BUILDING SERVICES – I

SECOND YEAR- TERM 1

 WATER SUPPLY-I: 1.1 Principles and techniques of supplying water
- Treatment of water
- Concept of Pressure head
- Flow through pipes
1.2 Tapping of water mains on street by means of Ferrule
1.3 Requirement, Storage and distribution of water in building premises
- Sizing of Water tanks
- Static water storage requirements (Fire Tank)
- Collection and Storage systems
- Types of Pumps and applications
- Storage and Distribution in High rise buildings
1.4 Pipes and piping network
- Materials of Pipes
- Joinery
- Installation techniques
1.5 Various control valves and their applications
WATER SUPPLY-II: 2.1 Types of Taps, Faucets, Fittings and advanced proprietary systems used in
baths, kitchen and WC units.
2.2 Provisions, Installations and applications of above
WATER SUPPLY

• Water is available in the form of rivers,

lakes, springs, all these are basically
dependent on rainfall.
• Supply of water is ensured through the
natural system of water cycle which
continues endlessly.
Sources of
Water

Surface Underground
Sources Sources

Man Made Natural Infiltration

Springs Wells
Gallaries

Impounding Rivers Springs Artesian

Canals Deep wells
Reservoirs Wells

Lakes Infiltration
Shallow wells Tube wells
wells
Principles and techniques of supplying water
- Treatment of water
• Coagulation is the chemical water treatment process used to remove
solids from water, by manipulating electrostatic charges of particles
suspended in water.

• Flocculation is a water treatment process where solids form larger

clusters, or flocs, to be removed from water. This process can happen
spontaneously, or with the help of chemical agents. It is a common method
of storm water treatment, wastewater treatment, and in the purification of
drinking water.

• Water fluoridation is the controlled adjustment of fluoride to a

public water supply solely to reduce tooth decay.
Pressure head (PH) is the height of a column of water necessary to
develop a specific pressure at a given point. Proper values of a pressure
head in an entire water distribution system should ensure the pressure
head at individual nodes is between the required pressure head Hr and the
maximum pressure head H max.
FLOW THROUGH PIPES
 Introduction
 Head Losses through pipe
 Types of Losses
 Major Losses
 Power Transmission Through Pipe
 Flow Through Nozzle at End of Pipe
 Water Hammer in Pipes
INTRODUCTION

Pipe is a passage with a closed perimeter through

which the fluid flows under pressure.
The fluid flowing in the pipe is always subjected to
resistance due to shear forces b/w fluid particles &
surface of pipe.
It is also known as Frictional resistance.
HEAD LOSSES THROUGH PIPE
Head loss is potential energy that is converted to kinetic
energy.
Head losses are due to the frictional resistance of the piping
system (pipe, valves, fittings, entrance, and exit losses).
It depends upon the type of flow. It may be either
laminar or turbulent.
Laminar flow:
It is the type of flow of fluid in which fluid travels smoothly or in
regular paths.
Turbulent flow:

It is the type of flow of fluid in

which fluid undergoes irregular
fluctuations and mixings.
TYPES OF LOSSES

Types of Losses

Minor Major

Sudden enlargement At the entrance Due to pipe fitting

Sudden contraction At the exit

Major loss
Loss of head due to friction is d
termed as major loss. V

It depends on the velocity of l

flow, dia. of pipe & roughness. hf=flv2/(2gd)

It is denoted as hf.

