Plumbing
Plumbing
Plumbing
INTRODUCTION
Hot and Cold water systems in buildings are used for washing, cooking, cleaning and
other specialized functions.
The Water Byelaws have been replaced since the establishment of individual water
companies in the UK.
The Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999 came into force in July 2000.
For information on health care premises, reference should be made to Health Technical
Memorandum HTM 2027.
The responsibility for compliance with the Water Regulations rests initially with the
owners or occupiers of the property.
Most buildings can receive their water supply from the Water Authority's main (the
D.O.E. Water Service in N.I.), but in rural areas it is sometimes necessary to obtain
water from private sources such as:
wells
springs
rivers
Lakes.
1
The public water supply in Northern Ireland comes from Lough Neagh and various
reservoirs throughout the country. Lough Neagh is a large inland fresh water lake into
and out of which flows several rivers.
In some parts of the U.K. the water is supplied from boreholes but in one or two
instances these have become polluted.
For human consumption, the best quality of water usually comes straight from the
ground, rather than from a stream or pond which is exposed to probable air pollution.
In the case of Lough Neagh, the runoff from farm land brings phosphates from fertilizers
into the Lough. This means that part of the water treatment process has to reduce to
level of phosphate to an acceptable limit.
A dug well is normally of big enough diameter to admit a man and his spade and 3 to 6
meters deep is usual for this Northern Ireland. In some countries a well is much deeper
to access strata of water bearing rock. It may be more economical to sink a borehole in
such circumstances.
A borehole is of small diameter and is made by a drilling rig - just big enough to admit
the mechanical pump and delivery pipe. A typical borehole uses a multi-stage
centrifugal pump delivering sufficient water from a depth of 30 meters to 60 meters.
Most modern wells are lined with pre-cast concrete liners and boreholes with steel
tubing.
In Northern Ireland rainfall is abundant and the geology of the sub-surface does not
allow the widespread use of artesian boreholes. Surface water, whether in natural or
man-made reservoirs, is therefore our main source of potable water supply.
In drier regions of the world the engineer has to study the most economic method of
obtaining a suitable source of water for domestic and industrial use.
(1) Trunk mains: these carry water from a source of supply (reservoir, pumping station etc.) to
a district without supplying consumers en route.
(2) Secondary mains: the distribution mains, fed from a trunk main and supplying the
consumers connections in the district.
(3) Service pipes: the branch supplies from the secondary mains that serve individual
premises.
2
Reflux valves or stop valves are not considered adequate to prevent cross-contamination.
The design of water services must be arranged to prevent the possibility of backflow or back
siphonage into the water system from any outlet.
Mains connections
Connections to a trunk or secondary main are normally only carried out by the water
supply company.
It is not normal practice to allow a service pipe to be connected to a trunk main.
Connections to secondary mains may be made under pressure to connect pipes of 50
mm diameter and below, whereas for larger pipes a shutdown of the main is required.
Service pipes are fitted by the water supply company from the main up to the boundary
(cartilage) of the premises to be supplied. At this point a stop valve is provided to enable
the premises' water system to be isolated from the mains
The drawing below shows a typical mains water connection to a domestic or industrial
user.
It is often normal to have a meter installed so that water suppliers will be able to charge
all customers on how much water is used.
3
The service pipe to the building should be kept at about 760mm minimum depth to avoid
frost damage and damage from heavy vehicles.
The valve pit can be a purpose made plastic chamber with key operated lid.
This is sometimes situated in the footpath for ease of access if emergency isolation is
required.
The above diagram shows the incoming mains water service to a building.
The pipe is sleeved so that movement of the pipe or settlement of the building can take
place.
WATER QUALITY
It is important to have good quality of water for drinking and washing purposes.
This is achieved near the source by keeping reservoirs clean and in treatment plants
throughout the distribution network.
In Northern Ireland private water supplies can have a Hardness problem or be Acidic if
derived from peaty uplands.
Normal hard water is not a risk to health but can cause scale build-up in boilers and hot
water systems, also hard water does not lather soap well.
4
SIMPLE CHEMISTRY OF WATER
Water is a chemical compound. It is a liquid which boils at 100oC and freezes at 0oC,
and consists of water molecules.
Each molecule contains two hydrogen atoms joined to one oxygen atom.
It has the chemical formula H20.
