Unit 302: Plumbing System Installation Planning

Level 3 Diploma in Plumbing Studies
PowerPoint
Unit 302: Plumbing system installation planning
presentation
© 2013 City and Guilds of London Institute. All rights reserved. 1 of 110
Learning outcome 2:
Understand how to size plumbing
Systems and components
Sizing pipework
Sizing pipework correctly is an important exercise prior to any

installation. This will ensure the correct flow rate and pressure to each
outlet.
It is important that demand from one outlet does not affect the flow of
water from another outlet.
Manufacturers in their instructions will state what size pipe is required,
sometimes outlining a minimum flow rate and pressure.
Sizing pipework
To size up hot and cold water pipework correctly you will need a hard
copy of BS6700.
We will be looking at page 57, then pages 118–122.
You will also need some blank paper, something to write with and a
ruler.
BS6700
Page 57
Sizing pipework
On page 57 there are several things that need to be noted:
1. Table 3 gives the rate of flow in litres per second to various

appliances. These can be measured using a flow cup.
1. It also states the maximum velocity of the water flow in the

pipework – this is 3.0m/s. If water travels faster the customer may
complain of noise.
1. Flow rates should not adversely affect the functioning of the

system or appliances.
Sizing pipework
For everyday domestic pipe runs, there is a‘rule of thumb’:
– 15 or 22mm on supply main (high pressure)

– 22 or 28mm on distribution (low pressure)
The more draw-off points the larger the pipe.

For a more complicated installation that has many draw-off points over
several floors, the distribution will need to be sized correctly.
Sizing pipework
Download and print off the following leaflet from the UK copper board:
http://www.ukcopperboard.co.uk/literature/pdfs/Installation-Tips/Pipe-
sizing-basic-principles.pdf
Go through the leaflet with your tutor then continue with the
presentation.
Sizing pipework
Let us use an example installation to size up an incoming main.

Draw this down!
A: Toilet
Loft conversion Basin
Shower
B: Bath
Basin
First floor Toilet
Shower
C: Sink
Washing machine
Ground floor Dish washer
Sizing pipework
When looking at an installation like this we need to start with the

‘loading units’ for each appliance.
BS 6700 page 121
Sizing pipework
For each unit you have to work out if the incoming cold water will be
supplying the cold water only and / or the hot water.
Indirect system: cold and hot water is supplied via a header tank, with
a cold water supply off the mains to the kitchen sink.
Direct system: including combination boiler and unvented the supply is

direct to the outlet.
Sizing pipework
For each unit you have to work out if the incoming cold water will be
supplying the cold water only and / or the hot water.
Appliance Cold water Hot water
Toilet X
Basin X X It is assumed a
Shower X X dishwasher has an
element
Bath X X
Sink X X
Washing m/c X X
Dish washer X
Sizing pipework
Add all the loading units up for this installation:
Appliance Number of Loading Total

units unit per loading
appliance
Toilet 2 2 4
Basin 2 1.5 (min) 6
Shower 2 3 12
Bath 1 10 20
Sink 1 3 6
Wash m/c 1 3 6
Dish w’er 1 3 3
Total loading units 57
Sizing pipework
For this particular installation the total number of loading units is 57.
This figure now needs to be converted into a flow rate of litres per
second.
We have to look again at BS6700, page 120. Looking at this chart on

the left-hand side are the loading units and on the right-hand side are
the litres per second.
Using you ruler, move up from the bottom of the chart until you reach
57 loading units.
Sizing pipework
Using you ruler, read the

flow rate in litres per second.
It is approximately:
0.86l/s
Sizing pipework
Now we have two figures:
1. Total loading units of 57

2. Design flow rate of 0.86l/s
Turn to page 129 in BS6700. We are now at point 5 in this chart.

We need to use our ruler again, but this time on chart D2 on page 122.
On this chart we will use columns 2, 4 and 5.
Sizing pipework
Column 2 = maximum velocity of water. This has already

been stated as 3 m/s. Place a pencil point on 3m/s in column 2 – this
will be used as a pivot point for your ruler.
Column 4 = required flow rate for the system, in our case 0.86 l/s.
Place your ruler under the pencil pivot point, keeping this end of the
ruler at the 3m/s point.
Pivot the ruler downwards looking a column 4 until the same edge of
the ruler is at 0.86l/s.
Level 3 Diploma in Plumbing Studies ruler crosses
column 4 at
required flow
rate of 0.86l/s
Pivot point
on 3m/s
velocity
Hold this
position!
Sizing pipework
Having placed the ruler in the correct position for column 2 and column
4, we now need to read the figure in column 5.
This figure will give us the size for the incoming main.
Sizing pipework
The reading is above

