KASARANI TECHNICAL AND VOCATIONAL COLLEGE DEPARTMENT OF

BUILDING AND CIVIL ENGINEERING

TITLE : INSTALLATION OF AN ELEVATED WATER

TANK.

PRESENTED BY: KEVIN.O. OKENDO

INDEX NO: 4091020171

PRESENTED TO: THE KENYA NATIONAL EXAMINATIONS COUNCIL IN

PARTIAL FULFILLMENT FOR THE REQUIREMENT

FOR THE AWARD OF CERTIFICATE IN PLUMBING.

SUPERVISOR: MADAM GLADYS NDEGWA.

SERIES : NOVEMBER 2023

 TABLE OF CONTENTS
DECLARATION........................................................................................................................iii
DEDICATION............................................................................................................................iv
ACKNOLEDGEMENT...............................................................................................................v
ABREVIATION.........................................................................................................................vi
ABSTRACT...............................................................................................................................vii
CHAPTER ONE
1.0 INTRODUCTION.................................................................................................................1
1.1 BACK GROUND INFORMATION.....................................................................................1
1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM.....................................................................................2
1.4 LIMITATION OF THE STUDY...............................................................................................3
CHAPTER TWO
2.0 STUDY AREA......................................................................................................................5
MAP FROM KAMULU TO KASARANI TVC.........................................................................5
2.1 LITERATURE REVIEW......................................................................................................6
CHAPTER THREE
3.0 INTRODUCTION.................................................................................................................7
3.1 DATA COLLECTION..........................................................................................................7
3.2.1 QUESTIONNAIRES.......................................................................................................7
3.2.1 INTERVIEWS.................................................................................................................8
3.3 DATA ANALYSIS................................................................................................................8
3.3.2 APPLIANCES USED.....................................................................................................9
CHAPTER FOUR
4.0 INRODUCTION..................................................................................................................10
4.1 CONCLUSION....................................................................................................................10
4.2 RECOMMENDATION.......................................................................................................11
4.3 REFERENCE.......................................................................................................................12
APPENDICES
APPENDIX 1............................................................................................................................13
APPENDIX 2.............................................................................................................................14

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 DECLARATION
I sincerely declare that the project is my own work and has not been: to any other institution of
professional exam body.

I also declare to the best of my knowledge that any project received to prepare the project and all
the cousin has been parasitically acknowledge by means of reference.

NAME :KEVIN OKENDO

SIGNATURE :________________________

DATE :________________________

I confirm that the work presented in this project has been carried out by the candidate under the
supervisor.

NAME :MADAM GLADYS NDEGWA

SIGNATURE : ________________________

DATE :_________________________

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 DEDICATION
This project is dedicated to my dear family and friends for their love and encouragement. The
dedication also goes to my fellow colleagues at my institution for their support during the time of
the study. To my supervisor madam Gladys ndegwa who mentored me throughout the process of
research she was also a great source of encouragement.

May God bless you all?

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 ACKNOLEDGEMENT
I would like to thank the almighty God for giving me the opportunity and energy and good health
to pursue my education. It is through his abundant grace that has brought this project this far also
like to thank my supervisor madam Gladys ndegwa who guided me all through the process. I
acknowledge her patience, thank her tireless effort.

I would like to appreciate my family my classmates for wonderful ideas they shared with me
which gave me a lot of support throughout this process in order to come up with this project.

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 ABREVIATION

PPR: polypropylene

PVC: polyvinyl chloride

UPVC: unplasticized polyvinyl chloride

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 ABSTRACT
This abstract outlines a case study focused on the installation of an elevated water tank within an
institution at Kasarani Technical College.

The research investigates the planning, design and implementation of the elevated water tank
project to address specific water challenges faced by the institution. Many regions have
prompted this initiative to a ensure a consistent and reliable water supply for diverse institution
needs and encompassing academic activities and sanitation facilities.

The project commences with a detailed hydrogeological survey of the college premise,
examining ground water availability and demand patterns. The tank design a adhere to
engineering standards emphasizing structural integrity and water quality preservation. The
advantages of installing an elevated water tank are to promote sufficient water pressure to the
rest appliances.

To ensure suitability the project incorporates with indirect water supply system and innovative
water conservation practices for the future use. The purpose pose of installing elevated water
tank is to improve advance water pressure and to supply clean water within the institution
without consideration of a water pump.

