PLUMBING UTILITY SYSTEMS
I. Introduction
A. Plumbing systems handle the control of liquids and compressed gases.
1. water
2. oil
3. gasoline
4. compressed air
5. oxygen
6. vacuum lines
B. Plumbing systems in homes is relatively simple, but those for industrial
applications can be very complex.
C. Industrial systems may include:
1. supply and wastewater lines
2. venting
3. storage tanks
4. disposal systems
5. special applications
II. Home Plumbing Systems
A. The plumbing system in the home or apartment consists of two major parts.
1. supply system
a. sinks
b. washing machine
c. water closet (toilet)
2. waste system (DWV – drain, waste, and vent)
a. drain pipes
b. waste pipes
c. venting piping
B. With newer materials and standardized components installing plumbing
systems is easier today than it use to be just a decade ago.
1. must still follow the Uniform Plumbing Code
C. Water must be supplied to each fixture in the proper quality and volume.
1. factors to consider:
a. water demand (total structure and individual fixture)
b. length of run
c. elevation of supply lines from main supply
d. type of materials used
*must withstand:
-water pressure
-corrosive action of the water
*most common materials:
-copper
-galvanized steel
-plastic
2. Need to avoid water hammer.
a. caused by suddenly stopping water flow
*excess pressure (+70 psi)
b. can lead to damage of materials and fixtures
c. can be avoided with a small air chamber
3. Supply pipes should have shutoff valves near each fixture.
a. permits localized repair without shutting off main
D. Every sink, tub, and water closet has a:
1. soil or waste stack
a. carries both solid and liquid wastes out of the building
*sewer line
*septic system
b. larger pipe
*cast iron
*plastic
*copper
2. vent system
a. provides air circulation in the system
b. prevents build up of gases
c. equalizes pressure in the system
3. trap
a. U-shaped bend in the waste pipe
b. prevents gases escaping back into the house
*fills with water keeping the gasses out
4. clean-out(s)
a. capped openings in the waste lines
b. permits cleaning of clogged lines
E. Water conservation is a growing concern in the world today and as a result
gray water systems are growing in popularity.
1. captures used water (i.e. washer, sinks, and shower)
a. stores the water
b. purifies the water
c. the water is then used in the flush tank of the toilet
III. Plumbing Systems in Commercial Construction
A. Plumbing systems in large buildings are basically the same as found in
the home.
B. The most important difference is the size of the supply and waste pipes.
C. A plumbing system generally not found in the home but gaining wider
use in larger buildings is fire suppression systems.
1. water
2. foam
3. chemical
IV. Specialized Plumbing Systems
A. In large factories, research facilities, and manufacturing plants, the plumbing
systems can become very complex.
B. Examples of specialized plumbing systems:
1. gasoline filing station
2. oil and gas pipelines
3. water treatment plants
4. municipal water and sewer lines
5. sewage treatment facilities
6. rural wells
7. septic tanks
8. pressurized water systems
9. road and street drainage
V. Conclusion
A. The plumbing utility system of any construction project is critical to the
completed structure.
1. proper sizing of supply and waste lines is a necessity