22mm, but below
28mm
Sizing pipework
The reading is above 22mm, but below 28mm.
This means the incoming main will need to be 22mm.
This zone shown will

require a 22mm pipe.
Sizing pipework
Size the incoming main for this installation.
A: Toilet
Loft conversion Basin
B: Bath
Basin
First floor
Toilet
Shower
C: Sink
Toilet
Ground floor
Basin
Washing machine
Sizing pipework
Add all the loading units up for this installation:

appliance
Toilet 3 2 6
Basin 3 1.5 (min) 9
Shower 1 3 6
Bath 1 10 20
Sink 1 3 6
Wash m/c 1 3 3
Dish w’er 0 3 0
Sizing pipework
Convert to the required

flow rate.
It is approximately:
0.78l/s
Level 3 Diploma in Plumbing Studies Use table D2 to gain the pipe
size.
Sizing pipework
The reading is
above 22mm, but
below 28mm
Sizing pipework
The required incoming mains for the second installation is also 22mm.
Sizing pipework
Having worked out the size of the incoming main, we must now work
out the size of the cold distribution.
As we have said before, the ‘rule of thumb’ is:
• 15 or 22mm on supply main (high pressure)

• 22 or 28mm on distribution (low pressure)
The more draw-off points the larger the pipe.
Sizing pipework
Traditional designs store cold water in the loft area in a cistern. This
then uses head pressure to supply cold water to the majority of cold
water outlets, as well as refilling the DHWC as demand requires.
Over recent years this has been changing with the more favoured
use of combination boilers and unvented systems that do not require
stored water.
Sizing pipework
BS6700 states the recommended minimum storage of cold water to be

230l for indirect systems that supply both the cold and hot water
outlets.
If the cistern is only supplying either the hot or the cold water outlets
the minimum storage can be reduced to 115 litres.
Sizing pipework
When designing the installation of any pipework, the engineer has to be

able to calculate the effective pipe length.
This calculation takes into consideration the resistance to the flow of

water that is created by the pipe, fittings and valves.
This then gives an equivalent straight length of pipe.
Sizing pipework
Effective pipe length =
Actual length of pipe + equivalent pipe length
BS6700 gives a table of the equivalent lengths of pipe for various

valves.
Table D3 on page 123.
Sizing pipework
BS6700 table D3 page 123.
Note
Sizing pipework
A further factor you will need to know is the pressure loss across any
outlet fitting.
Needless to say the pressure in the system needs to be greater than

the resistance offered by the fitting – otherwise the system will not flow!
BS6700 states the pressure loss through:
Taps – table D2
Stop valves – table D3
Float-operated valves – table D4
Sizing pipework
The other factor is the pressure loss for every meter of pipe installed.
For this we have to refer back to table D2 and use column 1.
Column 1 is measured in kPa per meter.
Remember:
1bar = 100kPa = 10m head
Sizing pipework
Let’s try to work out the pipe sizing for a new installation.
Cold water only.

Draw this diagram.
2.0m
7.0m
Each floor 3.0m

Each floor is supplying:
1 x bath
2 x basins
2 x WCs
Sizing pipework
1. Section the pipework out:
Sizing pipework
2. Add up the loading units for each floor:
Use BS6700 table D1 page 121.

appliance
Bath 1 10 10
Basin 2 1.5 (min) 3
WC 2 2 4
17 x 3 floors = 51 units in total
Sizing pipework
3. Convert the loading units in to the flow rate.
51 loading units =
approximately 0.8l/s
Sizing pipework
4. Now using your experience estimate a pipe size that could supply
water to this installation.
35mm
28mm
22mm
15mm
Let’s choose 28mm!
Sizing pipework
5. Now go back to BS6700 and use table D2 on page 122. This time we
start at column 5, 4, 2 and 1 in that order.
Using your ruler, start with the chosen pipe diameter and pivot your
ruler at this point.
From 28mm, move your ruler to the flow rate of 0.8l/s in column 4.
Keep an note of the readings.
Sizing pipework
ruler crosses
column 3 at
0.8l/s flow rate ruler crosses
column 5 at
28mm pipe
diameter
Resistance in
kPa
Velocity is
below 3m/s so
noise is not an
issue
Sizing pipework
6. Work out the effective length of the first section of pipe.
Sizing pipework
6. (contd.)

