MINIMUM REQUIRED SIZE OF DISTRIBUTION

LINES OF A BUILDING PLUMBING SYSTEM

It's the initial pressure that drives the flow of

INTRODUCTION water through the pipes. The pressure at the

source of water supply can vary based on
factors such as the elevation of the source,
The determination of the minimum required
the water storage height (if any), and the
size of distribution lines in a building's
design of the pumping system (if applicable).
plumbing system is a critical aspect of
creating an efficient and reliable water
3. Required pressure at each outlet fixture
supply network. Various factors contribute
(examples of outlet fixture are bathtubs,
to the selection of water distribution pipe
channel drains, bidets, drinking fountains,
sizes in buildings, and specific procedures
kitchen sinks, bathroom sinks, showers and
are followed to ensure that these sizes align
others)
with the system's demands

FACTORS INFLUENCING SELECTION OF

WATER DISTRIBUTION PIPE SIZE IN
BUILDINGS

1. Cost Effectiveness

The cost of materials, installation, and

maintenance is a significant factor. Larger
pipes can be more expensive, so selecting a
size that balances cost and performance that
is needed.
2. Pressure at the Source of Water Supply
The pressure at the source of water supply
refers to the force per unit area exerted by
the water in the distribution system at its
starting point.
Note that these are general guidelines, and
specific fixture manufacturers might provide
recommended pressure ranges for their
products. Additionally, the local plumbing
codes and regulations in your area might
specify minimum pressure requirements that
need to be met.

4. Pressure Loss
When water flows through pipes in a water
distribution system, it encounters resistance
due to various factors, such as the friction of
water against the inner surface of the pipes,
fittings, valves, and other components. This
resistance slows down the water flow and
leads to a decrease in pressure along the
length of the pipe.
5. Future Expansion
Planning for future expansion is a prudent
approach in designing water distribution
systems. Allowing for extra capacity ensures
that the system can accommodate increased
water demands without needing major
modifications.
6. Economic Considerations
Budget constraints and long-term cost
implications play a vital role. While larger
pipes might offer advantages, the upfront
and ongoing costs need to align with the
project's budget and overall economic
feasibility.
7. Restriction on water flow velocity to
avoid noises and pipe erosion.
Water flow velocity restrictions are
important to prevent issues like noise and
pipe erosion in plumbing systems. When
water flows through pipes at high speeds, it
can create turbulence, which can lead to
several problems.
a. Noise:
High-velocity water flow can result in loud
noises within the pipes, commonly referred to
as water hammer or hydraulic shock. This
occurs when the water suddenly stops or
changes direction due to the closing of a
valve or fixture. The noise can be disruptive
and even damaging to the pipes over time.
b. Pipe Erosion:
Fast-moving water can erode the inner
surfaces of pipes over time. This erosion can
cause damage to the pipe material, leading
to leaks, corrosion, and decreased lifespan of
the plumbing system.
PROCEDURES USED FOR THE
DETERMINATION PIPE SIZES FOR
WATER DISTRIBUTION IN BUILDINGS
1. Drawing the Layout
Create a schematic of the water distribution
system showing horizontal mains, risers,
and branch lines. Indicate the types and
number of fixtures (sinks, showers, toilets,
etc.) connected to each line. For instance, a
horizontal main might have multiple branch
lines connecting to bathrooms on each floor.
2. Calculating Fixture Demand
Use data from table that provides fixture
unit values for different fixtures. Calculate
the total fixture units for each line based on
the types and quantities of fixtures. For
instance, if you have two toilets (each with 4
fixture units) and three sinks (each with 2
fixture units), the total fixture units would be
2(4)+ 3(2) = 14.
3. Determining Water Demand
It is provided for water demand in gallons
per minute (GPM) for various fixture unit
values. Multiply the total fixture units from
step 2 by the GPM value to get the total
water demand for each line. If the total
fixture units are 14 and the GPM value is 7,
then the water demand would be 14(7) = 98
GPM.
4. Estimating Equivalent Pipe Lengths:
Start from the street main and calculate the
equivalent length of pipes for each stack or
line. This involves considering factors like
pipe material, diameter, and fittings. For
instance, if you have 50 feet of actual pipe
length, but due to bends and fittings, its
equivalent length is calculated to be 60 feet.
 Table-2: Fixture Units, Trap and Connection Sizes for Plumbing
Fixtures for Drainage

