SANITARY FITTINGS

Plumbing is the practice, materials and fixtures used in the installation or

maintenance of all pipes in connection with both water supply and sanitary
systems within or adjacent to any building. The entire system of piping, fittings
and the appurtenances are known as plumbing system. Sanitary plumbing system
includes the pipes, fittings are the appliances used in a house plumbing system,
to receive the human excreta and sullage wastes of the house. Sanitary fittings are
:

1. Water closets (WC),

2. Urinals,
3. Flushing cistern for water closets
4. Bath tubs,
5. Washing basins,
6. Kitchen sinks.

The waste water is generated through the sanitary fittings. The provision of an
efficient sanitary plumbing system for collection and movement of the waste
water to the nearest municipal sewer is an important aspect of the building
construction.

PRINCIPLES OF SANITARY PLUMBING SYSTEM

The sanitary plumbing system should be designed keeping into consideration

the following general principles:

1. For better maintenance of Waste Water treatment system, the sanitary

pipes should be preferably laid into the ground by the side of the building
rather than in walls or underground.
2. Vertical pipes in buildings should be kept outside and accommodated in
shafts, to avoid their bad appearance.
3. Horizontal pipes should be laid straight and at grade between inspection
chambers.
4. All sharp bends and junctions should be avoided and made through
inspection chambers.
 5. The entire plumbing system should be ventilated.
6. The house sewer should be connected to the street sewer, keeping the
outfall level of the house sewer sufficiently higher than the water level of
the public sewer to avoid back flow.
7. The plumbing system should contain enough number of traps, to avoid
evolution of foul smells and the efficient function.
8. Laterals should be laid at sufficient slope so as to develop self-cleansing
velocities.
9. The joints of the pipes should be made watertight.
10.The layout of the system should be such as to permit easy cleaning in case
of blockage.
11.High quality sewer pipe should be used in the system.
12.Possibilities of formation of air locks, siphon age, deposits, etc., should be
properly studied and remedies should be accommodated in the design to
avoid them.
13.Rainwater from the roofs or open yards should not be allowed to mix with
house sewage.

There are three types of Plumbing systems. Potable water, sanitary, and
stormwater system. Each of these plays a vital role in keeping the city clean and
hygienic. All the residential, industrial, and commercial buildings have each of
these plumbing systems installed. The plumbing system comprises the entire
system of fittings and appliances that are used in water supply and drainage.

The plumbing system of pipes and fixtures that are installed in a building for the
purpose of distribution of drinkable water and removal of waterborne wastes is
entirely different from the water and sewage systems present in the building.
There are four types of categories considered in the plumbing system.

1. Single stack system: This is a high-capacity pump lift to transfer

wastewater or slurries even against a gravity drain.
2. Partially vented single stack system: This is a simple and essential form
of plumbing system amongst all the plumbing systems. The system of
 pipes carries waste from bathrooms, sinks, and washbasins from the water
closets. This is connected to a single pipe.
3. One pipe system: This plumbing system uses a single stack, where the
vent pipe receives connections from all the traps.
4. Two pipes system: This system uses separate pipes for connecting the
water closets and for the discharge of washbasins and bath sinks etc.

Type of drainage systems in buildings

The drainage system comprises a well-arranged network of drainage pipes, and

this system is used to get rid of human waste. Drainage systems pipes which are
generally used are copper, CPVC, and HDPE pipes. These are made of plastic
which makes them rust-free and lightweight. They have low maintenance and
easy installations. These pipes are pocket friendly and economical.

Surface Drainage System:

This system removes excess water from the surface of the land. This is important
for the removal of extra water from the surface of the ground which is done with
the help of improved natural channels or constructed drains. A surface drainage
system increases productivity on land where a high-water table or soil moisture
conditions prevent the movement of water from the root zone. Surface systems
are further classified into Regular Surface systems and Controlled Surface
systems, the details of which are discussed below:

 A regular surface drainage system starts to function when there is excess

rainfall or irrigation operated entirely by gravity.
 A controlled surface drainage system consists of check gates placed in the
surroundings of flat basins like those in flatlands.

Subsurface Drainage System:

This system lowers the water table and helps in the removal of excess water
through open ditches. During wet times the water table gets lowered so as to keep
the root zone unsaturated. This system can again be categorized into two types
which are relief drains and interceptor drains. Relief drains are used to lower the
water table for the purpose of serving vegetation and also for improving the
surface water.

Slope Drainage System:

It is built in such a way that it allows water to flow in a downward direction. This
is done through fine quality pipes with a downward direction. The downward
movement of the pipe allows the water to go down swiftly without blockage. The
best solution for a slope system is to slope the finish grade away from the house
or building so that the surface water can drain out. The minimum slope that is
required for the water to run off is 1%. The floor must be sloped to the drain at a
tolerance of only 1% – 2% grade. On an excellent slope system, polymer concrete
underlayment will be a cost-effective alternative.

Downspout & Gutter Drainage System:

The gutter system consists of two parts:

 Gutter channels that run horizontally along the roof edge.

 A downspout that carries the collected water down to grade level.

The Gutter downspout is a vertical pipe that is attached and helps the water to
move out of the gutters away from the building, ensuring that all the waste is
separated safely through the system. The downspout also redirects water and
safely leads it away from the building toward the designated drainage area. If they
are clear of clogs and properly installed, they will protect the building’s
foundation from water damage. Downspouts are often directed onto surfaces such
as driveways which send water directly into the streets when it rains. Downspouts
are also connected to a pipe that connects either directly to the sanitary sewer or
storms into the drain system. On average, a gutter needs a downspout around
every 30-40 feet.

Benefits of Drainage System in Buildings

It prevents water accumulation which can cause flooding. It helps direct the water
away from the building and helps to stop the accumulation of water, which can
encourage mosquitos to breed. A good system in a building helps in the removal
of access water in any area which is affected by floodwater or rainwater. It serves
the purpose of removing wastewater effectively; this system is called a sewer
system. The benefit of a drainage system can be seen when accumulated water is
flushed out along with the waste in a systematic order and a strong network that
helps to get rid of unwanted clogging, which results in maintaining a healthy
condition in a building.

1. Provides a better environment for plant growth.

2. Helps to increase microbial decomposition.
3. Improves the physical properties of the soil.
4. Maintains proper soil temperature.
5. Enhances better root system.
6. It helps in the removal of toxic substances.
7. May increase the life of the building.
8. It helps to prevent water-borne diseases.

Features of UPVC ( Unplasticized Polyvinyl Chloride ) pipes

1. High resistance to corrosion

2. High durability in all circumstances
3. Safe for drinking water
4. Non-toxic and does not cause contamination
5. Uninflammable
6. Resistant to internal and external pressure
7. Maintain consistent water flow because of its super smooth surface
8. High electric resistance, therefore suitable for electrical phone and wiring
cables.
9. Have heat insulation quality
10.Easy to install and maintain
11.Protects the pipe from freezing
12. Low cost, compared to other types of pipes.
13.Environment friendly
14.Lead-free free
15.UV stabilized
16.No bacterial growth
17.Simple and leakproof joint
18.Designed to last for ages
19.Serve temperature up to 60 degrees Celsius