Plumbing: System design back to basics

for plumbing, mechanical engineers

About the viewer panel
Technical problems?
• Click on the “Question Mark Symbol” on the upper right-hand corner of your screen, where you
will be directed to a list of system checks.
• Send a question from the “Ask a Question” window. Individual technical questions will be
answered in the “Answered Questions” on the left-hand side of your screen.
Slides:
• Click the four-pronged arrow button at the top right corner of the slides to view an expanded
window.
• Slides should change automatically.
• Click on “Download Webcast Slides” under “Event Resources” for a PDF of all slides.
Archive:
• Within seven days, an archive with Q&A will be posted.
• We will send an email to registered attendees with hyperlink.
• Access from www.csemag.com home page.
AIA CES Learning Units

To obtain an AIA CES learning unit (LU):

 Go to the “Learning Unit Exam” tab at the top of your screen and click on the exam
link.
 Take a 10-question exam for 1 LU.
 Get eight or more answers correct to pass.
 Certificate available to download once you pass.
 You must be registered for the webcast to take the exam and qualify for continuing
education credits.
If attending as a guest of a registrant:
 Access the archive at www.csemag.com.
 Complete the registration form.
 View the archive and download slides.
 Take the exam to obtain learning units.
Quality assurance
Consulting-Specifying Engineer, as a publication of CFE Media, is
registered provider 70118100 with The American Institute of
Architects Continuing Education Systems. Credit earned on
completion of this program will be reported to CES Records for
AIA members. Certificates of Completion for non-AIA members
are available on request.
This program is registered with the AIA CES for continuing
professional education. As such, it does not include content that
may be deemed or construed to be an approval or endorsement
by the AIA of any material of construction or any method or
manner of handling, using, distributing or dealing in any material
or product.
Questions related to specific materials, methods and
services will be addressed at the conclusion of this
presentation.
Learning objectives

 Learn about the International Plumbing Code, as well as related codes and
standards from International Building Code, NFPA and others.
 Review fixtures and faucets, water distribution systems, sanitary drainage
and vents within the International Plumbing Code.
 Learn about booster pumps and pressure zones and how to incorporate the
local water pressure into calculations.
 Review commercial building design examples.
Today’s presenters

PRESENTER PRESENTER MODERATOR

Steven Smith, Thomas Amara Rozgus

CPD, GPD Mikulasovich, Content
Associate PE, CPD, LEED AP Manager,
Principal, Associate Partner, CFE Media and
Lead Plumbing Syska Hennessy Technology
Designer, Page Group
What is your role in plumbing systems?
Building Codes: What Are They?
Building Codes
• Collection of laws, regulations and ordinances.
• Created by committees consisting of building officials,
builders, manufacturers and engineers.
• Updated and published generally every three to six years.
• Consist of ICC’s Mechanical Code, Plumbing Code and
others; and NFPA 70: National Electrical Code.

Purpose of Building Codes

• Set of minimum requirements to protect the
• Health
• Safety
• General Welfare
of the building occupants and the public.
Plumbing Codes
Most popular Plumbing Codes used in the United States:
• International Plumbing Code from International Code Council.
• Uniform Plumbing Code from International Association of
Plumbing & Mechanical Officials.
Plumbing Codes
International Plumbing Code (IPC)
• Most widely used plumbing code in the
United States.
• Currently adopted on state or local level in
37 states.

IPC uses both prescriptive and performance-related provisions for topics such as:
• Fixtures and fittings • Sanitary drainage and venting
• Backflow prevention • Traps, grease interceptors and separators
• Water supply and distribution piping • Storm drainage
• Water Heaters • Nonpotable water systems
Plumbing Codes
Determining the required version of IPC for your project:
• Free online access from the ICC Digital Codes.
• Can access your state from the locations tab.
• Can find codes by state by clicking on the map.
Related Codes and Standards
International Energy Conservation Code (IECC)
• 2015 – Reduction in distances allowed between circulated mains
and connection to public lavatories.
• Regulates insulation thickness for domestic hot water piping.
• Requirement for heat traps on storage-type water heaters in
commercial buildings.
Other Related Codes/Standards to the Plumbing Code:
• International Fuel Gas Code
• Gas-fired water heaters
• International Mechanical Code
• Oil-fired water heaters
• NFPA 70
• Electric water heater installations
• IPC Chapter 15 – Referenced Standards
• Standards referenced throughout the IPC
Fixtures and Faucets

Common plumbing fixtures include:

• Water Closets
• Urinals
• Lavatories
• Sinks
• Faucets
• Drinking Fountains
Common fixture materials include:
• Emergency Fixtures
• Vitreous China
• Enameled Cast Iron
• Stainless Steel
• Plastic
• Terrazzo
Water Closets

Typical types of flushes today: Water closets methods for flushing:

