ONTARIO PLUMBING

INSPECTORS ASSOCIATION INC.

In the public service since 1920

Introduction to
Water Pipe Sizing
Understanding the Many
Methods to Size Water Pipe
Presented by:
Rainier Bratsch-Blundel, CPSI
Plumbing Professor George Brown College

OPIA Education and Training 1

 Introduction to
Water Pipe Sizing
Where to start.
ASPE Data Books
2006 Building Code
National Plumbing Code of Canada

OPIA Education and Training 2

 Introduction to
Water Pipe Sizing
What is found in the ASPE Data Books?
1. A list of empirical formulae for piping friction
losses including;
The Hazen-Williams Formula
city mains and fire mains
The Darcy-Weisbach Formula
plumbing and process piping friction factor is determine
by the Colebrook equation

OPIA Education and Training 3

 Introduction to
Water Pipe Sizing
What is found in the ASPE Data Books?
2. A method formula for probability of use.
Uses a series of tables assigning Water Size Fixture
Units to the most common found fixtures in a
plumbing system.
This is the method found in the Body of the Codes
and Appendices of the National Plumbing Code of
Canada and Ontario Plumbing Code and Guide.

OPIA Education and Training 4

 Introduction to
Water Pipe Sizing
Where to look in the Building Code?
7.6.1.1. Design, Fabrication and Installation
(1) Potable water systems shall be designed, fabricated and
installed in accordance with good engineering practice, such
as that described in the ASHRAE Guide and Data Books, the
ASHRAE Handbooks and ASPE Data Books.
(ASHRAE: American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-
Conditioning Engineers, last update 1972),
(ASPE: American Society of Plumbing Engineers, updated
2005)

OPIA Education and Training 5

 Introduction to
Water Pipe Sizing
More from the Building Code?
7.6.3.1. Design
(1) Except as permitted in Sentences (2) and (3), the size of
every pipe in a water distribution system that supplies water
to a fixture or device and the flow pressures at the supply
openings shall be designed to provide peak demand flow in
conformance to Table 7.6.3.1.
(2) A tail piece or connector not more than 750 mm long and
not less than in. inside diameter may be used to supply
water to a fixture or device.
Cont.
OPIA Education and Training 6
 Introduction to
Water Pipe Sizing
More from the Building Code?
7.6.3.1. Design (cont.)
(3) A water distribution system that serves not more than a
single dwelling unit does not need to conform to Column 3 of
Table 7.6.3.1.
(4) No water system between the point of connection with the
water service pipe or the water meter and the first branch that
supplies a water heater, shall be less than in. size.
(5) Every pipe that supplies a fixture shall have a capacity that
will produce a flow in the fixture that will flush the fixture and
keep it in a sanitary condition.
OPIA Education and Training 7
 Introduction to
Water Pipe Sizing
Where to look in the Building Code?
7.6.3.2. Hydraulic Load
(1) Except as provided in Sentence (3), the hydraulic load of a
fixture or device that is listed in Table 7.6.3.1. shall be the
number of fixture units given in the Table.
(3) Where fixtures are supplied with both hot and cold water,
the hydraulic loads for maximum separate demands shall be
75% of the hydraulic load of the fixture units given in Tables
7.6.3.1. and 7.6.3.2. when using a detailed engineering
design method.

OPIA Education and Training 8

 Introduction to
Water Pipe Sizing
T-7.6.3.1.

T-7.6.3.2.

OPIA Education and Training 9

 Introduction to
Water Pipe Sizing
What's in the Appendix of the Building Code?
The following may be used as an alternative in determining
the size of each section of the water system. This is based on
proven design methods found in the Appendix of the National
Plumbing Code of Canada.
To determine the size of each section of the water supply and
distribution systems, use Table A-7.6.1.1.(1), which
incorporates the requirements of Sentence 7.6.2.3.(3) for
sizing the Water Service Entering the Building.

