ISU MODULE TEMPLATE

Subject: - Utilities 2

1. Title of the Module

Module 1, Chapter 1 Building Plumbing System

2. Overview / Introduction

Plumbing is defined as the art of science of installing pipes, fixtures and other apparatus
to convey and supply water in buildings and to dispose and discharge waste water and other
liquids, gases and other substances out of buildings in a safe, orderly, healthy and sanitary way
to ensure the health and sanitation of life and property.

3. Learning Outcome / Objective

The following are the learning outcome:

a. Name, describe and distinguish between sources of potable water.
b. Name, describe and distinguish between key types of and components in a plumbing
supply / distribution system.
c. Identify, describe and distinguish between types of and uses for water heaters.
d. Name and explain basic properties of fluid flow of a building plumbing system (i.e. flow
rate, velocity, pressure, pressure drop etc.)
e. Calculate maximum probable flow rate of building plumbing system.
f. Calculate pressure drop in lines of a building plumbing system.
g. Compute the minimum required size of distribution line of a building plumbing system.
h. Name, describe and distinguish between method of waste disposal in buildings.
i. Identify, describe and distinguish between key component of a drain, waste and vent
(DWV) system.
j. Compute the minimum required size of drainage and vent lines of a building plumbing
system.
k. Interpret plumbing system and DWV system design and detailing information.

4. Learning Content

1. Sources of water
 The Ambuklao Dam and Hydroelectric Power Plant in Bokod, Benguet, Philippines.
The Philippines’ main sources of water are rivers, lakes, river basins, and groundwater
reservoirs. The longest and largest river, Cagayan River, discharges approximately 53,943
million cubic meters of water annually. Its groundwater reserves are 47,895 million cubic meters
replenished by rainfall and seepage from rivers and lakes. The lakes are utilized mainly for fish
cultivation. The four major groundwater reservoirs are in Cagayan, Central Luzon, Agusan, and
Cotabato. There are 438 major dams and 423 smaller dams. Dams and reservoirs are mainly
used for water storage, water supply, irrigation, regulation of flood, and hydropower.[1]
The water in the metropolitan area of Manila is mostly supplied by the Angat Dam, Ipo Dam, and
La Mesa Dam (also known as Angat-Ipo-La Mesa water system). Well-known and larger dams
in the rural areas include Ambuklao Dam (developed for flood control, irrigation, and
hydroelectric power source of Baguio and some regions in Luzon) and Magat Dam (irrigation
and hydroelectric power source in Isabela).

2. Plumbing Water Supply and Distribution Systems and Fixtures

The plumbing system is one of the most important elements of any home. This system includes
the pipes that connect the sink, toilet, water tank and other water delivery appliances to the
sewer or septic tank outside the home. Your plumbing system also includes drains, faucets and
valves.
 3. There are five main styles of water heater available and each one has its
benefits and potential drawbacks. Here’s a little bit about each style of water heater to
help you choose which one is best for you and your home.

a. Conventional Storage Tank Water Heater

This style of water heater is the most popular and probably the one you are most familiar with.

This style of water heater features a tank that holds water to be heated. This means that the
capacity of the tank determines how much hot water you have available at once. The tank is
insulated so that when the water heats up, it remains warm until it is needed. This tank features
two valves, the temperature control valve, and the pressure control valve. The temperature
control valve opens to release heat and moderate temperature when the water reaches over
120 degrees Fahrenheit. The pressure release valve opens to lower the pressure when it
reaches about 150 psi. This is the most common type of water heater among family homes, but
you are limited to how much hot water you can hold. If your tank is too small or you need an
excessive amount of hot water one day, you may run out and have to wait for the next tank to be
heated.

b. Tankless water heater

The “tankless” water heater features modern technology and can offer nearly endless hot water
for your home.

