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March/April 2007
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A publication of
theAmerican Society of
Plumbing Engineers
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Contents
Cover Story
Plumbing Systems & Design Magazine

26
The Official Publication of the
American Society of Plumbing Engineers
Photo by Sam Fentress

VOLUME 6, NUMBER 2 • MARCH/APRIL 2007
F E AT U R E S
14 Variable Speed Versus Constant Speed
David Carrier and Ryan B. Stickney
In this two-part article, the authors explain why and how variable-
speed pressure control technology may be very cost-effective
in some plumbing system applications. Part 1 delves into the
technology behind variable-speed systems, and Part 2 provides a
path to quantifying energy savings for clients.
26 C ase Study-The Challenges of Green Building
CORTEX One: Half-empty or Half-full?
A Lesson in Water Conservation
Paul Todd Merrill, PE, LEED AP, and
Steve Niehoff, CID, CIC, CLIA 36 D
ispute Resolution 101 for Plumbing
By now, the idea of green building and its environmental advantages are Engineers
well-known. But how many plumbing engineers have actually designed Steven Nudelman
the plumbing systems for an entire building to earn LEED certification? The In our litigious era, surely there must be a better way to resolve business
cover story authors did just that, and in this article, they explain what they disputes than going to court? Luckily, there is, and in this article, our legal
discovered in the process. expert explains some of the most popular methods of dispute resolution.
GE T T I N G T E C H N I C A L
10 Lessons Learned........................................................... J. Joe Scott II, CPD
Thinking Big in a Little World
12 Code Update............................................................... Ray Moore, PE, CPD

Condensate Drains
22 Designer’s Notebook............................................ Joseph V. Messina, CPD

What Plumbing Designers Need to Know About Valves, Part 1
40 Forensic Engineering....................................................
NEW Donald Wise, PE
Sometimes, Little Things Matter!
42 Plumbing Technology of the Future.......... Winston Huff, CPD, LEED AP

Photo: National Park Service, Richard Frear
Water Efficiency Equals Energy Efficiency

Part 1: Transporting and Treating Water
42 46 Plumbing Design by the Numbers...... James E. Stenqvist, CPD, LEED AP

Hospital Checkup
48 Hydronics for Plumbing Engineers............................ Roy C.E. Ahlgren

Solving Cooling Tower Pumping Problems
Plumbing Systems & Design™ is published bimonthly by the American Society of Plumbing Engineers, Inc., 8614 W. Catalpa Avenue, IL 60656-1116. Plumbing Systems & Design is an official publication of the American Society of Plumbing Engineers. Statements of
Suite 1007, Chicago, IL 60656-1116, 773-693-ASPE, fax 773-695-9007, psdmagazine@aspe.org, www.aspe.org. No charge for fact, material, and opinion contained in contributed articles are the responsibility of the authors alone and do not imply an opinion
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Plumbing Systems & Design MARCH/APRIL 2007 PSDMAGAZINE.ORG

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P E RSPEC T IVES Publisher/Editor In Chief
6 From the Publisher............................ Stanley M. Wolfson Stanley M. Wolfson
ASPEEXDIR@ASPE.ORG
Overcoming Challenges
8 Speaking Out
20 Peer to Peer................................. Haig Demergian, PE, CIPE
M a g a z i n e
Who Are These Plumbing Engineers?
Editor
34 The World of Design/Build........... Michael E. Smith, CPD J. Joe Scott II, CPD
ASPEPRES@ASPE.ORG
Hot’s on the Left
Technical Editors
50 Inside the Industry............................... Peter E. Warshaw Karl Atteberry, PE
Esteban Cabello, PE, CPD
It Isn’t Easy Being Green—or Is It? John DeLeo, CPD
Richard Ellis, CPD, CET
Daniel Fagan, PE, CPD
A S PE REPORT Doug Page, PE, LEED AP
Jeffrey Ruthstrom, CPD
54 From the President’s Pen Mark Tanner, CPD
56 From the Executive’s Desk Patrick Whitworth, CPD
James Zebrowski, PE, CPD
58 ASPE Standards Committee Update Stephen Ziga, CPD, CET
60 Highlights of the January 2007 ASPE Board of Directors Meeting Managing Editor
61 New ASPE Members Gretchen Pienta
GRETCHENP@PSDMAGAZINE.ORG
CONTINUING EDUCATION Executive Publisher

Tom Govedarica
52 Water System Design TOMG@PSDMAGAZINE.ORG
Graphic Designer
52 Continuing Education Questions David Ropinski
53 Continuing Education Answer Sheet and DAVER@PSDMAGAZINE.ORG
Application Form Published bimonthly by
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ASPE Board of Directors 2006–2008

President Vice President, Technical Vice President, Education Vice President, Legislative Vice President, Membership Vice President, Affiliate Secretary / Treasurer
Julius A. Ballanco, PE Norman Parks, CET, CPD William F. Hughes Jr., CPD Ray W. Moore, PE, CPD C. David Hudson, CPD William M. Smith Jeffrey Ingertson, CPD
JB Engineering and Code Consulting, PC The Wooten Company Robinson Green Beretta Professional Engineering Services Fosdick & Hilmer, Inc. Jay R. Smith Mfg. Co. Sierra Vista, AZ
Munster, IN Raleigh, NC Providence, RI Salt Lake City, UT Cincinnati, OH Montgomery, AL
Region 1 Liaison to the Board Region 2 Liaison to the Board Region 3 Liaison to the Board Region 4 Liaison to the Board Region 5 Liaison to the Board Executive Director
John L. Puchala, CIPE James J. Rodgers, CPD David H. Anelli Stephen W. Shayler, CPD Timothy A. Smith, CPD Stanley M. Wolfson
Loring Consulting Engineers Lace Consulting Engineers HLM Design AE Associates Inc. Metro Design Associates Chicago, IL
Washington, DC Indianapolis, IN Orlando, FL Greeley, CO Schaumburg, IL

Look
No
Further!