Minor loss
It is due to distribution in the
V1 V2
flow pattern.
i)Loss due to sudden enlargement:-
It is due to sudden enlargement
he = (v1-v2)2/(2g)
of pipe.
It is denoted by he.
ii)Loss due to sudden contraction:-
It is due to sudden contraction V

of pipe.
It is denoted by hc. hc = [(1/Cc)-1]2 x v2/(2g)

V
iii)Loss at the exit:-
It is head loss at the exit of
the pipe.
hex = v2/(2g)
It is denoted by hex.
iv)Loss due to pipe fittings:-
It is due to pipe fittings like
elbows, valves etc.
It is denoted by hb.
hb= K[v2/(2g)]

v)Loss at entrance :-
It is head loss at the entrance of
V the pipe.
It is denoted by hen.
hen = 0.5[v2/(2g)]
 POWER TRANSMISSION THROUGH PIPE
Power can be transmitted by liquid which is flowing through
pipes.
Power transmission through pipes is commonly used to
convey water from a high level reservoir to turbine house and in
operation of hydraulic equipments such as hydraulic press,
crane jack , etc.
The power transmitted depends upon the weight of liquid
flowing through pipe and total head available at end of pipe.
FLOW THROUGH NOZZLE AT ENDOF PIPE

The function of nozzle is to convert total energy of

liquid into kinetic energy.
Nozzle is used where higher velocity of liquid is
required as in pelton wheel, for fire fighting, mining
power developments, etc.
Since water is flowing continuously through pipe and
nozzle we can apply law of continuity.
WATER HAMMER IN PIPES
Water while flowing in pipe possesses momentum due to some velocity of
water.
If the flowing water is suddenly brought to rest by closing the valve, its
momentum is destroyed ,which causes a very high pressure waves.
This high pressure waves will be transmitted along the pipe with a velocity
equal to the velocity of sound wave, and it may create noise which is called
knocking.
Also this wave of high pressure has the effect of hammering action on
the walls of the pipe and thus is known as water hammer.
There are three cases of water hammer depending upon the time taken
in closing valve and they are as follows :
1. Water hammer when valve is closed gradually
2.Water hammer when the valve is suddenly closed and pipe is rigid
3.Water hammer when the valve is suddenly closed and elastic pipe.
Service Connection
 A service connection is primarily a connection from the
distribution system to the consumer.
 A connection for single house will normally involve tapping the
main while it is under pressure and installing a corporation cock.

A domestic service connection includes the following components:

Brass or bronze ferrule
Goose neck
Stop cock or curb valve
Main service pipe
Water meter.
Brass or Bronze ferrule: Ferrule is right angled sleeve made of
brass or bronze. For service connection to house, ferrule is
inserted in the main, most usually an ‘under pressure’
connection which can be inserted without shutting down
the main.
Goose neck: This consists 40 to 50 cm long curved piece of
flexible pipe made of brass, copper or lead. The goose neck
prevents the breaking of the main service pipe due to
movement that takes place between water main and the
service pipe, thus providing flexibility of the junction.
Stop cock or curb valve: It is installed in a suitable chamber
with cover, to close down the supply, for repairs of the
plumbing systems.
Main Service pipe: It may be of various materials .Its diameter
may vary from 12 mm to 40 mm.
Water Meter: It is also installed in suitable chamber with cover.
It measures the quantity of water used by the consumer.
Service pipes, size determination, material
use for service pipes, size of service pipes
 The pipe leading from the distribution main of the
municipal water supply to the plumbing system of the
house is known as the service main or service pipe.
 The service connection pipe is made to the main and is run to a
stop valve near to the site boundary of the building.
 A service pipe is a pipeline connecting a building to a main
pipe, allowing the building to access municipal services.
 Buildings can be connected to gas, water, and sewer with the
use of service pipes.
 Once the service pipe enters the building, it can be split to
deliver the contents to different areas of the building,
including separate apartments and units.
 Responsibilities for maintenance and repair of such pipes
varies, depending on municipal code.
Material used forService Pipes
The following materials are commonly used for service pipes:
1. Copper pipe or brass pipe.
2. Galvanized iron, either lined or unlined.
3. Lead pipe, either lined or unlined.
4. Polythene pipe.

Copper tubing: Copper tubing is non-corrosive with most

waters. It is used extensively in better grade houses and
where ground water is highly corrosive to steel pipe. It has
considerable strength, reasonable ductility and available in
long lengths.

