RESEARCH NO.

1
PLUMBING FIXTURES

CRESINO, CHARLES D.
202011612
BS ARCHITECTURE
2-1

ARCH 90
BUILDING UTILITIES
AR. LORRAINE J. SALINAS
PLUMBING FIXTURES

By definition, plumbing fixtures are receptacles intended to receive water, liquid or water-
carried waste and discharge them into the drainage system. The latest concept in the design of
plumbing fixtures is to fit people rather than making people fit the fixture. The trend is to make
the fixture an integral part of the room decorations.

Plumbing fixtures comes in varieties of style and accessories designed to match with the
room for cosmetics for cosmetic reasons. Concomitant with this, it is imperative to buy plumbing
fixtures of the best quality. Best quality carries with it the name or brand of reputable
manufacturers. Quality fixtures are especially designed and built to take a lot of abuse, and yet,
expected to last for years.

Quality is always associated with cost. But cost of this particular construction item is
always considered a good investment. Comparatively, cheaper fixtures wear out faster than
those that cost higher but last for years.

CLASSIFICATIONS

1. Soil Fixtures

Soil fixture means a sanitary fixture which receives and discharge soil water; "soil pipe"
means a discharge pipe which conveys soil water only. Soil fixtures includes water closets, urinals,
and slop sinks.

2. Scullery Fixtures

A scullery is a small room next to a kitchen where washing and other household tasks are
done. Scullery fixtures includes kitchen sinks, laundry tubs, and bar sinks.
3. Bathing Fixture

A bathroom fixture is a permanent feature of your bathroom, that is plumbed or wired

in. You cannot easily or freely move fixtures without renovation work. It includes lavatories,
bathtubs, shower baths / compartments, bidets, and floor drains.

DIFFERENT TYPES & FUNCTIONS

A. SOIL FIXTURES
1. Water Closet

A water closet / flushed toilet disposes of our waste products by using water to send
them through a drainpipe to another location.

How it works?

A toilet works because of gravity. When a flush lever is pulled, a plug opens, allowing
water to flow out to fill the basin. When the basin is full enough, gravity causes the liquid to
flow out through a bend in the pipe, called an S trap.

Types

a. Wall Hung
 Wall hung toilets are pretty self-explanatory; they hang on the wall without the
need for a pedestal.

b. Close Coupled

Close coupled toilets are the most popular type of toilet on the market right now.
The cistern and pan are connected in one compact unit, such as the toilets pictured
below.

c. Back to Wall
 Back to wall toilets are very similar to wall hung toilets, apart from the act that
they are not suspended from a wall but instead are fixed to the floor. The cistern and
pipes are concealed behind the wall or a furniture unit, just like wall hung toilets. Back to
wall toilets are perfect if you are looking to save space in a smaller bathroom.

2. Urinal

A urinal is a sanitary plumbing fixture designed for urination only. It is typically used
in the standing position. Urinals are most frequently placed in male public toilets, in
particular those found in commercial or institutional settings.

How it works?

A standard urinal uses water to flush the urine into a pipe known as a “P-trap.” The
shape of this pipe, which is not unlike the ones installed under most sinks in restrooms and
kitchens, creates a water seal that prevents sewer gases from escaping into the restroom.

Types

a. Trough Urinals

Most trough urinals are made from stainless steel. They are much cheaper than
bowl urinals because, unlike bowl urinals, they can accommodate multiple users
simultaneously.
 b. Bowl Urinals

Bowl urinals tend to be made from vitreous China, although a number of stainless
steel models are also available. Bowl urinals offer far more privacy than troughs - but
because they only accommodate one user at a time and essentially require the same
amount of plumbing as a four-person trough urinal, they are a little less cost-effective.

3. Slop Sink

Slop sinks are deep sinks typically set lower on the wall than a conventional sink. This
is done to make it easier to lift a full scrub pail to or from the slop sink.
How it works?

Once the cleaning has been completed, slop sinks are used to dispose of the dirty
water. The water that goes down the drain flows into a series of pipes that get larger and
larger to accommodate the flow. In most cases, it will flow by gravity into a sewer lateral

that runs from your house into a pipe that runs under your street, called a sewer main line.