The study involves the research investigation and techniques to find out how an elevated water
tank is installed and problem will solve. This project is my own original work, which took
approximation of one week to prepare and make it possible. The project will be presented to the
Kenya National Examination Council and has never been awarded by an examination body.

To install an elevated water tank roughly cost approximation of 70 000 Ksh for both labor and
materials.

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 CHAPTER ONE
1.0 INTRODUCTION
An elevated water tank also known as water tower, plays crucial role in water supply system by
ensuring consistent and reliable water source for various applications. This projects involves
construction a robust structure that supports a large storage tank an elevated height, allowing for
gravity driven water distribution to surrounding areas throughout this guide I will explore the key
factors to consider when planning an elevated water tank installation, including site
selections ,structural design, material selection and construction techniques we will delve into
various stages of the installation process, covering aspects such as foundation preparation, tank
installation and the necessary plumbing connections. This chapter focus on the limitations of the
study objectives of the study’s and defines the problem statement.

1.1 BACK GROUND INFORMATION

The design of an elevated water tank was bold in the 17th century according to the rehears dates
back to ancient civilization where structures like aqueducts and cisterns were used to store and
distributes water.
The developments of elevated water tanks as we recognize them today began during the
industrial revolution in European and northern America. These early structures were typically
made of wood often resembling tall wooden barriers or tanks mounted on timber for masonry
supports. They were used to store water and provide gravity fed water supply to growing urban
areas.
The installation of an elevated water tanks project is a critical solution to address the challenge
by elevating the water storage capacity to ensure a reliable supply of water in our institution

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1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
Kasarani technical is an institution with a population of at least 1800 students. The population
has been growing later, the increase of the population has led to low water supply to other
appliances as the institution designed a small water storage for a small population. Poor
installation and leakages of fittings has leads to loss of water in the institution. These problems
may also have direct impacts on the health, lives hold the existing water distribution system
within the institution suffers from low water pressure resulting in inefficient water usage and
inconveniences such as slow fillings of tanks, weak showers, and ineffective firefighting
capabilities. The installation of an elevated water tank project seeks to improve water pressure
and ensure adequate flow rates throughout the institution.

1.3 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

The study aims:

 to ensure a reliable water supply in the institution: By installing an elevated water tank
which can hold or serve the institution, the students, staff, and visitors have access to
clean and sufficient water for their daily needs.
 Improve water pressure and flow: The installation of an elevated water tank project aims
to enhance water pressure throughout the institution, ensuring applications such as
showers, faucets, toilets, and firefighting systems. These objectives seek to improve user
experience and optimize water usage efficiency.
 Ensure that the process of installation an elevated water tank project in the institution
meets the standard.
 To establish how additional of elevated waters tanks in the institution will be of help to
the student and workers.
 To ensuring an interrupted water supply during emergency.
 Improve access to safe and clean drinking water for students and the staff.
 Reducing reliance on external sources for water supply.

By accomplishing these objectives, the installation of an elevated water tank in the institution
will result to improved water supply, water reliability, enhanced emergency preparedness,
optimized water pressure and flow, sustainable and efficient water management system.

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1.4 LIMITATION OF THE STUDY
While conducting the study on the installation of an elevated water tank project in our institution,
several limitations were encountered that should be acknowledged to provide a comprehensive
understanding of the research findings.

1. Scope of the Study: The study focused solely on our institution, limiting the generalizability of
the findings to other contexts. Variations in infrastructure, climate, and local regulations in
different regions may impact the applicability of the results to other institutions.

2. Time Constraints: The study was conducted within a specific timeframe, which might not have
allowed for an in-depth analysis of long-term factors affecting the water tank's performance.
Long-term environmental impacts and maintenance challenges might not have been fully
captured.

3. Data Accuracy: The accuracy of the study heavily relied on the precision of the data collected.
Inaccuracies or inconsistencies in the data sources, such as water usage patterns or construction
timelines, could have influenced the reliability of the results.

4. Budgetary Constraints: Financial limitations restricted the scope of the project. Certain
innovative technologies or materials that could enhance the water tank's efficiency might not
have been explored due to budget constraints, impacting the overall quality of the installation.

5. Human Factors: The study did not delve deeply into the human factors involved in the project,
such as community perceptions, attitudes, or behavior towards water conservation.
Understanding these elements is crucial for the sustainable operation of the water tank, but they
were beyond the study’s scope.