Section 1–2:
Actual length = 2.0m + 7.0m + 3.0m = 12.0m

Effective length = 3 x elbows = 1.0m each
1 x tee = 1.0m
1 x full way gate valve (ignore)
Total length = 12.0m + 3.0m + 1.0m = 16.0m
Sizing pipework
7. Now we need to tabulate our finding so far:

Pipe
Section of
unit
Loading
Litres/sec
Flow Rate
mm
pipe size
Suggested
Graph
m/s
Velocity
M
head
Loss of
m
pipe length
Effective
m
head
Frictional
m
e head
Progressiv
m
head
Actual
NOTES
1–2 0.8 28 1.5 0.15 X 16.0 = 2.4 2.4 5.0 OK
to
use
X =
X =
Remember
1kPa=0.1m head
Must be Cumulative
Convert from
less than frictional head Taken from
reading column 1
3.0m/s must be less than drawing
(x 0.1 or ÷100)
actual head
Sizing pipework
8. The frictional head is worked out by multiplying the:
Loss of head x effective length of pipe
9. The progressive head is the cumulative sum of all the correct

frictional heads.
10. The actual head is the vertical distance to the measured point.
Sizing pipework
The correct pipe is a pipe that:
1. The velocity of NOT over 3.0m/s, at stated in BS6700.
1. The progressive head does not exceed the actual head.
Sizing pipework
Let’s prove this by choosing a different pipe size for that same section.
Pipe
Section of
unit
Loading
Litres/sec
Flow Rate
mm
pipe size
Suggested
Graph
m/s
Velocity
M
head
Loss of
m
pipe length
Effective
m
head
Frictional
m
e head
Progressiv
m
head
Actual
NOTES
1–2 0.8 28 1.5 0.15 X 16.0 = 2.4 2.4 5.0 OK to
use
1–2 0.8 22 4.0 0.7 X 16.0 = 11.2 11.2 5.0 NOT

GOOD
1–2 0.8 35 1.1 0.04 X 16.0 = 0.64 0.64 5.0 OK to

use
Sizing pipework
Now we have worked out section 1–2, start to complete the rest of
the table.
Remember:
1.The further down the system you go the greater the head.
2.The further down the system the less appliances the pipework
serves.
The next section is 2–3.
Sizing pipework
Pipework section 2–3.
Look back at the drawing of the installation.

Pipe
Section of
Loading unit
Litres/sec
Flow Rate
pipe size mm
Suggested
Graph
m/s
Velocity
M
Loss of head
m
length
Effective pipe
m
head
Frictional
m
head
Progressive
m
Actual head
NOTES
2–3 X =
Sizing pipework
2. Add up the loading units for each floor.

appliance
Bath 1 10 10
Basin 2 1.5 (min) 3
WC 2 2 4
17 x 2 floors = 34 units in total
Sizing pipework
3. Convert the loading units in to the flow rate.
34 loading units =
approximately 0.6l/s
Sizing pipework
4. Now, using your experience, estimate a pipe size that could supply
water to this installation.
35mm
28mm
22mm
15mm
Let’s choose 28mm again!
Sizing pipework
5. Now go back to BS6700 and use table D2 on page 122. This time we
start at column 5, 4, 2 and 1 in that order.
Using your ruler, start with the chosen pipe diameter and pivot your
ruler at this point.
From 28mm move your ruler to the flow rate of 0.6l/s in column 4.
Keep a note of the readings.
Sizing pipework
ruler crosses
column 3 at
0.8l/s flow ruler crosses
rate column 5 at
28mm pipe
diameter
Resistance
in kPa
Velocity is
below 3m/s
so noise is
not an issue
Sizing pipework
6. Work out the effective length of the first section of pipe.
Sizing pipework
6. (Contd.)
Section 1–2:
Actual length = 2.0m + 7.0m + 3.0m + 3.0m = 15.0m

Effective length = 3 x elbows = 1.0m each
1 x tee = 1.0m
1 x full way gate valve (ignore)
Total length = 15.0m + 3.0m + 1.0m = 19.0m
Sizing pipework
Pipework section 2–3.