OPIA Education and Training 10

 Introduction to
Water Pipe Sizing
STEP 1: Determining conditions
On a proposed water piping installation sized pursuant to Table
A-7.6.1.1.(1), the following conditions need to be determined:
i. the total number of "Water Supply Fixture Units" as
determined from Tables 7.6.3.1. and 7.6.3.2. for the
fixtures to be installed,
ii. the developed length of the pipe from the property line to
the most remote outlet, or if the pressure at the property
line or meter is unknown, the developed length from the
public water main to the most remote outlet,
OPIA Education and Training 11
 Introduction to
Water Pipe Sizing
STEP 1: Determining conditions
On a proposed water piping installation sized pursuant to Table
A-7.6.1.1.(1), the following conditions need to be determined:
i. the total number of "Water Supply Fixture Units" as
determined from Tables 7.6.3.1. and 7.6.3.2. for the
fixtures to be installed,
ii. the developed length of the pipe from the property line to
the most remote outlet, or if the pressure at the property
line or meter is unknown, the developed length from the
public water main to the most remote outlet,
OPIA Education and Training 12
 Introduction to
Water Pipe Sizing
STEP 1: Determining conditions (cont.)
iii. the difference in elevation between the water
piping at the property line or other source of
supply and the highest fixture or outlet,
iv. the pressure in the public water main or other
source of supply at the locality where the
installation is to be made (this pressure may
need to be reduced so that the pressure in the
water distribution system does not exceed 550
kPa); and,
OPIA Education and Training 13
 Introduction to
Water Pipe Sizing
STEP 1: Determining conditions (cont.)
v. finally, in localities where there is a wide
fluctuation of pressure in the main throughout
the day, determine the minimum pressure
available, which will be used as a basis for this
design.

OPIA Education and Training 14

 Introduction to
Water Pipe Sizing
STEP 2: Water Service Pipe
i. Beginning with the available pressure at the
property line, public water main or other souce
of supply, and subtracting 10 kPa for each
metre of difference in elevation between such
source of supply and the highest water outlet in
the building or on the premises, use the
"Pressure Range" group in Table A-7.2.6.1.(1)
within which the adjusted pressure falls.

OPIA Education and Training 15

 Introduction to
Water Pipe Sizing
STEP 2: Water Service Pipe
ii. Select the "Length Column" that is equal to or
longer than the required length of service pipe.
Follow down the column to a "Water Supply
Fixture Unit" equal to or greater than the total
number of units required by the installation.
Having located the proper unit value for the
required length, locate the size of the water
service in the left-hand column.

OPIA Education and Training 16

 Introduction to
Water Pipe Sizing
STEP 2: Table A-7.6.1.1.(1) 200kPa to 310kPa

OPIA Education and Training 17

 Introduction to
Water Pipe Sizing
STEP 2: Table A-7.6.1.1.(1) 311kPa to 413kPa

OPIA Education and Training 18

 Introduction to
Water Pipe Sizing
STEP 2: Table A-7.6.1.1.(1) Over 413kPa

OPIA Education and Training 19

 Introduction to
Water Pipe Sizing
STEP 3: Cold Water Piping
Starting at the most remote outlet on the cold water piping
and working back toward the water service or meter, using
the total developed length of pipe, calculate the pipe size
for the system using the total "Water Supply Fixture Unit"
values given in Tables 7.6.3.1 and 7.6.3.2. and adding the
unit demand of the hot water inlet at the point where it
occurs. The final size of the cold water service need not be
larger than the size required by Table A-2.6.1.1.(1) for the
water service.

OPIA Education and Training 20

 Introduction to
Water Pipe Sizing
STEP 4: Hot Water Piping
Starting at the most remote outlet on the hot water piping
and working back toward the service water heater,
calculate the pipe sizing for the system from the "Length
Column" selected in Table A-7.6.1.1.(1) using the "Water
Supply Fixture Unit" valves given in Table 7.6.3.1. and
7.6.3.2.