It is an excellent solvent and as a result normal drinking water contains dissolved
substances such as iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg),
sulphate (S04) and fluoride (F).
It will also contain dissolved gases including oxygen (02), nitrogen (N) and carbon
dioxide (C02).
Many of the above minerals are essential for the health and proper growth of our bodies,
but their content must be carefully controlled as must the possible content of harmful
bacteria.
The presence of these minerals usually imparts a much more pleasant taste to water
than would be the case with the "pure" compound.
The ability of rain to dissolve gases present in the atmosphere produces the formation of
weak acids, e.g. -
On penetrating layers of soil the water dissolves carbonates, chlorides, and sulphates of
calcium and magnesium. It may also dissolve ammonia, silica and iron oxides. The
amounts of each of these materials dissolved depends on the thickness and type of
layers through which the water passes and on the solubility of the material. The
presence of acids in the rain water increases its ability to dissolve many of the materials.
In addition to chemicals, water may also contain micro-organisms e.g., bacteria,
parasites, viruses and algae.
The pH of natural water varies from approximately 6.0 to 8.0 and depends on the type of
rock through which the water passes. In some areas it may be as low as 4.0, e.g., due to
acid rain. The pH scale which ranges from 0 to 14 measures acidity and alkalinity. The
lower the value the more acidic the water.
5
HARD AND SOFT WATER
Hard water can be further sub-divided into two types - TEMPORARY and PERMANENT.
Temporary hardness can be removed by heating to temperatures above 60oC, whereas
permanent hardness requires removal by chemical methods.
Temporary hardness can lead to the formation of scale deposits on heating pipes,
boilers, kettles, etc.
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS
Physical properties of water are relatively easy to measure and some are readily
observable.
2. COLOUR - pure water has a pale green-blue tint in large volumes. However,
matter suspended in water can alter the apparent colour. The use of chlorination
in water treatment will normally remove all traces of the original source colour.
6
4. TASTE - pure water does not have a particularly pleasant taste, nor, frequently,
does tap water as a result of the use of chlorine disinfectant. Water which
contains quantities of naturally dissolved salts, on the other hand, can be quite
pleasant and sweet tasting. On the other hand the presence of organic derived
compounds (algae, peat) can lead to an unpleasant taste.
DISINFECTION
This process kills off harmful organisms in water so that infection by disease will not
occur when the water is used for domestic purposes.
Generally this is achieved by chlorination that is the addition of chlorine into the water.
The organisms in water which it may be necessary to kill by disinfection include bacteria,
viruses and protozoa.
The resistance of these organisms to the effects of disinfection varies according to the
type of organism present.
Chlorine itself which is a very strong oxidising agent and its level of dosing must be
strictly controlled otherwise the consumer will experience taste and odour problems in
the supply. An alternative method of disinfection is by using ozone (O3).
The above methods of water treatment are a general guide to the steps which can be
applied to obtain a potable water supply.
The quality of water and hence its treatment requirements can vary dramatically
depending on for example the nature of the source. Therefore, there is not one standard
system of water treatment. Each water will have its own requirements.
A few of the other possible types of treatment are mentioned briefly below.
Hard waters are produced from a source where chalk or limestone is present.
Hard water causes a difficulty in obtaining lather with soap and will lead to a deposit
forming in kettles or hot water pipes. The hard water may be softened by adding lime or
sodium carbonate which will lead to a precipitate being formed which can be removed by
filtration.
Alternatively the hard water may be passed through ion-exchange resins which will
effectively remove the compounds which initially caused the hardness.
7
(B) IRON AND MANGANESE REMOVAL
Traces or iron and manganese can be found in many waters. Iron, while not being
harmful in small amounts can impart a bitter taste to water and can cause brown stains
to form on laundry. The presence of manganese can also cause taste problems and it
can react with chlorine to produce an objectionable black slime.
A combination of chlorine and lime followed by filtration is now the common treatment for
manganese removal.
The addition of fluoride to the water supply has been the subject of much public debate.
It is now generally accepted that the addition of fluoride in small amounts to the water
supply is effective in reducing dental cavities. Fluoride in the form of hydrofluorosilic acid
can be added to the water after all other forms of treatment have been completed.
Activated (i.e., heat treated) carbon, either in powdered (PAC) or granular (GAC) form, is
increasingly used in water treatment for taste, odour and organic removal.