G.I. pipes: These are used where water is suitable. Galvanized

iron or steel tubes corrode more readily in soft and acid
waters and are not so easily manipulated as copper although
they are stronger and can be used in hard water area where
they withstand the hammering needed to remove the scale.
Lead pipe: Lead pipe has following advantages: (i) highly resistant,
(ii) highly f lexible, (iii) high hydraulic coefficient of f low.
However, lead has cumulative poisoning effect, specially when it
goes into solution. Due to this, it is not preferred.
Polythene tube: These are being increasingly used internally and
externally for cold water service pipes only. Due to low cost, light
weight, n o threading required, more resistance to bacterial scale,
n o n corrosive, they are widely used. But at high temperature they
are not used.
Size of Service Pipes
The size of the service pipes are determined on the basis of the
following :
The minimum pressure in the distribution main at the
proposed point of connection.
Length of service piperequired.
Elevation of the highest point of delivery above the
distribution mains.
Number and types of plumbing fixtures in the building,
Maximum rateof flow required.
Appurtenances
 The different devices required for controlling the flow of
water, for preventing leakage and other purposes in water
supply system are called appurtenances.
 For the efficiently functioning and to maintain the water
supply scheme various devices may require to control the
flow, maintain pressure, prevent from back flow, to release
air from pipelines etc. These devices are called valves.
 Also, devices used in the water supply system to connect
pipe are fittings.
Water meters
This device is used to know the quantity
of water consumed by consumer or
quantity water flows through the pipes.
Water Meter is normally used for
measuring flows to domestic buildings.
A water meter should posses:
It should accurately measure and
register both small and large flows.
It should be easy to maintain and
repair. Spare parts should be
readily available.
It should have good capacity with
reasonable head loss.
It should be capable of
working at all pressures
efficiently.
It should have low cost.
It should prevent back flow
passing through it and should
not be liable to clogging.
Gate Valves
Also called Sluice valve or Cutoff valve.
These are the commonly used valve to regulate the f low of water
through pipelines.
It consists of a disc or circular gate parallel sided or wedge shaped in
cross-section and having a nut which slot in with the thread of an
operating spindle.
The disc or circular gate by rising or lowering f low can be regulate or
control. These valve may be provided in every junction and in a
suitable interval in straight portion.
Globe Valve
It is used in pipe lines for
convenience in manually
closing the pipes to
control the f low of water.
It should be installed with
water pressure under the
valve seat as shown in
figure.
The globe valve has advantage of
quicker opening and closing,
of longer life and being more
easily repaired.
It also controls the f low
equally well from either
direction.
Ball Valve
A ball valve is a form of quarter-
turn valve which uses a hollow,
perforated and pivoting ball to
control f low through it.
It is open when the ball's hole is in
line with the f low and closed
when it is pivoted 90-degrees by
the valve handle.
The handle lies f lat in alignment
with the f low when open, and
is perpendicular to it when
closed, making for easy visual
confirmation of the valve's
status.
The shut position 1/4 turn could
be in either CW or CCW
direction.
Ref lux Valve
Also called Check Valve.
This non-return valve allows
water to flow in one direction
only and the flow in reverse
direction automatically
stopped. SWJ Reflux
Industrial Reflux Valve
It consists of a disc hinged at Valve

its top edge provided at the

one end in such a way that
it opens when flow is
forward and closes if water
tends to flow in reverse
direction.
This valve is invariably placed in
a pumping main.
Drain Valve
Also called ScourValve.
Sediment stagnant deposition problem especially in
intermittent system may arises also in dead end
system.
To remove or drain out deposited silt and sand , for
inspection, repair etc, an ordinary sluice valve is
provided at the dead ends and at the depressions or
lowest point is called scour or drain or blow off valve.

