BUILDING UTILITIES 2

FITTINGS AND VALVES

FITTINGS
- A variety of fittings must be used to connect pipe lengths and make all the pipe turns, branch
lines, couplings that join the straight runs, and stops at the end of the runs. Fittings for steel and
wrought iron pipe are made of malleable iron and cast iron. The fittings for plastic, copper,
and brass pipe are made of the same materials as the pipe being connected.
1. ELBOWS- (usually at 45°and 90°) angular fittings used to change the direction of a supply
pipe. On a sanitary drainage system, a sanitary bend makes a more gradual turn to
prevent blockage.
2. TEES - are used in a supply system when a line must branch off at a straight run. A reducing
tee allows different pipe sizes to be joined together in a supply system. Sanitary T and
sanitary Y are tee-like fittings used in sanitary drainage systems that make a more
gradual turn to prevent blockage. A sanitary Y can accept two or three branches
before combining flow into one pipe.
3. COUPLINGS - are used to join straight runs of pipe. A union joins straight runs of pipe but
also allows the pipes to be more easily disconnected when future piping revisions are
expected or equipment needs to be replaced. A reducer is a straight fitting used to
decrease the diameter in a pipe in a water supply system. An increaser is a straight fitting
used to increase the diameter in a pipe in a sanitary drainage system.
4. ADAPTERS are used in a supply system where threaded pipe is being connected to
copper or thermoplastic. Adapters have one threaded end to accommodate
threaded pipe.
JOINING PIPES AND FITTINGS

a. Pipes and fittings can be joined mechanically:

1. threaded joints

2. insert fittings with crimped connections or clamped connections

3. hub and spigot

4. flared (metal to metal) joints

b. Fire suppression sprinkler pipes are frequently joined using a grooved Victaulic fitting.

c. A compression fitting - is a type of connection for tubing or pipe where a nut, and then a
sleeve or ferrule, is placed over a copper or plastic tube, and is compressed tightly around the
tube as the nut is tightened, forming a positive grip and seal without soldering.
d. Ways of Joining Metal Surfaces:

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1. Soldering - involves melting solder to a temperature below 840°F (449°C), usually in
the range of 350°to 550°F (177° to 288°C). Soldered joints are used when the service
temperature does not exceed 205°F (96°C).
2. Brazing - involves melting the metal filler above 430°C (800°F), usually in the range of
1100°to 1500°F (593°to 816°C), but still below the melting temperature of the metals to
be joined. Brazed joints offer greater strength and should be used where operating
temperatures are up to 400°F (204°C).
3. Welding- typically involves joining two or more pieces of metal by the application of
heat. Unlike soldering or brazing, welding involves a partial melting of the surfaces of the
metals to be joined. It offers the greatest physical strength.
e. Plastic pipe materials

1. Solvent cementing - involves coating the plastic surfaces with a prime coat and a
solvent cement coat before they are joined. The cement cures joining the surfaces in a
manner similar to the cementing technique used to attach the pieces of a plastic model
airplane.
2. Fusion welding - involves heating the surfaces until they melt, allowing them to be
joined.
VALVES

- are used to control flow of the water throughout the system. Proper location of valves
simplifies repairs to the system, fixtures, or equipment being serviced. Valves also
regulate flow to deliver the appropriate quantity of water and reduce water
consumption. In building plumbing systems, there are usually valves at risers (vertical
pipe serving the building), branches (horizontal pipe serving the fixtures), and pipes to
individual fixtures or equipment. The inner workings of most valves are generally
accessible for repairs.
1. GATE VALVE - is a manual valve that has a wedge-shaped leaf that, when closed,
seals tightly against two metal seats that are set at slight angles. This type of valve is
usually used where the flow of the water is left either completely opened or closed for
most of the time. Because the flow of water passes straight through the valve, there is
very little water pressure lost to friction. The gate valve is not used to regulate flow of
water. Instead, it is used to shut off the flow of water such as to fixtures and equipment
when repairs or replacement must be made.
2. GLOBE VALVE- is a manual, compression-type valve, commonly used where there is
occasional or periodic use, such as lavatories (faucets) and hose connections (called
hose bibbs). This type of valve regulates the flow of water. Design of the globe valve is
such that the water passing through is forced to make two 90° turns, which greatly
increases the friction loss in this valve compared with that in a gate valve.

