Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Water supply system, infrastructure for the collection, transmission, treatment, storage,
and distribution of water for homes, commercial establishments, industry, and irrigation, as well
as for such public needs as firefighting and street flushing. Of all municipal services, provision
of portable water is perhaps the most vital. People depend on water for drinking, cooking,
washing, carrying away wastes, and other domestic needs. Water supply systems must also meet
requirements for public, commercial, and industrial activities. In all cases, the water must fulfill
both quality and quantity requirements.
A water supply system is a network of pumps, pipelines, storage tanks, and other
appurtenances. It must deliver adequate quantities of water at pressures sufficient for operating
plumbing fixtures and firefighting equipment, yet it must not deliver water at pressures high
enough to increase the occurrence of leaks and pipeline breaks. Pressure-regulating valves may
be installed to reduce pressure levels in low-lying service areas. More than half the cost of a
municipal water supply system is for the distribution network. A sustainable urban water supply
network covers all the activities related to provision of potable water. Sustainable development is
of increasing importance for the water supply to urban areas.
Water is an essential natural resource for human existence. It is needed in every industrial
and natural process, for example, it is used for oil refining, for liquid-liquid extraction in hydrometallurgical processes, for cooling, for scrubbing in the iron and the steel industry and for
several operations in food processing facilities etc. It is necessary to adopt a new approach to
design urban water supply networks; water shortages are expected in the forthcoming decades
and environmental regulations for water utilization and waste-water disposal are increasingly
stringent. To achieve a sustainable water supply network, new sources of water are needed to be
developed, and to reduce environmental pollution.
The price of water is increasing, so less water must be wasted and actions must be taken
to prevent pipeline leakage. Shutting down the supply service to fix leaks is less and less
tolerated by consumers. A sustainable water supply network must monitor the freshwater
consumption rate and the waste-water generation rate. Many of the urban water supply networks
in developing countries face problems related to population increase, water scarcity, and
environmental pollution.
Requirements of Good Distribution System
quality
Water
should
not
get
deteriorated
It should be capable of supplying water at all the intended places with sufficient pressure
head.
It should be capable of supplying the requisite amount of water during fire fighting.
The layout should be such that no consumer would be without water supply, during the
repair of any section of the system.
All the distribution pipes should be preferably laid one metre away or above the sewer
lines.
It should be fairly water-tight as to keep losses due to leakage to the minimum.
Methods of water supply system
The method of water supply system for efficient distribution system adequate water pressure
required at various points. Depending upon the level of source, topography of the area and other
local conditions the water may be forced into distribution system by following ways :
1. Gravity system
This system is suitable when source of supply is at sufficient height. It is most reliable and
economical distribution system. The water head available at the consumer is just minimum
required. The remaining head is consumed in the frictional and other losses.
2. Pumping system
The treated water is directly pumped in to the distribution main with out storing. It is also called
pumping without storage system. The high lifts pumps are required. If power supply fails,
complete stoppage of water supply.This method is not generally used.
The water supply system must be designed to achieve appropriate water pressure and flow, and
to avoid contamination to potable water.
Water pressure
System layout
Backflow
Mains connection
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 about
12.5 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. Pressure can also be raised to
adequate levels using a pressure rising pump, in which case it may be necessary to use pressure
limiting and pressure reducing valves.
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 preventing backflow 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 buildings 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.
Plumbing system
Plumbing is the system of pipes, drains fittings, valves, valve assemblies, and devices
installed in a building for the distribution of water for drinking, heating and washing, and the
removal of waterborne wastes, and the skilled trade of working with pipes, tubing and plumbing
fixtures in such systems. A plumber is someone who installs or repairs piping systems, plumbing
fixtures and equipment such as water heaters and backflow preventers.
The plumbing industry is a basic and substantial part of every developed economy due to
the need for clean water, and sanitary collection and transport of wastes. The word "plumbing"
comes from the Latin plumbum for lead, as pipes were once made from lead. Plumbing is usually
distinguished from water supply and sewage systems, in that a plumbing system serves one
building, while water and sewage systems serve a group of buildings.
