Plumbing design involves a lot of things, including choosing the right materials and contractors. Using cheap materials that cost less in the beginning will often end up costing more in the long run.
An efficient plumbing design saves water and energy resources. It also incorporates short runs between plumbing fixtures and uses state-of-the-art materials.
Location of water supply
The location of the water supply is important for plumbing design because it determines how and where domestic hot and cold water will be distributed throughout a building. Water systems can be either pressure or gravity based. In some cases, a combination of both is used. Pressure systems are more expensive to operate than gravity based systems, but they provide the advantage of higher water pressure.
It is necessary to know where the water supply will be located so that the pipe sizes can be properly calculated. This will help ensure that the system meets Code requirements and will be safe to use. The pipes must be sized to maintain the desired water pressure and to withstand the forces that are applied on them. In addition, the pipes must be able to withstand the temperature of the water they carry. The most common pipes for water distribution are steel, ductile iron, pre-stressed concrete and polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
During the design process, the designer must calculate the amount of water supply fixture units (WSFU) that will be served by each pipe in the system. This is done by using a WSFU table that is set by the governing codes. The WSFU table usually includes a value for both cold and hot water. If a pipe serves both types of fixtures, then the cold and hot values must be combined to find the total number of WSFUs that will be served by the pipe.
Location of DWV (drain, waste and vent) system
The drain-waste-vent (DWV) system is one of the two systems that make up a plumbing system. Its job is to remove wastewater from any fixture and transport it to the sewer system or septic tank (drain), while ensuring that air pressure doesn’t interfere with the process (vent). The DWV is the unsung hero of plumbing infrastructure. It is often ignored or overlooked, until something goes wrong and it becomes painfully obvious. The DWV is made up of a series of pipes, cleanouts, p-traps and vents that remove waste and prevent sewer gases from entering the living space.
The most important component of the DWV is the main stack, a pipe that is typically 3 or 4 inches in diameter and runs straight up through the roof. A number of branch drainpipes of smaller diameter connect to the main stack and carry waste from various fixtures to it. Plumbing codes strictly regulate where the vents can connect to the stack and how far the stack should extend into the building.
A DWV system needs to be regularly evaluated to ensure that it is working properly. Symptoms of problems include water or sewage backing up from toilets, sinks and tubs. If you see these signs, call a professional for inspection as soon as possible. A comprehensive maintenance program that includes regular visual evaluations of the piping and its components is a great way to keep a DWV system in good condition.
Grease traps
Grease traps are a vital component of restaurant plumbing that separates fats, oils and grease from kitchen wastewater before it enters the main sewer lines. This prevents clogged pipes and foul odors, which can turn away customers. Unfortunately, many restaurants neglect this equipment and leave it unclean. This can have a serious impact on the business, especially if the grease overflows into the parking lot. This unsightly mess produces a strong odor that is almost impossible to ignore. It can also contaminate the natural environment and attract rodents.
Whether your establishment uses a traditional passive system or a hydro-mechanical interceptor, it is essential that you clean it regularly. It is also important to choose a reputable grease trap service company that has the knowledge and experience needed to maintain your equipment. Choosing the right service company will allow you to focus on other priorities while keeping your restaurant in compliance with health code regulations.
If you neglect to clean your grease trap, you may notice that your drains are slow to move or clogged with fat and oil buildup. This is a sure sign that it’s time to call in a professional. Another sign is finding greasy debris in sinks, drains and other areas of the facility. Flies also love to breed in fatty waste, and the odor will be a dead giveaway that your trap hasn’t been cleaned recently.
Code requirements
Whether you’re designing a plumbing system for a new building or modifying an existing one, you need to be familiar with the codes that govern them. The rules set by these codes can impact the design of a plumbing system and how well it performs over time. Fortunately, there are many online resources that can help you learn more about the codes and how they affect your design.
The codes provide plumbing engineers with basic calculations and guidelines for sizing the water supply systems in buildings of all sizes. These calculations are important for ensuring that the plumbing system will function correctly for its entire life cycle. The codes also contain basic requirements for backflow prevention and minimum and maximum pressures.
These rules are designed to protect the health and safety of building occupants, and they are enforced by local authorities. They are updated regularly to keep up with new technologies and changes in the plumbing industry.
The International Plumbing Code (IPC) is a comprehensive model code that sets minimum regulations for plumbing systems to ensure the safety of occupants and the public. It’s a proven model that works seamlessly with ICC’s family of building codes. It can be adopted on a state or local level, and it is widely used in the United States. Its development process is open and transparent, bringing together a wide range of experts in the field.