Water Distribution Systems -

The Water distribution system needs elaborate planning in commercial buildings. Faulty
planning can lead to uneven distribution an excess wear and tear of fittings and pipes
The water pressure in municipal mains in our cities is hardly adequate to lift water to 1 st
and 2nd floor .the supply hours are also intermittent. In order to insure continuous water
supply the most common method is to feed the municipal water into an underground water
storage tank from where it is pumped to overhead storage tanks located in the terrace.
Galvanized iron pipes carry this water from the overhead tanks to bathrooms w.c.s and
kitchen of the flats below by simple gravity action, in places of extreme heat it is advisable
to provide insulation over these pipes .this will keep the water cool during summers

Water Supply -
A building or premises consists of water services pipes, the water distribution pipes,
and the necessary connecting pipes , fittings , control valves , in or adjacent to the building
Essential for Building Water Supply -

Every tank shall be covered with a closed fitting, dust tight , insects, and fly proof and shall
be provided with a suitable ball valve confirming to accepted standards.
Every tank shall be provided with an efficient mosquito proof warning pipe.
Each storage tank shall be provided with a stop valve or stop tap at every outlet other than
the over flow pipe.
Storage tank shall be easily accessible and placed in such a position as to enable thorough
inspection and cleaning to be carried out.
The outlet pipe shall be fixed 50 to75 mm above the bottom of the tank and fitted with a
strainer , preferably of copper .
In the case of underground storage tanks , the tank shall be perfectly water proof and
shall be provided cement concrete cover , having a manhole opening.
Pipes for Water Supply -
Cast iron pipe Wrought iron pipes
Steel pipe Hume pipes
Reinforced cement concrete pipes Polythene pipes
Prestressed concrete pipes Polyvinyl chloride pipes
Asbestos cement pipes
Copper, brass and lead pipes -

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 Types of water supply system
1. Pressure reducer valve system
This system has special types of valves introduced in the main
down take pipe in or out at the inlet to a particular storey.
Generally after every five floors a pressure reducer valve is
introduced which reduces the water pressure. These valves
work automatically in some cases to reduce the pressure.

2. Multiple storage system

In high-rise buildings the pressure can be adequately
maintained in desired limits of 0.18 kg/cm to 1.5 kg/cm by the
provision of number of storage tanks responsible for few
storeys i.e. each for few storeys.
Normally a building is divided in to vertical zones
of pressure and each zone is served with septic tank.

3. Break Pressure tank system

In this system a suction storage tank is provided at the ground
level and the entire water is pumped to a storage reservoir
built at the top of the building. Then various tanks are
provided in downfeed system in series at different levels. Their
capacity is minimum 3000 litres. These tanks are named as
Break pressure tanks. In some cases two separate tanks may
be provided for each 4-5 storeys. The suction storage is taken
as one day supply.
 Break Pressure tank system

4. Hydropneumatic System
In this system hydopneumatic vessels are introduced at various levels. The water from the mains is
taken to ground storage suction tank from where the water is pumped to hydropneumatic vessels for
individual storey.
• Hydropneumatic tanks are mild steel vessels, cylindrical in shape
• They contain a mixture of air and water under pressure.
5. Telescopic pipe System
For moderately high storeys this system can
be economically provided. In case of down
take pipe the diameter from top floor to
lower floor is sufficiently decreased and
thus they deliver the water at reduced
pressure on lower floors.

6. Increased length pipe system

Sometimes reduction in pressure is
achieved by Increasing length of down take
pipes. The top floor gets their supply from
straight limb with less friction losses and
the bottom floor receives water from
visiting limb where much of pressure
reduces due to increased pipe length and
system is suitable for 10-12 floors.
Quantity of Water -
The quantity of water to be stored shall be
calculated taking into account the following
factors:
• Hours of supply at sufficiently high pressure
to fill up the overhead storage tanks.
• Frequency of replenishment of overhead
tanks ,during the 24 hrs.
• Rate and regularity of supply.
• Pressure-reducing valves are introduced on
lower floors for more than 30 to 35mts.
Head of water to reduced the water
pressure.
• Separate lines are used for every 4 or 5
floors. If the same line is used for entire
building then the upper floor occupants will
find it difficult to get adequate quantity of
water when the lower floor occupants open
the taps.
• The capacity of underground tanks also
known as suction tanks range from 6 to 12
hours of average daily consumption
depending upon the number of hours the
supply is available from municipal mains.
• The lift pumps should have a capacity to fill
the overhead tanks in 4 to 6 hours time.
 The pumps are fixed over the suction tanks. They operate over electricity.
The capacity of overhead tanks is usually kept at 75 percent of domestic and full flushing requirements
of daily consumption of all the occupants. If the municipal supply is continuous , both the overhead
and underground tanks can be reduced to the minimum.

Material Used –
Reservoirs and the tanks for the reception and storage of water shall be constructed of reinforced
concrete, cast iron , wrought iron , galvanized mild steel plates or sheets and shall be made water tight .
The materials used shall be of sufficient strength and thickness.

Water Services to Commercial Buildings –

Mains water is supplied under pressure from the head of water from a reservoir or pumped head of
water or combination of both. The levels to which the mains water will rise depends on the level of the
building related to that of the reservoir from which the main water is drawn or related to the artificial
head of water created by pumps. Mains pressure will rise less in a building on high ground than to one
on lower ground . In built up areas there will at peak times, such as early morning, be a peak demand
on the main supply, resulting in reduced pressure from the water mains
The pressure available varies from place to place depending on Natural or Artificial water
pressure available.