FROMTHEPUBLISHER Stanley M. Wolfson
Overcoming Challenges
This issue’s cover story, “Overcoming Green Building Chal- Help the Society Overcome its Challenges
lenges,” is indicative of today’s plumbing industry as a whole. Did you know the average age of an ASPE member is 50? It’s
Every day, plumbing engineers and designers are faced with definitely an organization comprised of knowledgeable and
increasingly complex systems, code requirements, and owner experienced plumbing industry professionals. However, we
requests to build efficient systems for lower costs. However, need to replenish our membership as older members retire
we are confident that the technical information gleaned from and take a less-active role in the Society. Younger members
the pages in this magazine will help make your professional bring enthusiasm, technical skills, and new ideas to the asso-
lives a little less challenging. ciation. Help us find them! Talk to new hires in your com-
For instance, one strategy you will learn from the cover pany and explain the benefits of joining ASPE. If you own a
story is that when designing the plumbing systems for a company, offer incentives for joining professional organiza-
LEED-certified building, it’s best to review all options with tions or obtaining designations such as Certified in Plumb-
the owner prior to investigating them. This timesaving tip will ing Design (CPD). Help defray the costs of joining ASPE or
help eliminate hours lost in evaluating systems in which the attending chapter meetings, ASPE Conventions, and Techni-
owner isn’t interested. In the feature “Variable Speed Versus cal Symposia.
Constant Speed,” you will learn why variable-speed technol- Know any college or graduate students involved in a plumb-
ogy may be a cost-effective option for booster pumps and ing engineering-related discipline? A student membership in
how to quantify the cost savings to the owner. ASPE is a great way to gain valuable hands-on knowledge of
Also in this issue you can learn alternatives to being the industry even before obtaining a degree.
dragged into court over a business dispute. Our resident legal How do you think the Society can better attract younger mem-
expert and award-winning author Steven Nudelman explains bers? Send your ideas to the executive director at aspeexdir@
how you potentially can save time, money, and a whole lot of aol.com.
headaches utilizing alternate dispute resolution. Another challenge in running a professional membership
Publishing a Magazine Is Challenging, Too! organization is maintaining contact with our members. If
PS&D’s readers span a wide range of skill levels, from those you’ve recently moved or changed jobs, please let us know
just starting their plumbing engineering careers to experi- your new contact information. We disseminate information
enced industry veterans. Assembling articles in every issue via a variety of means—direct mail, e-mail, and this maga-
that speak to such a diverse readership is a challenging task. zine—but you still might miss valuable Society news if we
But you can help! We always appreciate feedback from read- don’t have your most current contact information. E-mail or
ers, whether commenting on an article you found thought call the membership department if you think your mailing or
provoking or one you want to challenge, or suggesting ideas e-mail address needs to be updated. We’re currently send-
for future articles, or even offering your skills as a writer or ing members the latest version of the Plumbing Engineering
technical editor. Don’t think you are a very good writer? Design Handbook—don’t miss yours because it was returned
Don’t worry! Our editors are ready and willing to help you due to an incorrect address!
turn your thoughts into fascinating articles for your plumb- Welcoming Our New Columnist
ing engineering peers to enjoy. Please join us in welcoming our new columnist, Donald
Have something on your mind that you want to get off your Wise, PE. His feature article “A 12-Step Program for Avoiding
chest? Write an article for “Peer to Peer,” our opinion-based Liability for Hot Water Injuries” in the January/February 2007
column in which plumbing engineers and designers discuss issue received such acclaim that we’ve invited him to contrib-
their thoughts on the current state of the industry and plumb- ute a regular column called “Forensic Engineering.” In this
ing engineering technology. column, Don will discuss cases that involve injuries or deaths
Check out our website, www.psdmagazine.org, to view the caused by plumbing system failures to help plumbing indus-
editorial calendar for the rest of the year as well as our author try professionals realize the consequences of making mis-
guidelines. Also on our website you can find tools to help over- takes, taking shortcuts, and cutting corners. Don’s decades of
come your daily challenges, such as the 2007 Plumbing Systems plumbing, mechanical, and facilities engineering experience
Specifications Guide, an index of and access to every technical make him an invaluable addition to our already highly skilled
article ever published in PS&D, and a whole lot more! core of columnists.
Remember, we’ll never know you’re out there unless
you contact us. Send an e-mail to our editor at articles@
psdmagazine.org, and maybe I’ll be welcoming you as our
newest addition in a future issue!

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SPEAKINGOUT
Plumbing Design in a Plus-size World Hot Water System Design Tips
I want to thank Winston Huff for his work compiling the informa- Donald,
tion for the article “Plus-size Plumbing Fixtures and Design” [Janu- Your article [“12-Step Program for Avoiding Liability for Hot
ary/February 2007]. I suspect that even if dietary regimes tumble Water System Injuries,” January/February 2007] was a very good
and exercise routines soar, this issue will continue to be of more compilation of all the topics needed to be considered regarding
than passing interest to readers of this magazine. hot water system design. There is one area that I must take issue
Thanks to an inquiry from an architect in Charlotte, North Caro- with you. Step 5, Recirculate Water Continuously, recommends
lina, last year, I had an in-depth indoctrination. At his prompting, continuous recirculation of hot water (from Step 1 at 122°F). Step
I spent the better part of an afternoon and the following morning 3 recommends redundant protection with a main mixing valve. If a
researching the available resources to determine load capacities, master mixing valve (ASSE 1017) is used, then continuous recircu-
problematic issues surrounding exceeding the load capacity, as lation will lead to the stored hot water temperature (typically 140°F)
well as potential alternatives being recirculated. This is a very undesirable outcome. It would be
in fixture design and material better, when a master mixing valve is installed, to recommend that
composition. Since wall-hung recirculation be controlled by an aquastat and to pipe a heat trap (if
fixtures are specified in hos- needed) to prevent hot water migration. Great article.
pital settings most often (for Robert W. Castle, PE
antiseptic purposes, primar- Honeywell
ily), I began with an inves- Robert,
tigation of wall-hung and Thanks for your comments. Briefly, if I used an ASSE 1017 valve, I
carrier-mounted back outlet would split the hot water return piping so that a portion connected
china water closets. Based on to the mixing valve’s hot water return connection and a portion con-
application of more than 25 nected to the cold water inlet to the boiler. In this configuration, the
years of experience, my find- mixing valve adjusts the proportion of hot and cold water admitted
ings were rather remarkable. to the mixing valve to obtain the set-point temperature downstream
Although I was not able to of the valve. When water is removed from the system, boiler tempera-
document specific instances ture (coil water) and mixed water return water are drawn through
of fractured water closets, the mixing valve, producing water at the temperature setting of the
there is anecdotal evidence mixing valve. When there is no water consumption in the system, hot
that the structural integrity water (boiler coil) trickles into the system to compensate for cooling
of a china water closet has that occurs due to the heat loss in the piping loop. In both configura-
been compromised by a tions, hot (boiler coil) water and warm return water are mixed in
so-called bariatric user, the proportion required to maintain the desired mixed water tem-
resulting in serious injury. perature.
Since the health of patients using water If the recirculating pump is oversized, it will be possible to obtain
closets in a hospital setting is likely to already be compromised, excessively hot water. Basically, if you recirculate the water too fast, it
injury in a scenario where a water closet fractures, exposing bare will not cool enough as it completes the loop to have a sufficient load
skin to shards of sharp china, should be of special concern. One on the valve to maintain mixed water temperatures. Likewise, if the
salient feature of using alternatives to carrier-mounted fixtures mixing valve is not properly sized and admits too much hot water in
involves altering housekeeping practices to combat an increased its minimum flow position, the water temperature can creep upward
risk of sepsis that is not present when the fixture is above the floor. during periods of non-use. These are sizing and adjustment issues,
The hospital staff needs to be aware of the trade-offs. Potentially, however.
bariatric-only toilet rooms may be considered. Having gone back and reread Step 5, I can see that I was not clear
I am encouraged by the range of materials that are available in enough about the purpose of continuous recirculation. It is not only
the marketplace today; there are good applications for all the mate- to avoid allowing buoyant hot water from entering the system (some-
rials used in plumbing systems. In addition to china, stainless steel thing that a heat trap could prevent), but it also is intended to main-
is available, and as market share increases, economic constraints tain the flushing of the distribution piping with hot water to prevent
become less formidable. stagnate water from creating an ideal habitat for Legionella bacteria
As always, information is the best tool we have at our disposal; growth. A final benefit is that the time required to obtain hot water
see to it that you have the information available for your customers when the circulator is off can be enormous and lead to overcompen-
(architects and hospital staff ). And those of you who specialize in sation attempts, which cause other problems.
other areas of public consumption, prepare yourself: this is NOT an Your suggestion is also acceptable. An aquastat-controlled circu-
isolated issue. lator could also be used effectively to control circulation based on
Steven T. Mayer, CPD, CET, CMGI temperature.
Senior Plumbing, Fire Protection Designer Thanks,
KlingStubbins Don Wise
Want to comment on an article or ask a PS&D author a question? Send your thoughts or queries to articles@psdmagazine.org.
(Published letters may be edited for length and content.)