B. SCULLERY FIXTURES
1. Kitchen Sink

A sink is a plumbing fixture that we use for washing our hands, clean our dishes and
for other cleaning related purposes. This fixture usually comes with a faucet, either supplying
cold or tap water, or in some homes, it can supply us with both hot and cold water.

How it works?

Drains work by using simple gravity. When you push down the sink plunger, the drain
sucks water through the opening into the appliance drain line. As the water falls straight
down the vertical appliance line, it gathers speed and velocity. That speed allows it to move
past the p-trap and into your home's drainpipes.

Types

a. Top Mount
Top mount is the most common of all types of kitchen sinks. It is simply installed
into a pre-cut hole in the countertop. Its wide rim supports it on the countertop. Top
mounts are popular, because they are both easy to install and easy to find.
b. Under Mount

An undermount is a kitchen sink style that is attached underneath a countertop

and supported by the surrounding cabinets. It is popular because it creates a seamless
look to the area around the sink and makes cleaning up crumbs and other countertop
debris easier. An undermount may be installed under a variety of surfaces including
granite, marble, and quartz.
c. Flush Mount

A flush mount blends well into a kitchen layout as an attractive feature because
this type of sink has no visible edges or changes in material. Also known as an integrated
sink, it is generally custom-ordered along with the countertop. This type of sink is also
found on bathroom vanities.

d. Bar Sink

A bar or prep sink is one of the smallest and shallowest types of kitchen sinks
available. This secondary sink is generally used for preparing foods, cleaning produce, or
draining pasta. It usually has a smaller faucet and could be placed alongside a larger sink,
on a kitchen island, or in a separate bar area.
 e. Apron-Front Sink

Also called a “Farm Sink” or “Farmhouse Sink,” this style has recently been
trending because of its old-world charm. The front is exposed while the sides and back
are typically undermounted.
2. Laundry Tubs

A laundry tub is the perfect way to add function and style to any laundry room.
Whether you need to hand-wash delicate items, soak heavily stained clothing, or bathe man’s
best friend, a spacious utility sink can make life in the laundry room a lot easier.
How it works?

Just like kitchen drains, laundry tubs work by using simple gravity. When you push
down the plunger, the drain sucks water through the opening into the appliance drain line.
As the water falls straight down the vertical appliance line, it gathers speed and velocity. That
speed allows it to move past the p-trap and into your home's drainpipes.

C. BATHING FIXTURES
1. Lavatories

A basin used for washing, particularly a permanently installed sink, fitted with a water
supply and a drain, in which one may wash one's hands and face.

Types

a. Full pedestal basins

Full pedestal basins are securely attached to the wall and are good for hiding
pipework and plumbing. This option consists of a stand, or pedestal, fixed to the floor with
the basin fixed to the wall behind.
b. Semi Pedestal Basins

Semi pedestal basins are also hung to the wall and also conceal pipework, but they
don’t reach the floor. The biggest advantage with this option is the extra ease it provides
in maintaining a clean bathroom.

c. Washstand basins

Perfect for traditional bathroom suites, washstand basins present a beautiful and
classic look. They benefit from gorgeous ceramic basins standing on top of a chrome
framework, giving you the detailing you have always desired.
d. Wall hung basins

A wall hung basin is the perfect choice for a smaller bathroom or cloakroom. They
can be attached at any height, making them the perfect option if you have children.

e. Corner basins

Like the semi pedestal basin, the wall supports the full weight of the corner basin.
Perfect for cloakrooms or smaller bathrooms, the corner basin has – as the name suggests
– been designed to fit into a right-angle corner of your bathroom, representing a practical
solution for your space.
f. Countertop basins

Often the choice of a minimalistic bathroom design, the countertop basin is

usually positioned on top of a worktop or shelf and is paired with a tall basin tap or wall
mounted basin taps. Countertop basins are available in a large range of shapes and sizes.

g. Vanity units

Maximise your storage options with a stylish vanity unit. Our impressive range of
units have been designed to bring quality and practicality to any bathroom
2. Bathtubs
A bathtub is a bathroom fixture, a tub that you can fill with water for bathing. Some people
like to soak in a bathtub at the end of a long day. Many bathtubs are made of ceramic or porcelain,
and they're large enough for an adult to lie down in at least partially submerged in water.