OPIA Education and Training 21

 Introduction to
Water Pipe Sizing
DW Hose
Example OBC: KS Bibb
WC
Cl. W. Lav
SHR
WC
WC
Lav Lav
Bath Bath

HWT
KS Cl. W.
Bath WC DW
Hose
Lav
Bibb
OPIA Education and Training 22
 Introduction to
Water Pipe Sizing
T-7.6.3.1.

T-7.6.3.2.

OPIA Education and Training 23

 Introduction to
Water Pipe Sizing
(i) the total number of "Water Supply Fixture Units"
W.S.F.U.
FIXTURE 7.6.3.1. 75% W.S.F.U FIXTURES
COLD HOT
W.C. 3 NA 3 4 12 -
LAV 1 .75 .75 4 3 3
BATH 2 .75 1.5 3 4.5 4.5
SHR 2 .75 1.5 1 1.5 1.5
K.S. 2 .75 1.5 2 3 3
D.W. 3 NA 3 2 - 6
CL.W. 3 .75 2.25 2 4.5 4.5
H.B. 4 NA 4 2 8 -
TOTAL COLD 59 SUB-TOTAL 36.5 22.5

OPIA Education and Training 24

 Introduction to
Water Pipe Sizing
(ii) (iv) Determining Conditions

(ii) - (iv) DETERMINE CONDITIONS

DEVELOPED LENGTH 23 m
PRESSURE AT SOURCE 550 kPa
CHANGE IN ELEVATION 9m
MINUS 10kPa PER metre - 90 kPa
PRESSURE RANGE 460 kPa

OPIA Education and Training 25

 Introduction to
Water Pipe Sizing
STEP 2: Table A-7.6.1.1.(1) Over 413kPa

OPIA Education and Training 26

 Introduction to
Water Pipe Sizing
STEP 2: Water Service Pipe

SIZING as per A-7.6.1.1.(1)

WATER SERVICE 1 (1 1/4)
1 1/4 108 WSFU
WATER
1 55 WSFU
DISTRIBUTION
PIPING 3/4 24 WSFU
1/2" 7 WSFU

OPIA Education and Training 27

 Introduction to
Water Pipe Sizing
DW Hose
Example OBC: 1/2" KS 1/2"
1/2" Bibb

STEP 3: Cold Cl. W. 3/4" WC

Lav
Water Piping 1/2" 3/4" SHR
WC
WC 3/4"
Lav 3/4"
1/2 Lav
Bath 3/4" Bath
1"
1 1/4"
3/4"
1 1/4"
1/2 1/2"
1/2"
1 1/4 HWT
KS 1/2"Cl. W.
Bath WC DW
1" Hose
Lav
Bibb
OPIA Education and Training 28
 Introduction to
Water Pipe Sizing
DW Hose
Example OBC: KS Bibb
STEP 4: Hot Cl. W 1/2"
1/2" WC
1/2" Lav
Water Piping 3/4" SHR
WC
WC 1/2"
Lav 3/4" 3/4" Lav
Bath Bath
3/4"
3/4"
3/4"
1/2"
3/4"

1/2" HWT
KS Cl. W.
Bath WC DW
Hose
Lav
Bibb
OPIA Education and Training 29
 Introduction to
Water Pipe Sizing
Changes to the National Plumbing Code (NPC);
2.6.3.1. Design
(1) Every water distribution system shall be designed
to provide peak demand flow when the flow
pressures at the supply openings conform to Table
2.6.3.1. the plumbing supply fitting manufacturers
specifications.

