Design Seminar:

Plumbing

1. Sneha Nagarajan
(10110058)

What is Plumbing?
The art and science of creating and maintaining sanitary
conditions in buildings
Or
The art and science of installing, repairing and servicing of pipes,
fixtures and appurtenances necessary for bringing in water
supply, distributing it within and removing the liquid and waterborne wastes
It includes fixtures and fixture traps; soil and waste pipes; vent
pipes; building drain and building sewer; storm drainage pipes,
their devices, appurtenances and connections to all within or
adjacent to the building
Plumbing has been a part of the human race since the dawn of
human civilization. Some civilizations saw very sophisticated
systems for their time while the services declined marginally
during
Earliest plumbing arrangements were unearthed in the Indus
Valley Civilization almost 5500years old
Another civilization with highly developed plumbing system was
the Egyptian civilization and the Romans. Aqueducts were

Indus Valley Civilization: Drainage

System

Roman Bath: Thermae

Roman
Aqueducts
Roman
Lead
Pipes:
With a folded seam

The Basic Plumbing Components of any building:

1.
2.
3.
4.

Water supply distributing pipes

Fixture and fixture traps
Soil, waste and vent pipes
Storm water drainage

NBC GENERAL REQUIREMENTS for design considerations:

Smooth joints
Avoid noise transmission
Avoid formation of air locks
Avoid unsightly arrangement
Economy in labour and materials
No piping under wastewater pipes
Gradual size and direction changes
Maximum rate of discharge required
Water-tight pipes and pipe-connections
No back-flow towards the source of supply
Wholesome water supply for drinking and culinary purposes
No direct connection of boilers or hot machinery, use feed cistern
No cross-connection between pure and contaminated water pipes
Sufficient strength of pipes underground or under traffic loads or frost
Maintain definite air gap in all appliances (minimum 15 cm or twice pipe
bore for storage cisterns)
Corrosion protection measures in corrosive environments (e.g. corrosive
soils, proximity to electric cables), e.g. exterior CI tubing

Supply System

3.1.1 Potable Water

All premises intended for human habitation, occupancy, or use shall be provided with
supply of potable water. This water supply shall not be connected with unsafe water
resources, nor shall it be subject to the hazards of backflow.
3.1.2 Water Provision
Plumbing fixtures, devices and appurtenances shall be provided with water in sufficient
volume and at pressures adequate to enable them to function properly and without
undue noise under normal conditions of use.
There should beat least a residual head of 0.018 N/mm2 at the consumers tap.
NOTEThe residual head shall be taken at the highest farthest outlets in the building.
3.1.14 Maintenance
Plumbing systems shall be maintained in a safe and serviceable condition.
3.1.15 Accessibility
All plumbing fixtures shall be so installed with regard to spacing as to be accessible for
their intended use and for cleaning. All doors, windows and any other device needing
access within the toilet shall be so located that they have proper access.

4.1.1 Water Supply for Residences

A minimum of 70 to 100 litres per head per day may be considered adequate for
domestic needs of urban communities, apart from non-domestic needs as flushing
requirements. As a general rule the following rates per capita per day may be considered
minimum
for domestic and non-domestic needs:
NOTE The value of water supply given
as 150 to 200 litres per head per day
maybe reduced to 135litresper head
per day for houses for Lower Income
Groups (LIG) and Economically Weaker
Section of Society(EWS),depending upon
prevailing conditions.
4.3.1.1 For residential buildings, the requirements of
water shall be based on the actual number of occupants;
where this information is not available, the number of
occupants for each residential unit may be based on a
family of five. For assessing the population in other
occupants, reference may be made to Part 4 Fire and
Life Safety.

4.1.1.1 Out of the 150 to 200 litres per head per day, 45 litres per head per day may be
taken for flushing requirements and the remaining quantity for other domestic purposes.

4.1.2 Water Supply for Buildings Other than Residences

The NBC states several codes for

plumbing needs of buildings of various
other uses. Refer Section 4.1 of part9 for
the same.
4.1.4 Water Supply for Fire Fighting Purposes
4.1.4.1 The Authority shall make provision to meet
the water supply requirements for fire fighting in the
City/area, depending on the population density and
types of occupancy.
4.1.4.2 Provision shall be made by the owner of the
building for water supply requirements for fire fighting
purposes within the building, depending upon the
height and occupancy of the building, in conformity
with the requirements laid down in Part 4 Fire and
Life Safety.
4.1.4.3 The requirements regarding water supply in
storage tanks, capacity of fue pumps, arrangements of
wet riser-cum-downcomer and wet riser installations
for buildings above 15 m in height, depending upon
the occupancy use, shall