A tankless water heater, as you can probably guess, has no tank. Instead, there are super-
heated coils that fill with water and heat water in a flash as you need it, which is why it is
alternatively known as an on-demand water heater. This is great for heating water quickly, even
for large families who need a large amount of hot water at once. This style of water heater
comes in different sizes, and you do need to ensure that you have the right size for your
household, as a smaller tankless water heater will not be able to keep up with your water usage
otherwise and it will result in lukewarm or cold water. These models work well in homes that use
natural gas to power their water heater, but larger models require a larger gas line and more gas
to run correctly. Larger tankless hot water heaters that run on electricity may require you to
increase the electricity capacity of your home, which could be costly.

c. Heat Pump Water Heater

This water heater hybrid can help save money on electricity because it doesn’t directly generate
heat.

This style of water heater is unique in that is uses heat in the air and in the ground to heat water.
This means that electricity is only used to move heat from the ground or air to the water, instead
of the alternative where electricity is used to generate heat. Heat pump water heaters can use
up to 60 percent less electricity than traditional styles of water heaters. Because the pump is on
the top, you may need quite a bit of room for this water heater, sometimes up to eight feet of
vertical clearance.

d. Solar Water heater

A solar powered water heater allows you to draw energy from the sun. This is a great idea if you
already have solar panels or are considering adding them.

This style of water heater may be the most energy-efficient of them all and relies on roof-
mounted solar panels as its energy source. The energy is transferred to a closed loop system
containing a heat-conductive material, which then heats the water in the tank. This can save lots
of money on sunny days and works particularly well for those who live in warm, sunny climates.
However, this system often requires a backup plan, such as natural gas or electricity, so that the
water heater can continue to run on cloudy days.
e. Condensing Water Heater
This water heater uses your home’s unused gas fumes to heat your water.

The condensing water heater may be the absolute best option if your family’s home uses
primarily natural gas as its energy source. This type of water heater funnel heated exhaust from
the natural gas system and uses it to heat the water, which is held in a tank much like the
conventional version of the water heater. The gas fumes funnel through a coil placed at the
bottom of the tank to heat the water. Therefore, very little energy is used (aside from gas
already burned elsewhere, like by your oven or heater) to heat the water for your home. It is a
tank style water heater, so you will need to be sure to purchase one large enough for your family
size.

