Plumbing System

The Plumbing System is the science of installing, repairing and servicing the pipes. It includes
the waste pipes, fixture traps, vent pipes, building sewers, drainage pipes and devices within and
outside the house, which distributes water in the different part of house. Plumbing system is used
for water supply in building. It supplies water to kitchen toilet outlets via distribution system of
pipes. Drainage system is used to get rid of human wastes through well-arranged network of
drainage pipes.

Drainage, Waste and Vent (DWV) System

The DWV system is the largest part of any plumbing system which consists of three major
classes of piping and fittings in a simple drainage system.

1) Drainage Pipes : They receive and convey the used water to a public or private disposal
system.

2) Fixture traps : They provide a liquid seal protection without restricting the flow of sewage or
other waste.

3) Vent pipes : They admit air to and exhaust air from all parts of the drainage system. That
protects fixture traps against siphonage and back pressure.
Plumbing Material
Plumbing Codes
Drainage System Design
Water Supply Design
Drainage Calculations
Water Supply Calculations
Works in Plumbing
Plumbing Guide
Water Distribution System
The purpose of distribution system is to deliver water to consumer with appropriate quality,
quantity and pressure. Distribution system is used to describe collectively the facilities used to
supply water from its source to the point of usage.

Requirements of Good Distribution System:

1. Water quality should not get deteriorated in the distribution pipes.
2. It should be capable of supplying water at all the intended places with sufficient pressure
head.
3. It should be capable of supplying the requisite amount of water during firefighting.
4. The layout should be such that no consumer would be without water supply, during the
repair of any section of the system.
5. All the distribution pipes should be preferably laid one metre away or above the sewer
lines.
6. It should be fairly water-tight as to keep losses due to leakage to the minimum.

The pipe that delivers water to a house (from a city water main or an individual well) is called
the service pipe. Typically, a 1-in. service pipe is controlled by a main shutoff valve shortly after
it enters a building; but municipal (MPW) hookups may enter a water meter first. Plumbing
codes may also require a pressure-reducing valve if water pressure is more than 80 psi (pounds
per square inch).
Plumbing Details
Plumbing Guide
Plumbing Notes
Conclusion
Plumbing is used to ensure safe delivery of water. Clean water usage is made possible only
through plumbing which is often taken for granted. It brings comfort and beauty to our living as
we are able to use it in several functional areas such as kitchens and bathrooms with such an ease
without having a thought of what it would have been if there was no supply of clean water for us.
It uses basic laws of nature like gravity and pressure. A plumbing system is composed of two
basic subsystems. One brings in the freshwater while the other throws out the wastewater.

Supply System: The water entering a home is under pressure. Hence it is easy to allow it to travel
upstairs, at the corners or elsewhere as and when needed. This system includes a main water
shutoff or a stop valve to be used during a plumbing emergency. The water from main supply is
ready to be used for various drinking and cleaning purposes.
Drainage System: A drainage system does not depend on pressure as all the drainage pipes are
angled downward. Hence, gravity pulls off all the waste material. As simple as it may seem, the
drainage system involves a lot of complex components like vents, traps and clean outs. These
vents allow air to enter through the drainage pipes so as to regulate water flow. Otherwise which
the water gets collected in the traps and will require being driven off frequently.

The supply and drainage systems are two different systems with no overlapping between them.
There are bridges between the two systems which makes plumbing system successful. They are
called fixtures. Toilets, sinks, and tubs are types of fixtures.
Drainage System Design
An efficient plumbing system starts with a design that saves water and energy resources. A good
design incorporates short runs between plumbing fixtures and uses state-of-the art materials. A
plumbing design must include two systems: the system that supplies water and the system that
gets rid of waste. Before you begin designing a house for plumbing, drain, waste and vent
systems, you must follow local building codes to ensure design compliance.

A Plumbing designer should know the basic plumbing principles and standards of plumbing
materials. Avoid any plumbing plans that requires the plumber to weaken the building structure.
Planning Drainage, Waste and Vent System
Materials
Drainage piping shall be HDPE, PVC, ABS, uPVC, Cast Iron, Galvanized Steel, Lead, Copper,
Brass, Stainless Steel, extra-strength vitrified clay pipe, or other approved materials having a
smooth uniform bore. In general, materials must be free from defects and meet the standards of
the building department.

