Building Water

System and
Design
Part 1
THE BUILDING WATER
SUPPLY SYSTEM

Plumbing codes require that a potable

water supply be adequately furnished to
all plumbing fixtures. The water supply
system in a building carries cold and hot
water through distribution pipes and
delivers it to the plumbing fixtures.
 Main Parts of a Water Supply System

Fixture Connection Riser

Fixture Branch

Building Main

Water Meter

Water Service
General Water Distribution System Layout

Rigid-Pipe Distribution
Configuration
The hot and cold water distribution
pipes are installed parallel to one
another as they convey hot and
cold water to risers and branch
pipes.

A branch supplying water to two or

more fixtures is called a zone.

Fixtures are typically located in

clusters called groups.
General Water Distribution System Layout
Homerun (Manifold) Distribution
Configuration
Consists of a plastic or metal
plumbing manifold and flexible
plastic piping.

The manifold serves as a common

location from which all the
plumbing fixtures are supplied.

A water line dedicated to each

fixture originates at a port in the
manifold and extends to the
individual fixture, so fewer fittings
are required.
Upfeed and Downfeed Distribution
Upfeed distribution
When water is fed to fixtures in a building by the
incoming pressure of water , it is called upfeed
distribution. For medium-size buildings, additional
pumps have to be installed to increase pressure.

Downfeed distribution
Downfeed distribution systems may be designed for
building more than six stories in height. Water is
pumped to the roof of the building to storage tanks.
The water from the storage tanks serves the floors
below due to the force of gravity.
 Upfeed and Downfeed Distribution

Water pressure in building water supply mains typically ranges from 40 to

80 psi
WATER PRESSURE CONSIDERATIONS

1.Hydrostatic Pressure

2.Water Pressure Difference

3.Pressure Losses from Friction

Hydrostatic Force
A hydrostatic force is a force exerted by
the weight of the fluid against the walls of
a vessel containing the fluid. Hydrostatic
pressure, the hydrostatic force per unit
area, is perpendicular to the interior walls
at every point. If the pressure were not
perpendicular, an unbalanced force
component would exist and the fluid
would flow.
Water Pressure Difference
Water pressure difference is the driving force behind fluid flow. Water
pressure available at the water service is lost as water flows through
the piping of a plumbing system.

Code specifies that the highest (most remote outlet) fixture have a
minimum pressure of 8 psi (55 kPa) for flush tanks and 15 psi (103
kPa) for fixtures with flushometer valves.

In a plumbing supply system, pressure difference from elevation

change or simply static head (ΔPstatic)
Water Pressure Difference
𝜟𝑷𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒄 in Psi
English Units Z in feet

𝜟𝑷𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒄 = −0.433𝑍

𝜟𝑷𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒄 in KPa
SI Units
Z in meter

𝜟𝑷𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒄 = −9.8𝑍

Pressure difference is negative (a loss) if the elevation change

from the known pressure is upward (a positive Z) and positive
if elevation change is downward (a negative Z).
Water Pressure Difference
EXAMPLE
A plumbing fixture outlet is 24 ft above the water service line. Pressure
available at the water service is 45 psi.
a. Determine the change in pressure from elevation.
b. What is the pressure available at fixture
For a.
𝜟𝑷𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒄 = −0.433𝑍 = −0.433 (24)
𝜟𝑷𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒄 = −𝟏𝟎. 𝟒𝑷𝒔𝒊 (𝑎 𝑙𝑜𝑠𝑠 𝑜𝑓 10.4 𝑃𝑠𝑖)
For b.
𝑷 @𝒐𝒖𝒕𝒍𝒆𝒕 = 𝑷 @𝒘𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒆 + 𝜟𝑷𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒄
𝑷 @𝒐𝒖𝒕𝒍𝒆𝒕 = 𝟒𝟓𝑷𝒔𝒊 − 𝟏𝟎. 𝟒𝑷𝒔𝒊
𝑷 @𝒐𝒖𝒕𝒍𝒆𝒕 = 𝟑𝟒. 𝟔𝑷𝒔𝒊
Pressure Losses from Friction
In reality friction and flow losses in the piping system must be taken into
account.
Pressure Losses from Friction
Pressure Losses from Friction
EXAMPLE
Determine the pressure drop across a 1 in diameter Type L copper pipe that
is 20 ft long and is carrying water at 20 gpm.

