Print this page Sizing Plumbing Water System
A. Bhatia, B.E.
Course Outline
Plumbing water distribution systems are designed on the idea of the most probable peak demand loading, which reflects the worst-case scenario for a system. These types of systems require different considerations than large-scale water distribution networks. The difference is primarily attributed to uncertainty regarding the use of plumbing fixtures, hence uncertainty in demand loadings.
This 3-hour course provides comprehensive design methodology and underlying principles of plumbing water systems. This course addresses the design criteria for estimating potable water demand for residential and transitory use facilities.
This course
includes a multiple-choice quiz at the end, which is designed to enhance the
understanding of the course materials.
Learning Objective
At the conclusion of this course, the student will:
- Understand the factors influencing the potable water demand;
- Learn the model plumbing codes applicable to potable water plumbing systems;
- Learn the Hunter’s method for approximating peak demand loadings on a building’s water distribution system.
- Describe the terms maximum flow, average flow, maximum probable flow, continuous demand and intermittent demand;
- Understand the fixture unit concept to determine the rate of flow with a plumbing pipe;
- Learn with example the application of Hunter’s curve and demand tables;
- Learn the American Water Works Association (AWWA) “Fixture Value Method for sizing service water mains for non-residential demands;
- Learn four approaches related to plumbing water pipe sizing;
- Understand the advantages and disadvantages of using copper v/s plastic pipe for potable water service;
- Understand the method of sizing booster water pump/s; and
- Understand the regulatory requirements and system reliability considerations when analyzing or estimating water demands.
This course is aimed at students, architects, mechanical engineers, civil engineers, facility designers, health and environment professionals, energy auditors and anyone who wants a basic understanding of plumbing systems.
Benefit to Attendees
This course will help professional engineers and designers gaining a basic understanding of plumbing systems and help conceptualizing design in the absence of any more appropriate information.
Course Introduction
In today's buildings, all occupancies must be provided with a supply of potable or drinkable water that has enough volume and pressure to make it easily available.
Design of plumbing water system primarily requires estimating the water demand and selecting equipments associated with potable water system.
Supply plumbing includes all piping and related components from the water source to the fixtures.
The course is divided into four parts as follows:
- PART I - Estimating Water Demands and Plumbing Codes
- PART II - Estimating Non-Residential Water Demands
- PART III - Sizing Auxiliaries such as Piping, Pumps, Storage & Expansion tanks
- PART IV - System Reliability and Regulatory Considerations
Course Content
The course content is contained in the following PDF file:
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Course Summary
The course presents the basic understanding of the fundamental concepts of plumbing water system. The model codes such as UPC, SPC, and IPC provide a simplified basis of estimating the potable water demand based on the number of plumbing fixtures.
The estimation of potable water demand is based on the probability theory that has been worked out to predict the mind-set or socioeconomic ethics of the consumers on water use. The fundamental piping design parameter, fixture unit count, is a rough (probable) estimate based on continuous vs. intermittent water demands in a great variety of occupancies, which is then used to estimate supply delivery rates, pipe diameters, and component capacities. The estimation of ‘non-residential’ water demand is based on the historical data published by American Water Works Association.
The recommended sizing of piping system is based on the pressure drop-velocity criteria. A standard engineering practice for pipe sizing is based on restricting pressure drop to 5 psi per 100 ft equivalent length simultaneous with velocity not exceeding 8 fps. The various other plumbing items such as pumps and storage tank selection should be based on the peak demand and maximum average day demand respectively.
Related Reading
Water Conservation
Water is available in abundance and therefore a little attention is paid to
conserve the water. One tends to forget that there are costs associated with
treating water and any wastage has direct impact on the energy and environment.
Potable water systems are also disinfected to make it suitable for drinking.
The regulating agencies are putting more and more emphasis on conserving water
and in some states even enforcing restrictive covenants on the use of water.
A 2-hour course titled "Water Conservation Tips"
provide a glance to conservation practices.
Once
you finish studying the
above course content,
you need to
take a quiz
to obtain the PDH credits.
DISCLAIMER: The materials contained in the online course are not intended as a representation or warranty on the part of PDHonline.com or any other person/organization named herein. The materials are for general information only. They are not a substitute for competent professional advice. Application of this information to a specific project should be reviewed by a registered professional engineer. Anyone making use of the information set forth herein does so at their own risk and assumes any and all resulting liability arising therefrom.