Table 3.5 : Materials for Sanitary Waste & Drain System (NSPC-2006)

Table 3.6: Materials for Sanitary Vent Piping (NSPC-2006)

Table 3.7: Material for Storm Drainage (NCPS-2006)

Table 3.8 : Materials for Foundation and Sub-Soil Drainage (NSPC-2006)

Drainage Glossary

Joints and Connections

Joints and connections in the plumbing system shall be gas tight and watertight for the pressure
required by test, with the exceptions of those of perforated or open joint piping that are installed
for the purpose of collecting and conveying ground or sepage water to the underground storm
drains.
Different types of joints used in plumbing system are : Threaded joints, Brazed joints, Soldered
joints, Welded joints, Flanged joints, Compression joints, Grooved joints etc .
Changes in Direction of Drainage Flow

(a) Changes in direction of drainage piping shall be made by appropriate used of approved
fittings and shall be angle of angles presented by 22.5⁰ (1/16), 45⁰ (1/8), 60⁰ (1/6) or other
approved fittings of equivalent sweep.

(b) Horizontal drainage lines, connecting with a vertical stack, shall enter through combination
of wye branch and 45⁰ bend or 45⁰ wye branch fittings.

(c) Vertical drainage lines connecting with other horizontal drainage lines shall enter through 45⁰
wye branch or combination of wye and 45⁰ bend.

Fixture Traps

(a) Fixture traps create a liquid seal that prevents drainage system odors, gases and even vermin
(wild animals carrying disease) from entering the building through the fixtures.
(b) Fixture trap size shall be sufficient to drain the fixture rapidly and in no case less than given
in Table 5.2 (NSPC). No trap shall be larger than the drainage pipe into which it discharges.

(c) Fixture traps shall be self-scouring and shall have no interior partitions except where such
traps are integral with the fixture or where corrosion resitant materials of plastic or glass are
used. Solid connections, slip joints, or couplings may be used on the trap inlet, trap outlet, or
within the trap seal
.
(d) Each fixture traps shall have a liquid seal of not less than 2" and not more than 4".

(Table 5-2 : MINIMUM SIZE OF NON-INTEGRAL TRAPS (NSPC)

Cleanouts

(a) A drain cleanout provides access to main sewer line and is located outside of building or high
level in ceiling inside toilets
(b) There are two basic types of code-approved cleanouts; conventional cleanouts and manholes.
Conventional cleanouts with removable plugs are required on drainage pipes within a building or
on a private sewer.
(c) Manholes serve as junctions to join one or more sewer lines. They allow access to inspect and
clear the lines of solids that accumulate there. Manholes are common in private sewage that
serve several large buildings. Install manholes at every change in grade, change in direction, and
junction of two or more sewers. And don't exceed 300 feet between manholes.

(d) Provide a cleanout on the upper terminal of each horizontal drainage pipe.

(e) A cleanout shall be provided near the base of each vertical waste or soil stack 6" above FFL.

(f) Cleanouts must be easily accessible for easy cleaning.

(g) Cleanouts shall be installed at change of direction in drainage piping with 60⁰, 70⁰ and 90⁰
fittings. Cleanouts shall not be required where changes of direction are made with one or more
22.5⁰ or 45⁰ fittings.

(h) Cleanouts shall be provided for concealed piping in wall or floor.

(i) Cleanouts shall be installed so that it opens in the direction of the flow of the drainage line or
at right angles thereto.

(j) Cleanout sizes shall conform with Table 5.4.9 (NSPC).

(k) Cleanouts on 3" or larger pipes shall be so installed that there is a clearance of not less that
18" for the purpose of rodding. Cleanouts smaller than 3" shall be so installed that there is a 12"
clearance for rodding.
Slope of Horizontal Drainage Piping

(a) Horizontal drainage piping shall be installed in uniform alignments at uniform slopes not less
than 1/4" per foot (20.9 mm/m) two percent (2%) for 2" pipe size and smaller and less than 1/8"
per foot (10.9 mm/m) or one percent (1%) for 3" pipe size and larger. (Refer to NSPC for slope
of drainage pipes)
(b) Where conditions do not permit building drains and sewer to be laid with slope as great as
that specified, a lesser slope may be permitted by the Authority Having Jurisdiction.
(c) Wherever practicable, all plumbing fixtures shall be drained to public sewer or private sewer
disposal system by gravity.
Vents and Venting
(a) Each plumbing fixture trap shall be protected against siphonage and back pressure, and air
circulation shall be ensured throughout all parts of the drainage system by means of vent pipes.
(b) Vent pipes supply fresh air to each plumbing fixture in the house, which helps the system
move water through the drainage pipes each time a toilet is flushed or a sink is drained. Vents
also prevent sewer gases from entering the home and all wastewater gas and ador to escape.
(c) Vent pipes shall terminate not less than 6" above the roof, measured from the highest point
where the vent intersects the roof.
(d) Vent terminals shall not be located where vapors can enter the building. No vent terminal
shall be located directly beneath any door, window or other ventilating opening of a building.
(e) Vent and branch vent pipe shall be free from drops and sags and be sloped and connected as
to drain by gravity to the drainage system.
(f) Every vent shall rise vertically to a minimum of 6" above the flood level of the rim of the
fixture being served before connecting to another vent.
(g) Never locate vent pipes in stairways or hoistways.
Grease Interceptors