4. Fluid flow of a building plumbing system.

The water supply system must be designed to achieve appropriate water pressure and flow, and
to avoid contamination to potable water.
On this page:
• Water pressure
• Water flow rate
• Flow rate and pipe size Acceptable Solutions
• System layout
• Connection to the mains supply
• Backflow
• Mains connection
• Pipe materials and specifications
Also see installation, noise and air locks, pipe jointing systems, and valves and controls.
As well as avoiding contamination and achieving the right pressure and flow, the system must
be suitable for the temperature of water carried. A well-designed and installed system will also
be durable, minimise noise from water flow and from problems such as water hammer, and
support efficient use of water.
All water supply systems use a combination of pipes (of different dimensions and materials),
valves and outlets to deliver water to building users. Some water supply systems also use
storage tanks and pumps. Designing a water supply system involves getting all of these
elements right so that clean water is delivered to the user at the appropriate rate and
temperature.
Water pressure
If the aim is to provide for building users’ needs while also using water efficiently, the right water
pressure is crucial. If water pressure is too low, this will be inconvenient for building users – for
example, because showers have poor water flow, and baths take a long time to fill. If pressure is
too high, this will lead to wastage of water, as well as high wear and tear on the system.
Typically, new buildings in areas with mains water supply will have mains pressure systems.
Existing buildings, and buildings that are not connected to mains water, may have low pressure
systems or unequal pressure systems (with different pressures for hot and cold water supply).
As an example of the difference in water usage, a low pressure hot water system shower flow
may average about 7 litres per minute, while a mains pressure shower may average around 12–
20 litres per minute.
Mains pressure systems require pressure limiting and pressure reducing valves to control water
pressure and temperature. Typically, pressure limiting or pressure reducing valves will be used
to control pressure in mains-supplied hot water systems or where high pressure may lead to
problems such as burst pipes.
Low pressure systems require few valves or controls. In low or unequal pressure systems,
pressure can be increased to adequate levels by storing water in a header tank (typically in the
ceiling space) so that gravity can be used to create water pressure. If a tank is being used, see
the BRANZ publications Water and Plumbing for details of installation requirements.
Pressure can also be raised to adequate levels using a pressurising pump, in which case it may
be necessary to use pressure limiting and pressure reducing valves.
Water flow rate
The Building Code requires that sanitary fixtures and appliances have adequate water supply at
an adequate flow rate.
As with water pressure, flow rates are crucial. A flow rate that is too high will result in water
being wasted, whereas a flow rate that is too low will mean that sanitary fixtures and appliances
don’t work properly.
Flow rate is affected by:
• Water pressure
• Pipe diameters – The smaller the internal diameter of the pipe, the lower the pressure
and flow rate. (Note that pipes are generally referred to by their inside nominal diameter
(DN), but it is actually the internal diameter that counts; a pipe rated as DN 15 may have
an actual inside diameter ranging between 10–18 mm.)
• Water temperature – higher temperatures will tend to raise pressure and flow rates
(note: also see materials below).
A flow regulator can be used to maintain a constant flow, independent of water pressure. As an
example, if someone is in the shower and the kitchen tap is turned on full, the temperature and
flow are likely to remain more stable if a flow regulator is used.
Limiting the flow for a tap or appliance to a reasonable rate helps balance the available pressure
throughout the system. Regulating flow allows a simpler design and minimum pipe sizes as
peak flow rates can be specified accurately and can also reduce noise, splashing taps, and
water hammer.
Manufacturers’ recommendations must be referred to for pressure and flow information when
selecting tempering valves and outlets (taps, mixers and shower heads).
Flow rate can also be controlled by specifying low-flow outlets.
Flow rate and pipe size Acceptable Solutions
Building Code Acceptable Solution G12/AS1 sets out flow rates and pipe sizes. Pipes must be
sized to achieve flow rates set out in accordance with Table 3 (see table below), or the pipes
must be sized in accordance with Table 4.
When calculating pipe size, the speed of the water (velocity) moving through the pipes must not
exceed 3.0 m/s.

Acceptable flow rates for fixtures and appliances

Fixture Flow rate (l/s) and

temperature °C

Basin 0.1 at 45 °C

Bath 0.3 at 45°C

Sink 0.2 at 60°C (hot) and 0.2 (cold)

Shower 0.1 at 42°C

Laundry tub 0.2 at 60°C (hot) and 0.2 (cold)

Dishwasher and washing 0.20

machine

Adapted from G12/AS1 Table 3

The flow rates in Table 3 must be capable of being delivered simultaneously to the kitchen sink
and one other fixture.
System layout
In the design process, the layout of the plumbing system will largely follow room layout.
Nonetheless, there are many things to consider which relate to Code compliance, building
users’ comfort, and sustainability.
When planning a water supply layout, the following must be considered:
• Pipe runs and lengths – Keep pipe runs as short as possible. Pass pipes close to
fixtures to minimise the number of branches and unnecessary elbows, tees and joints.
Having longer pipe runs and more fixtures will reduce flow rate, increase heat losses,
and increase use of materials
• Point of entry into the building – This should be into a utility space such as garage/
laundry and include an accessible isolating valve, line strainer and pressure limiting
valve (if required)
• Water heating system – Locate centrally to reduce the length of pipe runs to fixtures
because longer pipe runs require more water to be drawn off before hot water is
discharged. Install a separate point-of-use water heater for fixtures that are more than 10
m from the main water heater
• Noise prevention – Avoid running pipes over or near bedrooms and living areas.
Backflow
Backflow is the unplanned reversal of flow of water (or water and contaminants) into the water
supply system. The system must be designed and used to prevent contamination from backflow.
See backflow prevention for more.
Mains connection
Where the water source is a mains supply, the network utility operator is responsible for the
water supplied to the property boundary. The property owner is then responsible for providing
the pipework to bring the water into the building.
An isolating valve must be fitted at the point of connection to allow for maintenance and repair of
the building’s water supply system if required.
Pipe materials and specifications
The pipes used in a building must not contaminate potable water supply, and must be suitable
for the water pressure, flow rate and temperature of water they will be carrying. This will be
influenced by the materials used and also by other factors such as the wall thickness.
Other considerations are durability, ease of installation, cost, and sustainability. Common
materials for domestic water supply include copper, polybutylene (PB), polyethylene (PE),
polypropylene (PP-3 or PP Type 3), and cross-linked polyethylene (PEX).