Types

a. Free-Standing Tubs

Free-standing tubs are unconnected to walls or any other surface except for the
floor. Free-standing bathtubs often include the classic clawfoot tub, but it's possible to buy
free-standing tubs of modern designs, as well.
b. Alcove Bathtubs

This is a special type of bathtub but one which is very familiar to many homeowners,
in that it fits precisely within a three-sided enclosure built just for the tub. When the walls
are tiled or fitted with panels, the enclosure can be used for a tub/shower combination.
Alcove bathtubs are often the least expensive and easiest type of tub that you can install.

c. Drop-in Bathtub

A drop-in bathtub is a shell that fits into a prepared deck. The inside of the bathtub
is finished, but the outside is not since it is covered up by the deck.
 d. Corner Bathtub

Corner tubs are large, triangular bathtubs that, as the name says, fit into a corner of
the bathroom.

3. Shower Bath / Compartment

A shower is a place in which a person bathes under a spray. Most showers have
temperature, spray pressure and adjustable showerhead nozzle.

Types

a. Quadrant Enclosure Shower

 A quadrant enclosure shower or rectangular shower enclosure is a type
of freestanding, walk-in shower. As the name implies, they come in a rectangular or
square shape. They come in an endless variety of sizes to fit into just about any space.

b. Curved Enclosure Shower

Another type of freestanding walk-in shower, a curved enclosure shower utilizes

a rounded entryway. Curved enclosure showers maximize shower space in smaller
bathrooms. They also add a contemporary flair to any bathroom.

c. Neo-Angle Enclosure Shower

 Neo-angle enclosure showers are undoubtedly the most modern looking of any
freestanding walk-in shower. The majority of them have a five-sided based, often in a
diamond pattern to neatly fit into a corner of a bathroom.

d. Corner Enclosure Shower

A corner enclosure shower is simply any freestanding walk-in shower specifically

designed for use in a corner. Though rectangular, curved, and neo-angle enclosure
showers all fit in the middle of a room’s wall, a corner shower cannot

e. Tub-Shower Combo
 The only type of bathroom shower on this list that’s not the freestanding, walk-in
variety, a tub-shower combo is any shower installed with a bathtub as a base. A tub-
shower combo is a space-saving design for those that want both a bathtub and a shower
in their bathroom. Combine the two together to save floor space.

4. Bidet
Bidets are primarily used to wash and clean the genitalia, perineum, inner buttocks,
and anus. Some bidets have a vertical jet intended to give easy access for washing and rinsing
the perineum and anal area.

a. Portable Bidets / Travel Bidets

A portable bidet is actually a small bottle, containing water or solution, with an

attached tube and nozzle. This type of bidet is also known as travel bidet or bidet bottle.
b. Stand Alone Bidets

On the opposite end of the spectrum, there is the stand-alone bidet. By “stand
alone”, I’m referring to a unit that’s a completely self-contained, separate appliance in
the bathroom. This used to be the only type there was.

c. Bidet Attachments

A bidet attachment attaches to an existing toilet bowl, underneath the seat, hence
the name. Portables aside, they’re usually the least expensive, on average, but they also
have the fewest features.
d. Hand-Held Bidet Sprayers

There’s a type of bidet that is mid-way between a bidet attachment and a

portable. It’s called a “hand-held” bidet sprayer. Instead, a T-valve and hose insert into
your water line, just as an attachment or bidet seat would, but the spray wand is not
inside the toilet

e. Bidet Seats

This type replaces the existing toilet seat with a combo seat-bidet. The needed
spray jet(s) is (are) inside and under the seat, but they extend enough to get the job done
effectively and cleanly.
 f. Toilets With Built-In Bidet

Like the bidet seat, this type has a toilet seat with attached spray jets placed and
angled to cleanse you, but built-in to the toilet from the outset. In other words, toilet and
bidet in one

5. Floor Drain

A floor drain is a plumbing fixture that is installed in the floor of a structure, mainly
designed to remove any standing water near it.