Fire Hydrant
A fire hydrant is an above ground connection that provides
access to a water supply for the purpose of fighting fires.
The water supply may be pressurized, as in the
case of hydrants connected to water mains
buried in the street, or unpressurized, as in the
case of hydrants connected to nearby ponds or
cisterns. Every hydrant has one or more outlets to
which a fire house may be connected.
Stop Cock
The stop cock are practically sluice valve or gate
valves of small size.

They are provided on the pipeline leading to

wash basins, water tanks, f lushing tanks,
etc. to stop or open the flows of water when
necessary.

The stop cock is provided just outside the

property boundary to isolate the building
from water supply during the maintenance
of water system inside the building.

They are made of brass or gunmetal.

Bib Cock
The water taps are also known as bib cocks or faucets.
The water taps are fixed on the pipe line in wash basins,
bathrooms, toilets, kitchens, etc. from where the consumers
obtainwater.
It is operated by handle.
The stem of the handled is threaded.
The valve inside the water can be moved up or down by turning
the handle.
The clockwise turning of the handle stops the f low of water and
anticlockwise turning opens the f low of water.
These are generally made of brass or gun metal or plastic.
Fittings for Pipe
Storage Tank

Overflow and Washout

Maintenance in building plumbing
A proactive maintenance plumbing checklist should cover all the
critical components of your plumbing system, including the pipes,
valves, water heater and drains.
1. Active Leaks
2. Signs of Corrosion
3. Water Pressure
4. Checking Valves for Correct Operation
5. Inspect Water Heater
6. Check Drains
7. Backflow Testing.
1. Active Leaks
Every proactive plumbing maintenance inspection should check for signs
of active leaks, including water spots, moisture or puddles and the
presence of mold or mildew. Unknown and unrepaired water leaks can
waste thousands of gallons of water a year.
2. Signs of Corrosion
The inspection should check for signs of corrosion on all visible plumbing
pipes and the presence of lime scale around water faucets and shower
heads. The presence of significant corrosion could mean that your pipes
are near the end of their useful lives.
3. Water Pressure
A building’s water pressure should be no higher than 80psi and no lower
than 40psi. In building’s with multiple stories, higher water pressure is
often found on the lower levels while lower water
pressure can be found at the higher levels. Water pressure that is too
low may cause resident complaints, while water pressure that is too
high can damage your pipes.
4. Checking Valves for Correct Operation
All the safety and shutoff valves in your plumbing system should be
tested for correct operation and any broken valves should be replaced.
This ensures that you can to turn off the water to certain sections of
the building, rather than turning off the building’s entire water system
in the event of a major blowout.
5. Inspect WaterHeater
Your building’s hot water heater should be inspected for proper
temperature and any obvious leaks. The safety valves and overflows
should also be tested. Safety issues should be repaired
immediately.
6. Check Drains
All the drains in your building should be tested for flow rate. Slow
drains or clogged drains should be power - rodded or hydro
jetted in order to restore proper function. You may also want to
consider a camera inspection of your drain lines to ensure they
are in good working order and do not contain any root
infiltrations and/or bellying in the lines.
7. Backf low Testing
All commercial buildings and large multi-unit residential buildings
are required to have backf low prevention devices and annual
backf low testing in order to prevent water in the system from
f lowing backward and/or being contaminated with other
chemicals and substances.
Types of Pumps and applications:

Pumps
Pumps can be classified further
As ( Centrifugal, Axial, Self Priming)
 end suction pumps
 in-line pumps
 double suction pumps
 vertical multistage pumps
 horizontal multistage pumps
 submersible pumps
 self-priming pumps
 axial-flow pumps AFP.
 regenerative pumps

 Booster Pumps.
 Lifting Pumps.
 Transfer Pumps.
 Circulation Pumps.
Pipes
 UPVC Pipes – cold water
( Sch 40 , Sch 80, Class E, Class 5).
 CPVC Pipes – hot water ( Sch 40 , Sch 80, Class
E, Class 5).

 HDPE Pipes – cold water.