It can be added (as PAC) at various treatment stages but the most common application
is as filters containing GAC prior to the disinfection stage.
(E) PH CORRECTION
If necessary, e.g., in soft water areas, the pH of the water is adjusted by the addition of
an alkali.
Lime and calistic soda can be used.
The purpose of pH adjustment is to make the water non-aggressive to metal pipework -
both in the distribution network and in the home.
New processes are being developed by the Water Industry e.g., sirofloc, membrane
filtration.
The Sirofloc process uses finely divided magnetite to attract particulate (including
collodial colour) material.
The magnetite itself is removed by a magnetic process.
8
SUMMARY
For industrial plant, water may be softened by the addition of lime or lime-soda. In this
process large volumes of sludge needs to be removed.
Additives such as 'Calgon' may be used to stop 'fur' in boilers and these may be
regarded as inhibitors rather than true softeners.
Water contains dissolved and suspended solids which are small particles of animal and
vegetable debris. Water from chalk or from salt-bearing strata may contain over 1000
p.p.m. (parts per million) solids, whereas water from upland sources may contain less
than 50 p.p.m. (parts per million).
The water in treatment plants is filtered and sterilised with 'chlorine' to reduce harmful
effects of bacteria in water.
The pH value of water should be considered i.e. its acidity or alkalinity. Soft acid waters
are derived from hard insoluble rocks or from peaty uplands, they have a pH less than
7.0 and may corrode pipes and tanks unless passed through a cylinder packed with
limestone to neutralise the acidity.
Waters with a pH of more than 7.0 are alkaline and are not likely to attack metals.
Water storage in dwellings is usually required to meet a 24 hour demand, that is, if the
supply is cut off, there will be a supply of cold water for 24 hours.
The consumption of cold water in any building depends upon;
The use to which the water is put
The number of consumers served.
The diagram below shows a typical water storage tank.
9
For domestic, as distinct from industrial usage, storage requirements per head of
consumers are set out in Code of Practice (U.K.) CP310 and listed in the accompanying
table A8 on the next page.
The practice of allocating storage per fitting or appliance is used less often since the
water consumption depends more on the number of occupants than the number of
appliances.
MATERIALS
Plastic and GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic) tanks are used for small installation such as
in houses.
These are manufactured as a one piece item, therefore reducing the risk of leaks.
GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic) and galvanised steel Sectional panel tanks are used for
larger installations.
They are assembled on site with gaskets between panels and membranes inside to
make them waterproof.
Glass-reinforced plastic (GRP) tanks should comply with BS7491 Parts 1, 2 and 3.
10
TANK INSTALLATIONS
11
It is important to have no stagnant areas in tanks and inlets and outlets should be at
opposite ends to ensure a through flow of water as shown below.
A balanced flow of water to and from tanks is recommended and this is achieved by
installing inlets and outlets at the same level and with the same lengths of pipe work.
This ensures that the same amount of water enters each tank from the ball valve.
The tanks shown above are connected with a common outlet pipe or manifold.
Each tank should have a separate ball valve and float arrangement and separate
overflow discharge pipe.
Tanks should be periodically cleaned out to remove dust and grime build-up and a
valved drain is used for this purpose.
The use of a delayed action float valve may also be considered to ensure a greater turn
over of water.
12
The Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations permit cold water to be delivered at
temperatures up to 25C, although in normal circumstances it will be well below 18C but
the aim should be to keep the temperature below 20C as far as is practicable to restrict
microbiological growth.
This is achieved by insulating all tanks, pipe work, fittings and valves.
Tanks and pipe work are also insulated to reduce condensation.
Also all pipe work should be located away from warm areas such as plant rooms and
warm roof spaces. Pipe work should not be routed through hot ducts or adjacent to heat
sources, such as radiators and boilers.
Public Health Engineering gives data for calculating cold water storage requirements
for various buildings.
Table 2.2 gives 24 hour storage requirements based on various fittings, e.g. Shower
140-230 litres, Bath 900 litres, WC 180 litres, Basin 90 litres, Sink 90-180 litres, Urinal
110 litres.
Where water storage is to be located in each domestic dwelling, this should be provided
by a cold water storage cistern mounted in the roof space or similar area with a storage
to water line of at least 227-300 litres.