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3. ANGLE VALVE- is a manual valve similar in operation to the globe valve, utilizing the
same principle of compressing a washer against a metal seat to cut the flow of water.
It is commonly used for outside hose bibbs.
The angle valve has a much higher friction loss than the gate valve and about half the
friction loss of the globe valve.

4. CHECK VALVE - opens to allow the flow of water in the direction desired and prevents
flow in the other direction.

Two Types of Check Valves:

a. SWING CHECK VALVE - the pressure of the water forces the valve gate to swing open,
but once the flow stops, gravity causes the gate to fall closed, preventing a reversal of
the flow. This type of valve must be mounted vertically or horizontally to work properly.

b. SPRING CHECK VALVE - is spring loaded. Water pressure forces the gate open much
like the swing type, but when the flow stops, a spring (not gravity) forces the gate closed.
This enables the valve to be mounted in any position and at any angle. This valve is used
in such places as the water feed line to a boiler (heating unit) where the water from the
boiler might pollute the system if it backed up.

*All valves are modifications of these fundamental types. Valves can also be categorized by
their function.
There are several types of special valves that justify a description.

1. BALL VALVE - is a manual valve that has a ball with a hole through it that is mounted
between two seats. When the ball hole is in line with the valve openings, full flow of water
occurs. A 90° rotation of the ball causes the valve to be fully closed. Ball valves are available
in both on/off shutoff control and controlled-flow designs. Controlled-flow ball valves are
designed to regulate the flow of water.

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2. METERED VALVES - are designed to automatically discharge for a specific length of
time and thus deliver a fixed quantity of water before closing off flow. They operate by
pushing down or against the valve handle. They are used on lavatories in public
restrooms such as in transportation terminals, restaurants, and convention halls to ensure
that water is shut off after a short period of time. A flushometer valve is a metered valve
that discharges a predetermined quantity of water to fixtures for flushing purposes (e.g.,
water closets and urinals) and is closed by direct water pressures.

3. FLOW CONTROL VALVE- automatically adjusts the rate of water flow to a

predetermined flow rate as pressure in the system varies. They can be used to limit flow
at a fixture outlet thereby holding demand to a required minimum.

4. THERMOSTATIC VALVE - frequently called a tempering valve or mixing valve, is an

automatic valve thermostatically blends hot and cold water to desired temperatures
and to prevent scalding.
5. TEMPERATURE-PRESSURE RELIEF (T/P) VALVES- is a safety valve designed to limit pressure
of a liquid vapor or gas. These valves are specified such that the valve remains closed
at normal operating pressures yet it is allowed to open to release excessive pressure.
They are commonly found as a safety feature on water heaters and boilers.
6. PRESSURE-REDUCING VALVE- is an adjustable valve designed to reduce pressure to a
specific setting. These valves are commonly used in building plumbing systems where
street water pressure is excessive and needs to be reduced before being sent to
plumbing fixtures.
7. HOSE BIBB- sometimes called a sill cock,is a valve designed to accept the threaded
connection of a hose. A freezeless hose bibb has a long body that when placed in an
exterior wall, cuts off the water supply near the interior wall surface. This allows water
near the exterior wall surface to drain out when the valve is closed to avoid freezing of
water and valve damage in severe wintertemperatures. Secured hose bibbs require a
specially designed knob to open the valve, which prevents use by the general public.

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8. FLUSHOMETER- is a valve-like device designed to supply a fixed quantity of water for flushing
toilets and urinals. When operated, it automatically shuts off after a measured amount of
water flow in order to conserve water. It uses pressure from the water supply system rather than
the force of gravity to discharge water.
9. SENSOR-OPERATED VALVES - Modern urinals and water closets (toilets) use a sensor-
operated valve that automatically flushes the fixture when a user departs. The unit uses an
infrared proximity sensor to detect a user approaching the fixture, then waits until the user
departs. A solenoid is used to actuate the flush. Typically, a batter contained within the unit
powers the sensor circuit.

*Valves referred to as standard weight are designed to withstand pressures up to 125 psi (860
kPa). High-pressure valves are also available. Most small valves have bronze bodies, while
large valves (2 in (50 mm) and larger) have iron bodies with noncorrosive moving parts and
seats that must be replaced periodically. They are available threaded or soldered to match
the pipe or tubing used.

*Valves must be installed in the appropriate direction of flow. An arrow cast in the body of the
valve usually indicates direction of flow. Some valves are better than others in regulating flow.
Gate valves and ball valves undergo excessive wear (from cavitation) when they are partially
closed. Globe valves are designed to more easily and effectively regulate flow.