Types

a. Point Drain
 Point drains are the most common type of shower drain that all of us should be
familiar with. This is a small drain that usually sits in the center of the shower floor. The
floor must be sloped down towards this drain from all directions to ensure the water
drains adequately. These are often rounded, though you can also get square-top ones
that will likely fit better with square tiles. Point drains are small and inexpensive, but they
still provide plenty of drainage for any shower.
b. Linear Drain

A linear drain is a long rectangular drain that will span the width of an entire wall
of your shower. It’s generally placed directly against the wall and the whole floor slopes
in one direction towards the drain.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

The relevant legislation is the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992.
Regulation 20, Sanitary conveniences, states:

1. Suitable and sufficient sanitary conveniences shall be provided at readily accessible

places.

2. Without prejudice to the generality of paragraph (1), sanitary conveniences shall not
be suitable unless -
 a. the rooms containing them are adequately ventilated and lit;

b. they and the rooms containing them are kept in a clean and orderly
condition; and

c. separate rooms containing conveniences are provided for men and

women except where and so far as each convenience is in a separate
room the door of which is capable of being secured from inside.

The Approved code of practice goes on to give minimum numbers of facilities:

(The number of people at work shown in column 1 refers to the maximum number likely
to be in the workplace at any one time)

Number of toilets and washbasins for mixed use (or women only):

Number of people at work Number of toilets Number of washbasins

1-5 1 1

6-25 2 2

26-50 3 3

51-75 4 4

76-100 5 5
Toilets used by men only:

Number of men at work Number of toilets Number of urinals

1-15 1 1

16-30 2 1

31-45 2 2

46-60 3 2

61-75 3 3

76-90 4 3

91-100 4 4
Section 403 Minimum Plumbing Facilities

403.1 Minimum Number of Fixtures

Plumbing fixtures shall be provided in the minimum number as shown in Table 403.1, based
on the actual use of the building or space. Uses not shown in Table 403.1 shall be considered
individually by the code official. The number of occupants shall be determined by
the International Building Code.