5. Determining Average Minimum Pressure

Obtain the average minimum pressure in the
street main from the Water Company or
through testing. This pressure value serves
as a reference point for the system.
6. Specifying Minimum Pressure for
Highest Fixture
Identify the fixture that requires the highest
pressure. For example, a high-pressure
shower might need a minimum pressure of
40 psi.
7. Calculating Pipe Pressure Loss
Calculate the pressure loss in the pipes
using the equivalent pipe lengths and flow
rates. This involves using pressure loss
charts or equations. If the pressure loss due
to pipe friction is calculated to be 10 psi, this
should be factored into the system.
8. Selecting Pipe Size
Fig.2: Domestic Water Demand Curve Specify Rate of Flow
There are tables that provides pipe sizes Using the Number of Fixture Units Served Domestic Water
based on flow rates and pressure drops. Demand Curve

Find the pipe size that can handle the

calculated flow while maintaining the
required pressure. If the required flow is 98
GPM and the pressure drop is 10 psi, the
chart might suggest a 2-inch pipe.

Table-1: Fixture Units, Trap and Connection Sizes for Plumbing Fig.3: Domestic Water Curve, Enlarged Portion for Low Water
Fixtures for Domestic Waters Demand

Fig.4: Determination of flow in copper tubing and

other pipes that will be smoothed after service of 15
to 20 years
PRESSURE DROP IN A LINE OF A BUILDING
PLUMBING SYSTEM
WHAT IS PRESSURE DROP?
The decrease in pressure from one point of
the tube or pipe to another downstream, and
usually the result of friction against the tube
or a pipe
WHY DOES PRESSURE DROP
IMPORTANT/ MATTER?
To determine the size of the pump/motor
needed and the process pipe diameter
required to move a particular type of product
through a piping system. The higher the
pressure drop in the line, the greater the
amount of energy consumed to maintain the
desired process flow, requiring a higher
horsepower motor.
Conversely, the lower the pressure drop in a
piping system, the less energy consumed,
providing the potential to use a lower
horsepower motor.
WHAT IS PRESSURE HEAD?
Pressure head (aka pump pressure head) is
simply the height to which a specific pump
can lift a column of water, typically
expressed in meters. It is the magnitude of
the force the pump exerts on the fluid that is
being pumped.
If the needed pressure head is too large to
overcome a large pressure drop, this can
have an undesirable effect on system
components such as the proper operation of
ancillary equipment, premature failure of
seals, and potentially harmful over-pressure
situations.
THE EFFECT OF PRESSURE DROP
ON SEALS
Seals used in equipment such as pumps and
heat exchangers have specific pressure
limitations. When the equipment is
operating within a suitable range (in terms
of pressure, temperature, speed, etc.), seals
will have a pre-defined life cycle.
The seals will degrade or deform, causing
leaks in the system.
WHAT FACTORS AFFECT THE
PRESSURE DROP?
The pressure drop in a building plumbing
system depends on factors like pipe
diameter, length, material, and flow rate.
Thinner pipes, longer distances, and higher
flow rates typically result in higher pressure
drops.

PRESSURE DROP FORMULA
Pressure drop formula used to
calculate a pressure drop through
pipe flow.
Where P is the pressure drop
(pressure loss N/m^2)
f is the friction factor
L is the length of the pipe (m)
D is the pipe diameter (m)
V is the fluid velocity (m/s)
p is the fluid density (kg/m^3)
HOW TO CALCULATE PRESSURE
DROP?
1. First, determine the friction factor. This
is known as the Darcy friction factor and
is a combination of friction between the
fluid and pipe and internal fluid friction.
2. Next, measure the length of the pipe.
3. Next, measure the diameter of the pipe.
4. Next, determine the fluid velocity. This
should be the average velocity of the
fluid.
5. Next, determine the fluid density. For
water, this would be 997 kg/m^3.
6. Finally, calculate the pressure drop.