(a) In commercial buildings where food is processed, prepared or served, grease interceptors
shall be installed in a waste line. If not, the accumulated grease will clog the drainage pipes.

(b) Use an inside interceptor for small restaurants or other businesses generating minor amount
of grease. It may be floor mounted or installed below the floor.

(c) Larger restaurants or other businesses generating sizable grease accumulating require
interceptors located outside of the building. They need a retention time of 2.5 hours. Most large
interceptors are made of precast or poured-in-place concrete.

(d) Place each grease interceptor where there's easy access for inspection, cleaning and removal
of intercepted grease.
Gasoline, Oil and Sand Interceptors
(a) We need to provide interceptors to keep gasoline, grease, oil and sand out of sanitary
drainage.
(b) Anyplace where motor vehicles are repaired and floor drainage is provided.
(c) Anyplace where motor vehicles are commercial washed.
(d) Anyplace where oil, gasoline or their volatile liquids can be discharged into the sanitary
drainage.
(e) Any factory which has only or flammable wastes from storage, maintenance, repair or testing
processes.
Neutralizing Tanks
Corrosive liquids, spent acids and other chemicals might damage or destroy a DWV drainage
system or create noxious or toxic fumes. This waste must pass through a properly designed
dilution or neutralizing tank. The tak must automatically provide enough water to dilute the
corrosive liquids until they are not damaging to the drainage systems.

Indirect Waste Piping and Special Wastes

(a) A special waste pipe including oil, sand, grease, glass and storm water that does not connect
directly with the drainage system but that discharges into the drainage system through an air
break or air gap into a trap, fixture, receptor or interceptor are called indirect waste piping.
(b) Refrigerator coils, walk-in freezers, ice boxes, ice-making machines and bar sinks need
indirect waste pipes.
(c) We can use either an air gap or air break as the indirect waste connection. The air gap is the
unobstructed vertical distance between the waste pipe outlet and the flood level rim of the
receptacle. Vertical distance shall be twice the diameter of the drain it serves.
(d) Air break drainage is a physical separation, usually a low inlet into the indirect waste
receptor.
Air Conditioning Condensate Drains

(a) When air conditioning units are located on the roof, waste may discharge on to the roof and
into the roof drain.

(b) When an air conditioning unit is centrally located below the roof of a building, it may
indirectly connect to a rain leader pipe. Drainage from an air handling equipment's room must be
by indirect means.

(c) The main condensate drain line in a multi-story building may receive the discharge from
many air conditioning units. Each individual unit must be trapped.

(d) Some codes require a vent in the main drain line above the highest connection.
Storm Drainage Systems
(a) The storm drainage system carries rainwater to a legal disposal point. It includes roof drain,
area drains, catch basins, gutters, leaders, building storm drains, building storm sewers and
ground surface storm sewers.
(b) You must provide a strainer where roof surface drain into the inlet of an inside leader. The
strainer cover must extend at least 4" above the roof surface.
(c) Roof drains must be made of cast iron , copper, lead, or some other approved corrosion
resistant materials.
(d) Traps are not required for regular storm water drains connected to a storm drainage system.
Septic Tank System
(a) A septic tank is simply a water tight receptacle for the sewage discharged by a building
drainage system. It separates the solid from the liquid wastes before the treated liquid seeps into
the ground.
(b) The tank should be large enough to hold approx. 24 hours of an anticipated flow. This
retention period gives the bacterial action time to digest the solids.
(c) The new sewage entering the tank also forces an equal amount of treated liquid out through
the outlet tee of the septic tank.
(d) When the bacterial process is complete, the remaining solids settle to the bottom as sludge.
Lighter undigested particles rise and form a scum on top of the liquid contents. Over a period of
years, the sludge and scum builds up and reduce the tank efficiency. Periodic cleaning keeps it
working effectively.