Table 403.1, Minimum Number of Required Plumbing Fixtures

WATER CLOSETS BATH
DRINKING
(URINALS: SEE LAVATORIES TUBS
FOUNTAIN
CLASSIFICA OCCUP SECTION 419.2) /
NO. DESCRIPTION (SEE OTHER
TION ANCY SHO
MAL FEMA SECTION
MALE FEMALE WER
E LE 410)
S
Theaters and
other buildings
1
for the
A-1 1 per 125 1 per 65 1 per 200 — 1 per 500 service
performing arts
sink
and motion
pictures
Nightclubs,
bars, taverns,
1
dance halls and
1 per 40 1 per 40 1 per 75 — 1 per 500 service
1 Assembly buildings
sink
A-2 for similar
purposes
Restaurants, 1
banquet halls 1 per 75 1 per 75 1 per 200 — 1 per 500 service
and food courts sink
Auditoriums
1
without perma-
A-3 1 per 125 1 per 65 1 per 200 — 1 per 500 service
nent seating,
sink
art galleries,
 exhibition halls,
museums,
lecture halls,
libraries,
arcades and
gymnasiums
Passenger
1
terminals and 1 per
1 per 500 1 per 750 — 1 per 1,000 service
transportation 500
sink
facilities
Places of
worship and 1
other 1 per 150 1 per 75 1 per 200 — 1 per 1,000 service
religious sink
services
1 per 75 1 per 40
for the for the
Coliseums,
first first
arenas, skat-
1,500 1,520
ing rinks, pools
and 1 per and
and ten- 1
120 for 1 per 60 1 per 1 per
A-4 nis courts for — 1 per 1,000 service
the for the 200 150
indoor sink
remainde remaind
sporting events
r er
and
exceedin exceedi
activities
g ng
1,500 1,520
Assembly
1 1 per 75 1 per 40
for the for the
Stadiums,
first first
amusement
1,500 1,520
parks,
and 1 per and
bleachers and 1
120 for 1 per 60 1 per 1 per
A-5 grandstands for — 1 per 1,000 service
the for the 200 150
outdoor sink
remainde remaind
sporting events
r er
and
exceedin exceedi
activities
g ng
1,500 1,520
Buildings for 1 per 25 for the 1 per 40 for
1
the trans- first 50 the
2 Business B — 1 per 100 service
action of and 1 per 50 for first 80 and
sinke
business, pro- the 1
 fessional remainder per 80 for
services, other exceeding the
services 50 remainder
involving mer- exceeding
chandise, office 80
build-
ings, banks,
light
industrial and
similar
uses
1
Educationa Educational
3 E 1 per 50 1 per 50 — 1 per 100 service
l facilities
sinkg
Structures in
which
occupants are
engaged (see
Factory 1
F-1 and in work Sec-
4 and 1 per 100 1 per 100 1 per 400 service
F-2 fabricating, tion
industrial sink
assembly or 411)
processing
of products or
materials
1
1 per
I-1 Residential care 1 per 10 1 per 10 1 per 100 service
8
sink
Hospitals, 1
ambulatory service
c 1 per
nursing home 1 per roomc 1 per room 1 per 100 sink
15
care per
recipient floor
Institutiona Employees,
5 I-2
l other than
1 per 25 1 per 35 — 1 per 100 —
residential
careb
Visitors, other
than resi- 1 per 75 1 per 100 — 1 per 500 —
dential care
1
b 1 per
I-3 Prisons 1 per cell 1 per cell 1 per 100 service
15
sink
 Reformitories,
deten- 1
1 per
tion centers, 1 per 15 1 per 15 1 per 100 service
15
and correc- sink
tional centers b
Employees b 1 per 25 1 per 35 — 1 per 100 —
Adult day care 1
I-4 and child 1 per 15 1 per 15 1 1 per 100 service
day care sinkg
Retail stores,
service
stations,
1
shops,
Mercantile M 1 per 500 1 per 750 — 1 per 1,000 service
6 salesrooms,
sinke
markets and
shop-
ping centers
Hotels, motels, 1 per
1
boarding 1 per sleep
R-1 1 per sleeping unit — service
houses sleeping unit ing
sink
(transient) unit
Dormitories,
frater-
nities,
1
sororities 1 per
R-2 1 per 10 1 per 10 1 per 100 service
and boarding 8
sink
houses (not
tran-
sient)
7 Residential 1
kitchen
sink
per
dwelling
1 per
unit; 1
Apartment 1 per dwell
R-2 1 per dwelling unit — auto-
house dwelling unit ing
matic
unit
clothes
washer
con-
nection
per 20
 dwelling
units
Congregate
living 1
1 per
R-3 facilities with 1 per 10 1 per 10 1 per 100 service
8
16 or sink
fewer persons
1
kitchen
sink
per
One- and two-
dwelling
fam-
unit; 1
ily dwellings 1 per
auto-
and 1 per dwell
R-3 1 per dwelling unit — matic
lodging houses dwelling unit ing
clothes
with five or unit
washer
fewer
con-
guestrooms
nection
per
dwelling
unit
Congregate
living 1
1 per
R-4 facilities with 1 per 10 1 per 10 1 per 100 service
8
16 or sink
fewer persons
Structures for
the
storage of
goods,
warehouses, See
1
S-1 store- Secti 1 per
8 Storage 1 per 100 1 per 100 service
S-2 house and on 1,000
sink
freight 411
depots. Low
and
Moderate
Hazard.
References:

Books

• Plumbing Design and Estimate 2nd Edition, Max Fajardo

• International Plumbing Code 2015 (IPC 2015), International Code Council

Internet Sites

• https://www.lawinsider.com/dictionary/soil-fixture
• https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/scullery
• https://interceramica.co.uk/8-types-of-bathroom-fixtures-and-fittings-explained/
• https://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Wikijunior:How_Things_Work/Flush_Toilet
• https://www.bathshop321.com/blog/types-of-toilets-guide/
• https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Urinal#:~:text=8%20External%20resourc
es-,Introduction,in%20commercial%20or%20institutional%20settings.
• https://www.washwareessentials.co.uk/content/buying-urinals
• https://homesteady.com/12238220/how-to-care-for-blanco-silgranite-sinks
• https://www.greenartplumbing.com/blog/types-of-kitchen-sinks/
• https://www.hansonsheating.com/plumbing/laundry-tubs
• https://www.plumbworld.co.uk/blog/bathroom-basin-types
• https://www.thespruce.com/basic-types-of-bathtubs-1822566
• https://www.homestratosphere.com/bathroom_showers_types/
• https://www.toiletbidet.com/bidet-types.php
• https://housegrail.com/types-of-shower-drains/
• https://www.hse.gov.uk/contact/faqs/toilets.htm