The cistern should be protected from frost and designed to maintain the water quality.
Table 2.3 gives recommended minimum Storage of Cold Water for hot and cold water
services as shown below.
13
BS6700 (2006) also gives Recommended minimum storage of cold water for
domestic purposes (hot and cold outlets) in Table 1.
Example 1
In a house with 1No. Bath, 1No. Sink, 1No.basin, 1No. Shower and 1No.WC the cold
water storage could be sized using Table 2.2 as detailed above.
Using minimum storage requirements for a 24 hour supply of cold water gives;
Bath = 900 litres, Sink = 90 litres, Basin = 90 litres, Shower = 140 litres WC = 180 litres.
Total = 1400 litres
These 1400 litres is too much storage for a house.
The older (1986) Table B4.2 gives storage at 90 litres per person in a house for 24
hours.
Storage required = 90 x 5 people = 450 litres
From Institute of Plumbing Guide Table A11, the nearest tank size is SCM 680, which
has an actual capacity of 491 litres to the water line, 680 litres is the nominal capacity of
the tank.
The dimensions of this rectangular tank are 1092mm x 864mm x 736mm high.
Table A12 shows the equivalent tank as a circular Polythene or Polypropylene cistern.
14
The cistern in this case would be PC 100 with an actual capacity of 455 litres and a
height of 760mm.
The statement in Guide G (2004) section 2.4.3.1 gives domestic storage at 227-300
litres.
A typical circular storage tank is shown below.
An air vessel is shown in the above diagram on the mains water pipe to the
tank. This is used to reduce water hammer as shown below
15
The consumption of cold water in buildings is based on the number of occupants.
For most dwellings cold water storage of 227 litres capacity is sufficient.
EXAMPLE 2
To size the cold water storage tank(s) for a commercial/industrial building the method
usually adopted is based on Table 2.3 in the CIBSE guide G (2004) as shown above.
For example for a hotel with a maximum of 50 occupants the water storage would be:
The largest galvanised steel tank capacity in the Institute of Plumbing guide table A11 is
3364 litres.
Therefore: 2No. Steel tanks of capacity each 3364 litres could be used giving a total
water capacity of: 2 x 3364 = 6728 litres
16
NOTE:
It is possible to have a non-storage system for cold water in a building although there
would be no security of supply of cold water.
This means that there is no cold water storage tank in the building.
There would be no 24 hour storage capability so that if the water main was turned off,
then WCs could not flush and other sanitary items would be inoperable.
This is only possible in a small building where the mains water system is secure and is
not turned off regularly and water is not required for important reasons.
A non-storage system is not recommended for commercial buildings but has been tried
in some domestic systems.
There are some advantages in not storing water in a building, one is that there is no risk
of frost damage and another is that there is less risk of water borne bacterial growth.
Hot water is used for washing and cooking. The temperature required is about 45oC.
Water is usually generated at a higher temperature (55oC to 65oC) in a vessel and
mixed with cold water at mixing taps or mixing valves.
It is better to store water at a temperature much higher than body temperature (37oC) to
reduce risk of bacteria growth and other water borne diseases.
Hot water service systems may be divided into two main types:
1. Local systems
2. Central systems
Local hot water systems can be further subdivided into instantaneous heaters and
storage heaters:
Instantaneous - Electric type with output of between 0.02 litre/s and 0.05
litre/s, electrical loading from 3kW to 12kW.
Storage cylinders - for hot water - 7 to 70 litres capacity, with 3kW electrical
heating elements.
17
CENTRAL SYSTEMS
Usually consist of a boiler or hot water heater coupled by circulating piping to a large
storage vessel. The combination of the two will be so proportioned as to provide
adequate service to the draw-off points, to match the predetermined pattern of usage.
For instance, in a hospital there may be a continuous demand for hot water all day and
in this case a small storage capacity with a rapid recovery period (large boiler
power) is probably appropriate. Conversely, for a sports pavilion where there may be a
single sudden demand following a game, a large storage capacity and a long
recovery period (small boiler power) may be adequate.
Most central systems use indirect hot water cylinder(s) since direct systems can
require frequent cleaning as scale deposits build up inside boilers. When an indirect
system is used the primary and secondary water systems have to be vented
separately - primary water via. The feed and expansion (F & E) tank and secondary hot
water via. The cold water storage cistern. A typical DOMESTIC system is shown below.