Figure 13.6, at 20 gpm a 1 in diameter Type L copper pipe

Friction Loss of about 10 psi per 100 ft
𝟏𝟎 𝑷𝒔𝒊
𝜟𝑷𝒇𝒓𝒊𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 = (20 𝑓𝑡)
𝟏𝟎𝟎 𝒇𝒕

𝜟𝑷𝒇𝒓𝒊𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 = 𝟐 𝑷𝒔𝒊
Pressure Losses from Friction
In addition to pipe length, friction loss from fittings and valves must be
taken into account. Analysis is usually founded on the equivalent length
based on type of valve or fitting. As a minimum, pressure drop analysis
should be performed to ensure that pressure available at the most remote
outlet (farthest and highest fixture) is adequate.
Pressure Losses from Friction
EXAMPLE
Determine the equivalent length of six 90° elbows, three straight-run tees
(all wrought), and two gate valves for 1 in diameter copper pipe:

From Table 13.2A

Fittings Quantity Equivalent Length Total Length
Elbows (90 deg ) 6 1 ft 6 ft
Tees ( Straight run 3 0.5 ft 1.5 ft
Gate Valves 2 1 ft 2 ft
Total 9.5 ft
WATER SUPPLY DESIGN CONCERNS

1.Water Velocity 8.Volume Change with

2.Cavitation Temperature Change
3.Cross-Connection 9.Aging
4.Backflow 10.Pipe Insulation
5.Water Hammer 11.Testing
6.Thermal Expansion 12.Leaks
7.Viscosity
Water Velocity

Noise, erosion of inner pipe walls and valves, and economy of

installation, operation, and maintenance dictate the minimum and
maximum water velocity in a plumbing system; as a result, these have a
bearing on pipe diameter.

Typically, plumbing codes set velocity limits in water supply piping.

Maximum water velocities in plumbing water supply piping are usually
limited to a range of 5 to 10 ft/s (1.5 to 3 m/s).
Cavitation

Cavitation is a physical phenomenon that occurs in a liquid when it

experiences a drastic drop in pressure that causes the liquid to
vaporize into small vapor bubbles.

Valves can develop cavitation when they are partially closed and
flow is restricted. The result is noise and possible damage from
erosion.
 Cross-Connections
A cross-connection is an unsatisfactory
connection or arrangement of piping that can
cause nonpotable water to enter the potable
water system. A cross-connection can cause
used or contaminated water to mix with the
water supply.

Most plumbing fixtures are designed to prevent

a crossconnection. A gap exists between the
faucet and the rim of the bowl in lavatories,
sinks, and tubs to create a separation and avert
a cross-connection. An air gap is the vertical
distance through open air between an opening
in a fixture or faucet conveying potable water to
the flood level rim of a tank or fixture.x
Backflow
Backflow is a type of cross-connection that occurs when
contaminated water or some other liquid or substance
unintentionally flows backwards into distribution pipes containing
potable water.

Water Hammer
A large pressure develops when fluid
moving through a pipe is suddenly
stopped. The sudden closing of a valve
will cause fast-flowing water to stop
quickly, resulting in a large increase in
pressure
Thermal Expansion
Some expansion in the pipe will occur. This expansion must be
considered in the design of the system. The amount of expansion
will depend on the type of piping material and the range of
temperatures that the pipe will be subjected. Expansion of copper
tubing is slightly greater than one inch in a 100 ft length in a 100°F
temperature change.
Viscosity
As water flows through a pipe, its viscosity (thickness) decreases
with temperature decrease. Water at 40°F (4°C) is twice as viscous
as water at 90°F (32°C) and four times as much at 170°F (77°C). As a
result, pumping energy and cost are higher when water
temperatures are lower.
Volume Change with Temperature Change
Water is the only substance that can exist as a solid, liquid, and gas at
ordinary temperatures. Like most substances, water expands when it is
heated. Unlike most substances, the volume of water increases when it
freezes.
Aging
Pipes in a plumbing system are used, their
inner walls become increasingly rough. The
effects of aging in a plumbing system are
related to piping material, quality of water
(e.g., hard versus soft), and water
temperature. Buildup from calcium
deposits (especially in high-temperature
hard water) and corrosion (especially in
ferrous pipe materials) reduces the inside
opening in the pipe, which restricts flow.
Pipe Insulation
Pipe insulation is applied to the outer walls of
piping to reduce heat loss from the pipe or
prevent condensation on the outside pipe
walls.

Testing
The water supply system should be tested for leaks before it is
covered with finish materials to determine if it is watertight. Tests
commonly run on water systems require that it be watertight under
a hydrostatic water pressure of 125 psi for a minimum of 1 hr.
Leaks
Plumbing leaks contribute
significantly to water
consumption in operating
plumbing systems.

Leaks not only waste money and

water, they can cause damage to
walls, flooring, ceilings, furniture,
and electrical systems. Leaking
pipes also create an environment
for mold and mildew to thrive.
END