PLUMBING FIXTURES
PLUMBING FIXTURE - is an approved receptacle, device, or appliance that uses water and
discharges wastewater such as a water closet, urinal, faucet, shower, dishwasher, drinking
fountain, hose connection, hose bibb,water heater, water softener, underground sprinkler, hot
tub, spa, and clothes washer. They must be made of dense, durable, nonabsorbent materials
with smooth, impermeable surfaces. Plumbing fixtures are the only part of the plumbing system
that the owners or occupants of the building will see regularly, because most of the plumbing
piping is concealed in walls and floors.

1. WATER CLOSET - is a plumbing fixture that serves as an indoor receptacle and removal
system for human waste. Although this fixture is commonly called a toilet or commode,
the building code specifically refers to it as a water closet. Water closets are typically
made of solid vitrified china cast with an integral (built in) trap. They are also available
in stainless steel that is typically specified for high-vandalism installations such as at
highway rest stops, outdoor recreation areas, jails, and detention centers. Water closets
are available as single flush, flushb tank, or flush valve fixtures.

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*ULTRA-LOW FLUSH (ULF) WATER CLOSETS - average water consumption is 1.6 gal (6.0 L) per
flush. Infrared and ultrasonic sensors can be built into the flush valve to automatically flush and
avoid nonflushing or double flushing.
a. FLUSH TANK WATER CLOSET - has a water tank as part of the fixture. As the handle or button
on a water closet is pushed, it lifts the valve in the tank, releasing the water to flush out the
bowl. Then, when the handle is released, the valve drops and the tank fills through a tube
attached to the bottom of the tank. This type of water closet cannot be effectively flushed
again until the tank is refilled. Foam lining can be installed in the tank to minimize condensation
on the outside of a toilet tank by insulating the cold water in the tank from warm, humid air.
b. FLUSH VALVE WATER CLOSETS - have no tank to supply water. Instead, when the handle is
pushed, the water to flush the bowl comes directly from the water supply system at a high rate
of flow. When used, it is important that the water supply system be designed to supply the high
flow required. Although most of the fixtures operate effectively at a pressure of 20 psi (140 kPa),
the manufacturer’s specifications should be confirmed because higher pressure is often
required.

a. FLOOR-MOUNTED FIXTURE - is much less expensive in terms of initial cost, but the wall-
mounted fixture allows easier and generally more effective cleaning of the floor. It is
acceptable for most residential applications.

b. WALL-MOUNTED FIXTURES - are considered desirable for public use, and some codes even
require their use in public places. When wall-mounted fixtures are used in wood stud walls, a
wider wall will be required than is sometimes used with floor-mounted fixtures.

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DUAL-FLUSH WATER CLOSET - a technology first

developed in the early 1980s, takes water
conservation one step further by using 1.6 gal
(6.0 L) of water to flush solid waste but only 0.8
gal (3.0 L) to flush liquid waste.

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2. URINALS
- plumbing fixtures that are commonly used in public restrooms where it is desirable to reduce
possible contamination of the water closet seats. They are commonly available in vitreous
China and sometimes in enameled iron. They are also available in stainless steel for high-
vandalism installations. Floor and trough-type urinals are no longer allowed in new
construction. Urinals are available as flush tank or flush valve fixtures.

*ULF URINALS - average water consumption is 1.0 gal (3.8 L) per flush. Special metal urinals with
straight drain lines limit average water consumption to 0.5 gal (1.9 L) per flush.

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WATERLESS URINAL
- a urinal that is specifically engineered to eliminate potable water consumption for urinal
flushing. It looks very much like a conventional urinal except the flush valve and piping that is
normally positioned above the fixture is omitted. Conventional urinals use about 3.5 (13 L) of
water per flush and modern water-saving urinals use about 0.5 to 1 gal (2 to 4 L) of water per
flush. The chief benefit of waterless urinals is that they do not use water. In office buildings and
schools, waterless urinals can save up to 25 000 gal (100 000 L) of potable water per year per
fixture, saving water and sewer costs and reducing the burden on the municipal sewage and
sewage treatment system.
- A waterless urinal fixture blocks odors and gasses by a means other than a traditional trap.
Each manufacturer constructs its waterless urinal fixture differently. The most popular types use
a removable cartridge that needs to be replaced on a regular maintenance schedule, or a
liquid sealant that must be regularly flushed and refilled periodically, usually by the
housekeeping staff. With most designs, urine flows by gravity off the smooth surface of the
urinal into a trapped liquid with a lighter- than-water specific density. The liquid floats, allowing
the urine to flow through it to the drain. The liquid remains and serves to trap the odor. One
manufacturer recommends cartridge replacement after an estimated 12 000 to 15 000 uses,
which on average will be every 3 to 4 months depending on usage.