Water Sources and Quality: The NBC guidelines lay out the rules to ensure water quality
at the various stages of supply and consumption and disposal. Potable or for other
purposes. Fresh water sources: lakes/rivers. Waste water reclamation

4.4 Storage of Water

4.4.1 In a building, provision is required to be made for storage of water for the following
reasons:
a) to provide against interruptions of the supply caused by repairs to mains, etc;
b) to reduce the maximum rate of demand on the mains;
c) to tide over periods of intermittent supply; and
d) to maintain a storage for the fire fighting requirement of the building (see Part 4
Fire
and Life Safety ).
There are clear guidelines as to what material is to be used for various uses and their
design considerations.
While designing we need to keep in mind the design of
1. Manholes
2. Catch rings and ladders
3. Overflow pipes
4. Vent pipes
5. Scour pipes
6. Connections to these
7. Tanks

Calculation of Drain/Trap Diameter:

4.4.10 The quantity of water to be stored shall be

calculated taking into account the following
factors:
a) hours of supply at sufficiently high pressure to
fill up the overhead storage tanks;
b) frequency of replenishment of overhead tanks,
during the 24 h;
c) rate and regularity of supply; and
d) consequences of exhausting storage
particularly in case of public buildings like
hospitals.

PLUMBING
WATER SUPPLY EXERCISE

12
fixture
units

total fixture units = 30 = 20 gpm

longest length = 90'
meter pressure loss = 9 psi
rise pressure loss
= 4.33 psi
psi

fu 12

gpm

total pressure loss = 28.33 psi

flow 20 fu

30 fu

Available pressure of 60 psi, minus

28.33 pressure loss = 31.67 psi
to push the water through the system.

14 gpm

fu

gpm

flow

6'

20 gpm

flow

6'

fixture pressure loss = 15

System is predominately
flush TANKS

31.67'
x 100 = 23.46 psi / 100'
135'
Limit the velocity of
water through the piping
to no faster than 8 feet / sec.
Using the pipe size chart 2
make a table that shows the
max. gpm for each pipe size:
pipe dia. max gpm
1/2"
3/4"
1"
1 1/4"
1 1/2"
2"

3 1/2
10
18
28
44
78

Water
Meter
30 fu
20

flow

system rises 10'

The available pressure in psi per 100'

gpm

8 10 fu
10
fixture
units

flow

gpm

Available
pressure =
60 p.s.i.
50'

12'

8'

Measured length of system (origin to farthest fixture) = 90'

Calculated length (measured length + 1/2 measured length) = 90 + 45 = 135'

10'

flow

8
fixture
units

4.7 Distribution Systems in Multi-Storeyed Buildings

4.7.1 There are four basic methods of distribution of water to a multistoreyed buildings.
1. Direct supply from mains to ablutionary taps and kitchen with WCs and
urinals supplied by overhead tanks.
2. Direct Pumping Systems
3. Hydro-Pneumatic Systems
4. Overhead Tanks Distribution
4.7.2 Direct Supply System
This system is adopted when adequate pressure is available round the
clock at the topmost floor. With limited pressure available in most city
mains, water from direct supply is normally not available above two
or three floors.
4.7.3 Direct Pumping
Water is pumped directly into the distribution system without the aid of
any overhead tank, except for flushing purposes. The pumps are
controlled by a pressure switch installed on the line.

4.7.4 HydroPneumatic Systems

Hydro-pneumatic
system is a variation of
direct pumping system.
An air-tight pressure
vessel is installed on
the line to regulate the
operation of the pumps.
The vessel capacity
shall be based on the
cut-in and cut-out
pressure of the
pumping system
depending upon
allowable start/stops of
the pumping system.
The system shall have
reliable power supply to
avoid breakdown in the
water supply.

4.7.5 over-head Tank

Distribution
4.7.5.1 This is the most
common of the distribution
systems adopted by various
type of buildings.
4.7.5.2 The system comprises
pumping water to one or more
overhead tanks placed at the
top most location of the
hydraulic zone.
4.7.5.3 Water collected in the
overhead tank is distributed to
the various parts of the building
by a set of pipes located
generally on the terrace.