Technical terms used in plumbing
1) Soil pipe (soil line)
A pipe which conveys the discharge of water closets or fixtures having similar functions,
with or without the discharges from other fixtures.
2) Waste appliances
It includes wash-basins, sinks, bath-tubs washing trough drinking water fountain etc.
3) Waste pipe
A pipe that carries off liquid waste.
4) Rain water pipe
This is a pipe provided to carry rainwater.
its bottom. This pipe is extended above the roof of the building to permit exit of foul gases
into the atmosphere. This pipe only ventilates the system and doesnt carry any discharge
from soil, waste or rain-water pipe.
Pipe materials for fitting
1. Copper
Copper has long been used for all types of domestic water services and distribution because
it:
is durable
is self-supporting
can be recycled.
Copper may be annealed (i.e. heated, then cooled slowly) which improves its properties, for
example making it less brittle and stronger. Although copper in general has good corrosion
resistance, this depends on the environment. Acidic conditions, either from the soil (if buried) or
from the water, can cause corrosion, so local pH levels should be checked before using copper
pipes.
2. Polybutylene (PB)
Polybutylene is a plastic material that was introduced in the late 1970s and used extensively
for water supply pipes until the mid 1990s. Unfortunately, one brand of polybutylene gained
a reputation for failure, resulting in a significant drop in use.
Polybutylene has excellent properties for use as water supply pipework including:
low cost
flexibility
ease of installation
frost resistance.
In outdoor situations, it must be protected from UV exposure.
is durable
is inexpensive
can withstand UV
is easy to handle.
It is suitable for cold water services and can be used for limited hot water services as it has a
maximum temperature use of 60C (140F).
Chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC or PVCc) is produced by the chlorination of PVC.
The result is a PVC pipe with a service temperature of 90C (190F) that may be used for hot
water supply pipes.
is durable
is corrosion resistant
is easy to install
is inexpensive
5. Polypropylene
There are three
(PP)
types of polypropylene:
P-H has good mechanical properties and excellent chemical resistance for use as
industrial and sewerage waste pipes systems
PP-R has good resistance to high internal pressure so it is suitable for domestic pressure
water supply systems and both hot and cold water services
PP-B is suitable for buried sewerage and wastewater drainage as it has good impact
strength, particularly at low temperatures, and excellent chemical resistance.
The use of polypropylene has been increasing since the late 90s as it is:
heat resistant
lightweight
easy to install
PEX tubing is made from a cross-linked, high density polyethylene polymer, which results in
a stronger material that polyethylene. Properties include:
it can be used for hot water supply and hydronic heating systems, as well as potable water
supplies
flexibility
ease of installation
Pipework installation
1.
Responsibilities
Before a project starts, determine the responsibilities for specific work of the plumber, the main
contractor and the electrician.
Discuss the location of pipe runs with the main contractor to minimise cutting or notching of
framing.
2.
Pipework must:
Be protected from freezing by insulation, or being buried below the level of freezing.
in a roof space
below a concrete slab (BRANZ does not recommend within slab installation).
Where pipes are under concrete, they must have 50-year durability.
two groups:
i. Waste appliances ( bidets, wash basins, sinks,
System where only 1 pipe is required and it does not need vent pipe as it can function as
II.
III.
IV.
V.
vent pipe.
Discharge in branching pipes from sanitary fitting are transferred into single stack pipe.
The flow is then drained into the drainage pipe.
The system is appropriate for multi-storey buildings.
Sanitary fitting should be installed near the single stack pipe to reduce the length of the
VI.
VII.
2. Single Pipe
System
3. Dual pipe
i.
System
This
system uses 2
single
for waste
for soil.
Both
of
pipes have
individual
iii.
ventilation
The waste
system.
discharge
iv.
v.
vi.
ii.
Pipe
pipe
System
Types of Pipes
Dual Pipe
Advantages
More effective drainage
Single Stack
Vent pipe
Easier to install
Sanitary fittings
i.
ii.
iii.
iv.
v.
vi.
Disadvantages
Wash basins
Sinks
Bath tubs
Water closets
Urinals
Flushing cisterns
Wash basins
Bath tubs
Sinks
Water closets
Urinals
Flushing cisterns