OPIA Education and Training 30

 Introduction to
Water Pipe Sizing
Changes to the National Plumbing Code;
2.6.3.4. Size
(5) Where both hot and cold water is supplied to fixtures in residential
buildings containing one or two dwelling units or row houses with
separate water service pipes, the water system may be sized in
accordance with Table 2.6.3.4. where:
(a) the hydraulic loads for maximum separate demands on water
distribution system piping are not less than 100% of the hydraulic
load of the fixture units given in Table 2.6.3.1. or 2.6.3.2. for private
use,
(b) the minimum water pressure at the entry to the building is 200 kPa,
and
(c) the total maximum length of water system is 90 m.
OPIA Education and Training 31
 Introduction to
Water Pipe Sizing
Addition of Table 2.6.3.1.
to the NPC;

OPIA Education and Training 32

 Introduction to
Water Pipe Sizing
Table 2.6.3.4.
Water Pipe Sizing for Buildings Containing One or Two Dwelling Units or
Row Houses with Separate Water Service Pipes
Forming Part of Sentence 2.6.3.4.(5)

Size of Water Velocity, m/s(1)

Water 3.0 2.4 1.5
Pipe,
inches Hydraulic Load, fixture units
8 7 4
21 16 9
1 43 31 18
1 83 57 30

Note to Table 2.6.3.4.:

(1) Table 2.6.3.4. is not intended to limit water velocities that are specified in Sentence 2.6.3.5.(1)-2010.

OPIA Education and Training 33

 Introduction to
Water Pipe Sizing
Changes to the National Plumbing Code;
2.6.3.5. Velocity
(1) The maximum permitted flow velocities shall be
those recommended by the pipe and fitting
manufacturer.

OPIA Education and Training 34

 Introduction to
Water Pipe Sizing
DW Hose
Example NPC: KS Bibb
WC
Cl. W. Lav
SHR
WC
WC
Lav Lav
Bath Bath

HWT
KS Cl. W.
Bath WC DW
Hose
Lav
Bibb
OPIA Education and Training 35
 Introduction to
Water Pipe Sizing
(i) the total number of "Water Supply Fixture Units"
H/C W.S.F.U.
FIXTURE 7.6.3.1. H/C FIXTURES TOTAL COLD HOT
W.C. 2.2 2.2 4 8.8 8.8 -
LAV 0.5 0.7 4 2.8 2 2
BATH 1 1.4 3 4.2 3 3
SHR 1 1.4 1 1.4 1 1
K.S. 1 1.4 2 2.8 2 2
D.W. 1.4 1.4 2 2.8 - 2.8
CL.W. 1 1.4 2 2.8 2 2
H.B. 2.5 2.5 2 5 5 -
TOTAL COLD 30.6 SUB-TOTAL 23.8 12.8

OPIA Education and Training 36

 Introduction to
Water Pipe Sizing
DW Hose
Example NPC: 1/2" KS
1/2" Bibb

Cold Water Cl. W. WC

Lav
Piping 1/2"
3/4" SHR
WC
WC
Lav 1/2 Lav
Bath 3/4" Bath
3/4"
1"
3/4"
1"

1/2" 1/2
1 HWT
KS 1/2"Cl. W.
Bath WC DW
1" Hose
Lav
Bibb
OPIA Education and Training 37
 Introduction to
Water Pipe Sizing
DW Hose
Example NPC: KS Bibb
Hot Water Cl. W 1/2"
1/2" WC
1/2" Lav
Piping 1/2" SHR
WC
WC 1/2"
Lav 3/4" Lav
Bath Bath
3/4"
3/4"
3/4"
1/2"

1/2" HWT
KS Cl. W.
Bath WC DW
Hose
Lav
Bibb
OPIA Education and Training 38
 Introduction to
Water Pipe Sizing
QUESTIONS?
www.opia.info/members/

http://www.georgebrown.ca/apprenticeship/
seminar_backflow.aspx

rblundel@georgebrown.ca

http://nationalcodes.ca/eng/public_review/2008/
proposed_changes.shtml
OPIA Education and Training 39
 ONTARIO PLUMBING
INSPECTORS ASSOCIATION INC.
In the public service since 1920

Introduction to
Water Pipe Sizing
Understanding the Many
Methods to Size Water Pipe
Presented by:
Rainier Bratsch-Blundel, CPSI
Plumbing Professor George Brown College

OPIA Education and Training 40