18
The above diagram shows an indirect hot water cylinder, known as indirect because
the hot water from the boiler (primary circulation) doesn't come into direct contact with
the hot water in the cylinder (secondary circulation) - this water being used for washing
and cooking.
The hot water cylinder, indirect coil and pipe work are made of copper.
It is feasible to use plastic pipe work for this and poly butylene is more frequently
installed especially in concealed locations.
A vent is required on the hot water outlet pipe at the top of the cylinder to allow for water
expansion and prevent the cylinder becoming pressurised when heated.
The temperature of water in the cylinder must be controlled in accordance with the
building regulations. See CONTROLS section.
This is achieved by an immersion thermostat in the cylinder or clamp-on thermostat
either switching on and off a pump or control valve.
An alternative method of control is to use a thermostatically controlled valve which has
the sensing head on the cylinder.
There are two methods used in domestic installations to overcome poor water flow at
showers;
Pressurise the whole hot water system (See Pressurised
Domestic Hot and Cold Water Systems).
Install a shower pump; this is installed on the Hot Water Service
(HWS) and Cold Water Service (CWS) to the shower mixing valve.
A separate shower pump can be installed in the roof space or hot
press, or a combined unit including mixing valve can be installed in the
shower area. Usually the cheaper option since pressurised cylinders cost
up to 6 times more than un-pressurised cylinders.
20
CALCULATING HOT WATER STORAGE REQUIREMENTS
21
CALCULATING BOILER POWER REQUIRED TO HEAT A HOT WATER
CYLINDER
EXAMPLE 1
Calculate the boiler power required to heat a 120 litre hot water cylinder in
1.5 hours.
The hot water temperature is 60oC and the cold feed temperature is 10oC.
H = 5.17 kW
22
Example 2
Calculate the boiler power required to heat a 120 litre hot water cylinder in
1.5 hours.
The hot water temperature is 55oC and the cold feed temperature is 10oC.
H = 4.65 kW
Example 3
Calculate the boiler power required to heat a 500 litre hot water cylinder
for a Nursing Home in 2.0 hours.
The hot water temperature is 65oC and the cold feed temperature is 10oC.
H = 17.77 kW
23
PRESSURISED DOMESTIC HOT & COLD SYSTEMS
To provide adequate pressure of hot and cold water at sanitary appliances (particularly
showers) an unvented system is used.
For pressurised hot water supply this can be provided by a Combination boiler (see
Heating section) or by a pressurised cylinder as shown below. This is sometimes called
an unvented hot water system.
24
The pressurised hot water cylinder has a conventional indirect coil inside to heat water
for washing and cooking from a boiler. The cylinder needs to be able to withstand an
increase in water pressure compared to un-pressurised system. This means that the
cylinder is really a stainless steel pressure vessel tested to withstand twice normal
working pressure.
25
PRESSURISED COLD SYSTEM
There is no difficulty providing pressurised cold water in a house since the mains system
can be used and piped via. A pressure reducing valve (PRV) to sink, bath, basin, shower
and w.c. This is shown above in the diagram; Pressurised or Unvented Hot & Cold
Water Plumbing System for a House.
The Pressure Reducing Valve (PRV) is essential to reduce the pressure from about 3
bars to 1.5 bars. This is sufficient pressure to operate domestic sanitary appliances, if
the pressure is too high there is more chance of leaks, more water is used and water
may spray back from basins.
ISOLATION
It is always good practice to install isolating valves at each sanitary appliance for both
hot and cold services. This means that local maintenance can be carried out easily.
Inexpensive quarter turn ball valves can be used.
If the head of water in the main is not sufficient to supply water to the top floors of high
rise buildings, then it will probably be necessary to pump water to the top of the building.
The head of water which is available in the mains can easily be calculated by using the
following formula:
p = xgxh
Rearranging gives; h = p / ( x g)
Where; p = Water pressure (N/m2 or Pa)
To convert from bar pressure 1 bar = 100,000
N/m2 or Pa.
= Density of water (1000 kg/m3)
g = Acceleration due to gravity (9.81 m/s2)
h = Head (m)
26
EXAMPLE 1
For water pressure of 3.4 bar the equivalent head would be;
h = p/(xg)
h = 34.66 metres
This means that the water main is capable of delivering water to a height of 34.66
metres. There would be no flow of water from a pipe at this height and we have not
taken pipe and fitting resistance into account.