• Blowout • Gravity
• Siphon Jet • Flushometer tank
Water closets can be categorized • Flushometer valve
as:
Another way of identifying water
• Close-coupled closets:
• One piece • Floor mounted
• Flushometer • Floor mounted, back-outlet
• Wall hung
Urinals
Urinals can be: Flushing rates for urinals:
• Floor mounted • Maximum 1.0 gpf
• Wall hung • 0.5 gpf
• Free-standing • 0.125 gpf “The pint flush”
Typical types of flushes today:
• Washdown
• Siphon Jet
Urinal are flushed using a flushometer valve:
• Manually
• Automatically activated
Lavatories
Lavatory faucets: Maximum flow rates for lavatories:
• Manual • 2.2 gpm for private lavatories
• Metering • 0.5 gpm, or 0.25 gpm/cycle for public
lavatories
• Automatic sensor operated
Produced in every size and shape but
can be classified into five different types: Standard lavatory has three holes on the ledge
for the faucet.
• Slab
• Splashback
• Shelf back
• Ledge back
• Countertop
Sinks and Faucets
Sinks come in a wide selection: Faucets are typically categorized by
the fixtures they are connected to:
• Single compartment
• Lavatory faucet
• Double compartment
• Kitchen sink faucet
• Triple compartment
• Laundry faucet

There are two types of kitchen sinks:

Flow rates for different faucets are
• Residential regulated by the EPA Act and/or
• Commercial Plumbing Code.

Service sinks are general-purpose

and available as:
• Wall mounted
• Floor mounted
Drinking Fountains
The purpose is to provide drinking water to Drinking fountains can be combined with
the user. bottle filling stations.
Drinking fountains can be operated by:
Drinking fountains are classified as: • Mechanically activated (push button)
• Water coolers • Hands-free sensor operated
• Drinking fountains
The height of drinking fountains are not
regulated, except for ADA drinking
Drinking fountains come in many styles: fountains.
• In wall
• On wall Plumbing codes prohibit drinking fountains
• Floor Standing from being installed in toilet rooms or
bathrooms.
Emergency Fixtures
The type of fixture and the number of fixtures are
based on the hazard present.
There are three types of emergency fixtures:
• Emergency shower
• Face wash Eyewashes can be:
• Eyewash • Wall mounted
• Deck mounted
Emergency shower discharge: • Pedestal mounted
• Minimum 20 gpm at 30 psi
Most Plumbing Codes do not require
drains for emergency fixtures.
Eyewash station discharge:
• Minimum 0.4 gpm for eyewash
Water supply to emergency fixtures
• Minimum 3.0 gpm for combination eye/face wash required to be tepid, 60°F to 100°F. Many
designs are at 85°F.
Sanitary Drainage and Vents
Most commonly used pipe type is cast iron and PVC
• Joint types
• Bell and Spigot
• No-Hub
• Mechanical
• Solvent welded
• Pipe slope, Grease waste is ¼ inch
• Cleanouts not more than 100 feet
• Change of directions greater than 45 degrees
• Clean out locations
Sanitary Drainage and Vents
System Sizing Sanitary
• Drainage Fixture Units (DFU)
Sanitary Drainage and Vents
System Sizing Sanitary
• Drainage Fixture Units (DFU)
Sanitary Drainage and Vents
System Sizing Vents
• Drainage Fixture Units (DFU)
Vent types:
• Individual vent
• Common vent
• Wet vent
• Waste stack vent
• Circuit vent
• Combination waste and vent
• Island vent
• Single stack vent
• Air admittance valves
• Engineered vent systems
Sanitary Drainage and Vents
Design Reference
Water Distribution Systems
Some of the typical water distribution systems within a building consists of:
• Cold water
• Hot water
• Non-potable water
• Reclaimed water
Main objective when designing a water supply system is to provide adequate:
• Flow
• Pressure
• Volume
The No. 1 reason why proper design of a water distribution system is essential:
• HEALTH
Water Meters
Domestic water meters available in the Compound Meters:
following types:
• Normally 2 to 6 inches in size, common for
• Disc meters commercial installations. Used when most
of the flow is low, but high flows are
• Compound meters anticipated at times.
• Turbine meters

Disc Meters:
• Normally ½ to 2 inches in size, common
for residential and small commercial
installations. Adaptable for remote
readout systems.
Turbine Meters:
• Normally 2 to 10 inches in size, same
characteristics as compound meters, but is
more suitable for encountering high flows.
Cross-Connection Controls
Main Purpose:
• To prevent reverse flows at hazardous connection points within the water
distribution systems.