PPR Pipes – cold & hot water. (PN10,
PN16).
 Copper Pipes – cold & hot water ( type
K, L & M).
PEX Pipes – cold & hot water. (Size 16
& 22 mm, PN16).
 Stainless steel & GI pipes – Cold & hot
water.
Materials Application Jointing

UPVC Pipe – CLASS 5 Cold Water Lines Solvent Cement

CPVC Pipe – CLASS 5 Cold & Hot Water Lines Solvent Cement

HDPE Pipe Cold Water – Irrigation & Welded

VRD Pipes
PPR Pipe – PN16-25 -40 Cold & Hot Water Lines Welded

Copper Pipe – Type L, K Cold & Hot Water Lines Brazing

& M.
PEX Pipe – PN16 - 25 Cold & Hot Water Line Up to Push-fit
22 mm ring seal
and
compres
sion
fittings
Stainless Steel Pipe Cold & Hot Water Lines Treading and Welding
SCH 40-80 - MIG
GI Pipe – SCH 40 -80 Cold & Hot Water Lines Treading and Welding
- MIG
Elevated Water Tanks:
 Concrete water tank, elevated to create
pressure
for distribution without using booster pumps.
Schematic:
 Steps of calculation as
below:
Sanitary Fixture
Quantities and WSFU
Water Flow
Water
Demand
Cavitation Effect:

Effect Of cavitation On head pressure:

Pumps
 Submersible pumps.
 Transfer pumps(STP).
 Centrifugal pumps.
STATIC WATER TANK FOR FIRE FIGHTING

•Static water tanks for fire fighting should be underground with water at
ground level.
•They can be of any shape and dimensions, but the depth shall normally not
exceed 2·5 m. For multi-storey buildings terrace tank may be provided.
•In case of deeper tanks, submersible pumps be provided.
•The static storage is provided at the ground level and terrace level of the
building by means of water storage tanks.
•This tank also serves the purpose of a holding capacity into which water from
tankers can be poured through an arrangement of a fire brigade breaching.
Distribution of water
• Once water source is ascertained, treatment and purification of water and
distribution to the city become important stages .

Settling and Service Distribution

Aeration Alum Dosing Flocculation Filtration Chlorination
sedimentation reservoir Pipes

Consumption of Water:

Consumption of water at city level is governed by

several factors. However the general consumption is:
• Domestic Consumption - 35%
• Commercial and Industrial use - 30%
• Public use - 10%
• Miscelleneous including wastage - 25%
Common Types of impurities Effects
impurities in Suspended Impurities Bacteria Some bacteria can spread disease
water Algae Water becomes turbid, algae imparts odour
and colour
Silt Water becomes turbid
Dissolved Impurities
a) Salt Ca & Mg Ca & Mg carbonates and bicarbonates
salts makes water alkaline and hard respectively

Na salts Bicarbonate and carbonate soften the water

and make it more alkaline
b) Metal and Minerals Fe Makes water rusty, changes taste and
imparts colour
Mn Makes water blackish and brownish
Pb Causes slow lead poisonous
Arsenic Makes water poisonous
(As)
c) Gases O2 Makes water rusty
CO2 Makes water rusty and acidic
H2S Makes water rusty and imparts odour
NH3 Changes taste and imparts odour
CI2 Changes taste and imparts odour
d) Vegetation and organic Changes taste and imparts odour, increases
matter acidity
Water quality is tested in Three respects:

1. Physical purity
2. Chemical purity
3. Bacteriogical purity

1. The silt, suspended impurities make the flowing water in rivers turbid
specially during monsoon. The force of flow causes land erosion in view of the
inadequate vegetation cover. There are more physical impurities in surface
sources than the underground sources.

2. Amongst U.G. sources, specially in shallow wells water is salty and tasteless
due to dissolved salts and minerals and water may have colour and hardness.
Places with inadequate or excess fluoride in water cause dental problems.
Effect from industries makes the water chemically impure in underground
sources.