Look back at the drawing of the installation.
Pipe
Section
unit
Loading
Litres/sec
Flow Rate
mm
pipe size
Suggested
Graph
m/s
Velocity
M (graph)
head
Loss of
m
pipe length
Effective
m
head
Frictional
m
head
Progressive
m
Actual head
NOTES
of
1–2 0.8 28 1.5 0.15 X 16.0 = 2.4 2.4 5.0 OK to

use
2–3 0.6 28 0.9 0.08 X 19.0 = 1.52 3.92 8.0 OK to

use
2–3 0.6 22 2.75 0.325 X 19.0 = 6.17 8.57 8.0 NOT

GOO
D
3–4 0.45 22 1.75 0.175 X 22.0 = 3.85 7.77 11. OK to
0 use
Sizing pipework
Cold water storage cisterns
These have been fitted in domestic properties to assist in the delivery

of cold water to appliances, (low pressure).
With the introduction of combination boilers and unvented hot water

systems, (high pressure), CWSC are now no longer required.
Sizing
BS6700 recommends that the CWSC has a minimum capacity of 230l if

it feeds both the hot and cold water systems.
If the cistern is supplying either the hot or the cold water system, then,
the capacity can be around 100l.
Refer to BS6700 pages 23–26.
Sizing
In commercial properties the size of a CWSC will depend on a number

of factors:
Type of building
Use of building
Number of occupants
Number and type of appliances
Rate and pattern of use
Likelihood of any breakdown of the mains
Sizing
The table gives some indication of storage capacity at various

locations.
Use of building Storage (litres)

Hotel 200 per bed
Offices with canteen 45 per employee
Offices with no canteen 40 per employee
Restaurant 7 per meal
Nursery / primary school 15 per pupil
Secondary school 20 per pupil
Children’s home 135 per bed
Nursing home 135 per bed
Sizing
Hot water storage cylinders
BS6700 states, ‘the amount of hot water to be stored shall be related to

the likely consumption and recovery rate.’
Refer to BS6700 pages 35–48.
To accurately size a hot water cylinder, reference must be made to

manufactures guidance.
Sizing
http://www.range-cylinders.co.uk/pdfs/sales/copper.pdf
Download the brochure from Kingspan for their copper hot water
cylinders caller RANGE:
Sizing
From this brochure you will be able to note the:
Recommended capacity of hot water for particular appliances. This

refers to BS6700 pages 35 and 36.
The manufacturers then produce an easy read table (page 7 in the

brochure), to help installers choose the correct cylinder for a property.
Sizing
Heat recovery times are stated by the manufacture but have to comply
with current Building Regulations and British Standards.
Sizing
Secondary hot water circulation pumps
Are used on larger hot water installations to:
• maintain the system efficiency

• overcome dead legs
• save wasting water
• offer hot water at the outlet promptly.
As these pumps are installed in an oxygenated water supply, the

pumps have to made from bronze or stainless steel.
Sizing
Once the water is heated, the system needs to retain the heat and
supply hot water effectively to the outlet on demand.
Heat loss is minimised by the use of insulation on the cylinder and

pipework. (Building regulations Part L).
There also needs to be a control on the length of pipe used to deliver

the hot water to the outlet.
1. Waste of cold water before the hot water is drawn off.

2. Hot water is left in the pipe which cools down.
Sizing
BS6700 states the maximum length of pipe before it becomes a

‘dead leg’.
12–22mm – 12m
22–28mm – 8m
Over 28mm – 3m
Water Regulations recommend that the temperature at a terminal

fitting must not be less than 50oC within 30 seconds after fully
opening the terminal fitting.
Sizing
Active dead leg:
A term used to mean that a lot of cold water has to be drawn off before
the hot water reaches the outlet.
• Waste of water
• Waste of heated water left in pipe
Passive dead leg:
A section of pipe that has been capped off and water cannot flow or be
drained off.
• Stagnant water
Sizing
To overcome a dead leg, either localised hot water can be installed or

the use of a secondary circulation should be used.
Bronze pump
Return
Smaller return pipe
Essex flange
Top 1/4 of cylinder
Timer control
Sizing
This allows the circuit of hot water to

be much closer to the outlet point.
Sizing
Download and print off the leaflet on Wilo-Star-Z:

