Republic of the Philippines COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY

Romblon State University Subject: Allied 222 – Engineering Utilities 2 (Basic Mechanical Engineering)
Main Campus - Odiongan, Romblon Program: CIVIL ENGINEERING

Building Plumbing Systems

ENGINEERING UTILITIES

1. What materials are most commonly used for the pipes and tubing in a building water supply
system?

• Copper tubing is traditionally the most popular water supply pipe material. It is also used in water space
heating (hydronic) systems, air conditioning and refrigeration systems, sanitary drainage, and natural gas and liquid
petroleum gas piping. It has three types that are also commonly used for water supply system: Type K copper tube,
Type L copper tube, and Type M copper tube.

• Brass Pipe, specifically red brass piping which consists of approximately 85% copper and 15% zinc, is
used as water supply piping. The pipe is threaded for fitting connections, but this requires thicker walls to
accommodate the threading, making installation and handling more difficult than for copper.

• Galvanized steel pipe was commonly used for water supply, waste, and vent lines in plumbing reduces its
tendency to corrode and thus extends its life expectancy. It is moderately corrosion resistant and suitable for mildly
acid water. It was commonly used for water supply, waste, and vent lines in plumbing systems through the early
1950s.

• Lightweight wrought-iron pipe, designated Standard, is the type most commonly used for water supply
and fire suppression sprinkler systems. The most commonly used wrought-iron pipe is galvanized. Occasionally, it is
used as the service main from the community main to the riser.

• Thermoplastic pipe, or simply known as plastic pipe, is also used for water supply systems because its
economy and ease of installation make it popular, especially on projects such as low-cost housing or apartments
where cost economy is important.

• Concrete pipe is cast from concrete. It is also used as large water supply pipe.

2. What materials are most commonly used for the pipe and tubing in a building sanitary sewage
system?

• Copper tubing is traditionally the most popular water supply pipe material yet it is also common used in
sewage drainage. The DWV copper tube is a type of copper tubing that is used for drainage, waste, and vent piping.

• Cast iron pipe is commonly used in gravity building and storm drain/sewer systems. Cast iron pipes and
fittings are limited to gravity pressure systems.

• Thermoplastic pipe are also suitable for sanitary drainage systems. Specifically, the suitable thermoplastic
types are the Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) type DWV.

• Composite pipe is a flexible pipe material that is constructed of an aluminum tube laminated between two
layers of polyethylene thermoplastic and is used in building sanitary sewage system, e.g., sink, lavatory, bathtub, and
so on.

• Clay pipe is made from vitrified clay. These pipes are traditionally used for sewage, industrial waste,
storm water, and drain field applications.

Building Plumbing Systems Prepared by: Engr. Bliven U. Garcia, ASEAN Eng.
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 Republic of the Philippines COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY
Romblon State University Subject: Allied 222 – Engineering Utilities 2 (Basic Mechanical Engineering)
Main Campus - Odiongan, Romblon Program: CIVIL ENGINEERING

3. Identify and describe the function of five (any) common types of plumbing fixtures.

• Water Closets is commonly called a toilet or commode. This serves as an indoor receptacle and removal
system for human waste.

• Urinals are commonly used in public restrooms where it is desirable to reduce possible contamination of
the water closet seats. They are available in stainless steel for high-vandalism installations.

• Bidets are personal hygiene plumbing fixtures used for genital and perineal cleanliness. It is typically used
after using the water closet. Equipped with valves for hot and cold water, the inside walls of the bowl are washed the
same way as a standard toilet. It is installed alongside the water closet.

• Showers, showerhead is an overhead nozzle that sprays water down on the bather. Shower fittings may be
placed over bathtubs instead of having a separate shower space and is commonly done in residences, apartments, and
motels.

• Lavatories are bathroom basin/sink used for personal hygiene. Lavatories are generally available in
vitreous china or enameled iron, or they may be cast in plastic or a plastic compound with the basin an integral part of
the countertop.

4. What is a waterless urinal? Why is its use advantageous in place of a conventional urinal?

A waterless urinal is a urinal that is specifically engineered to eliminate potable water consumption for
urinal flushing. It looks very much like a conventional urinal except the flush valve and piping that is normally
positioned above the fixture is omitted. It is advantageous since it do not use water. This also provides first-cost
savings like eliminating the need to provide a water line and flush valve.

This has less maintenance for leaks, valve repairs, and water overflows over the conventional urinals.
Waterless urinals are easier to install than conventional urinals in both new construction and retrofit applications. No
water connection and no flush mechanisms must be installed, saving construction time and costs. They also avoid the
need for frost- and vandal-prone plumbing accessories. They avoid flooding when the drain is blocked from scale or
vandalism. These are much more hygienic than conventional flush urinal systems. The dry surface of a waterless urinal
does not allow bacteria to survive.

5. How and where are the following valves used in the plumbing system?

a. Globe - This is used where there is occasional or periodic use, such as faucets in the lavatories and hose
connections or called as hose bibbs. This type of valve regulates the flow of water.

b. Gate - This is a type of valve that is usually used where the flow of the water is left either completely
opened or closed for most of the time. It is used to shut off the flow of water such as to fixtures and equipment when
repairs or replacement must be made.

c. Angle - This has similar operation with globe valve, utilizing the same principle of compressing a washer
against a metal seat to cut the flow of water. It is commonly used for outside hose bibbs. This has a much higher
friction loss than the gate valve and about half the friction loss of the globe valve.

Building Plumbing Systems Prepared by: Engr. Bliven U. Garcia, ASEAN Eng.
P a g e | 2 of 3
 Republic of the Philippines COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY
Romblon State University Subject: Allied 222 – Engineering Utilities 2 (Basic Mechanical Engineering)
Main Campus - Odiongan, Romblon Program: CIVIL ENGINEERING

d. Check - This valve opens to allow the flow of water in the direction desired and prevents flow in the other
direction. This is classified into two. In the swing check valve, the pressure of water forces the valve gate to swing
open. Gravity causes the gate to fall closed once the flow stops & this must be mounted vertically or horizontally to
work properly. On the other hand, the gate in a spring check valve is spring loaded. Water pressure forces the gate
open much like the swing type but when the flow stops, a spring and not gravity, forces the gate closed. This enables
the valve to be mounted in any position and at any angle.

e. Thermostatic - This is an automatic valve thermostatically blends hot and cold water to desired
temperatures and to prevent scalding.

f. Metered - These are designed to automatically discharge for a specific length of time and thus deliver a
fixed quantity of water before closing off flow. They operate by pushing down/against the valve handle. They are used
on lavatories in public restrooms to ensure that water is shut off after a short period of time.

Building Plumbing Systems Prepared by: Engr. Bliven U. Garcia, ASEAN Eng.
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