To overcome these difficulties a water pressure boosted system is necessary.
For an approximate conversion from bar pressure to head multiply by 10.
Example 2
Calculate approximately the head of water in a reservoir if the pressure is 4 bar.
PRESSURE BOOSTING
Pressure boosting equipment can be divided into three categories:
27
COLD WATER TO HIGH RISE BUILDINGS
PNEUMATIC BOOSTING
A typical pneumatic cold water boosting system is shown below.
28
For buildings higher than about 10 storeys it is necessary that consideration be given to
pressure balancing at individual draw-off fittings by means of orifice plates or by
arranging the piping system in vertical zones with reducing valves.
For very high buildings, the provision of intermediate water storage and further pumping
equipment may be necessary.
The drawing below shows a typical boosted cold water system for a high rise building
such as a block of flats or apartments.
29
PRESSURISED COLD WATER SYSTEM FOR HIGH RISE BUILDING
30
HOT WATER SYSTEM PRESSURISATION
The following systems can be used to produce pressurised hot water in Commercial
buildings.
Use a pressurised hot water cylinder similar to the Domestic Pressurised system
as shown below.
Use a pumped or boosted system as shown below.
Use a plate heat exchanger (see Heat Exchangers in Thermo fluids section of the
notes).
The diagram below shows a Hot Water pressurised system using showers, pressurised
from the Mains Water feed.
31
An alternative system using Booster pumps is shown below.
32
SIZING COMMERCIAL HOT WATER SYSTEMS
Larger hot and cold water systems will invariably be pressurised by one of the methods
previously described in the Commercial Cold Water section of the notes..
Pipes may be sized using the normal pipe work data.
EXAMPLE 1
Size and design the HWS pipe work and equipment in the system shown below.
Building Data: The building is a Sports Hall the area is the Shower block.
Information given:
33
HOT WATER CYLINDER PRESSURE
From shower catalogue (MIRA 415) the flow rate from the mixing valves is to be: 9
litres/minute @ 1.0 bar pressure.
Choose Albion Class, Working head = metres = bar pressure
Say Operating Pressure inside cylinder is bar.
34
Primary Heat Output and Flow Rate:
Pipe size for Primary flow and return is therefore: (Based on max. pressure drop of 300
Pa / m.) From pipe sizing Table C4.14, a pipe size of would be suitable.
35
Cylinder content = litres
Total system water content = litres
Acceptance factor = (Max. working pressure Minimum incoming
pressure) / max working pressure
Acceptance factor =
Vessel size = (System water content Expansion coefficient) /
Acceptance factor.
Vessel size = litres
Dead legs occur in hot water systems where water does not move for a period of time.
The most common time for dead legs to occur is at night when hot water is not used and
the contents of the pipes and appliances cools down. When the hot water outlets are
turned on the following morning then the cooler water is drawn off before hot water
reaches the outlet. This could take some time if long runs of pipe work are involved.
Another difficulty with dead legs is that when water cools to 20oC to 45oC it becomes
more susceptible to bacteria growth, and overnight gives adequate time for possible
bacteria to multiply. This happens even if the pipe work is insulated.
To avoid dead legs in plumbing systems there are two common approaches;
1. Install a secondary return pipe.
2. Maintain the water temperature at all times with trace heating.
LEGIONELLOSIS
36
The severity of the disease ranges from Legionnaires disease, an acute severe
pneumonia, to Pontiac fever, a mild non-pneumonic, flu-like infection.
Legionella pneurnophila serogroup 1 is the most common cause of human infection.
LEGIONELLA LOCATIONS
The Public Health Laboratory carried out a study of the presence of Legionella in water
systems and found Legionella in 60% of all man-made water systems. This is a striking
result and shows that engineers should not be complacent when designing water
systems.
Places at risk are; cooling towers, hot water systems, whirlpool spa baths, and clinical
humidifiers in respiratory equipment, supermarket vegetable sprays, natural spa baths,
fountains and potting compost. In Britain almost all of the major Legionella outbreaks
have been associated with cooling towers and large domestic water systems.
Temperature is the most important factor in the survival and growth of Legionella.