3. Depends on percentage of bacteria in water. Tube well water is nearly free of

bacteria. Lake water has less bacteria while river water and shallow well water
have greater bacteria specially during monsoon.
Hard and Soft water:
Hard water:
The water with naturally present
minerals like magnesium and
calcium with detectable amount is
called hard water. These minerals
are beneficial for health. They add
flavour to hard water.
Soft water:
It is treated water. It is left with
only cations and that is sodium. It
has a salty taste.
To make you understand how hard
water and soft water are different
from each other, here are some of
the major differences between
hard water and soft water:
Difference between Hard water and Soft water
HARD WATER SOFT WATER
It is rich in minerals Contains very few elements
Soap is not so effective Soap is easily effective
No foam and lather from Bubbly lather from soaps
soaps
Leaves spots on the washed Does not leave any spots on
dishes after they are dried dishes after they are dried
Contains minerals like Contains sodium ion
magnesium and calcium
Sometimes preferred drinking Sometimes not preferred
water drinking water
Example: Groundwater like Example: Rainwater
deep wells
Hair and skin become dry Hair and skin become soft
Types of Hardness of Water. The hardness of water can be classified into two
types:
Temporary Hardness of Water:
The presence of magnesium and calcium carbonates in water makes it temporarily
hard. In this case, the hardness in water can be removed by boiling the water.
When we boil water the soluble salts of Mg(HCO3)2 is converted to
Mg(OH)2 which is insoluble and hence gets precipitated and is removed. After
filtration, the water we get is soft water.

Permanent Hardness of Water:

When the soluble salts of magnesium and calcium are present in the form of
chlorides and sulphides in water, we call it permanent hardness because this
hardness cannot be removed by boiling.
We can remove this hardness by treating the water with washing soda. Insoluble
carbonates are formed when washing soda reacts with the sulphide and chloride
salts of magnesium and calcium and thus, hard water is converted to soft water.

Disadvantages of Hardness
•Wastage of soap
•Wastage of fuel
•Formation of scales on metallic boilers.
Remove Hardness of Water (Temporary)
By Boiling:
Soluble bicarbonates are converted into insoluble carbonates which are removed by
filtration.
By Clarks Method:
Calcium hydroxide is Clark’s reagent. It removes the hardness of water by converting
bicarbonates into carbonate.

How to Remove Permanent Hardness of Water?

Gan’s Permutit Method:
In this method, sodium aluminum ortho silicate known as permutit or zeolite is used to
remove the permanent hardness of water.
Calgon’s Process:
In this method, sodium-hexa-meta-phosphate (NaPO3)6 known as Calgon is used. The
hardness in water is removed by the adsorption of Ca++ and Mg++ ions.
Ion Exchange Resin Method:
In this method, the permanent hardness of water is removed by using resins.
Ca++/Mg++ ions are exchanged with Cl–, SO4-2 ions are exchanged with anion exchange resin
(RNH2OH). Demineralized water is formed in this process.

Harmful Effects of Hard Water

Some of the most common signs of hard water include:
Linens and clothes look dull and feel rough, Ugly stains on white porcelain and scale build-
up on faucets, Low water pressure from showers due to clogged pipes, Chalky, white residue
or spots appear on dishes, Strains appearing in the shower.
pH value:

Water becomes acidic or alkaline due to the dissolved salts and minerals.
pH value indicates whether is alkaline or acidic.
If pH value is less than 7, water is acidic and if pH value is above 7, water is
alkaline.
This value is useful in various ways:
• When less than 7, acidic water tends to corrode and eat away the pipes, valves,
etc. To reduce acid lime is added in water in appropriate quantity.

• Flocculation is effective at certain pH value. This fact is very useful in water

purification plants as pH value can be controlled by addition of some
chemicals.

• Water taste is governed by its pH value.