CONSTRUCTION OF TYPICAL SEPTIC TANK

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Floor Drain and Trench 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. They are usually round, but can also be square or rectangular.
Floor drains shall have a water seal of not less than 2 inches and shall be fitted with a removable
strainer. The free open area of strainers shall be at least 2/3 of the cross-sectional area of the
nominal drain outlet size.
Floor drains and their branch piping shall be sized on the basis of their normal, expected flow
rate, shall be not less than 2" nominal size. If provided for emergency showers and eyewash
stations, floor drains and their fixture drain branches shall be sized for GPM discharge capacity
of the shower or eyewash, but the drainage fixture unit (DFU) loading on the sanitary drainage
system shall be zero (0,0 DFU).

Floor drains shall be installed in the following areas:

1) Toilet rooms containing either two or more water closets or wall hung urinals or a
combination of one or more water closets and wall hung urinals, except in a dwelling unit.
2) Commercial kitchens.
3) Common laundry rooms in commercial buildings and buildings having more than two
dwelling units.

(Floors shall be sloped to floor drains where drainage occurs).

Example for Drainage Piping Layout
Example for Drainage Piping Isometric
Design of Water Supply Distribution System
An efficient plumbing system starts with a design that saves water and energy resources. A good
design incorporates short runs between plumbing fixtures and uses state-of-the art materials. A
plumbing design must include two systems: the system that supplies water and the system that
gets rid of waste. Before you begin designing a house for plumbing, drain, waste and vent
systems, you must follow local building codes to ensure design compliance.

A Plumbing designer should know the basic plumbing principles and standards of plumbing
materials. Avoid any plumbing plans that requires the plumber to weaken the building structure.

Distribution System for a Building: Water is conveyed from the street mains to the
individual building, and then to the taps and other fixtures. The supply from the main line to the
individual is made through the house service connection.
Materials

(a) All pipe, tube, and fittings carrying water used in potable water system intended to supply
drinking water shall meet the requirements of NSF 61 as found in Table 14-1.
(b) Materials for building water piping and building supply piping shall be in accordance
with Table 6-4 (UPC) and Table 3-4 (NSPC).
PP-R Pipes
CPVC Pipes
PEX Pipes
Pipe Identification:
(a) Potable Water : Green background with white lettering
(b) Non-Potable Water: Yellow background with black lettering, with the words " Caution: Non-
Potable water, do not drink".
Backflow Prevention:
(a) When a backflow occurs, it can pollute entire water systems. Without a backflow and back
siphonage protection, municipal water services could become contaminated.
(b) Backflow prevention can be done using Airgap, Atmospheric Vacuum Breaker (AVB), Hose
connection backflow preventer, Double check valve backflow prevention assembly(DC),
Pressure vacuum breaker backflow prevention assembly (PVB) etc.
(c) An air gap is the most positive form of protection from backflow.

Air Gap Backflow Preventer

Double Check Valve Backflow Preventer

Atmospheric Vacuum Breaker
Water closet and urinal flushometer valves shall be equipped with an atmospheric vacuum
breaker. The vacuum breaker shall be installed on the discharge side of the flushometer valve
with the critical level at least 6".
Ballcock
Water closet and urinal tanks shall be equipped with a ballcock. The ballcock shall be installed
with the critical level at least 1" above the full opening of the overflow pipes.
Separation of Water Service and Building Sewer
The water service pipe and building drain shall not have less than one foot horizontal distance
between the piping.

Water Service Near Source of Pollution

Potable water service piping shall not be located in, under, or above septic tanks or drainage pits.
A separation of 10 feet shall be maintained from such systems. When a water line parallels or
crosses over or under a sewer, a minimum clearance of 12 inches in all directions shall be
maintained.
Flushing

The water service piping and distribution piping to all fixtures and outlets shall be flushed until
the water runs clear and free of debris or particles. Faucet aerators or screen shall be removed
during flushing operations.
Disinfection

Water service piping and the hot and cold water distribution piping in new or renovated potable
water systems shall be disinfected after flushing and prior to use. The procedure used shall be
as follows or an approved equivalent:
Building Valve (Isolation Valve)

The building water service shall be provided with a readily accessible Gate Valve. When there
are two or more water services serving one building, a check valve shall be installed on each
service in addition to the above valves.