The micro-organisms can grow at temperatures between 20-45oC, the optimum
temperature for growth and virulence being 36oC. Legionella can survive at
temperatures below 20oC but it cant grow, and at temperatures above 60oC Legionella
are rapidly killed.
The nutrients available in water systems from plumbing materials or organic matter may
also increase Legionella growth.
Bio film formations in water systems provide protection from adverse conditions like
biocide concentration and shear forces of water. Moreover the presence of other micro-
organisms will, depending on the type present, increase the ability of Legionella to
survive.
Cold water storage tanks and pipes should store water at below 20C.
Cold water storage systems and tanks should be flushed, tested and disinfected where
necessary before bringing into use as required by The Water Supply (water fitting)
Regulations1999. All cold water storage systems and all storage tanks should be
thoroughly cleaned out at least annually.
37
If continuous disinfection is used, an official logbook should be maintained and the
readings of disinfection effectiveness in the cold water storage system recorded daily. At
least once a week the Maintenance Team should examine and sign the log book and in
the event of the disinfection levels falling below the minimum effective levels take
appropriate action.
Planned Preventive Maintenance system of daily inspections of the chlorination
plant.
TESTING OF OUTLETS
During one week in each year, a thorough test of very hot and cold water outlet,
including all thermostatic mixing valves etc should take place and a suitable log retained.
In the case of cold water outlets these should indicate between 1 -2mg/l chlorine
strength within one minute of running the waste.
In the case of hot water outlets these should indicate temperatures of between 50-60C
within one minute of running to waste. If connected to a dosing pump, 1 -2mg/l chlorine
strength should be achieved.
All thermostatic mixing valves, shower heads and spray taps etc. should be tested by
first running hot water to waste without recording temperatures for a minimum of one
minute, then running cold to waste, when a chlorine strength of between 1-2mg/l chlorine
strength should be achieved.
Wet cooling towers should be replaced by air to water or air cooled condensers.
Humidifiers should be steam type rather than water spray.
SUMMARY
To minimise risk of Legionella infection: avoid release of water sprays, avoid water
temperatures which may encourage the growth of Legionella and other micro-organisms,
avoid water stagnation, dont use materials which can harbour bacteria or provide
nutrients for growth, maintain cleanliness throughout the systems, use water treatment
techniques and ensure correct and safe operation and maintenance of the waste system
and plant.
38
COLD AND HOT WATER PIPE SIZING
1 WC FLUSHING CISTERN(TANK) 2
2 WASH BASIN 1
3 BATH 10
4 SINK 5
5 SHOWER(WITH NOZZLE) 3
6 PUBLIC BATH 22
OFFICES
1 WC FLUSHING CISTERN 2
2 WASH BASIN 3
1 WC FLUSHING CISTERN 2
2 WASH BASIN 3
3 LAB SINK 1
For calculating the flow rate of water litre per second refer to the chart given on
next page.
39
Loading unit
40
The chart given below is to select pipe sizing.
41
NON-PRESSURISED COLD WATER PIPE SIZING
The method is similar to L.T.H.W. pipe sizing except that the pressure available is not
from a pump but from the head available from the tank.
The higher the tank is above the outlets the more head will be available to force the
water through the outlets and overcome pipe work resistances.
HEAD AVAILABLE
The pressure losses in the system are frictional pipe losses and velocity pressure loss
through sanitary fittings such as taps, cistern ball valves and shower heads.
42
In larger more complex buildings where
many sanitary appliances are installed
simultaneous demand should be
considered from tables Guide B (1986)
B4.20 and B4.21
43
EXAMPLE 1
DATA
Fittings include the following; exit from tank or large vessel, 3No. Bends,
1No. Gate valve, 1No. 15mm tap,
Length of pipe run is 8 metres and copper pipe is to be used.
The flow rate for a 15mm Sink Tap from above Table is 0.2 l/s.
44
EXAMPLE 2
Determine suitable pipe sizes for the system shown below.
The building is a three-storey Nursing Home.
DATA
ANSWER:
From above Table the flow rate for a private bath is 0.3 l/s.
The pipe sizes, flow rates and pressures are indicated on the drawing below.
45
46
47
48
EXAMPLE 3
Determine suitable pipe sizes for the system shown below.
The building is a three-storey hotel.