5. Maximum probable flow rate of building plumbing system.

Building Water Flow Rate
Calculation & Measurement Procedures thanks to Shelly Weinberg

Empirical Flow Rate Measurement Using a Bucket & Stopwatch

One can purchase flow meters like the Savant digital flow meter above and that connect to
various plumbing fixtures to make water usage measurements,
and there are "flow meters" sold to home inspectors that pretend to make such a measurement
at a sink tap, but remember that we are measuring the flow rate at the particular fixture - that
number that does not describe the water flow rate capability of the water supply system nor the
capacity of water that could be delivered to the building.

Our photo shows water running into a five-gallon plastic bucket. If this is the only fixture running
water in the building we can time the number of seconds or minutes needed to fill the bucket.
For example, if the time required to fill the five gallon bucket is one minute, then the water flow
rate at this plumbing fixture is 5-gallons per minute or 5 gpm.
Watch out: measuring "flow rate" at any faucet or fixture served by a well pump system will be
inaccurate and will reflect pump capacity, piping restrictions, fixture restrictions, and even actual
well flow rate variations where pump protection tailpieces or similar devices are installed.
Measuring flow rate at a fixture does not measure the well's true flue rate.
The measurement of water flow rate at a particular plumbing fixture does not accurately
measure the true water flow rate of the plumbing system because:
• Different flow rates will be found at individual fixtures depending on the water flow
restriction of the fixture itself, its' faucet strainer or even a disk that has been inserted
into the faucet or shower head (for example) to deliberately restrict the water flow rate.
• Water piping supplying a particular fixture may restrict flow rate depending on the
length and diameter of piping as well as possible hidden errors in the plumbing system
such as a partial pipe blockage by solder at a copper joint, or blockage in the water
supply piping if it is clogged by minerals or rust.
• Water flow on a well pump and tank system will vary during the measurement period
depending on just when the water pressure drop turns the well pump on or off.
• Pump protection device effects on flow rate: Water flow rate on a well pump and tank
system will also vary if the well flow rate or well recovery rate is also varying and if a well
protection device such as a tailpiece is installed.

• Water pressure regulator settings will affect any measurement of water flow rate at a
building since the water pressure regulator setting might set a limit on the water flow rate
 through that control. Water pressure regulators are found at most buildings supplied with
community or municipal water supplies (from water mains) and they may be found on
private water supply systems, including on pump and well systems.
On a pump and well system when we turned on water at just the kitchen sink (DYNAMIC
WATER PRESSURE) the flow rate dropped slowly until the pump turned on. Then the water
pressure rose slowly until the pump turned off. Water pressure varied between 38 psi (pump off)
and 25 psi (pump on).
When we turned on water at a bath tub faucet (photo just above) water pressure dropped to
about 28 psi and stayed there as the well pump ran continuously, delivering water to the building
at that rate. Here is a photo of our PRESSURE GAUGE reading 28 psi [image]
Also see WATER PRESSURE REDUCER / REGULATOR for a discussion of how we reduce
building water pressure to a safe level and how we assure uniform building water pressure and
flow using a pressure reducing valve or pressure regulator.
Readers whose building is served by a private pump and well system should
see WATER PUMP PRESSURE CONTROL SWITCH.
Typical Building Water Flow Rates at Various Fixtures or Test Points
If we actually measure the flow rate at various building fixtures and faucets we will see water
flow, measured in gallons per minute or liters per minute in these ranges:

Typical Water Flow Rates in Residential Properties

Plumbing fixture or measurement Water Flow Rate in
Comments / notes
location GPM / LPM
Bath tub faucet with no flow restrictor
3-5 gpm [1]
installed
Bathroom sink faucet 1-3 gpm [1]
Kitchen sink faucet 2-4- gpm [1]

Outdoor hose bib 3-6 gpm [1]

Shower head, no flow restrictor 2-6 gpm [1]
Shower head with flow restriction
1.25 - 3.5 gpm [1], average 2 gpm.
device installed
Shower heads prior to 1980 5 gpm (19 lpm)

Shower heads, flow restrictors ca 1985 3.5 gpm

Shower heads, flow restrictors, ca

3.0 gpm
1989
 US National Energy
Policy Act 1992,
Shower heads, flow restrictors, 1992 2.5 gpm (9.5 lpm)
requirement waived in
2010
Shower head with high flow restriction
1.8 gpm
device
Water pressure tank drain 3-6 gpm [1]
Notes to the table above
[1] Typical field measurements by home inspectors
Typical incoming water pressure at residential properties ranges between 20 psi and 70 psi. At
properties served by a private pump and well system the actual flow rate will vary continuously
between the pump's cut-in rate and cut-out rate. All flow rates are also affected by pipe
diameter, length, restrictions, and other factors including water turbulence and building height.
Aerating shower heads restrict water flow rate by adding air mixed in with flowing water to
increase perceived water volume.

Atomizing shower heads restrict water flow rate by water turbulence to create very fine high
velocity water droplets.
Shower head flow restrictors in simplest form consist of a disc insert with a small center hole to
meter water flow.
Some non-restrictive and non-compliant shower heads may permit water flow rates as much as
10 gpm (38 lpm).
Volumetric Flow Rate Calculation
The equation of continuity states that flow rate can be calculated from the multiple of the velocity
times the cross-sectional area of flow.
Definition of Volume Flow Rate
The volume flow rate Q, given by the equation below, is the volume of liquid that can pass
through the cross-sectional area of a pipe over a given time interval.
The volume flow rate equation relates the cross-sectional area of the pipe (area of a circle of a
given diameter if the pipe is round) and the time over which the flow occurs expressed usually
as a velocity in feet per second.
Flow Rate Q = A x V or V = Q/A
or
Flow Rate Q = Volume / Time
where
• Flow Rate Q = flow rate in ft3 / second or cubic feet per second
•
• or if we are using S.I. units, Q = flow rate in M3 / second or cubic meters per second
• Area A = cross sectional area flow in sq. ft. of the pipe is given by two equivalent
formulas:

Using the diameter of the pipe:

A = π x D2/4

where pi or π = 3.1416
•
• D = Diameter or D2 = diameter squared
•
• Using the traditional formula for area of a circle we use the radius of the circle.
 •
• From algebra we learned that the area of a circle
•
• A = π r2
•
• where r is the radius (half the diameter) of the circle
•
• Because 2 x radius or 2r is exactly equal to D or diameter, both formulas are equivalent.
• V = velocity in ft/sec - for systems where V varies use the average fluid velocity in the
pipe either in feet per second or in meters per second.
•
• If we use feet per second then the volume flow rate will be in cubic feet per second
•
• If we use meters per second then the volume flow rate will be in cubic meters per
second. Or if you want cubic liters per second just divide meters/second by 1000.

Examples of Pipe Volume Flow Rates

Q = A x V for 1 meter per second through a 1-meter pipe
Shelly Weinberg, one of the greatest teaches I [DF] ever met, teaching at IBM's System
Research Institute, was conducting a course in queuing theory. To demonstrate a service time
optimization algorithm that looked daunting, Shelly asked us to pick any number and he would
demonstrate how easy the calculation was.
The class sat mute, frozen.
"OK" Shelly said, "We'll pick ONE. ONE's a good number, right?"
In honor of Shelly Weinberg, let's set everything in the volume flow rate equation to 1 and see
what happens.
A = 1 square meter cross sectional area of pipe
V = 1 meter per second flow rate
V = A x V or 1 x 1 = M3 / second