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LESSONS LEARNED
By J. Joe Scott II, CPD
Thinking Big in a Little World

We all have had occasion in our careers to perform a return to the fuel oil tanks. However, in actuality, no piping
design that changes only a small portion of an existing returned to the fuel tanks. Oops, what I thought was a sec-
system, yet the next thing you know, the entire system is ondary fuel feed line was really the fuel oil return piping
not working the way it should nor the way it did before you back to the fuel tanks. Interesting situations develop when
made the changes. Sometimes when you are looking at the you pump the return from the fuel oil pumps into the pump
existing installation, something in the back of your mind suction for the same pumps.
says this system cannot be working correctly because the Fuel oil pumps require a pressure relief valve on the
piping just doesn’t make sense. discharge side of the pumps to relieve excess pressure in
My company is working on a project that involves adding the discharge piping. The piping from the relief valve is
emergency generator capacity to a facility, and we encoun- typically piped back into the fuel oil return piping that goes
tered such an occurrence. I visited the site to see what back into the fuel tank, and the excess pressure dissipates
needed to be changed to install a new emergency generator in the atmospheric tank. At least, that is how it is supposed
and feed it with fuel oil from the central distribution system to work. In this case, when the pumps turn on and try to
that was already installed. The premise was very straight- return the excess fuel oil to the tank, the piping goes back
forward, and I just wanted to ensure that we could add the into the pump suction line, which increases the pressure in
generator without taking away any capacity required by the suction piping. This causes the pump to try to boost the
pressure in the piping, thus eventually opening the relief
valve, and then the whole situation repeats itself. The staff
of the facility told me that the noise generated by the relief
You need to look at the bigger picture valves—as the velocity of the fuel oil trying to be relieved
moves through the valves and piping—is deafening.
when you are required to make simple The fuel oil pump set was replaced last year, but the whole
point of this discussion is not how to fix a fuel oil problem.
It is to point out the need to look at the bigger picture when
changes to an existing system. you are required to make simple changes to an existing
system.
Two persons involved in the system design missed
the existing boilers. A few minutes into the site visit I had a critical interactions within the system that could lead to
funny feeling that told me something curious was unfold- a catastrophic failure of the system. First, when the tanks
ing and that I needed to pay closer attention to the piping. were replaced, the piping was not connected to the tanks
Then I found it. A fuel tank at the facility had been replaced in a manner that would allow the system to function prop-
two years ago, and the piping from the fuel oil tanks was erly. Second, when the pump set was replaced during the
connected in parallel and fed into the building. The piping boiler replacement, the designer didn’t look at the system
arrangement had a second connection that appeared to be as a whole or ask if the existing installation had any prob-
an alternate fuel line that could be used if there was a problems. Both of these installations will need to be reviewed to
lem with the first. ensure the system is performing properly.
When I traced the piping inside the building, what I found I guess that I will be looking at the system in more detail
confused me. The piping from the fuel tanks came into the before I try to connect an emergency generator to it.
building and fed two fuel oil pump sets, one very small
and the main pump set that was considerably larger. The
small pump set was for a small generator and did not have
a return line. The larger pump set was a different story. The
suction piping to the pump connected to the piping from
the tanks and proceeded to feed the existing boiler system.
The emergency generators were not connected to the fuel
oil pumps and appeared to be fed by gravity from the fuel
oil tanks by a separate line. When I traced the return piping
from the fuel oil loop after it fed the boilers, it appeared to
Joe Scott is senior plumbing designer
for Cannon Design in St. Louis. To comment
on this article or for more information, e-mail
articles@psdmagazine.org.
10 Plumbing Systems & Design MARCH/APRIL 2007 PSDMAGAZINE.ORG

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Code Update
By Ray Moore, PE, CPD
Condensate Drains
As plumbing engineers, we must coordinate our systems required on the condensate drain from the air-conditioning unit
with the heating and air-conditioning systems in a building, meets these requirements. An additional trap is not necessary.
allowing for the needs of other trades. One issue that plumb- Table 8-2 of the UPC specifies the minimum pipe sizes for the
ing engineers must constantly deal with is condensate drainage. condensate drain pipe. Section 314.2.2 of the IPC states that the
In an air-conditioning system, when the air is cooled, water is minimize size of the pipe shall be ¾ inch, and where multiple
removed from the air. All cooling coils in an air-conditioning units are connected, the piping shall be sized by an approved
system must have a drain pan under the cooling coil to collect method. The IPC also requires horizontal sections of the drain-
the condensed water (condensate). A path is required to allow pipe to be installed in a uniform alignment and at a uniform
this condensed water to discharge to the drainage system. The slope. Table 8-2 of the UPC shows that a ¾-inch pipe can handle
2006 International Plumbing Code (IPC) has extensive require- up to 20 tons of refrigeration. It is my experience that many
ments for collecting and discharging this condensed water. The manufacturers of air-conditioning equipment provide con-
2006 Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) has one simple require- densate drain connections that are larger than the ¾-inch pipe
ment. Where do they differ? size. It is my recommendation that the condensate drain line be
the same size as the outlet connection on the air-conditioning
About Condensate Drainage
equipment.
Condensate drainage from air-conditioning equipment is
The IPC specifies that the piping material for the condensate
extremely important. In humid climates, a lot of moisture is in
drainpipe should be cast iron, galvanized steel, copper, cross-
the air. When the air is cooled through an air-conditioning pro-
linked polyethylene, polybutylene, polyethylene, ABS, CPVC,
cess, this water is condensed out of the air. In dryer climates,
or PVC pipe or tubing. All components shall be selected for the
only a little amount of water is condensed out of the air. In many
pressure and temperature rating of the installation. The UPC
jurisdictions located in dry climates, the condensate drain from
specifies that the condensate drain piping shall be constructed
rooftop air-conditioning equipment is discharged on the roof.
of material specified in Chapter 7, which deals with sanitary
However, I know of several jurisdictions where the condensate
drainage. Therefore, all condensate drainage piping shall be the
must be piped to the drainage system because algae tends to
same as that for sanitary drainage. One problem with this is that
grow on the wet areas of the roof where the condensate drips,
the smallest drainage pipe is 1¼ inch, and many times the con-
creating unhealthy conditions.
densate drain pipe is ¾ inch or 1 inch. If this is the case, water
Because the condensate drain piping is typically an indirect
tubing or pipe must be used.
drain line, both the IPC and the UPC require the condensate
The IPC has some additional requirements for condensate drain
piping from the air-conditioning unit to be trapped. In real-
pans that are not included in the UPC. Section 314 of the IPC is
ity, the reason for the trap at air-conditioning equipment is a
taken directly from the International Mechanical Code. Section
mechanical issue. The condensate drain pan, located under the
314 of the IPC requires that additional protection be provided in
cooling coil in the air-conditioning equipment, is under either
case the drain line gets plugged, and the condensed water over-
positive pressure or negative pressure depending on the loca-
flows the drain pan and damages building components.
tion of the cooling coil. On the outlet side of the fan, the drain
The IPC also requires that an auxiliary or secondary drain
pan is under positive pressure. On the suction pressure side of
system be provided. There are four different methods for com-
the fan, the drain pain is under negative pressure. The trap on
pliance. The first method is to provide a secondary drain con-
the condensate drain from the air-conditioning unit prevents
nection on the primary drain pan. This secondary drain must
air from passing through the indirect piping. The trap seal of this
drain to a place where occupants would notice if a stoppage
trap is sized based on the negative or positive pressure of the
existed in the main drainage system. The second method is to
fan.
provide a condensate drainpipe from an auxiliary or secondary
Typically, the trap seal is sized at 1½ times the inlet or outlet
drain pan. The third and four methods listed in the IPC require a
pressure of the fan, whichever is greater. On large fan systems, the
water level detector and shuts of the air-conditioning equipment
trap seal could be up to 12 inches deep. As a plumbing designer,
to be provided so additional condensed water is not produced.
you must coordinate the depth of the trap with the mechanical
Typically, this water level detector is a sensor or float switch.
designer to ensure adequate space to install the trap. The down-
As plumbing engineers, we need to work with the mechani-
stream side of the trap should be vented to equalize the pressure
cal engineers in the design of the heating and air-conditioning
in the piping, allowing the condensate water to flow from the
systems to provide condensate drains from the air-conditioning
trap.
equipment.
The Code Requirements
The piping from the condensate drain pan is an indirect waste Ray Moore is a principal with Professional
pipe and must be sized and designed as an indirect waste pipe. Engineering Services in Salt Lake City, ASPE vice
president, legislative, and chair of the Utah Building
The IPC requires indirect waste lines more than 4 feet total length
Codes Commission Plumbing Advisory Committee.
or 2 feet horizontal length to be trapped. The UPC requires indi- For more information or to comment on this article,
rect waste lines more than 5 feet long to be trapped. The trap e-mail articles@psdmagazine.org.