http://productfinder.wilo.com/en/GB/productrange/000000090003cafe0
0040023/fc_range_description/
This leaflet highlights the application being suitable for potable water
systems.
Using the tabs you can download the series, duty chart for sizing and
documents for installation.
Sizing
Single and twin impellor pumps
These are used to boost the water pressure and supply within a system
or to individual appliances as shown of the slide before.
A twin impellor pump will boost both hot and cold water, where as a
single impellor pump will only boost either the hot, cold or blended
water.
An understanding of both positive and negative head situations is

important, as well as fundamental knowledge of the system the pump
will be fitted to.
Sizing
Twin impellor pumps
Sizing
Twin impellor pumps
Twin impellor booster pump increases pressure for both hot and cold
feed.
Connect to cylinder via an Essex flange, which

avoids any ingress of air.
Connect to cylinder via an angled hot water.
Distribution pipe, which allows air from the cylinder to migrate up to the
vent pipe passing the shower feed.
Twin impellor pump
Sizing
Single impellor pumps
Sizing
Single impellor pump
Single impellor booster pump can be used AFTER the mixer valve.
Boosts the water pressure to the shower head.
Commonly used on ‘deluge’ or ‘drench’ type shower heads.
Single impellor pump
Sizing
Positive head Negative head

Operated by a Operated by a
flow switch flow switch
under natural under a
flow of water ‘charge’
Sizing
When a pump is pumping water to a level that is above the existing

CWSC, it is called (suction) negative head – used to boost cold water.
If the water to be pumped is below the existing CWSC, it is positive

head.
The pump maybe pumping from the base of a tank to a higher level,
such as an elevated tank, or it may be pulling water from a tank that is
below the pump.
Negative head pump
Positive head pump
Sizing
A positive head pump is also known as a‘regenerative’ pump, as it

only paddles the water through.
They are slightly noisier pumps and require a natural head or flow of
water to activate the pump.
The pump is activated by a magnetic flow switch which moves due to

the flow of water. This in turn lines up a reed switch which makes the
electrical connection.
If the flow rate is not great enough, the switch is not made, this will
mean a negative head pump will have to be used.
Sizing
A negative head pump is also known as a‘centrifugal’ pump, as it

sucks in the water and forces it out under centrifugal force. These
negative head pumps can be used in positive head, negative head and
whole house situations. They are quieter pumps and do not require a
natural head or flow of water to activate the pump.
The pump is activated by a magnetic flow switch which moves due to

the flow of water created by a ‘charge’in the pipework and vessel. It
then lines up again a reed switch which makes the electrical
connection.
A negative head starts at 600mm below the CWSC.
The outlet valve of negative head pumps have a non return valve to
hold the pressure in the pipework.
Water in vessel: http://youtu.be/Zip9ft1PgV0
Sizing
The negative head pumps use centrifugal force which sucks the water
into the pump and forces the water to a higher level. The only
difference between the pumps is the impellor.
Look at the examples in class.
Sizing
http://www.salamanderpumps.co.uk
Click on the introductory video clip.
On Salamander pumps home page you will see the choices available:
Positive head shower pumps

Negative head shower pumps
Negative head super booster pumps
Whole house pumps
Sizing
Single and twin impellor pump

If you are unsure which pump to select, you can use the ‘PUMP
SELECTOR’ tab and fill in the application requirements.
http://www.salamanderpumps.co.uk/Default.aspx?PageID=9
This makes the correct choice of pump easier for the installer and also
reduced the chance of the incorrect pump being purchased.
Sizing
Pressure vessels
Pressure or expansion vessels are used in properties where a booster

pump for the cold water cannot be controlled by a single level switch
because a number of storage cisterns have been installed.
• They are charge on the dry side by air or nitrogen.

• The CWSC feeds a booster pump which feed the cold water system.
• This pump is assisted by the pressure vessel.
Sizing
Pressure vessels
When used for expansion, these vessels would be installed on the cold
water supply side of an unvented hot water system. They take up the
expansion of the cold water being heated.
These need to be sized to accommodate

the 4% expansion of the systems volume.
Sizing
Pressure vessels
Accumulators are sometimes installed on modern buildings and offer a

way of storing cold water at mains pressure.
These do not increase the pressure of the system water but increase
the flow rate to appliances.
Sizing
Soil stacks
The stacks discharge branches and vents are all sized according to
BSEN12056 which we will be referring to.
Manufacturers’ websites and technical leaflets are also very useful to