The flow of a fluid traveling at an average velocity of a 1 meter per second through a pipe with a
1 square meter cross-sectional area is 1 cubic meter per second - volumetric flow rate before
considering fluid density.
Q = A x V for 1 foot per second through a 1-inch diameter pipe
A = π x D2/4
A = 3.1416 x 1 / 4
A = 3.1416
V = 1 ft. per second
Q = 3.1416 x 1
Q = 3.14 = ft3 / second or 3.14 cubic feet per second of volume flow rate

6. Pressure drop in a pipe system.

Calculating the Pressure Drop in a Pipe The friction factor itself is dependent on internal pipe
diameter, the internal pipe roughness and the Reynold's number which is in turn calculated from
the fluid viscosity, fluid density, fluid velocity and the internal pipe diameter.

Pipe Friction Loss Calculations

Flow of fluid through a pipe is resisted by viscous shear stresses within the fluid and the
turbulence that occurs along the internal pipe wall, which is dependent on the roughness of the
pipe material.
This resistance is termed pipe friction and is usually measured in feet or metres head of the
fluid, which is why it is also refered to as the head loss due to pipe friction.
Head Loss in a Pipe
A large amount of research has been carried out over many years to establish various formulae
that can calculate head loss in a pipe. Most of this work has been developed based on
experimental data.
Overall head loss in a pipe is affected by a number of factors which include the viscosity of the
fluid, the size of the internal pipe diameter, the internal roughness of the inner surface of the
pipe, the change in elevation between the ends of the pipe and the length of the pipe along
which the fluid travels.
Valves and fittings on a pipe also contribute to the overall head loss that occurs, however these
must be calculated separately to the pipe wall friction loss, using a method of modeling pipe
fitting losses with k factors.
Darcy Weisbach Formula
The Darcy formula or the Darcy-Weisbach equation as it tends to be referred to, is now
accepted as the most accurate pipe friction loss formula, and although more difficult to calculate
and use than other friction loss formula, with the introduction of computers, it has now become
the standard equation for hydraulic engineers.
Weisbach first proposed the relationship that we now know as the Darcy-Weisbach equation or
the Darcy-Weisbach formula, for calculating friction loss in a pipe.
Darcy-Weisbach equation:

hf = f (L/D) x (v^2/2g)

where:
hf = head loss (m)
f = friction factor
L = length of pipe work (m)
d = inner diameter of pipe work (m)
v = velocity of fluid (m/s)
g = acceleration due to gravity (m/s²)

or:

hf = head loss (ft)

f = friction factor
L = length of pipe work (ft)
d = inner diameter of pipe work (ft)
v = velocity of fluid (ft/s)
g = acceleration due to gravity (ft/s²)
The establishment of the friction factors was however still unresolved, and indeed was an issue
that needed further work to develop a solution such as that produced by the Colebrook-White
formula and the data presented in the Moody chart.
The Moody Chart
The Moody Chart finally provided a method of
finding an accurate friction factor and this
encouraged use of the Darcy-Weisbach
equation, which quickly became the method of
choice for hydraulic engineers.

The introduction of the personnel computer from the 1980's onwards reduced the time required
to calculate the friction factor and pipe head loss. This itself has widened the use of the Darcy-
Weisbach formula to the point that most other equations are no longer used.
Hazen-Williams Formula
Before the advent of personal computers the Hazen-Williams formula was extremely popular
with piping engineers because of its relatively simple calculation properties.
However the Hazen-Williams results rely upon the value of the friction factor, C hw, which is
used in the formula, and the C value can vary significantly, from around 80 up to 130 and higher,
depending on the pipe material, pipe size and the fluid velocity.
Also the Hazen-Williams equation only really gives good results when the fluid is Water and can
produce large inaccuracies when this is not the case.
The imperial form of the Hazen-Williams formula is:

hf = 0.002083 x L x (100/C)^1.85 x (gpm^1.85 / d^4.8655)

where:
hf = head loss in feet of water
L = length of pipe in feet
C = friction coefficient
gpm = gallons per minute (USA gallons not imperial gallons)
d = inside diameter of the pipe in inches
The empirical nature of the friction factor C hw means that the Hazen-Williams formula is not
suitable for accurate prediction of head loss. The friction loss results are only valid for fluids with
a kinematic viscosity of 1.13 centistokes, where the velocity of flow is less than 10 feet per sec,
and where the pipe diameter has a size greater than 2 inches.
Notes: Water at 60° F (15.5° C) has a kinematic viscosity of 1.13 centistokes.