!
Water is precious. NEW
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Variable Speed
V ersus
Constant Speed
by
David Carrier (Part 1) and Ryan B. Stickney (Part 2)
Part 1: Debunking the Myths of Variable-speed to have water at the end of a fixture when it is opened. In other
Pressure Boosting words, the engineer has had to match the customers’ demand
Maybe “myth” isn’t the best word to describe the ongoing for domestic water with the realities of the system load profile. If
argument between those who advocate constant-speed and we match that load profile more closely, only supplying as much
those who support variable-speed pressure control systems. power as needed for a particular moment, we have the opportu-
After all, variable-speed domestic water boosters are only now nity to generate substantial energy savings.
reaching adolescence as an accepted form of pressure control The 80/20 Rule
in the plumbing market. Why all the misunderstanding? Does Let’s face it: All piping systems are different, with numerous
the answer lie in the desire to resist change? Is it due to the lack and varied applications. A hospital has a different load profile
of information available? Is there a left-wing conspiracy against than that of an apartment building. It’s very difficult to fit a
variable-frequency drives (VFDs)? (Maybe I am being a little single, across-the-board constant-speed solution (which never
paranoid!) really adapts to the load profile) to piping systems that use water
I asked some of these same questions (not the conspiracy- differently. The goal is to match the load profile more precisely,
theory thing) while preparing for my presentation on vari- thereby reducing the energy required to run the system when
able-speed boosting for the 2006 ASPE Convention in Tampa, water usage is low. As a rule of thumb, I created what I call the
Florida. When properly evaluated, a variable-speed controlled 80/20 rule for boosters (see Figure 1a). This rule states that (on
packaged booster system can be very cost-effective if you look average) 80 percent of the time the booster system is operating
at some basic assumptions: at 20 percent capacity or less. Based on this rule, a constant-
• 80 percent of the time, a typical booster is at 20 percent speed system is not operating efficiently during 80 percent of
capacity or less. its operational time, since it is not using much less power when
• Building load demand is critically important to effective running at 20 percent than when running at 100 percent capac-
power reduction. ity. In fact, 80 percent of the time it is simply maintaining piping
• On the pump curve, both flow and head are significant to pressure. Ideally, we should use the reality of the 80/20 rule in
effective pressure control. our favor as an opportunity for power savings.
• Bladder tanks don’t store enough water to produce any sig- The Pump Curve
nificant energy savings. If we reduce the speed of the motor, we take advantage of
• Variable speed reduces both sides of the electrical formula, the pump and fan Affinity Laws, which state that power is
yielding greater power reduction. reduced as the cube of the speed (see Figure 1b). This is impor-
tant because on a pump curve, two dynamics are at play from
Constant Speed
Constant-speed systems are relatively straightforward Figure 1a The 80/20 rule
and simple designs involving the use of a constant-speed
pump (the pressure source) with a pressure-regulating
valve (PRV) downstream (the regulating device). As the
word implies, the pump never changes speed because it
is powered by a starter. A starter has two positions: open
and closed. Therefore, a constant-speed booster system
essentially has two speeds: on and off. This concept has
worked very well for many years due to its simple design,
which is very common in older plumbing systems. In the
past, the need to have some type of pressure system was
of primary importance, whereas the integration of the
system within the plumbing and piping design took a
backseat to pragmatism. Nowadays, you need the prac-
ticality of a constant-speed system with the energy effi-
ciency of a system that is not constantly running simply

a demand perspective; typically the flow and head are chang- In a constant-speed system, this does not happen because
ing at the same time. Look at a typical pump curve. As the flow the pump does not change speed. Instead, the PRV becomes
increases, pressure capacity drops, and vice versa. In a variable- a throttle that reduces potential head pressure by adding fric-
speed application, as the flow decreases and the potential pump tion and resistance through the closure of the regulator. Since
pressure increases, the drive is reducing that speed to match a this overpressure condition is a reality in the constant-speed
constant discharge pressure by slowing the pump down. As the world, manufacturers over the years have sought to take advan-
pump slows, the Affinity Laws tell us that the energy consumed tage of this “free” pressure by adding storage tanks in the hope
is being reduced by a factor of eight. that energy consumption could be mitigated by simply shutting
off the power to the system. It is a good idea, but unfortunately
this application collides headlong into the realities of
Boyle’s Law, which states that the volume of a confined
Figure 1b The Affinity Laws gas at a fixed temperature is inversely proportional to
the pressure exerted on the gas.
The Bladder Tank
The bladder tank was added to the system to save
energy consumed by the constant-speed pump, which
was only running to maintain piping pressure. It
involved using the excess pressure created by the pump
at shutoff to charge a pressure tank, allowing water to
be stored so the system did not have to restart to meet
small loads. In fact, the idea caught on so well that it
became an industry standard. Unfortunately, only half
of the story was told. To charge a bladder tank, you
need a pre-charge equal to the system pressure before
you add even a drop of water (see Figure 1c).
This means that the only advantage in storage is when
the pump generates more pressure than it requires for
Figure 1c Proper pre-charge for a bladder tank maintaining system pressure. After this pre-charge,
little room is left in the tank for water. If you want to
calculate how much water a typical bladder tank holds,
a simple rule of thumb is to figure about 10 percent of
the tank volume. If your client buys a 200-gallon tank,
he’ll have only about 20 gallons of water available for
shutdown periods. It can be more cost-effective to run
the variable-speed system 80 percent of the time at a
reduced speed than to run the constant-speed/bladder
system 70 percent of the time (if that’s even plausible)
at full voltage. In cases of high demand, such as flush
valves, the demand is so quick that the pump will typi-
cally start before the tank can even begin to satisfy the
rapid demand of the valve. I have seen bladder tanks
on variable-speed systems. As mentioned before, the
pressure must change for the tank to receive any stor-
age. The VFD must increase its speed, thereby chang-
Figure 1d Ohm’s Law drives the Affinity Laws? ing its purpose to a variable-pressure system. With-
out increasing the speed and system pressure for the
purpose of charging the tank, the tank will never be
charged with any water.
The Savings
At the end of the day, the most important aspect of
these decisions is the cost to operate the machinery.
How does the owner get operational efficiency from
the system? This is where the engineer earns his pay-
check. The key element to operational efficiency is
clearly stated on the energy bill. The owner is billed
in kilowatts. What impacts the reduction of watts? In
electrical terms, this can be summarized by a single
electrical law known as Ohm’s Law (see Figure 1d).
Ohm’s Law states simply that volts multiplied by amps
equals watts.
MARCH/APRIL 2007 Plumbing Systems & Design 15

