical
power, saving your data as well as equipment.
2. Voltage Stabilization – When it comes to calculating the right amount of power to be
distributed between voltage sources, the earth provides that universal standard point
of reference. Earthing takes the guesswork out of voltage stabilization, helping to
ensure that no circuits overload or blow up.
3. Damage, Injury & Death Prevention – Blown fuses or a tripped circuit breakers are
far more welcome than electrical fires or shocks, which can pose serious safety
hazards to people and property. Essentially, grounding protects against equipment,
property and data loss, as well as injuries and fatalities!

Common Types of Earthing Used in Electric Construction Projects

1. Plate Type – In a plate earthing system, components such as electrical wires, rods,
pipes, plates and conductors are made of copper, cast iron or galvanized iron.A
 copper or iron plate that’s 2 feet square and .25 inch thick is buried in an earth pit,
with bolts placed vertically and layers of salt and charcoal up to a certain level from
the bottom of the pit. The depth at which the plate needs to be buried is usually
around 8-10 feet from ground level.
2. Pipe Type – Because of its reliability, durability and easy of handling, pipe type
earthing is often used in home and office electrical installations, transmission lines,
etc. Also known as earthing electrode pipes, this is the most common and preferred
earthing system type used in typical earth and moisture conditions.This kind of
earthing also uses copper pipes, the length of which depends on the soil type and
moisture content as well as current to be carried. The diameter of the pipe is usually
1.5 inches while the length can vary from 2.75 feet for rocky and dry soil to 15.5 feet.
in moisture-rich soil.

Why Is Earthing Required For Houses?

 To warrant that all pieces of equipment in use by the occupants of a building are at Earth
Potential, thus safeguarding them from electric shocks through direct contact
 To protect electrical apparatus from getting damaged due to weighty currents along electrical
lines
 To sustain stable voltages in three phase circuits even under unstable load state
 To protect tall buildings from getting harmed under lightning

What Happens If An Appliance Is Earthed Properly

We know that current flows from a higher to a lower potential. Any electrical
appliance or any electricity line which has been connected to the earth is now at zero
voltage.

In the case of any overloading of current, the immediate discharge of electrical

energy takes place to the ground, without harming the appliance or the user.

Even if the insulation of the equipment fails, if it is earthed, the appliance is safe
enough.
Types Of Earthing
Broadly speaking, the earthing of electrical equipments and lines are classified into
two types: System Earthing and Equipment Earthing.

1. System Earthing
This is the type of earthing which is associated with current carrying conductors. It is
quite relevant because there might be overflows of currents during the process of its
transmission. This type of earthing is put to use in stations and substations of
electrical supply.
2. Equipment Earthing
This is the prime type of earthing for homes and other buildings. It deals with the
safeguarding of noncurrent carrying apparatus and metallic conductors. This type of
earthing serves the dual function of protecting the user of the appliance against
shocks, while at the same time safeguarding the appliance from getting harmed.

Indian Closet:

1. Our body parts, (except the feet) will not come in contact with the closet parts
and hence, hygienically Indian closet is better. Whereas in Western toilet one
has to sit on the toilet seat which might have been contaminated with harmful
microbes by earlier user(s).
2. In Indian toilet, one has to sit down bending the knees and thigh joints. It is a
kind of joints exercise.
3. In Indian toilet when a person sits, his/her belly is under pressure which helps
to clear the bowel better.
4. Washing with water is certainly better hygienically than wiping with tissue
paper as in Western style.
Western Closet:

1. Easy to use, especially when one is wearing a pant.

2. Better for those who have joint pains, especially aged people.
If there is enough space in the house, better to have at least one Indian style and one
Western style (with health faucet) so that one can use either type depending on the
situation.