Common Friction Factor Values of C hw used for design purposes are:

Asbestos Cement 140

Brass tube 130
Cast-Iron tube 100
Concrete tube 110
Copper tube 130
Corrugated steel tube 60
Galvanized tubing 120
Glass tube 130
Lead piping 130
Plastic pipe 140
PVC pipe 150
General smooth pipes 140
Steel pipe 120
Steel riveted pipes 100
Tar coated cast iron tube 100
Tin tubing130
Wood Stave 110
These C hw values provide some allowance for changes to the roughness of internal pipe
surface, due to pitting of the pipe wall during long periods of use and the build up of other
deposits.

7. Size of distribution line of a building plumbing system.

Three Steps to Sizing Plumbing Piping Systems

Sizing plumbing piping systems is not a difficult task when you have the resources to calculate
the correct size pipe. The International Plumbing Code (IPC) includes a variety of charts to
assist you to properly size plumbing piping systems. Once you understand how to use these
charts, you can quickly complete uniform and easily built plumbing systems in buildings. There
are three steps to calculating the proper size for a plumbing piping system:
1. Add up the total number of water supply fixture units (wsfu) required in the facility
2. Estimate demand using the table from the IPC that correlates wsfu to expected demand
3. Size the pipe using demand vs. friction loss curves found in the IPC charts
Following is an explanation of each of these steps and instructions on using the related IPC
charts.
The wsfu values for typical plumbing fixtures are listed on IPC table E103.3(2) (Figure 1).
Locate the type of fixtures to be used in the facility and then add up the total wsfu values for all
plumbing fixtures being served. Find the number closest to the wsfu value on Table E103.3(3)
(Figure 2) to estimate system demand in gallons per minute (gpm). Because the chart includes
the supply required for both flush tanks and flush valves, you must determine if the system is
predominantly one or the other, bearing in mind that most commercial jobs will be flush valve.
Most likely, the number you calculated in step one is in between wsfu values found in the
second chart. This means you will have to Interpolate to find demand, which will be illustrated in
the upcoming example. Finally, IPC Chart E103.3(6) (figure 3) enables you to determine the
pipe size using the appropriate demand vs. friction loss curves.
The following example illustrates how all of this works. Let’s assume you are assigned to
determine the domestic cold water for a public bathroom with four flush valve water closets and
two lavatories. You can tell by using the IPC chart (see figure 1) that the wsfu values are 10 for
the water closets and 1.5 each for the lavatories. The total wsfu required is calculated like this:

WCs: 4 X 10 wsfu = 40 wsfu

2 Lavs: 2 X 1.5 wsfu = 3 wsfu
Total wsfu: 40 + 3 = 43

When you look for this number on the Table for Estimating Demand, (Figure 2), you see that the
total wsfu of 43 falls in between to listed loads: 40 and 45. This is where it is necessary to
interpolate the actual demand. To accomplish this, use a formula that determines the difference
between the two load amounts and the related gpm’s. In our example, it would look like this:

𝐷𝑒𝑚𝑎𝑛𝑑=48−(48−46)∗(45−43)(45−40) 𝐷𝑒𝑚𝑎𝑛𝑑=47.2 gpm

Finally, you turn to “Friction Loss in Fairly Rough Pipe” table (figure 3) to determine the proper
size pipe for the application in our example. Assuming a maximum velocity of eight feet per
second (fps), we will plot on the graph where our demand (47.2) meets this velocity. From that
point, you select the nearest pipe size to the left of the 8 fps velocity curve. In this example, you
will select a two inch pipe. If you want to know the pressure drop, calculate it by reading the
friction loss from the bottom of the chart.
Now that you have seen how to use the IPC charts and tables, you are ready to quickly and
accurately size plumbing piping systems.

