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.