Plumbing Fittings

water
flow

water
flow

water
flow

90 degree
standard ell

water
flow

water
flow

standard
coupling
inline tee

90 degree
side tee

45 degree
standard ell

water
flow

valve of
various types

STANDARD PIPE FITTINGS

( FRINGES )

GLOBE VALVE

CHECK VALVE

GATE VALVE

ANGLE VALVE

Plumbing Fixtures

3.1.5 Plumbing Fixtures

It is recommended that each family dwelling
unit should have at least one water closet,
one lavatory, one kitchen wash place or a
sink, and one bathing wash place or shower to
meet the basic requirements of sanitation and
personal hygiene.
3.1.8 Fixture Traps and Vent Pipes
Each fixture directly connected to the
drainage system shall be equipped with a
liquid seal trap, Trap seals shall be maintained
to prevent sewer gas, other potentially
dangerous or noxious fumes, or vermin from
entering the building. Further, the drainage
system shall be designed to provide an
adequate circulation of air in all pipes with no
danger of siphonage, aspiration, or forcing of
trap seals under conditions of ordinary use by

Drainage System

3.1.6 Drainage System

The drainage system shall be designed,
installed and maintained to guard against
fouling, deposit of solids and clogging
and with adequate cleanouts so arranged
that the pipes may be readily cleaned.
3.1.9 Foul Air Exhaust
Each vent terminal shall extend to the
outer air and be so installed as to
minimize the possibilities of clogging and
the return of foul air to the building, as it
conveys potentially noxious or explosive
gases to the outside atmosphere. All vent
pipes shall be provided with a cowl.

Drainage Installation
Soil and Waste Drainage System

- Two-pipe Ventilated Gravity System

- U/G Petrol Interceptor for Carpark
- Discharge to Public Foul Water System
Storm Water Drainage System

- Rain Water Outlet at Roof, Balcony & Canopy

- Discharge to Public Storm Water System

CASE STUDIES

STUDY OF PLUMBING SYSTEM OF A TYPICAL 2 BHK

APARTMENT BUILDING

BATH/WC. (DETAIL

KITCHEN (DETAIL B
DUCTS

DETAIL OF BATH/ WC. AND KITCHEN SINK WATER SUPPLY AND

DRAINAGE SYSTEM AND SCHEDULE OF FIXTURES AND
FITTINGS

INSPECTI
ON
CHAMBER
S

DETAIL OF EXTERIOR DRAINAGE CONNECTION AND SCHEDULE OF

MATERIALS

TERRACE PLAN SHOWING FLOOR PLATE SLOPE

RAINWATER
PIPE
100 dia.

POSITIVES:
Intelligent placing of Ducts and Wet areas to facilitate easy
outflow and maintenance.

Separation of Toilet and Kitchen sewage lines for separate

drain out into respective pipelines.

Separate Water Supply pipes for Domestic and Flushing purposes.
Rainwater pipes are place in appropriate corners, having
maximum catchment area, reducing number of pipes required.
New-age flush and tap systems used.
Pipework hidden from plain view in elevation with the help of
extruded Chajjas and Elevation Fins.
No overlap of Bathrooms with bedrooms or kitchen between levels.
Toilets ventilated into ducts, preventing escape of foul smell to
Living areas.

NEGATIVES:

No provision for Hot water supply in Bathrooms and Kitchen.

Door clearance for WCs not standard.

CITY OF MILWAUKEE CROSS CONNECTION PROGRAM

Milwaukeeis the largest city in the U.S. state ofWisconsin. It is located on
the south-western shore ofLake Michigan.

Map and Location of Milwaukee City

WHAT IS BACK FLOW?

Inwater supplysystems, water is normally maintained at a significant
pressure to enable water to flow from the tap, shower etc.
When pressure fails or is reduced, (as may happen if a water main
bursts, pipes freeze or there is unexpectedly high demand on the water
system), then such reduced pressure in the pipe may allow contaminated
water from the ground, from storage or from other sources to be drawn
up into the system.

WHAT IS CROSS CONNECTION?

Cross-connections, are defined as actual or potential connections
between a potable water supply and a non-potable source, where
it is possible for a contaminant to enter the drinking water supply.