refer to as they make the choice a lot easier.
Sizing
Soil stacks
32mm – wash basin, bidet, drinking fountain.
40mm – sink, bath, shower, urinal, sanitary towel macerator.
50mm – food waste disposal unit or multi-appliance branch.
100mm – WC. (90mm with 80mm outlet pan).
Houses never need sizing as a 100mm stack is required for one WC

and approx. 50 houses with one WC can be connected to a 100mm
vertical stack.
Sizing
Soil stacks
Sizing is required for flats, halls of residence, commercial
and public entertainment places.
To do this correctly, the code of practice uses 1 x WC; 1 x basin; 1 x

sink for loading units in BSEN12056.
Sizing
Soil stacks
Refer to BSEN12056.
1. Using Table 2, select the

total number of appliances
running in to the stack.
2. Add up the discharge units
DU for these appliances.
3. Remember it is System III
that is based on the British
above ground sanitation
system.
Sizing
Soil stacks
3. Select the frequency

factor for the use of
the appliances using
the table.
4. Work out the waste

water flow rate (Qww).
Sizing
Soil stacks
5. Use the (Qww) – litres

per second – to size
the pipe using Table
11.
We use swept-entry fittings

in the UK but there is also
a column for sizing square
entry.
Table 12 is used if the soil

and waste system is to be
secondary vented.
Sizing
Soil stack
Congested (eg a football stadium)
50 number 6-litre WCs = 50 x 1.7 = 85
100 number WHBs = 100 x 0.3 = 30
Total Discharge Units = 115
The square root of 115 = 10.7
Frequency factor = 1.0
10.7 x 1.0 = 10.7l/s
Therefore a 150mm stack is required!

Sizing
Soil stack 10
You have been asked to work out the stack size for a 9
ten-storey self-catering guest house with the following 8

sanitary fitments:
7
• 4 WCs
• 2 wash hand basins On each 6
• 2 baths floor 5
• 2 sinks
• 2 WM 12kg 4
Try and show the full workings out for the calculation 3
and come up with a suggested 2
1
stack size for:
• primary ventilated stack
• secondary ventilated stack.
Sizing
Soil stack
4 X WCs 4 X 1.7 = 6.8DU
2 X WHB 2 X 0.3 = 0.6DU
2 X baths 2 X 1.3 = 2.6 DU
2 X sinks 2 X 1.3 = 2.6DU
2 X WM 12kg 2 X 1.2 = 2.4DU
Total = 15.0DU per floor
x 10 storeys = 150DU
Sizing
Soil stack
Look at Table 3, a guest house has a frequency factor recorded as (K)

of 0.5.
Total discharge units = 150
Square root of 150 = 12.24
Frequency factor from table B = 0.5
O.5 X 12.24 = 6.12 litres per second
Sizing
Soil stack
To achieve the 6.12l flow rate:
PRIMARY VENTED
From Table 11, you can see we
would require a 125mm soil
stack with swept entry.
SECONDARY VENTED
From Table12, you can see we
will require a 100mm soil stack
with swept entry.
Sizing
Stack vent
BSEN12056 states that the vent for a stack system, whether open to
atmosphere or using an air admittance valve shall be adequately sized
and comply with EN12380 if an air admittance valve is installed.
http://www.ribaproductselector.com/Docs/5/12945/external/COL912945
.pdf
Sizing
Soil stack
A standard domestic stack has
two sections.
The vent pipe, this is the upper, dry

section of the stack, which allows air to
enter the system to operate at
atmospheric pressure.
If this pressure was to vary, it could lead to

trap seal loss, which would allow foul
air to enter the dwelling.
Sizing
Gutter and downpipe
The sizing of these items is importance to:

1. to protect the property’s foundations
2. restrict ground erosion
3. prevent water penetration into the property
4. provide a means of water collection (water harvesting).
Sizing
Gutter and downpipe
To assess the suitability of a gutter system to drain the roof to a

building the following factors need to be taken into consideration:
• The effective roof area to be drained.
• Rainfall intensity.
• The flow characteristics of the gutter system.
• The number and position of down pipes.
• All measured against BSEN12056 and Part H of Building
Regulations.
Sizing
Gutter and downpipe
The size of the gutter is dependent upon the size of the roof area to be
drained.
The effective roof area for flat roofs is different to that for pitched roofs
and needs to be calculated.
Sizing
Gutter and downpipe
The table below extracted from Part H of the Building Regulations

shows that for pitched roofs a greater‘run-off’or flow will be
experienced and must be allowed for.
Sizing
Gutter and downpipe