6. Environmental Factors: Environmental variables, such as seismic activity or extreme weather

conditions, which could significantly affect the structural integrity and functioning of the
elevated water tank, were acknowledged but not extensively studied. These factors are essential
for ensuring the long-term resilience of the infrastructure.

In conclusion, while this study provides valuable insights into the installation of an elevated
water tank project in our institution, these limitations underline the need for cautious

3
interpretation of the results and emphasize avenues for future research to address these gaps
comprehensively

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 CHAPTER TWO
2.0 STUDY AREA
The study area was carried out at Kasarani Technical Vocational College. It is located 1.5km
from Kamulu Shopping collage center, off kangundo road, in kasarani sub county Nairobi. It lies
between latitude 1”17’ 2. 35' S and longitude 37" 4’5.53" E the district has an area of about
305km about 5% of the area is covered by natural regeneration woodlands, 50% settlement, 10%
grazing land and 48% gully and rocks (URT 2010) according to the research done by visiting
weather forecasting.

The area has a density of 1,789 km² and a population of about 41, 532 (2019) and the climate of
Kamulu is characterized as tropical Climate with the temperature ranging 22°c to 30°C. The
district receives mean annual rainfall. The coordinates of the area are 1.2816876° S, 37.0597142°
According to the Koppen - Gelger classification the prevailing climate in this region is
categorized as cfb and the rainfall is 681mm/26.81 inches.

Map from Kamulu to Kasarani TVC

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2.1 LITERATURE REVIEW
The history of elevated water tanks dates back to the late 1800s when cities and towns across
America were experiencing considerable growth. As these towns grew, they needed a reliable
source of water that could be distributed throughout the community.

Elevated water tanks emerged as an innovative solution because they provided consistent
pressure for distributing water throughout larger areas without the need for costly pumping
stations. The first elevated tank was built in Texas in 1893, followed by several others over the
next few decades.

The first elevated water tanks were simple wooden structures constructed to create water
pressure for distribution systems. Over time, these tanks evolved in design and materials,
transitioning from wood to steel and concrete, which enhanced their durability and longevity.
One of the primary purposes of these structures was to provide consistent water pressure,
especially in areas with varying terrain.

In the early 20th century, elevated water tanks became iconic symbols of progress and modernity
in many cities. They represented advancements in engineering and urban planning, enabling the
growth of communities by ensuring a stable water supply for domestic use, firefighting, and
industrial needs. With technological advancements, modern elevated water tanks are equipped
with sensors and control systems, allowing for efficient management of water distribution. These
tanks play a crucial role in emergency situations, ensuring that essential services continue to
function even during power outages or natural disasters. According to the research done in
America water association.

In summary, the history of elevated water tanks reflects the evolution of urban infrastructure,
showcasing the ingenuity and innovation of engineers and architects. Today, these structures
continue to stand tall, serving as a testament to human progress and the importance of reliable
water supply in sustaining communities.

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 CHAPTER THREE
3.0 INTRODUCTION
This chapter discusses the methodology under the following fields: Data collection, methods of
data collection, Data analysis, under methods of data collection I used various research methods
like: Questioners, Interviews, other than that I interacted with many stakeholders and relevant
bodies in the questions to get proper data for this project.

3.1 DATA COLLECTION

During the field work, a comprehensive data gathering Process was adopted. The assistants
involved used both qualitative and quantitative data collections tools. Five research assistants
were identified and trained on the administering of questionnaire and sampling techniques to be
used during the Study. After obtaining consent from the research assistants used both
questionnaire and interviews in order to elicit uniform responses to the varied level of education
and understanding of respondents.

3.2 METHODS OF DATA COLLECTION

After obtaining consent from research assistance, the following methods of data collection were
used: -

3.2.1 Questionnaires
Questions were asked randomly to trainees, trainers, and workers at Kasarani Technical Institute,
some of the questions were direct – needed YES or NO answers and they were answered orally.
The questions include: -

A) Question: Do you prefer an underground tank or elevated water tank. If yes explain.
YES or No
Responder: yes, I prefer elevated water tank because it is cheaper to install as compared to
an Underground tank. This is because an underground tank would require a pump to supply
water where it is needed.

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 B) Question: Do you prefer elevated plastic water tank or elevated steel water tank.
YES OR NO

Responder: yes, I prefer an elevated plastic water tank because it’s cheaper as compared to
steel water tanks.

3.2.1 Interviews
Interview questions were prepared in advance to help develop questions to answer objective of
the research made.

