Plumbing Systems & Sustainable
Water Management
A Study on Design, Components, and Eco-Friendly Practices
in Residential & Commercial Buildings
Name - Pooja seervi
Class - ID3
Subject - building services
Objective
To understand how plumbing systems function in both
residential and commercial settings.
To identify and study key components such as pipes,
valves, tanks, and fixtures.
To compare different plumbing materials and their
suitability for various conditions.
To learn about safe water supply and efficient wastewater
removal systems.
To explore how sustainability can be integrated through
water-saving fixtures, greywater recycling, and solar
heating systems.
To gain awareness of relevant plumbing codes, standards,
and municipal safety regulations.
Sizes of Pipes
Plumbing systems use pipes of various sizes depending on the
purpose such as water supply, drainage, and ventilation.
The three standard categories based on size are:
S – Small: Used for internal water supply lines (e.g., ½ inch, ¾
inch).
L – Large: Suitable for main water lines and vertical stacks
(e.g., 2 inches, 3 inches).
V – Very Large: Used in underground drainage and sewer
systems (e.g., 4 inches and above).
Each size plays a specific role in ensuring efficient water flow and
waste disposal.
.
Cold Water Supply Systems
Cold water supply systems are responsible for delivering clean water
for daily use like drinking, cooking, and bathing.
1. Direct System:
Water is supplied straight from the municipal mains to all water
outlets.
Common in independent houses and small buildings.
✔ Advantage: High water pressure and less chance of
contamination.
✘ Disadvantage: If the main supply fails, there’s no backup water.
2. Indirect System:
Water from the mains is first stored in an overhead or
underground tank before being supplied.
Common in apartments and multi-storey buildings.
✔ Advantage: Water is available even when mains are off.
✘ Disadvantage: Needs regular cleaning of storage tanks and more
plumbing infrastructure.
Hot Water Supply Systems Passive Systems
Hot water systems are designed to provide heated water for
bathing, cleaning, and cooking.
1. Passive Systems (e.g., Thermosiphon Solar Heaters):
Uses natural circulation and sunlight to heat water.
Ideal for sunny climates.
✔ Advantage: Low operational cost and eco-friendly.
✘ Disadvantage: Inefficient during cloudy days or night.
Active Systems
2. Active Systems (e.g., Geysers, Pumped Solar Water Heaters):
Uses electric heaters or solar systems with pumps and
controllers.
Suitable for both residential and commercial buildings.
✔ Advantage: Reliable hot water at any time.
✘ Disadvantage: Higher installation and electricity cost.
Drainage Systems
Drainage systems remove used water and waste safely from buildings. These systems must be designed
to prevent leaks, blockages, and odors.
1. Above-Ground Drainage:
Installed inside the building, visible in bathrooms, kitchens, and utility areas.
Includes soil pipes, waste pipes, traps, and vents.
Proper slope and venting ensure smooth flow.
2. Below-Ground Drainage:
Laid underground, connecting the building to septic tanks or municipal sewers
Carries black water (from toilets) and greywater (from sinks/showers).
Must be leak-proof, corrosion-resistant, and properly insulated.
Above-Ground Drainage System
What It Is:
This system includes all visible plumbing lines inside the building that carry
used water from fixtures (toilets, sinks, showers, etc.) to the main drainage line
or stack.
Key Components:
Soil Pipes: Carry waste from toilets.
Waste Pipes: Carry water from sinks, baths, and showers.
Traps: U-shaped pipes under fixtures that hold water to block sewer gases.
Vent Pipes: Allow air into the system to maintain pressure and prevent
siphoning of water from traps.
Design Considerations:
Must be properly sloped for smooth flow.
Pipes should be securely fixed to avoid vibrations and leaks.
Should be accessible for maintenance and repairs.
Materials used: PVC, CPVC, or cast iron (depending on load and building
type).
Below-Ground Drainage System
What It Is:
These are the concealed pipes installed underground, either within the
plot or under the floor slab, that carry all wastewater from the building to
the municipal sewer line or a septic tank.
Key Components:
Main Drain Line: Collects wastewater from the entire building.
Inspection Chambers / Manholes: Allow for access, cleaning, and
maintenance.
Gully Trap: Prevents foul smell from entering the building by trapping
solid waste.
Sewer Pipes: Carry blackwater and greywater to the final disposal
system.
Design Considerations:
Must be laid with proper slope (usually 1:40 to 1:100) for gravity flow.
Joints should be leak-proof and durable.
Pipes should be corrosion-resistant and strong enough to bear soil
load.
Materials used: uPVC, HDPE, vitrified clay, or concrete.
Plumbing
Components
1. Pipes: Carry water or waste; available in different materials
depending on need (cold, hot, waste).
2. Valves: Control water flow — examples include gate valve,
ball valve, and check valve.
3. Storage Tanks: Store hot or cold water, commonly made of
plastic, stainless steel, or concrete.
4. Water Heaters: Geysers, solar heaters, or instant heaters for
hot water supply.
5. Fixtures: Taps, toilets, showers, bathtubs, sinks — the final
outlets for water use.
Plumbing Materials – Comparison Table
Material Positive Point Negative Point
Strong and suitable for Prone to rusting and
GI (Galvanised Iron)
high-pressure systems corrosion over time
Lightweight, cheap, and
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) Can’t be used for hot water
easy to install
Can handle hot water; long- Slightly more costly than
CPVC (Chlorinated PVC)
lasting PVC
PEX (Cross-linked Highly flexible; fewer joints Gets damaged under direct
Polyethylene) needed sunlight
Long lifespan; bacteria- Very expensive; difficult to
Copper
resistant install
Codes & Safety Standards
1. BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards):
IS 2065: General plumbing guidelines
IS 1172: Water usage requirements per person
Ensures hygiene, functionality, and efficiency in plumbing work.
2. Municipal Regulations:
Local bodies have rules for drainage, water meter installation,
and safety distances from other utilities.
Approval required before plumbing connections are installed.
3. Safety Protocols:
Use non-toxic and durable materials
Avoid cross-connections between drinking and wastewater
Install backflow prevention devices and proper venting Indian Standard
CODE OF PRACTICE FOR PLUMBING
IN MULTI-STOREYED BUILDINGS
Sustainability in Plumbing
1. Water-Saving Fixtures
Install dual flush toilets, low-flow taps, and aerated
showerheads.
Helps reduce water wastage by 30–50% in daily use.
2. Greywater Recycling
Collects water from sinks and showers for re-use in
flushing or gardening.
Low-cost method for conserving water in homes.
3. Solar Water Heating Systems
Use rooftop solar panels to heat water naturally.
Reduces electricity use and supports green energy.
Government subsidies available for solar heater
installation.
Conclusion
Plumbing systems are essential for providing safe drinking water and efficient waste
disposal in any building.
Understanding the different types of supply and drainage systems helps in designing
better infrastructure.
Choosing the right components and materials ensures safety, durability, and cost-
efficiency.
Today, sustainability in plumbing is more important than ever, from water-saving
devices to solar heaters and greywater reuse.
Following national standards and local regulations ensures a safe, hygienic, and
future-ready plumbing system.
Thank You