FEATURE: Variable speed versus constant speed
In the case of the constant-speed pump, as Figure 2a Single-speed pump curve
the flow is reduced, the amount of amperage
consumed is reduced, but the voltage remains
the same. A typical squirrel-cage induction
motor has a reduction in amperage draw
from full load to zero load of about 60 per-
cent, thereby reducing amperage at low flows,
which is only one variable of Ohm’s equation.
If the same motor is attached to a variable-
speed pump, the amperage is reduced the
same; however, the voltage is reduced at an
equal percentage to the reduction in speed.
This means that a 460-volt motor running at
half speed while connected to a drive will be
pulling only 230 volts at its rated amperage
for the pump capacity. In the variable-speed
application, both variables of the Ohm’s Law
equation are impacted, versus the constant-
speed application in which voltage remains
constant at all capacities. This is the primary Figure 2b Multi-speed pump curve
reason that variable-speed pressure control
has become an industry standard.
Constant-speed systems have served the
industry well for many years, but techno-
logical enhancements increase just like your
client’s power bill. With the pressure on the
consultant to optimize the system for energy
efficiency, the variable-speed system has
become an appealing option in the 21st Cen-
tury economy. Perhaps the constant speed
system will be relegated to the history books,
just like those old myths of the past.
Part 2: Gaining Energy Savings With
Domestic Water Booster Pumps
Variable-speed operation is now a standard
in most of our specifications, but how many
of us can really explain its operation? What
are the dynamics? What is the operating
cost? How much energy can we save? Such
questions are presented to the consultant on Figure 2c Domestic water pump system curve
almost every domestic water booster applica-
tion. The proper response to these questions
is especially critical due to the increasing
desire of consultants, owners, and consum-
ers to be environmentally responsible. The
following will answer these questions and
provide a path to quantifying energy savings
for our clients.
First things first: Domestic water pumping
is a variable torque application. Pumps are
machines that have the benefit of the Affinity
Laws. This allows us to reduce the motor torque,
which yields the highest energy savings.
As mentioned in Part 1, the Affinity Laws
state the following:
• Law #1: The flow varies directly with the
speed or impeller size.
• Law #2: The head varies by the square of
the speed or impeller size.

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FEATURE: Variable speed versus constant speed
• Law #3: The power varies by the cube of the speed or
impeller size. Figure 2d Steep curve
• Law #4: The torque varies by the square of the speed
or impeller size.
The pump Affinity Laws work two ways: We may vary the
speed or vary the size of the pump impeller. We only get one
impeller size, so herein lays the benefit of varying the speed
of the motor. Figure 2a is an example of a single-speed
pump curve and Figure 2b is an example of a multi-speed
pump curve. The multi-speed curve gives us a precise look
at the behavior of a pump when the speed is reduced.
The system curve of a domestic water pump is flat, run-
ning from the design point horizontally back to shutoff
(see Figure 2c). You should be concerned with three areas
of the curve: the design point, the 60-hertz (Hz) shutoff
pressure, and the system curve (the system curve pres-
sure is the same as the pump’s required boost). As the
60-Hz or constant-speed curve rides toward shutoff, it
rises, increasing the pump’s capable pressure. The dif-
ference between the pump’s capable pressure and the
pump’s required boost determines the pump’s speed and
its potential energy savings.
A minimum speed exists in this application. We must
maintain a minimum pressure in a domestic water system Figure 2e Flat curve
to maintain proper pressure at the top of the building.
Since the speed varies as the square of the head, we are
limited in our ability to reduce it. The difference between
the pump’s capable shutoff and the pump’s required boost
determines its minimum speed. Minimum speed is criti-
cal in determining variable-speed operation and potential
energy savings. In Figure 2d, the pump’s capable shutoff is
300 feet, and the pump’s required boost is 200 feet. The
second Affinity Law is used to determine the minimum
speed. Following is the equation used to solve for variable
torque speed in the Figure 2d example:
3,500 revolutions per minute/(300-foot shutoff/200-
foot pump required boost)^(½) = Minimum speed
Thus, the minimum speed is 2,860 rpm.
The minimum speed will fluctuate if there is a variance
in suction pressure. If the suction pressure increases, the
pump works less, and vice versa. Remember: We size
boosters based on the minimum city suction pressure
available. This minimum city suction is not always real-
Figure 2f Determining energy cost for domestic water pumps
istic. In many cases, the city guarantees a lower pressure
than actually exists.
Pump selection is critical to variable-speed operation.
The curve in Figure 2d is relatively steep. Let’s compare
this steep curve to a flat curve (see Figure 2e). We apply
the same formula using the second Affinity Law:
3,500 rpm/(240-foot shutoff/200-foot pump required
boost)^(½)
Thus, the minimum speed is 3,195 rpm. (Again, the
minimum speed will fluctuate if there is a variance in suc-
tion pressure. If the suction pressure increases, the pump
works less, and vice versa.)
In comparison, the minimum speed is reduced as the
curve gets steeper. Therefore, selecting a steep curve
versus a flat curve yields greater energy efficiency. With
either curve, your selection should be as far right on the

curve as possible, which ensures the greatest operating band- • HP (variable torque) = Rated HP * (Speed variable torque/
width. Decreased axial and radial loads on the bearings and Rated speed)^3
seals are additional benefits to operating at a lower speed. • Amps = (746 * HP)/(1.732 * Volts * Efficiency * Power factor)
The next step in determining your operating cost is to deter- • KW = (Volts * Amps * Power factor * 1.732)/1,000
mine the building’s load profile. The 80/20 rule is very helpful
• KW * Hours (8,760 hours/year) * Energy rate (Average $0.08
when determining the building’s load profile. The 80/20 rule
per KWh) = Operating cost
is not a substitute for an accurate load profile. It is simply the
average of most system types. This rule does not apply to every We have an obligation to provide our clients with the most envi-
application, and the only way to precisely quantify the operating ronmentally efficient systems available. This will become increas-
cost of a pump is to use a meter while it is operating. However, ingly important as energy costs rise (24 percent in Illinois as of
we can give our clients a fairly close representation of operating January 1) and resources are depleted. By accurately determining
cost using this rule in many building types. We should be realis- building load profiles and selecting energy-efficient pumps, we
tic when determining the building’s load profile. A typical load are well on our way to providing our clients with environmentally
profile would state: 80 percent of the time the flow is 20 percent efficient domestic water pump systems.
of the design point; 10 percent of the time the flow is 50 percent
STOP
of the design point; 5 percent of the time the flow
is 80 percent of the design point; and 5 percent of
the time the flow is 90 percent of the design point.
An energy calculation must be performed during
each stage of operation (see Figure 2f).
Once determining the load profile, you can
begin to quantify the operating cost. We begin
with the minimum speed, so we look back to
our example in Figure 2d. Remember that the
first Affinity Law states that the speed directly
changes the flow. To define your operating band-
width, subtract the minimum speed from the
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plus 20 percent satisfies the 80/20 rule; therefore,
this system will operate at 2,980 rpm 80 percent
of the time. Repeat this step for each portion of
the load profile.
• 3,500 rpm – 2,860 rpm = 640 rpm
• 640 rpm * 20 percent = 120 rpm
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e-mail articles@psdmagazine.org.

PEER to PEER
By Haig Demergian, PE, CIPE
Who Are These Plumbing Engineers?