• Bacteria can not be survived in alkaline water. Harmful bacteria in water can
be destroyed by increasing alkaline content.
Water supply to buildings:

Network of underground distribution pipes are called as water mains and are
laid 0.75 M to 0.90 M below the road level to avoid damage due to traffic.
These mains are of C.I. and are laid one side of the road and within 1/3 width of
road.
There are two systems of water supply namely the continuous W/S system
and Intermittent W/S system.
In continuous W/S system water mains are charged with water for all the 24
hrs continuously and building get water supply for all 24 hrs.
Advantages: Disadvantages:

1. Water is available all the times and no 1. Greater money is required for
storage and the storage tanks are required. maintenance and upkeep of this system
and hence the consumer has to pay greater
water tax
2. Chances of contamination are less as the 2. In case of a leakage, a huge quantity of
supply mains are always charged with water is wasted.
water.
3. In case of fire, water is readily available 3. Repairs and house connections become
difficult.
Intermittent water supply System:

In this system the supply mains are charged with water during specific morning
and evening hours. Other than these hours there is no water in supply mains.
These Hours are the peak hours 5 am to 9 am and 5 pm to 9 pm.

Advantages
The system automatically restricts the
total water consumption and in places of
water shortage this is the most suitable
system.
Less money is required for maintenance
and upkeep with a consequent reduction
in water tax for consumer.
Repairs and house connections are easily
carried out in non supply hours.
In case of leakage, less quantity of water is
wasted.
Disadvantages
Storage of water and overhead storage
tanks are necessary to ensure W/S during
non-supply hours. This is additional
expenditure and burden to a building.
During non-supply hours, underground
impurities can get in pipes through
leaking joints and danger of
contamination is greater.
In case of fire, during non supply hours,
water is not readily available for fire
fighting.
Maintenance of overhead tanks is a
constant problem and is expensive.
Water Supply and distribution Equipment:

This is done by G.I. or P.V.C. pipes connected by collars, nipples, plugs, elbows,
bends unions, ‘T’, etc. and the supply is controlled by equipments such as
control valves, stop cocks, taps of various types, ball valve, shower, etc.

• G.I. pipes available in 0.6m length and of diameters from 12mm to 50mm, are
strong, durable and withstand external and internal pressure and exposure to
sun.
• Connections are made by threaded joint packed with whiting and jute.
• They are firmly fixed to wall by clamps or clips. Suitable for hot or cold w/s.
• PVC pipes, black or grey in colour are mainly suitable for internal use for cold
water. They are cheaper, light in weight and easy to handle, jointed by coupling
or collar with PVC cement.
• They are also suitable for underground use as they do not corrode and are not
affected by acids.
• When exposed to sun they tend to soften and finally tend to crack.
• Diameter available 10,12,16,20 and 25 mm. for internal use.
House Connection:

• For obtaining w/s to a building from supply main, owner has to apply through a
licensed plumber to the local authority.
• The supply main at nearest point to the plot is tapped during non supply hours.
• This is done by drilling a hole to the water main, threading it and fixing a ferrule.
• Ferrule size is as per diameter, 12 mm for residential connection.
• Water meter is to be within 1.5M from the plot boundary.
• After a meter supply pipes are called as rising mains which is bifurcated, one
leading to kitchen for direct supply and one leading to overhead storage tank from
which the indirect supply is ensured during non supply hours.
Direct and Indirect supply:

• Rising main after the meter is bifurcated into direct and indirect supply
branches, Direct branch is taken to the kitchen to feed the kitchen sink so that the
drinking water can be filled in storage.
• There should be separate connections to upper floors to ensure W/S to upper
floor kitchens without loss of pressure.
• Indirect branch is taken vertically along the wall to feed the overhead storage
tank with stop cock 1.5 m above.
• After the tank is filled up downward indirect supply is given to bathrooms,
W.C.s, basins, washing places, kitchen sink through distribution braches.
Overhead Storage tanks:

• Generally placed on storage at convenient point for distribution convenience.

