Activity 3.3.

2 Plumbing (Optional)
Introduction
Prior to indoor plumbing, people obtained water from outside sources such as a well
or a nearby stream. Waste disposal was handled by using outdoor facilities or
physically carrying wastewater in containers outdoors for disposal. Luckily, today we
have access to indoor plumbing which provides us with easy indoor access to clean
water and handles the disposal of wastewater. As users of the system, we typically
do not think about the plumbing system that provides us with these luxuries.

Plumbing systems are designed to transport supply water and wastewater within a
building and include water supply pipes and plumbing fixtures as well as drain pipes
and venting for wastewater disposal. Plumbing can also include storm water
drainage components and gas piping.

In this activity you will plan the water supply and wastewater disposal system for the
Keystone Library Renovation Project and create a plumbing plan to document your
design.

Equipment
Keystone Library Renovation Floor Plans printouts
Colored pencils
International Building Code
Example Commercial Plumbing Code Requirements

Procedure
1. Determine the minimum number of water closets, lavatories, service sinks, and
drinking fountains for the Keystone Library Project. See IBC 2012 table 2902.1.
6-7 Water Closets (1 for every 50 persons)
6-7 Lavatories (sinks) (1 for every 50 persons)
3-4 Drinking Fountains (1 for every 100 persons)

2. Sketch the preliminary location of the fixtures on the Keystone Library fixtures.

3. Locate the water heater for the building and sketch its location on your floor plan.
Corner of Library in Maintenance closet

4. On your floor plans, sketch a preliminary plumbing system to include hot water
lines, cold water lines, and drain lines using the appropriate line color and style.

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Civil Engineering and Architecture Activity 3.3.2 Plumbing (Optional)Page 1
5. Identify plumbing walls, i.e., thicker interior walls that will accommodate the
necessary piping for the water supply and drain-waste-vent system.
2x6 studs for a plumbing wall, meaning walls are usually 6.5 inches thick
6. Assume the supply water pressure at the meter is 60 psi and the interior
plumbing is -in. copper pipe. Considering minor losses, estimate the actual
water pressure supplied to the water closet on the second floor furthest from the
location of the entrance of the water supply into the building. Is the water
pressure sufficient or should a water pressure booster system be installed? Note
that there will be a static head loss between the meter and the second-floor
fixture since the fixture is at a higher elevation.
Dynamic Pressure: 52 psi
A pressure booster is not needed

2010 Project Lead The Way, Inc.

Civil Engineering and Architecture Activity 3.3.2 Plumbing (Optional)Page 2