• When water supply pressure is lost, low pressure may occur that can draw
contaminants into the supply piping. These contaminants may emerge in
other parts of the piping system when pressure is restored. It is this action
that can jeopardize the publics health if cross-connection controls are not
provided.
Types of Backflow Preventers
Air Gap
• The unobstructed vertical distance through the free atmosphere
between the lowest opening from a pipe, drain line or any other
device. The air gap shall be at least double the diameter of the
supply pie, measured vertically, above the overflow of the vessel;
and in no case less than 1 inch.
Double Check Valve (DCV)
• Device with two single, independently acting check valves,
including tightly closing shutoff valves located at each end of the
assembly.
Reduced Pressure Zone (RPZ)
• Consisting of two independent check valves with an independent
pressure differential valve located between the two check valves.
The reduced pressure is guaranteed by a differential pressure
relief valve, which automatically relieves excess pressure in the
chamber by discharging to a drain.
Booster Pumps
Booster Pump Systems:
• When it is determined that the city water pressure is
not sufficient to meet the water demand, a booster
pump system shall be considered.
• Booster pumps may be for the entire building, for
the upper floors, in one or more zones or for select
equipment.
• Required capacity of pump system is determined by
the peak flow water demand and total dynamic
head.
• Typical booster pump systems consist of one or
more electrically driven centrifugal pumps,
connecting piping and various controls such as
pressure-reducing valves, motor controls and a
possible hydropneumatic tank.
Water Hammer Arrestors
Water Hammer
• Commonly used to describe the destructive
forces, pounding noises and vibrations that
develop flowing water is stopped abruptly.
Quick closing valves like:
• Flushometer valves
• Automatic lavatory faucets
• Clothes washers
System Protection:
• Historically air chambers
• Engineered water hammer arrestors
• Sized based on connected fixture units
Pressure Reducing Valves
Excess Water Pressure
• One of the main sources of trouble in a water
distribution system.
• Most codes restrict the maximum water
pressure to 80 psi.
Pressure reducing valves fall into the following
general categories:
• Single seated, direct operated or pilot operated
• Double seated, direct operated or pilot operated
Single seated PRV
• Used for dead-end service, intermittent flow
Double seated PRV
• Continuous flow conditions
Sizing Water Piping
Factors that affect domestic water pipe
sizing:
• Peak demand flow rate (gpm)
• Maximum velocity desired (fps)
• Pressure available for piping friction loss
per 100 feet.
To size the system, the engineer will need to
calculate the following:
• Maximum flow rate of the system
• Maximum and minimum water pressure
• Residual water pressure required at the
remote governing fixture
• Static pressure loss to the remote
governing fixture
• Average pressure drop through the water
meter
• Average pressure drop through the
backflow preventer
• Pressure available for friction
Booster Pumps
Sizing Booster Pumps
• Information needed
• Flow test for site (at demand gpm)
• GPM (From Fixture Count)
• Pressure (Demand From Highest Fixture)
• Equipment losses
• Water meter (4-8 psi)
• Backflow Preventer (4-12 psi)
What is the largest/tallest commercial
building in which you have designed a
plumbing system?
Booster Pumps
12 Story Building
Booster Pumps
Sizing Booster Pumps
• Flow test 50 psi @ 200 gpm
• Highest fixture 157 feet above grade
(Fixture requires 35 psi)
• Losses Calculations
2.31 feet of water column (W.C.) = 1 psi
• Water meter 5 psi
Static loss 157 feet/2.31 feet = 68 psi
• Backflow 8 psi 35 psi at highest fixture
Water meter 5 psi
Backflow 8 psi
Static loss 68 psi
+35 psi top-most fixture
=103 psi (MINUS)
(50 psi -5 -8) = 37 psi at pump suction
=66 psi @ 200 gpm Booster Pump
Pump discharge pressure = 103 psi @ 200 gpm
*** Always use manual method to check
Booster Pumps
Pipe and Fitting Loss
• Add up losses for each fitting
• Add up losses for each valve
• Use friction loss table for pipe
• OR
• Add 20% to your pump pressure
• 103 psi x .2 = 124 psi @ 200 gpm
Pressure Zones
High Rise Buildings
• 80 psi maximum to serve a fixture Floor height/2.31 gives static loss for that floor
• 35 psi minimum to serve a fixture
Floor
• Make the pressure zone 35-80 psi
12th floor
• Low zone floors 1-6 11th floor 14 feet = 6 psi
• High zone floors 7-12 10th floor 14 feet = 6 psi
• 1-5 static loss 37.6 psi 9th floor 14 feet = 6 psi

• First floor PRV set for 80 psi 8th floor 14 feet = 6 psi
7th floor 14 feet = 6 psi 80.4 psi
• Pressure on level 6 will be 42.4 psi
(80-37.6 = 42.4 psi) 6th floor 14 feet = 6 psi 86.4 psi 42.4
5th floor 14 feet = 6 psi 92.4 psi 48.4
4th floor 15 feet = 6.5 psi 98.9 psi 54.9
3rd floor 18 feet = 7.8 psi 106 psi 62.7
2nd floor 18 feet = 7.8 psi 114.5 psi 70.5
1st floor 22 feet = 9.5 psi 124 psi PRV 80 psi
Typical Water Riser Diagram
Typical Water Riser Diagram
12 story building
• Low and High Zone
Typical Sanitary Vent Riser Diagram
12 story building
Submitting questions, exit survey and archive
Questions:
• Type your question in the “Ask a Question” box and click “Send.” We will get to as many
questions as possible.
• Questions that are for today's presenters will be answered verbally during the Q&A session.
Exit survey:
• Please answer a few questions on the exit survey that will pop up on your screen at the
conclusion of the webcast.
Archive:
• Within seven days, an archive with Q&A will be posted.
• We will send an email to registered attendees with hyperlink.
• Access from www.csemag.com home page.
Plumbing: System design back to basics
for plumbing, mechanical engineers