Last year, one of the local radio stations in the Los Angeles (This number of votes is more than any U.S. president has ever
area ran an advertisement for a residential plumbing contrac- received during any presidential election.)
tor seeking customers for his plumbing services. The business The title of the show, American Idol, is quite amazing. The
owner promised that his plumbers would arrive on time and dictionary defines an idol as “an image of a god, used as an
smell good, or the service call would be free. Further, he com- object of worship.”
pared his services to some of his competitors, saying that they I believe something is wrong here. Our population, craving to
arrive late and smell bad. Apparently this type of advertising is be entertained and drawn in by clever advertising, is idolizing
effective in attracting customers. On the other hand, I believe the wrong heroes.
that such practices create the wrong perception about our pro- To paraphrase some notable philosophers of the 20th century,
fession. we are told that human action changes technology, not that
You might say, “Why do we care? We are plumbing engineers, technology changes human action. Throughout history, tech-
not plumbers.” That is exactly what I want to discus. A large nology in general has allowed people to accomplish more in
majority of the population does not know the difference between less time.
plumbing engineers and plumbers, and even worse, many have Plumbing technology, on the other hand, has been developed
no idea what each does. For them, we are all “plumbers.” (Inci- and continues to evolve to provide efficient, safe, and adequate
dentally, the name comes from the Latin word plumbum, which systems for potable water for drinking, food preparation, and
means lead, since lead was the choice water pipe material 2,000 bathing, as well as disposal of wastewater, while protecting
years ago. Skilled lead workers were called plumbarius, and they humanity against the spread of viruses and bacteria through
were highly rated and respected in their society.) water and wastewater.
Let me illustrate the problem by telling you about a recent During the 14th century in Europe, the spread of diseases
encounter. Last year I participated in a small seminar. The other (cholera, typhoid fever, dysentery, and malaria) though infected
participants were from varied professions—lawyers, accoun- water killed millions of people. In the United States at the end
tants, journalists, business managers, etc.—with different back- of the Civil War, calculated casualties of the war were half that
grounds than engineering. caused by the diseases transmitted through infected water and
At the beginning of the seminar, as usual, everyone was unsanitary conditions at the time.
invited to introduce himself or herself and briefly describe The fact is that today plumbing technology protects society
his or her profession. After I introduced myself as a plumbing from reoccurrence of such calamities and should be noticed.
engineer, one of the women attending the seminar asked me to Before plumbing engineers can be recognized and appreciated,
give her my telephone number. For a few moments I believed the public at large must be aware of our contribution to the wel-
that I had made a very good impression on her. But this thought fare of civilization.
immediately went out the window, because she continued to Plumbing engineers, contractors, suppliers, and inspectors
tell us that there was a water leak in her kitchen and that she should be recognized for what they are doing and not by their
needed the leak repaired immediately because some friends smell or other trivial attributes.
were visiting the next day. At this time, the woman sitting next Plumbing technology is no longer a matter of convenience or
to me confirmed that I am a good choice, saying, “He smells comfort. Today, proper plumbing design and construction are a
good.” I guess she heard the same radio advertisement. matter of life or death, as demonstrated many times during the
I graciously declined the request to fix the water leak and history of mankind.
explained to the seminar participants that I am a plumbing Changing the public’s perception of plumbing technology
engineer and that I am not involved in residential plumbing will take time and a lot of effort from all of us involved in this
repairs such as clogged toilets and water leaks. profession. We are the most qualified to do this job, and we
This is a true example to get to my point: The population at must start this complex task soon.
large does not know what the plumbing engineering profession Or maybe we should hire the “idol makers” from Holly-
is, nor do they know plumbing engineers’ contribution to the wood?
public’s well-being.
This begs the following question: Why don’t they know more
about our profession? Who must be blamed for the lack of
knowledge of plumbing technology and plumbing engineering
Haig Demergian, PE, CIPE, is a plumbing
as a profession? In this case, the answer is clear and simple. We engineering consultant with more than 36 years
must blame ourselves for this unfortunate situation. of experience. He is Education Committee Chair
of ASPE’s Los Angeles Chapter and an instructor at
Idol Makers University of California Los Angeles Extension for
The American Idol television show requires viewers to par- Plumbing Systems Design.
ticipate, by vote, in selecting the male and female winners
each week. During the final show of the 2006 season, more
than 63 million votes were cast to select the “American Idol.”

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Designer’s Notebook
By Joseph V. Messina, CPD
What Plumbing Designers Need to Know

About Valves, Part 1
Everyone at some time or another has to determine which raised out of or lowered into a double-seated sluice to permit
valve is best for a particular application. All valves serve the pur- flow or completely shut off flow. When fully open, the passage-
pose of controlling the flow of fluids through a piping system. way through the valve has the same diameter as the pipe to
Valves come in many sizes, shapes, designs, and materials. which it is attached.
Proper selection is very important to ensure that the valve will The seats and discs of a gate valve come in a number of styles
perform to its best ability in the system for which it was selected. to suit different conditions. Bronze and iron valves have bronze
This article, the first of two, discusses the basic manually oper- or bronze-faced seating surfaces, and iron valves may be all
ated valves—gate, globe, angle, ball, butterfly, and check—which iron surfaces. For hard-to-hold fluids such as air and gasoline,
are used to start and stop the flow in a system, regulate flow, and a nonmetallic composition disc is available. Discs can be classi-
prevent backflow. In Part 2, I will cover valve materials, compo- fied as solid-wedge discs, double discs, or split-wedge discs. The
nents, connections, working pressures, and where to use what solid-wedge disc is a single-tapered disc, thin at the bottom and
type of valve. thicker at the top, and is forced into a similar-shape seat. The
Valve manufacturers abide by approval standards of the Man- double and split-wedge discs are designed with two discs back
ufacturers Standardization Society (MSS), state and local codes, to back with a spreading device between them. The gate drops
Underwriters Laboratories, FM Global, American Petroleum into the seat with the final turns of the valve stem, which forces
Institute (API), American Water Works Association (AWWA), and spreads the two discs outward against the seat.
American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE), and the American The advantages of the gate valve follow:
National Standards Institute (ANSI). • It is good for on/off service.
Gate Valves • When fully open, there is a low pressure drop through the
The function of the gate valve (Figure 1) is to start and stop valve.
flow, and it is intended to operate either fully open or fully • It is bi-directional.
closed. When fully open, it has the least resistance to flow. The
However, the gate valve is not for throttling. Flow through a
gate valve is named because of the wedge (gate) that is either
partially open gate valve causes vibration and chattering, and
subjects the disc and seat to wear. Also, because it is constructed
Figure 1 Gate valve of metal-to-metal seating, the gate valve is not the best choice
for frequent operation, and it is very difficult to make into an
automated valve. A gate valve is recommended when a bypass
valve is used, and it should be provided where the differential
pressure exceeds 200 pounds per square inch (psi) on valves 4½
to 6 inches and 100 psi on valves 8 inches and larger. Long peri-
ods of non-use may also cause the valves to “freeze up” because
of internal corrosion.
Globe Valve
The globe valve (Figure 2) is much more acceptable of varied
flow than the gate valve. It can operate barely open or fully open
with very little wear to the valve seat and disc, which is why it
is recommended for throttling and balancing applications.
The flow can be gauged by the number of turns of the wheel.
The contact between the seat and the disc ends when the flow
begins, which minimizes seat erosion.
Like the gate valve, the globe valve has a number of disc and
seat arrangements. They are classified as conventional disc,
plug-type disc, or composition disc. The conventional disc is a
relatively flat disc with beveled edges. On closure of the valve,
the disc is pushed down into a beveled, circular seat. The plug-
type disc is much more tapered, which increases the contact
surface between the disc and the seat. This type of disc is resis-
tant to the cutting effects of dirt, scale, and other foreign matter.
Unlike the other types of discs, the composition disc fits over the
seat. This allows the valve to be used for many more services,
such as compressed air, and makes it easy to repair.

