MODULE 1 - Building Utilities 2

Building Plumbing System – Introduction

Introduction –

The plumbing and sanitary system is an essential part of every house or building. Proper
planning and designing of plumbing system is crucial as it takes care of the hygiene
requirements of the occupants. It has been reported that about 8 per cent of the construction cost
of a building is marked for plumbing and sanitary work.
Building plumbing is complex. We know from experience that drinking water inside building
plumbing acts differently than when it is in the water distribution system (the water mains
outside, under the streets). Just because a building receives, water from a municipal water
system doesn't mean the water in the building will be safe. Also, just because a home has used
water from a private source (i.e., well, creek, etc.) for years does not mean the building water
system will be safe when you buy it.

Principles of Effective Plumbing System

The aims and objectives of a good local plumbing system – that is, the drinking-water supply
that serves a building and the system for liquid waste removal that connects the building to the
sewer mains The system should be operating within a context of standards and codes,
determined and overseen by qualified public authorities, that specify the requirements for its
design, composition and management, and the training and practices of the plumbers and
operators who build and maintain it. In places where these principles are not currently
attainable, they should be regarded as high-priority goals to be achieved when circumstances
permit, and positive steps should be taken to achieve those goals. They are based upon the
need to preserve the health, safety and well-being of the people served by a plumbing system.
Efforts should be made to promote public awareness of the benefits of quality plumbing and
the dangers of an improperly installed plumbing system.

Aims of Good Plumbing System

The three chief aims of a good plumbing system are;

1. to supply safe drinking-water in adequate quantities,
2. to remove liquid wastes efficiently,
3. to minimize risk of failure through vigilance and quality assurance.

Common Plumbing Problems: Every Homeowners Needs to Watch Out For.

1. Dripping Faucet -
2. Running Toilet – a running toilet is even more wasteful version of the leaky-faucet
problem.
3. Clogged Toilet – Clogged toilets can be annoying. They overflow. They small bad.
They get waste all over the floor. And worse, yet. They can be a symptom of a more
dire salutation that you might suspect a septic tank damage.
4. Slow or Clogged Drains.
5. Water Heater Not Working
6. Leaky Pipes
7. Low water Pressure.
8. Main Water Line Break or Leak
9. Sewer Line Issues
10. Expensive Water Bill – Effects of leaking faucets, dry weather increases water usage as
you strive to keep your lawn from drying.
11. Downspout issues.
12. Over Flowing Gutters.
The Different Types Of Plumbing.
There are three main types of plumbing systems. Potable water, sanitary drainage, and rainwater
drainage. Usually, PVC pipes are used for building every plumbing system in the country.

Purpose of these plumbing systems.

1. Potable Water System

The water that comes from the community water is brought into a structure by the potable water
system. To shut off the structure's water supply, there is a valve on the water main itself for each
structure. Through a network of pipes, the water is distributed to individual fixtures after a single
pipe brings water into the structure. The total amount of water that enters the system is monitored
by a meter.

2. Sanitary Drainage System

Wastewater that is generated in households and buildings, is eliminated through sanitary drainage
systems. Wastewater from laundry, cooking, human waste etc. are disposed outside using these
pipes. Vent pipes are installed vertically and are connected to the sanitary drainage systems. This
helps in operating the venting of gases and other systems work at atmospheric pressure. The
sanitary drainage system eventually takes wastewater to the community sewer system.

3. Rainwater Drainage System

The purpose of the rainwater drainage system is to carry rainwater away from a structure. In some
old infrastructures, rainwater simply drains into the sanitary drainage system, but in buildings that
are more modern, a separate system of drains carry water into the community rain sewers. Gutters
are a part of the rainwater drainage system visible from outside the building; other components,
such as drains and pipes, are below the ground."

Basic Principle of Plumbing System –

1. All the Premises made for human use or habitation shall be provided with the supply of pure and
clean water, connected neither to unsafe water supply nor subject to backflow or back- siphonage.

2. Plumbing fixtures, devices and appurtenances shall be supplied with water in sufficient volume
and pressure adequate to function satisfactorily and without undue noise.

3. Plumbing system shall be designed and adjusted to use the minimum quantity of water
consistent with proper performance and cleaning.

4. Devices which are used for heating and storing water shall be designed and installed in such a
manner so as to prevent dangers from explosion through overheating.

5. Every and every building located on a street, alley or easement with a public sewer shall have its
plumbing fixtures to the sewer system.

6. Each family dwelling unit shall have minimum of one water closet, kitchen type sink, a bathtub
or shower to fulfill the basic requirements of sanitation and personal hygiene.

7. Plumbing fixtures should be made of smooth non-absorbent material and they should be free
from concealed fouling surfaces and they must be located in ventilated enclosures.

8. The drainage system shall be designed, constructed and maintained to prevent the fouling,
deposit of solids, clogging and with adequate cleanouts so arranged that the pipes may be readily
cleaned.

9. All piping shall be made of durable approved materials. They should be free from defective
workmanship and should be designed and constructed by skilled Plumbers to ensure satisfactory
service.
10. Every plumbing fixture connected directly to the drainage system shall be equipped with a
water-sealed trap.

11. The piping system of drainage pipes shall be designed to provide adequate circulation of free
air from siphonage aspiration.

12. Vent terminals shall extend to the outer air and installed to prevent clogging and the return of
foul air to the building.

13. Plumping systems shall be subjected to such tests to effectively disclose all leaks and defects in
the workmanship.

14. The materials which will clog or choke the pipes and produce explosive mixtures or destroy
the pipes or their joints or interfere unduly with the sewage-disposal process shall not be allowed
to enter the building drainage system.

15. Proper protection shall be used to prevent spoilage of food, water, sterile goods and similar
materials by backflow of sewage. When necessary, the fixture, device or appliance shall be
connected indirectly with the building drainage system.

The plumbing system of a building will include the water distribution pipes, the fixture and the
fixture traps, the waste, soil and vent pipes, the building drain and building sewer, storm
drainage system with their connected devices, connections and appurtenances within the
building and outside, that is within the property line.

End of Module….
Thank you and stay safe.

Engr. GEORGE P. ALONZO, PEE