DATA
Copper pipe is to be used.
Flow rates and simultaneous demand data are to be obtained from the guide.
49
50
MAINS WATER PIPE SIZING
51
13. Determine pressure required at end of section, this can be the
minimum pressure that is required for terminal equipment.
14. If the pressure available at the end of the section is more than or
equal to the pressure required at the end of the section then the pipe
size is correct.
In larger more complex buildings where many sanitary appliances are installed
simultaneous demand should be considered from tables Guide B (1986) B4.20 and
B4.21.
52
53
CALCULATION OF TRANSFER PUMP
PRESSURE TO BE DEVELOPED
Calculate capacity of over head water tank. For example size of the tank is
Leanth-5meters, width 3meters and height is 3meters.
Cubic meter = l x w x h
Take out the air gap maintenance space 30cm from height.
CM = 5 X 3 X 2.7
CM = 40.5
40500 litres
1hour = 60 minuets
F = litres / minuets
F = 40500 / 60 F = 675
F = litres / seconds
F = 675 / 60
F = 11.25 l/s
54
PRESSURE TO BE DEVELOPED
The pressure that should be developed by the pump should equal the Pressure
Drop in the system.
This is usually found from pipe sizing tables. The flow rate of fluid is also found from pipe
sizing tables or given in other data.
Add 20% margin to pump pressure to allow for future extensions and the system getting
less efficient.
The designer must be careful when adding a margin to pump pressure since too much
pressure can lead to pumping over in open systems and other problems.
Total Domestic Storage Tank _______ gallons based on __ hours filling time
The required flow rate is ____ gpm through a ___ inch dia. (____ mm dia.) Pipe at a
frictional loss of ____ /1m of straight pipe run.
55
3 Head lost through tees
The difference in height between the pump level in the suction tank on the
ground level and the highest storage tank.
Friction loss through linear pipe length can get from above mention pipe sizing table.
56
Approximate friction loss for uPVC and CPVC fittings in Equivalent Length in
meters of Straight Pipe for water can be found in the table below:
90o Elbow,
long sweep 0.457 0.609 0.762 1.158 1.219 1.737 2.103 2.407 3.657 5.486 6.705 7.924 9.753
radius
90o Elbow,
standard
1.097 1.371 1.615 2.042 2.286 2.621 3.383 3.992
sharp inside
radius
45o Elbow 0.243 0.335 0.426 0.548 0.640 0.792 0.944 1.219 1.554 2.438 3.230 4.114 4.72
Tee Flow -
0.3048 0.426 0.518 0.701 0.822 1.310 1.554 1.889 2.529 3.81 5.029 5.334 6.096
Run
Tee Flow -
1.219 1.524 1.828 2.133 2.438 3.657 4.572 4.876 6.705 9.966 14.935 17.373 20.421
Branch
Male/Female
0.3048 0.457 0.609 0.853 1.066 1.371 1.676 1.981 2.743 4.267
Adapter
57
CALCULATION OF BOOSTER PUMP
FLOW RATE: calculate flow rate by useing loading unit table and flow rate graph
given below.
58
EXAMPLE
In a multi story building, three floor to be served with boosted water in which the
total appliances will be.
From the above graph the required flow rate is 3.9 litre/seconds.
PRESSURE: for booster pump is little bit differ from transfer pump below
diagram is an example.
59
BY PASS LINE
From above diagram the total height of the building is 31.5 meters including tank
level. As it has been observe 1 bar = 10.2 meters, according to this the total end
pressure of the system is 31.5 divided by 10.2.
Hence answer will be 3.08 bars at the end of the pipe which is at ground level.
And at fourth floor it will be 1.71 bars.
NOTE: the satisfactory pressure at the using of appliances is 1.5 bars is the
minimum satisfactory pressure.
As we have noticed the minimum satisfactory pressure is 1.5 bars. And at fourth
floor it is reaching till 1.71 bars it means from fourth floor till ground floor can be
provided by gravity line for satisfactory pressure. But from lower roof to fifth floor
there will be no pressure of satisfaction. To get the satisfactory pressure, use
booster pumps to boost the water to its satisfactory level.
For calculating head of booster pump use formulas same as transfer pump
except static head because in booster pump on roof will have positive static
head.
60
HEADER PIPE
FIXED CLAMP
61
METER ROOM
62