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3. BIDETS
- personal hygiene plumbing fixtures used for genital and perineal cleanliness. It is typically
used after using the water closet. Equipped with valves for hot and cold water, the inside walls
of the bowl are washed the same way as a standard toilet. The bidet is not designed or
intended to carry away solid human waste. It is installed alongside the water closet. The user
sits on the fixture facing the wall (and the water controls) and is cleansed by a rinsing spray.
Bidets are available in vitreous China. Some bidets have a warm air dryer that is used to blow
dry the genital and perineal area after washing.

4. BATHTUBS

- plumbing fixtures used for bathing. They are available in enameled iron, cast iron, or
fiberglass. Tubs are available in a variety of sizes, the most common being 30 or 32 in (760 or
810 mm) wide; 12, 14, or 16 in (300, 350 or 400 mm) high; and 4 to 6 ft (1.2 to 1.8 m) long.
Whirlpool bathtubs are fitted with jets that propel a current of warm water in a swirling
motion.

- Enameled iron tubs are formed of steel that is clad with a porcelain enamel finish. They are
generally available in lengths of 41⁄2 and 5 ft (1.37 and 1.53 m); widths of 30 to 31 in (760 to
785 mm); and typical depths of 15 to 151⁄2 in (375 to 387 mm).

- The most commonly available length of fiberglass bathtubs is 5 ft (1.5 m), and it takes 34 to
36 in (865 to 915 mm) of width to install. Generally, the fiberglass units are cast in a single
piece. Many include three walls (eliminating the need for a ceramic tile tub surround). It is
this single-piece feature, with no cracks or sharp corners to clean, which makes the fiberglass
tub so popular with clients.

- Bathtub fittings may be installed on only one end of a tub, and the end at which they are
placed designates the tub. As you face the tub, if the fittings are placed on the left, it is
called a left-handed tub, and if placed on the right, it is right-handed.

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5. SHOWERHEAD - an overhead nozzle that sprays water down on the bather. Shower fittings
may be placed over bathtubs instead of having a separate shower space; this is commonly
done in residences, apartments, and motels. However, it is important that when a showerhead
is used with a bathtub fixture, the walls be constructed of an impervious material such as
ceramic tile.

➢ LOW-FLOW SHOWERHEADS - average water consumption by a showerhead are that

flow rates not exceed 2.5 gpm (9.5 L/min)
➢ HANDSHOWER - a showerhead attached to the end of a flexible hose, which the bather
can hold during bathing or showering.

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➢ SHOWER SURROUNDS - cover the walls that enclose a shower stall. Special shower
surrounds available include corner units and gang head units.
➢ SHOWER ENCLOSURE - consists of glass panels, either framed or frameless, used to
enclose bathtubs, shower modules, shower receptors, and custom-tiled showering
spaces.
➢ RECEPTOR OR SHOWER PAN - a shallow basin used to catch and contain water in the
bottom of a showering space. They are available in units of porcelain enameled steel,
fiberglass, tile, terrazzo, marble, cement, or molded compositions.
➢ GANG HEAD SHOWER - has multiple showerheads extending from the top of a post. It is
commonly used in institutions, schools, factories where workers must shower after work,
and other locations where large numbers of people must shower.

Shower surrounds and receptors of tile, concrete, or marble may be built to any desired size
or shape. Typically lead or plastic sheets are site-formed into shower pans on custom-made
showers.
Preformed shower stall surrounds are most commonly available in sizes of 30 in by 30 in (760
mm by 760 mm) and 30 in by 36 in (760 mm by 915 mm).

Steel shower surrounds are usually available in sizes of 30 in by 30 in (760 mm by 760 mm) and
30 in by 36 in (760 mm by 915 mm).