Figure 2 Globe valve plumbing engineers and designers should consider using a
water hammer arrestor either on the line or near the installation
of the valve. If this isn’t done, water hammer may damage the
components, piping, and fittings.
The ball valve is available in one-, two-, and three-piece body
types (Figure 4). The one-piece body is machined from a solid
bar of stock material or is a one-piece casing. The ball is inserted
into the end for assembly, and the body insert that acts as the
seat ring is threaded in against the ball. The two-piece body is
the same as the one-piece valve, with the exception that the
body insert is larger and acts as an end bushing. The three-piece
body consists of a center body section containing the ball that
fits between two body end pieces. Two or more body bolts hold
the entire assembly together. This design allows the valve to be
repaired without removing surrounding piping. The three-piece
ball valve is recommended for utility services.
Some of the advantages of a (quarter-turn) ball valve are:
• bubble-tight shutoff;
• quick 90-degree open/close (not torque-dependent of seat-
The advantages of the globe valve are that it provides a posi- ing);
tive, bubble-tight shutoff; it is good for frequent operation; and • straight-through unobstructed flow;
it is easy to repair. Yet because of the flow path, it causes a sig-
• easy automation capability;
nificant pressure drop. Also, the globe valve is more costly than
other types of valves. • compact size; and
• long life cycle.
Angle Valves
The angle valve (Figure 3) is very much like the globe valve On the other hand, the ball valve’s temperature and pressure
regarding operation, but the angle valve also can serve as a 90- range are limited because of the material of the seats, and the
degree elbow and often is used as a shutoff at individual fixtures. cavity around the ball traps media that cannot be drained from
It is less resistant to flow because the flow has to change direc- the valve. Also, the valve is susceptible to freezing, expansion,
tion twice instead of three times. Like the globe valve, it is avail- and increased pressure due to drastic temperature changes.
able with conventional, plug-type, and composition discs. It has
Butterfly Valve
the same advantages and disadvantages as the globe valve.
The butterfly valve is most commonly used in place of a
Ball Valves gate valve in situations where bubble-free shutoff is required.
The ball valve is a valve with a drilled steel ball that swivels They are manufactured in sizes from 1 inch to 72 inches. When
on a vertical axis and is operated with a handle. The steel ball closed, it has a very tight seal and can be installed in tight spaces
works against the seat of the valve; due to a quarter turn of the between pipe flanges. The butterfly valve is available with sev-
handle for complete on/off operation, the ball valve
is referred to as a quick-closing valve, which means Figure 4 Ball valve
Figure 3 Angle valve

Designer’s Notebook
Figure 5 Butterfly valve The lift check valve operates in such a
manner that the disc is forced open and closed
with pressure depending on the direction of
flow. The lift check valve is used for gases and
compressed air and in fluid systems.
The swing check valve offers the least
pressure drop and has a simple operation.
When fluid flow through a pipe stops or
flow and gravity reverse, the flapper closes
the valve. The lift check comes in in-line
and globe-style body patterns. Both cause a
greater pressure drop than the swing check.
One style of lift check is spring-actuated for
immediate closure when flow stops and is
sometimes referred to as the “silent check”
because the springs closes the valve before
eral types of operators, motorized and manual, and a variety gravity is reversed, which may cause the flap-
of component material combinations. The two most common per to slam shut.
body types are the wafer body and lug body. The wafer body is Valves are one of the most important components in a piping
placed between pipe flanges, and the flange bolts surround the system. Without valves, we have no way to control, shut down,
valve body (Figure 5a). The lug body has protruding lugs that and monitor a piping system. This article covered the basics
provide bolt holes matching those in the flanges (Figure 5b). types of manually operated valves, their operation, and their
The design of the butterfly valve allows it to fit into tight spaces advantages and disadvantages. In the next issue, I will go into
where a gate valve would not fit. more detail about where and when to use each type.
The butterfly valve has a bubble-tight shutoff from resilient
seats and a quick 90-degree open/close,
which requires the use of water hammer Figure 6 Check valve
arrestors as with ball valves. It is easier to
automate then multi-turn valves; it is cost-
effective compared to other valves; and
there is a broad selection of trim materi-
als that can match different types of fluids.
Also, the butterfly valve offers a long life
cycle. Some of its disadvantages are that it
cannot be used with steam, and gear opera-
tors are needed for 8-inch and larger but-
terfly valves to aid in operation and protect
against operating too quickly, which can
cause water hammer.
Check Valves
Check valves come in two basic types: swing check (Figure 6a)
and lift check (Figure 6b). Both of these check valves serve the Resources
same purpose—to prevent backflow. American Society of Plumbing Engineers Data Book, Volume 4:
With a swing check, the flapper operates by swinging out of Plumbing Components and Equipment, Chapter 3, “Valves.”
the way to allow a straight-through flow (hence the name, swing Michael Frankel. Facility Piping Systems Handbook. American
check). A word of caution when using a swing check valve: The Society of Plumbing Engineers.
flapper may possibly stay open a few seconds after the reversal
of flow begins. This can allow the velocity of backflow to rise to
such a point that closure can damage the valve or the system
by means of water hammer. Therefore, when specifying a swing Joseph V. Messina, CPD, is the discipline director
check valve, specify it with either a weight or a spring to ensure of plumbing engineering for CUH2A Inc., Architecture,
Engineering, Planning in Atlanta. He has more than
closure during backflow and seating to provide tighter shutoff. 30 years experience specializing in plumbing and fire
protection design of instructional, research, and medical
facilities. For more information or to comment on this
article, e-mail articles@psdmagazine.org.
All figures in this column are from the Facility Piping Systems Handbook.

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Case Study—The Challenges of Green Building
C
onstructing the buildings of today’s high-tech world often
presents multiple challenges to those of us in the design
and construction industry. These challenges include
everything from reduced design time lines to accelerated con-
struction schedules and limited budgets, all of which must be
effectively managed for the successful completion of a project.
Whether a building is simple or complex, its design and construc-
tion can offer valuable lessons, though they may not be apparent
at the time. Allow us to share one such story.
CORTEX One: Half-empty or Half-full?