Any pipe that receives and conveys discharges of water closet, with or without discharge
coming from other fixtures to the house drain or house sewer is called soil pipe.

Size of the soil pipe

 8. Method of waste disposal in buildings.

The sewage and its disposal

The collection and safe disposal of human waste are among the most critical problems of
environmental health. Recent statistical reports revealed that most of the water borne diseases
such dysentery, typhoid, diarrhea, and other intestinal disorders are prevalent in areas where
there is no proper and scientific Sewage Disposal System.

Types of Sewage Disposal System

1. Cesspool
2. Privy
3. Septic tank
4. Public sewer line

Table
Technical data in determining volume of septic tank
Minimum width 90 cm
Minimum length 150 cm
Minimum depth 120 cm

For residential building to serve larger number of people 0.14 to

0.17 cu.m. liquid per person
For small residential house to serve 12 persons liquid content not more than 2.0
cu.m.
Fro school, commercial and industry establishment 0.057
cu.m. to 0.086 cu.m. per person

Example:
Determine the size of septic tank to serve 200 persons in a commercial establishment.

SOLUTION:
1. To determine the volume of a septic tank, Refer to the technical data. For a commercial
establishment we find the value of 0.057 cubic meters. Multiply:

200 person x 0.057 = 11.4 cu.m.

2. Assume 1.2 meter width of the tank per 100 persons. For 200 individuals multiply:

200/100 x 1.2 = 2.40 meters width

3. The maximum depth of a septic tank liquid is 1.50 meters. Solve for the length of the septic
tank.

L x width x depth = Volume

L = (Volume/Width x Depth)
L= (11.4 / (2.40 x 1.50))
L = 3.20 meters.

4. The value of L is only for the length of the digestive chamber. Divide by 2 then add the result
to the value of L to include the leaching well.

L/2 + L = 3.20/2 + 3.20

Total Length = 4.80 meters.

Therefore the size of the tank to serve 200 persons is 2.40 m. wide by 4.8- meters long.

5. Teaching and Learning Activities

Homework ( assignments), Research works, etc.

Assignment 1: Names and describe the sources of potable water in the Philippines?
Assignment 2: What are the key types and components in a plumbing supply / distribution
system?
Assignment 3: Identify, describe and distinguished the different types of and uses for water
heaters?
Assignment 4: Calculate maximum probable flow rate of building plumbing system Having a
pipe dimension of 2 meters square at an average velocity of 3 meters per second?
Assignment 5: Determine the size of septic tank to serve 1000 persons in a school
establishment?
Assignment 4: Name and explain basic properties of fluid flow of a building plumbing system
(i.e. flow rate, velocity, pressure, pressure drop etc.)?
Assignment 6: Assume you are assigned to determine the domestic hot water for a public
bathtub with four flush valve water closets, two lavatories, two kitchen sink, 3 shower head.
Using the IPC chart (see figure 1).

6. Recommended learning materials and resources for supplementary reading.

7. Flexible Teaching Learning Modality (FTLM) adopted

Remote (module, exercises, problem sets.)

8. Assessment Task

Quizzes:
1. What are the different sources of potable water in the Philippines?
2. Name the different component of plumbing distribution system?
3. What are the different usage of water heater in the building?
4. Compute maximum probable flow rate of building plumbing system Having a pipe dimension
of 4 meters square at an average velocity of 2 meters per second?
5. Calculate the size of septic tank to serve 6000 persons in a school establishment? Assume
1.2 meter width of the tank per 100 persons. Use maximum depth of septic tank liquid is 1.5
meters.

9. References

Plumbing Design and Estimate by Max B. Fajardo Jr. 2001

National Fire Protection Association
International Fire code, International Code Council,
Plumbing Code, International Code Council,
National Plumbing Code of the Philippines.