Pressure Reducing Valves

Where static water pressure in the water supply piping is in excess of 80 psi (552 kPa), an
approved type pressure reducing valve by an adequate strainer shall be installed and the static
pressure reduced to 80 psi or less.
Hose Connection

A pressure type or atmospheric type vacuum breaker or a permanently attached hose connection
vacuum breaker shall protect hose bibs, sill-cocks, wall hydrants opening with a hose
connections.
Stop-and-Waste Valve Prohibited

Combination stop-and-waste valve or cocks shall not be installed underground in water serving
piping.
Water Service Pipes Sleeves
Pipe sleeves shall be provided where water services pipes penetrate foundation walls or floors.
Slab to be protected against corrosion of pipe and allow clearance for expansion, contraction and
settlement. The annular space between the pipe and the sleeve shall be resiliently sealed
watertight.

Water Pressure Booster Systems

(a) When the water pressure in the public water main or individual water supply system is
insufficient to supply the potable peak demand flow to plumbing fixtures and continuously with
minimum pressure, the rate of supply shall be supplemented by one of the following:
1. An elevated water tank
2. An hydro-pneumatic pressure booster system
3. A water pressure booster pump.
Water Tanks

A water tower is an elevated structure supporting a water tank constructed at a height

sufficient to pressurize a water distribution system for the distribution of potable water .
Water towers are able to supply water even during power outages, because they rely
on hydrostatic pressure produced by elevation of water (due to gravity ) to push the water
into domestic and industrial water distribution systems; however, they cannot supply the water
for a long time without power, because a pump is typically required to refill the tower. A water
tower also serves as a reservoir to help with water needs during peak usage times. The water
level in the tower typically falls during the peak usage hours of the day, and then a pump fills it
back up during the night. This process also keeps the water from freezing in cold weather, since
the tower is constantly being drained and refilled.
Pressurized Water Tanks

A pressure tanks creates water pressure by using compressed air to bear down on water. When a
valve is opened, water is pushed out by the compressed air in the tank. The water is pushed
throughout the plumbing in the house until the pressure drops to a preset low on pressure
switch. All pressurized water tanks should be equipped with a vacuum relief valve at the top of
the tank. These vacuum relief valve shall be rated for maximum temperature of 200° F and
maximum pressure of 200 psi.
It is also necessary to equip these tanks with pressure-relief valves. These safety valves must be
installed on the supply pipe that feeds the tank or on the tank, itself.
A Water Pressure Booster Pump

A booster pump increases low water pressure and flow. It provides the extra boost needed to
bring your water pressure to the desired level. A water booster pump provides pressure to move
water from a storage tank or throughout a whole house or commercial facility.
Booster pumps increase low water flow in water systems or industrial equipment and transport
water from a lake, pond, or storage tank for use in a home or commercial building. A household
that doesn't receive enough pressure from the city water supply would need a pump to increase
low water pressure. A hotel needs a large commercial booster pump to send water all the way to
the top story.
A booster pump is also used to re-pressurize water from a storage tank and send it to a faucet or
throughout a home. In a rain harvesting system, for example, water collects in a storage tank. In
order to use it to flush toilets or wash laundry, the water must be pumped out of the tank and into
the house. You would use a booster pump to move the water.
Water Hammer

All building supply systems in which quick-acting valves are installed shall be provided with
devices to absorb the hammer caused by high pressure resulting from the quick closing of these
valves. Water pressure absorbing devices shall be installed as close as possible to quick acting
valves.
Valve Regulations

Gate and ball valves are examples of full open valves as required under valve regulations. These
valves may be required in the following locations:
a. On the water service before and after the water meter.
b. On each water service for each building served.
c. On discharge pipes of water supply tanks near the tank.
d. On the supply pipe to every water heater near to the heater.
e. On the main supply pipe to each dwelling / toilets.
f. On water supplies to pressurized tanks, such as well system

Hot Water Supply System

a) In residences and building intended for human occupancy, hot water shall be supplied to all
plumbing fixtures and equipment's used for bathing, washing, laundry or building maintenance.
b) If the distance between the hot water source and the fixture being served is more than 100
feet, a re-circulating system is required.

Hot Water Storage Tanks

a) Water heaters and storage tanks shall be sized to provide sufficient hot water to provide both
daily requirements and hourly peak loads of the occupants of the buildings.
b) Storage tanks shall be protected against excessive temperature and pressure conditions.
c) Hot water storage tanks shall be equipped with a valve capable of draining the tank
completely.
Example of Water Supply Layout
Example of Water Supply Isometric