Pressure drop in a plumbing system
is influenced by several factors:
Pipe Diameter
Smaller pipe diameters lead to higher friction
and pressure drop due to the restricted flow
area.
Pipe Length
Longer pipes introduce more resistance to
flow, resulting in higher pressure drop.
Flow Rate
Higher flow rates increase pressure drop as
the fluid encounters more resistance while
moving through the pipes.
Fluid Viscosity
More viscous fluids create higher friction
against pipe walls, leading to increased
pressure drop.
Pipe Material
Rougher inner surfaces of pipes create
greater friction, causing higher pressure
drop. Smooth materials like copper tend to
have lower pressure drops than rougher
materials like galvanized steel.
Fittings and Valves
Elbows, bends, valves, and other
obstructions increase turbulence and
contribute to pressure drop.
Elevation Changes
Changes in elevation can lead to changes in
potential energy, affecting pressure drop.
Temperature
Higher temperatures can cause fluids to
expand, impacting pressure and flow.
Fluid Density
Denser fluids result in higher pressure drops
due to greater mass moving through the
pipes.
Roughness of Pipes
The internal surface roughness of pipes can
impact pressure drop. Smooth pipes have
lower pressure drops compared to rough
ones.
Velocity
Extremely high or low velocities can lead to
pressure drop variations, with some
optimum velocity range for minimal pressure
drop.
Different Types of Pipe Fittings in
Plumbing System
Various types of pipe fittings are available in
plumbing systems for different purposes
and functions. A pipe fitting is used in
plumbing system to join multiple pipes of
same size or different sizes, to regulate the
flow or to measure the flow. They are made
up of different materials like copper, iron,
brass, PVC etc.
Elbow Pipe Fittings
Elbows are used to change the direction of
flow between two pipes. Elbows are
generally available with an angle of 22.5°,
45° and 90°. If pipes are of same diameter
then normal elbows are used otherwise
Reducer elbows are used. Elbows are made
of different materials. These are generally
coming with female threads and we can fix
them by butt or socket welding also.
Reducer
Reducer is a pipe fitting component which
reduces the flow size from larger to smaller
by reducing size of pipe. Usually there are
two types of reducers are available.
Tee type Pipe Fitting
Tee type fitting is a component of plumbing
system which is in T-shape. It is having one
inlet and two outlets, outlets are arranged at
90° to the main line connection (inlet). It can
also be used to combine the flow from two
inlets to one outlet. They are also available in
different materials and different sizes. If the
3 sides of T-fitting are similar in size then it
is called as Equal tee otherwise it is called as
Unequal tee.
Cross type of Pipe Fitting
Cross type fittings contains 4 opening in 4
directions. These are connected when there
are 4 pipes are meeting at a point. These
fittings generate more amount of stress on
pipe as the temperature changes, because
they are located at the center of four
connection points. Cross fittings are
generally used for fire sprinkler systems.
Coupling
A coupling is used to connect the pipes of
same diameter. Coupling are also useful if
the pipe is broken or leakage occurs.
Union
Union is a type of fitting, which functions as
similar to coupling. But coupling cannot be
removed after fixing but in this case we can
remove the union whenever we needed.
Unions consists nut, male and female ended
threads. So, this is also useful for
maintaining purpose of pipe.
Adaptors
If the pipes are not having special ends or
plain ends then adaptors make them
threaded either male or female whichever is
needed. Adopters are generally used for
copper and PVC pipes. Male adapters
contain male threads and female adapters
contains female threads. One end of adapter
is plain which is glued or welded or soldered
to the plain pipe end.
Plug
Plug is a component of plumbing component
which is generally used to close pipe
opening during inspections and repairs. Plug
are generally contains male threads.
Valves in Pipe Fittings
Valves are components of plumbing system
which are used to stop or regulate flow of
fluid in its path. Different types of valves are
available depending up on their applications.
Flange
A flat, ring-like fitting used to connect pipes,
valves, or equipment to each other.
Nipple
A short piece of pipe used to connect two
fittings or pipes.
Cap
Used to seal the end of a pipe or fitting.
Trap
A U-shaped pipe that prevents sewer gases
from entering a building, commonly used in
sinks.
Compression Fitting
Joins pipes by compressing a gasket or
ferrule against the pipe, often used for
flexible tubing.
Wyes
It is used in drainage fittings and have a 45-
degree branch. The angling of the branch is
designed to reduce turbulence and friction.
Hose Barb
A hose barb is defined as one or more
continuous ridges or bumps on a fitting that
are used to grip the inside diameter of a tube
and seal the connection.
 Tee type Pipe Fitting Valves in Pipe Fittings

Elbow

Cross type of Pipe Fitting Flange

Reducer

Coupling Nipple

Compression Fitting

Union Trap

Adaptors Hose Barb

Wyes

Plug

Cap