Fiberglass shower surrounds are commonly available in sizes of 36 in by 36 in (915 mm by 915

mm) and 36 in by 48 in (915 mm by 1220 mm).
Code generally sets a minimum shower size (except as permitted herein) of at least 1024 in 2
(0.66 m2) of interior cross-sectional space with a minimum interior dimension of 30 in (760 mm).
The only exception is a prefabricated one-piece shower designed to accommodate a 32 in
by 32 in (800 mm by 800 mm) roughed-in opening, provided it has at least 900 in2 (.56 m2) of
interior area.

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6. LAVATORY - a bathroom basin or sink used for personal hygiene. Lavatories are generally
available in vitreous China or enameled iron, or they may be cast in plastic or a plastic
compound with the basin an integral part of the countertop. They are also available in stainless
steel for high-vandalism applications.
Present requirements for nonmetered lavatory faucets limit the average water consumption
to 2.2 gpm (8.4 L/min). Metered lavatory faucets are designed to shut off after a short period
of time. They are used in public restrooms such as in transportation terminals, restaurants, and
convention halls to ensure that water is shut off and not flowing freely. Metered faucets used
on lavatories should not deliver more than 0.25 gal (1.0 L) per use. Infrared and ultrasonic
sensors can be installed to operate faucets and limit waste.

Lavatories are available in a large variety of sizes and the shapes are usually:
a. square

b. rectangular
c. round

d. oval.
The lavatory may be:

a. wall-hung
b. set on legs

c. set on a stand
d. built into a cabinet

Lavatory styles:
a. SELF-RIMMING LAVATORIES- have a finished rim that is placed directly over the countertop
opening.

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b. UNDERCOUNTER LAVATORIES - an installation in which a lavatory (or sink) is attached to the
underside of a countertop.
c. PEDESTAL LAVATORIES- have a basin that is supported primarily by a freestanding pedestal
leg.

Special fittings for lavatories:

a. FOOT CONTROLS - often used in institutions such as hospitals and nursing homes

b. SELF-CLOSING FAUCETS - commonly used in public facilities (especially on hot water faucets)
to conserve water
c. AUTOMATIC “NO-TOUCH” FLOW - operates automatically when a sensor recognizes that
hands are positioned under the faucet.
d. LIFT ROD - Residential lavatories have a lift rod that opens the pop-up drain when the lift rod
is depressed. When rod is lifted, the drain closes so the lavatory will retain water.

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7. SINKS
Kitchen sinks are most commonly made of
enameled cast iron or stainless steel. Sinks are
usually available in a single- or a double-bowl
arrangement; some even have a third bowl,
which is much smaller. A waste disposalis
typically connected to one of the sink drains.
Kitchen sinks are generally flush-mounted into
a plastic laminate or into a composition plastic
counter. Present water conserving
requirements for residential kitchen sink
faucets limits the average water consumption
to 2.5 gpm (9.5 L/min). A common sink width
for the kitchen is 30 in.

UTILITY OR SERVICE SINK - has a deep, fixed basin that is supplied with hot and cold water and
is used for rinsing mops and disposing cleaning water. They are often called slop sinks or mop
sinks. These sinks are made of enameled cast iron or vitreous china. Most service sinks have
high backs, and there may be two or as many as three bowl compartments. Other sinks
commonly used are laundry trays, pantry sinks, bar sinks, and surgeon’s sinks. Service sinks are
generally available in enameled iron or in stainless steel.

FLOORMOUNT SINK - installed into the center of a concave floor to dispose of water. The dome
strainer and grate provide a convenient drain and catch basin for general cleaning and
maintenance tasks.

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8. LAUNDRY TUBS OR TRAYS

- large deep sink used in laundry rooms. They are usually

available in a single- or a double-bowl arrangement.
Laundry tubs are typically floor or wall-mounted units
available in low-cost plastic, enameled iron, or stainless
steel.

9. DRINKING FOUNTAINS AND WATER COOLERS

DRINKING FOUNTAINS - offer users a limitless supply of

drinking water at any location where water and sanitary
drainage are readily available.

WATER COOLERS- can deliver 8 gal/hr (30 L/hr) or more of

chilled drinking water. They require connections to power,
water, and drainage.
Drinking fountains and water coolers are available in wall-mounted and floor units. Drinking
fountains and water coolers should not be installed in public restrooms.

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10. OTHER FIXTURES

EMERGENCY FIXTURES - include eye-face washes, drench showers, decontamination units,

portables, and accessories designed for use wherever hazardous substances are present.

Other types of fixtures:

a. baptisteries

b. ornamental ponds
c. fountains

d. aquariums.

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End of Lesson…..

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