STATISTICS:
Approximately 15,800 commercial water accounts serve buildings in Milwaukee.
The Plumbing Inspectors developed a reference manual identifying the various
types of cross connection configurations and the proper cross connection control
devices to correct them.
Typical Cross Connections:

Apartments
- Laundry Tub Faucets
- Hose Faucets
- Boilers

Office Buildings
- Boilers
- Chillers
- Soap Dispensers
- Water Closets
- Coffee Makers

Restaurants
- Beverage Dispensers
- Food Grinders
- Steamer
- Dishwasher
- Glass Washer
- Soap Dispenser
- Hose and Spray

Manufacturing Plants
- Chemical Dispensers
- Cooling Towers
- Boilers
- Hose Faucets
- Equipment using Potable Water

MILWAUKEE DRAINAGE
SYSTEM

Janitors Faucet

Laundry Tub Faucets

Hose and Spray

Hose and Spray

Fill Valve

Boilers

Electric Boiler

Cooling Towers

Coffee Makers

Carbonator

Carbonator

Soap Dispenser

Commercial Dishwasher

Parts Washer

Chemical Dispenser

CORRECTIVE MEASURES APPLIED:

Hose thread vacuum breakers were installed.
A licensed plumber working under a permit is required for any other form of
cross connection correction.

Hose Bibb

Hose Bibbs Medical Whirlpool

Backflow Preventer

BUILDING SERVICES INSTALLATIONS

Reliability
Reliability

Flexibility
Flexibility

New Technology
New Technology

Design Intent
Energy Efficiency
Energy Efficiency

Health & Safety

Health & Safety

Sustainability
Sustainability

Maintainability
Maintainability

Sanitary Plumbing System Enclosed in Fire-Rated

Service Duct
Sanitary
stack
Cleaning Eye

Service
duct

Central Building Plan Unit 30.11.1999

Sanitary Plumbing over Bed / Living / Dining Rooms and Kitchen

Common Error
In buildings under Land
Titles (Strata) Act, sanitary
pipes are sited over
bedrooms, living room,
dining room or kitchen of
the strata unit below.

Clarification
Pipe leakage and maintenance work would
pose nuisance conditions and inconvenience
to owners of lower level strata units.
Sanitary pipes shall be routed away from

such places.
Maintenance duct with access taken from

common areas shall be provided if dry areas

cannot be avoided.

Sanitary Plumbing over Bed / Living / Dining Rooms and

Kitchen

Details of Double Floor Slab / Maintenance Duct

Sanitary Plumbing over Water Tanks /

Transformer / Switchgear
Common Error
Sanitary pipes sited
over water tanks,
transformer and switchgear
Leaks from sanitary pipes could
contaminate water tanks etc.

Clarification
Sanitary pipes shall not be
located over water tanks,
transformer, switchgear or
other places where it can
cause health and safety
hazards.

Sanitary Plumbing over Water Tanks / Transformer / Switchgear

Water Tank

Sanitary Pipe

Ventilation Stack Terminating at Roof Level

Clarification
Common Error
Ventilation
stackterminate
shall terminate
at the highest roof level and shall be sited
Ventilation stacks
at
communal
private roof
in
commonorservice
areas outside private roof terraces / gardens.
terrace / garden causing foul
odour nuisance to residents.

This will facilitate maintenance work and minimise inconvenience and

nuisance to occupants.
To avoid vent pipes terminating in the private roof
terraces / gardens, the vent pipe may be offset and
extended for termination at the highest point of the building or other
suitable location that will not cause smell nuisance or health hazard to the
occupants.

Design Considerations for

Sewerage

Sewer Connection
Common issue
Can a development have
more than one sewer
connection?

Clarification
In general, only one sewer
connection is permitted per
development.
This is to minimise
number of road openings
inconvenience to
neighbouring properties
when public sewer is
located in adjacent
property
disruption to sewerage
system due to interruption
of sewage flow

Sewer Connection
Common Issue
Can a new
connection be
provided for a
development if the
existing sewer is
located in
neighbouring
property?

Clarification
Existing sewer connection shall be reused whenever possible.
Where a new sewer connection is
required because of development
layout, it is necessary to obtain
written consent from the owner of
adjacent lot.

Sewer Connection
Clarification
Builder shall pre-consult authorities
for all subdivision cases.
This is to safeguard sewer
connection for the sub-divided land
parcels.
Existing drainline / sewer within the
subdivided plots shall not be
abandoned / diverted without
written approval.

Common Issue
Sewer connection affected by subdivision of land

Energy Conservation
Locate hot water heater in conditioned space
Insulate hot water heater
Insulate exposed hot water pipes
Insulate cold water pipes with freezing potential
Place water pipes in interior walls, if possible
Use low-flow fixtures
Seal all wall fenestrations through which pipes run

If I could do it all again, I'd be a plumber.

Albert Einstein was

named an honorary
member of the
Plumbers and
Steamfitters Union after
publicly stating that he
would become a
plumber if he had to do
it all over again!

References:
1. National Building Code
2. Daisariya Architects, Mumbai Pvt Ltd
3. www.mmsd.org

THANK YOU!