Finding the Pipe Size

Pressure (water head) We know that the more pressure we have, the more flow we will get out
of a given water pipe. So our first step is to find out the start pressure. This could be the pressure
in a street water main, a pump, or the pressure at the start of a branch take off.
However the pressure at the far end of the water pipe system will be reduced by friction along the
way. So we must calculate the pressure that will be lost along the way by friction.
Also, if our house is much higher (or lower) than the street water main, this will make a big
difference in the pressure. Therefore we must know this difference in elevation.
Some water fixtures require a certain pressure to operate properly. This is called the residual head
or pressure. This figure can be anywhere from 5 to 15 metres. (49-147 kPa)(7-21psi).
We know the street pressure, we deduct the difference in elevation from the street to the highest
fixture, we also deduct the residual pressure required, and what ever pressure is left we can say is
available for friction.
Pipe Friction
The longer the pipe the more friction, so the length is important. The more bends and fittings the
more friction, so the number of bends and fittings is important. Any other pressure losses are also
important ie filters, softeners, meters etc.
However let's assume that the pressure loss through fittings etc can be the same loss as through a
certain length of pipe. This length is called the 'Equivalent' Length. For instance it might be that the
pressure loss through 50m of pipe is 'equivalent' to the pressure loss through 9 bends.