Remember the effective
design area for 450 is 1.5
taken from the previous slides
table.
If the plan area of a 45°

pitched roof measures 6.0m x
4.0m the effective area will be:
6m X 4m x 1.5 = 36m²
Now lets look at another table

from Part H and size our
gutter.
Sizing
Gutter and downpipe
Table 2 from page 40 in Building Regulations H
36m² was the effective area of

our roof at an angle of 45°,
therefore, by using the table
above we can see that a
100mm half-round gutter with
a down pipe of 63mm would
be used.
Please note that the table

above should only be used a
for half-round gutter with
outlets at one end.
Sizing
Gutter and downpipe

Although aesthetic appearance is important to all gutter installations,
the following factors must also be considered carefully as they
influence the choice of system.
• The size of gutter and its flow capacity.

• Whether the gutter is fitted level or with a fall.
• If end or centre outlet positions for down pipes are adopted.
• The length of the gutter to an outlet or downpipe.
Sizing
Gutter and downpipe
12056–3 requires that only 90% of the gutter flow should be relied
upon.
It is also recommended by Marley that gutters should be fixed level, as

this enables the gutter to be fitted as high as possible to ensure correct
relationship in maintaining the roof edge.
http://www.marleyplumbinganddrainage.com/uploads/docs/2199.pdf
http://www.marleyplumbinganddrainage.com/videos/4/rainwater.html
Sizing
Gutter and downpipe
Careful consideration needs to be given to the position of outlets.
Centre outlets are more efficient than end outlets, as the area that can
be drained is almost double, resulting in the possibility of down pipes
on the system being reduced – saving money.
Refer to Marley‘rain water systems technical guide’:
http://www.marleyplumbinganddrainage.com/productliterature/139/rain
water.html
Any questions?

Unit 302: Plumbing System Installation Planning

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Unit 302: Plumbing System Installation Planning

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Level 3 Diploma in Plumbing Studies

Understand how to size plumbing

Systems and components

Sizing pipework correctly is an important exercise prior to any

We will be looking at page 57, then pages 118–122.

On page 57 there are several things that need to be noted:

1. Table 3 gives the rate of flow in litres per second to various

1. It also states the maximum velocity of the water flow in the

1. Flow rates should not adversely affect the functioning of the

For everyday domestic pipe runs, there is a‘rule of thumb’:

– 15 or 22mm on supply main (high pressure)

The more draw-off points the larger the pipe.

Let us use an example installation to size up an incoming main.

When looking at an installation like this we need to start with the

Direct system: including combination boiler and unvented the supply is

Appliance Cold water Hot water

Add all the loading units up for this installation:

Appliance Number of Loading Total

We have to look again at BS6700, page 120. Looking at this chart on

Using you ruler, read the

Now we have two figures:

1. Total loading units of 57

Turn to page 129 in BS6700. We are now at point 5 in this chart.

On this chart we will use columns 2, 4 and 5.

Column 2 = maximum velocity of water. This has already

The reading is above

The reading is above 22mm, but below 28mm.

This means the incoming main will need to be 22mm.

This zone shown will

Size the incoming main for this installation.

Add all the loading units up for this installation:

Appliance Number of Loading Total

Convert to the required

As we have said before, the ‘rule of thumb’ is:

• 15 or 22mm on supply main (high pressure)

The more draw-off points the larger the pipe.

BS6700 states the recommended minimum storage of cold water to be

When designing the installation of any pipework, the engineer has to be

This calculation takes into consideration the resistance to the flow of

This then gives an equivalent straight length of pipe.

Effective pipe length =

Actual length of pipe + equivalent pipe length

BS6700 gives a table of the equivalent lengths of pipe for various

Table D3 on page 123.

BS6700 table D3 page 123.

Needless to say the pressure in the system needs to be greater than

BS6700 states the pressure loss through:

For this we have to refer back to table D2 and use column 1.

Column 1 is measured in kPa per meter.

1bar = 100kPa = 10m head

Cold water only.

Each floor 3.0m

1. Section the pipework out:

2. Add up the loading units for each floor:

Use BS6700 table D1 page 121.

Appliance Number of Loading Total

17 x 3 floors = 51 units in total

3. Convert the loading units in to the flow rate.

BS6700 table D1 page 120.

Let’s choose 28mm!

Keep an note of the readings.

6. Work out the effective length of the first section of pipe.

Use BS6700 table D3 page 123.