3.3 DATA ANALYSIS

Questionnaires were in order to get the random answer on the questions asked. This method was
suitable as it allowed the researchers to know the preference of the type of tank to be used.
interview also helped to develop questions in advance that will be answered in order to
get Objectives and content.

3.3.1 Tools Used

Pipe wrench hand hacksaw

Used for tightening and loosening for cutting

PVC cutter Tape measure

Used for cutting PVC pipes. For taking measurements

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3.3.2 Appliances used
 Plastic water tank
 Plastic pipes (ppr) (9 inches)
 Union: it allows future disconnection of the pipes for maintenance.
 Gate valve: restrict the flow of water when the gate is fully open.
 Float valve : it regulates the amount of water
 Stillson pipe wrench: They are used for tightening and loosening fittings and pipes.
 PPR pipes : They are used to supply water.
 Sealing thread : Used for steel and PVC threads pipe to ensure a completely tight
joint.
 Pipe cutter : Used for cutting PPR pipes.
 PPR welding machine : Used for joining fittings.

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 CHAPTER FOUR
4.0 INRODUCTION
After carrying out my research I therefore came up with:

4.1 CONCLUSION
In conclusion the installation of an elevated water tank offers numerous benefits and is a crucial
investment in ensuring a reliable and efficient water supply system, by providing increased water
pressure, the elevated tank improve the distribution of water, ensuring adequate supply to all
appliances in the institution. Additionally, it offers a solution to all appliances with limited
access to natural sources or unreliable municipal water supply, providing a reliable backup and
emergency water storage option. Moreover, it promotes sustainability by enabling gravity driven
water flow, reducing the reliance on energy consuming pumps.

Furthermore, the long-term cost savings associated with reduced maintenance and operational
expenses make the installation of an elevated water tank a financially viable option. In overall
this infrastructure solution enhances water management promotes resilience and contributes to
well-being and development in the institution.

Based on the research and careful analysis of my project. It was concluded that plastic pipes such
as UPVC and plastic tanks were the right ones to be used to install and supply water as they are
not affected by corrosion like galvanized steel which were used before, as we were installing the
elevated water tank, we made sure that the right standard measures were observed to ensure that
it served the institution for a long time.

It was also observed that the number or size and capacity of the tank installed were few therefore
we made a conclusion that the tanks should be increased should be placed on the right place for
steady supply of the pressure.

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4.2 RECOMMENDATION
The study recommends that the elevated water tank are the appropriate ones to be used in the
institution. The study also recommends that PPR pipes are the ones to be used to supply water in
the institution as they are not affected by corrosion, cheap and easy to install as compared to
galvanized steel. The students were made aware of the importance of sanitization and clean
water consumption.

Furthermore, the students also suggested that the elevated water tank will enhance our
institution's sustainability efforts. By optimizing water usage and incorporating rainwater
harvesting systems, we can significantly reduce our environmental footprint. This aligns with our
commitment to environmental stewardship, instilling a sense of responsibility for our
surroundings in our students and fostering a culture of sustainability within the institution.

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4.3 REFERENCE
Hasmar Halim engineering department (2012).

Christine k.w and Ayars J.E 2001 Electrical Water Tank System.

Design and management in irrigated agriculture.

Online data base like goggle. Http//www.j.stor.org/stable/41227558

Books journal article by GH Fenkell 1928.

American water works association (AWWA) vl, 19,No4,April 1928.

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APPENDIX 1

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APPENDIX 2
MATERIALS SND COST OF ESTIMATION OF AN ELEVATED WATER TANK
INSTALLATION

PARTICULAR SIZE QUANTITY COST TOTAL

PPR pipe 1” 10m 55/m 650
union 1” 1 piece 70 70
Ball valve 3/4 1piece 750 750
Female elbow 1” 1 piece 50 50
900elbow 1” 6 pieces 30 180
GI (hexagon 1” 1 piece 150 150
nipple)
Gate valve 1” 1 piece 1200 1200
Male socket 1” 2 pieces 40 80
Tank 10,000 Ltrs 60 000 60 000
Thread tape 1 piece 30 30
hacksaw 1 piece 120 120

Labor cost estimation

Total working hours= 10 hours

No. of hours per day= 12hrs

Cost of one plumber per day= Kshs 2000

Cost of helper per day= 1000

Total cost per day =3000

Total cost of material=63280

Total cost of labor=3000

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