• Terrace above toilet block is correct position to minimize length of distribution
branches.
• Since water is very heavy, due consideration in structural design should be given
for this load.
• It should be fixed slightly above terrace level so as to leave min.60 cm. clear space
between tank bottom and terrace top for easy maintenance.
Essential Provision:

1. There should be a ball valve at inlet of valve.

2. It should have on overflow pipe covered with wire mesh.
3. It should have manhole cover for access.
4. It should have access ladder
5. It should have a cleaning eye and plug at the bottom to facilitate cleaning.
6. Distribution branches for downward supply should be of 25 mm diameter
which should be atleast 25 mm above bottom to prevent silt getting into these
branches.

Types of Tanks:

a. Masonry tank:
Constructed on a separate R.C.C. slab with 230mm. Brick walls and finished
smooth with water proofing and cement. Covered with R.C.C. slab with
manhole cover. Suitable for smaller residence. Leakages, if developed are
difficult for repairs.
b. A.C. tank:
Readymade, capacities: 227,272,454,545,and 601 l. hygienic but needs careful
handling cover is like a lid. Drilling holes for pipe fitting is to be done with
extreme care. Suitable for smaller residence.
c. R.C.C. Tank:
Possibility of any form, size, and shape, internally finished with water
proofing and cement. Hygienic and are available in various capacities.

d. Polyethylene Tank:
readymade, light wt., hygienic, easy handling, various shapes, capacities
200, 270, 300, 425, 500, 750, 850, 1000 and upwards upto 20,000 l.

e. M.S. tanks:
Made of log steel plates, welded to give square or rectangular tanks. Very
strong and durable subject to maintenance in terms of regular painting.
Unhygienic in the sense that water stored in M.S. Tanks can not be drunk. Tanks
are Generally placed on R.C.C. beams.
Indirect supply to various fittings:
• This is done by 25mm dia. distribution pipes starting from storage tanks.
• Generally there are 2 branches and for economic reasons, should be as short as
possible.
• All sub branches are of 12 mm dia. and are connected to 25mm and branch by
unequal T.

Distribution Branch No. 1: Starting with 25 mm and branch is mainly for W.C.
connecting flushing cistern and ablution tap, by 12 mm, sub branches.

Distribution branch No. 2: Starting with 25 mm and branch it is bifurcated into

2 sub branches of 12 mm dia. One is for kitchen sink and the other for bathroom.
Connections to flushing system and wash basin is with a stop cock and about 400-
600 mm long flexible tubing to ball valve and pillar tap respectively.
Water supply and Distribution in Multistoried Building:

Generally, with available pressure in the supply mains, water can reach by itself
upto 3 storages and not beyond. This possess 2 problems.
a. Supply to overhead storage tank at a much higher level.
b. Direct supply to kitchen beyond 3 floors.

Under the circumstances one has to construct a semi under ground suction tank,
pumping machinery and a separate overhead tank for drinking water for
kitchen 3rd floor onwards at a rate of 45 litres head/day such a tank must not
be M.S.
Direct supply, meter onwards, is bifurcated, one feeding the three floor kitchen
sink separately and the other feeding a suction tank.
Water from suction tank is pumped up to overhead storage tanks from where the
downward supply is provided.
Kitchens above 3rd floor and upwards are supplied drinking water indirectly by
downward system from a separate system from a separate drinking tank on
terrace.

Suction Tank:
Capacity 50% of total overhead storage. This tank is of R.C.C. of bigger size or of
brick walls if smaller. Preferably it should be equal to the total overhead storage.

a) Top of the tank should be atleast 30cm above G.L. to prevent surface water
getting into it.
b) It should be finished internally with water proofing and cement.
c) It should have R.C.C. top with manhole cover, and vent cowl covered with wire
mesh.
d) Top should be slightly sloped to prevent water detention.
e) Pump room could be separated or built above the suction tank. Pump room
should be 1.8m X 1.8m X 2.1 to 2.5m height with adequate ventilation and roof.