A Lesson in Water Conservation
by Paul Todd Merrill, PE, LEED AP, and

Steve Niehoff, CID, CIC, CLIA

CORTEX One, a speculative biotech research building in St. Research laboratory buildings have a significant impact on
Louis, included traditional project problems as well as the chal- natural resource energy consumption. As an example, CORTEX
lenge of providing plumbing and mechanical systems to support One is designed with an 8-inch combination fire/domestic
a wide variety of potential research laboratory tenant needs. water service, split into 4-inch service for domestic water and
In addition, the enlightened ownership team insisted that the 6-inch service for fire protection. (A typical office building ser-
project pursue certification in the U.S. Green Building Council’s vice would have been provided with a much smaller supply.)
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) pro- In addition, the average electrical tenant capacity installed is
gram. Of course, this task was to be accomplished without any close to 30 watts per square foot—200 percent greater than the
hitches and at no—or very minimal—additional cost. The team conventional standard of 10 watts per square foot. A significant
had its work cut out for it! amount of energy is required to generate (produce), distribute,
and deliver this much energy to the building. The supplemental
CORTEX One
capacity strategy also was provided for natural gas service, heat-
The 56,000-square-foot building footprint was constructed on
ing and cooling systems, and building envelope systems. Each
a 4.6-acre mixed residential/commercial site within a densely
independent system needed to be sufficient to support a wide
populated urban area in midtown St. Louis. The site had previ-
variety of tenant needs and loads.
ously supported several residential and commercial structures
and is in an area undergoing revitalization. Other similar bio-
tech research facilities are planned for this area to build on the
biotech future for St. Louis. The CORTEX One project was con- The CORTEX One Design and Construction Team
ceived to set the bar for others to follow. The ownership group is a HOK: Design architect
partnership of major health care, research, education, for-profit, Forum Studio: Architect
and not-for-profit entities within the St. Louis community. Clayco: General contractor
The initial building in St. Louis’ Center of Research, Technol- Stock and Associates: Civil engineer
ogy, and Entrepreneurial Expertise (CORTEX) development, Solutions AEC: Commissioning agent
CORTEX One achieved LEED certification for the core and Byrne and Jones Construction: Asphalt paving
shell construction as part of the LEED-CS pilot program in the Environmental Operations Inc.: Demolition and abatement
spring of 2006. The LEED-CS program is for designers, builders, Waldbart and Sons Nursery: Landscaping
and new building owners who want to implement sustainable Concrete Strategies: Structural concrete and tilt-up
design for new core and shell construction. In a speculative Vee Jay Concrete: Concrete and flatwork
building like CORTEX One, future tenants control the buildout Hammerts Iron Works: Steel erection
of their space, while the developer controls construction of the C. Martin Roofing: Roofing contractor
structure, envelope, and building-level systems such as central George McDonnell and Sons: Caulking and sealants
HVAC. Bi-State Fire Protection: Fire protection contractor
The stunning $36 million, three-story, 165,000-square-foot Missouri Valley Glass Company: Curtain wall glazing
project also has been recognized with awards from the Mid- Flooring Systems Inc.: Flooring contractor
America Chapter of the Design-Build Institute of America, St. Gateway Acoustics: Acoustics
Louis Construction News and Real Estate, the St. Louis Council Legacy Building Group: Carpentry and millwork
of Construction Consumers, and the St. Louis Concrete Coun- Icon Mechanical: Mechanical contractor
cil. PayneCrest Electric: Electrical contractor
The Sustainable Vision of the Project
Incorporating sustainable measures into the biotech research
facility was an early goal for the ownership team. How could
they build such an advanced facility and not be conscious of Evaluation of Alternatives to Achieve LEED Credits
the building’s energy consumption and environmental impact? The ownership group, the design team, and the construc-
How could the owners look back on their development and not tion team worked together to investigate all potential credits
be able to call the building LEED-certified? If the owners were that could be achieved to support LEED certification. All were
planning to validate the research building as such, why not also involved in the determination of achievable credits based on site
include LEED validation as well? How could the ownership logistics, the available budget, and the construction schedule.
team further demonstrate its commitment to life sciences? Thankfully, the requirements for the project already called for a
To the delight of the ownership team, potential researcher very efficient building envelope and roofing system, energy-effi-
tenants for the building shared their sustainability goals. The cient lighting systems and controls, and a high-efficiency chilled
ownership group found that LEED certification differentiates water/heating water central plant to initially support most of the
the building from other speculative research buildings in the LEED credits pursued for the project.
marketplace. Building tenants also have found it easier to attract However, to achieve the additional LEED credits needed for
good employees to a building that offers high indoor air qual- certification, the team had to carefully evaluate a number of
ity and plenty of natural daylight in the work areas. Employees site storm water and domestic water use reduction credits to
further appreciate the attention paid to environmental stew- determine their feasibility for the project. As it turned out, these
ardship efforts made during the design and construction of the water-related credits had to be thoroughly explained and sold to
building. the ownership group. After initial discussions, vegetative roof-
ing systems, porous asphalt surfaces, and low-flow plumbing
fixtures were discarded because the ownership group was not
COVER FEATURE: Case Study—The Challenges of Green Building
interested in the perceived additional maintenance require- Considering a Rainwater Harvest System
ments of these alternatives. We learned that it is best to review A rainwater harvest system was considered for use as a supple-
all options with an owner to gauge the extent of realistic possi- mental water source for flush-type plumbing fixtures, cooling
bilities before embarking on evaluating every conceivable alter- tower makeup water, and landscape irrigation. The roof drain
nate. It’s best to limit the choices that need to be investigated. system included separately piped primary and overflow roof
The LEED prerequisite for soil and erosion control measures drains within concealed vertical chases on the east and west
was achieved by a properly designed and implemented plan of (short) ends of the building. Rather than gravity drain all storm
action. We worked closely with our civil engineer design partner, water to the site storm water piping system, the alternate design
Stock and Associates from St. Louis, to install appropriate silt- was to collect discharge from the roof drains directly into under-
ation control straw bales, temporary vegetation, and silt fencing ground storage vessels on both sides of the building and pump
measures, which were continuously inspected and maintained the chlorinated supply back into the building. If necessary, the
throughout the duration of construction. The site was a rela- storage tanks would overflow into the municipal source if the
tively balanced site; however, the project setback limits were at rainwater source exceeded the plumbing and irrigation needs
the minimum, and there was little distance between construc- at the time.
tion activities and existing curb inlets. Using annual rainfall at the project location, the team pro-
Storm water management, rate, and quantity control for the jected a total of approximately 1.2 million gallons of rainwater
project posed a potential opportunity for LEED credits from day capacity. In contrast, the projected annual water demand for
one. The predevelopment conditions of the site contained almost the core/shell building included 350,000 gallons for flush-type
86 percent impervious surfaces, and even a slight improvement plumbing, 625,000 gallons for the landscape irrigation system,
to quantity reduction could yield potential LEED storm water and 1 million gallons for cooling tower makeup water.
reduction credits. To reduce the domestic water use by 30 percent, 100,000 gal-
As a baseline, and if no storm water reduction alternate mea- lons of rainwater would need to be used as the supply. In addi-
sures were accepted, the post-developed site conditions were to tion, considering the rainwater harvest system to support an
include an overall reduction in building area and an improve- additional LEED water-efficient landscaping credit, resulting
ment in impervious surface areas to reduce the storm water in a 50 percent reduction in landscape irrigation system water
quantity by 3 percent. To achieve the LEED storm water man- needs, more than 400,000 gallons of rainwater would need to be
agement, rate, and quantity credit for a predeveloped site, the used as supply. These measures would have potentially qualified
storm water reduction must be at least 25 percent. for three or four additional LEED credits by using the rainwater
The project architect, plumbing designer, landscape designer, harvesting for a portion of the cooling tower makeup water and
and civil engineer worked together very hard to investigate further reducing the post-development storm water discharge
potential synergistic LEED credits that could be achieved by amounts; however, the initial cost of the supplemental plumb-
storm water quantity reduction. A rainwater harvest system and ing supply piping, valves, and storage tank and piping was such
a high-efficiency landscape and irrigation system were investi- a premium cost that the payback was nearly 80 years.
gated as alternative measures to reduce storm water discharge After many design and pricing rounds, the project team and
and potentially reduce domestic water consumption. the ownership group decided against the rainwater harvest
Low-impact vegetation surrounds the south-

facing exterior patio areas. Patios are enjoyed
year-round by building occupants.

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COVER FEATURE: Case Study—The Challenges of Green Building
system due to initial cost and installation schedule restrictions.

The team had to investigate other measures to capture the nec-
essary LEED credits for certification.
Landscape Irrigation Measures
Ultimately, the project team, led by Merlo Plumbing Company
of St. Louis, which specializes in the design and construction of
highly efficient commercial irrigation systems, in conjunction
with the landscape designer, Waldbart and Sons Landscape,
worked closely to design, install, and maintain the necessary
measures to realize the 50 percent landscaping water use reduc-
tion credit through the use of xeriscaping, hydrozoning, and
water conservation design techniques and products. A “smart”
irrigation controller was installed to automatically control the
system based on the actual recorded climate data via an on-site
weather station. Merlo Plumbing welcomed the opportunity
and challenge to work with the team to provide a system that
A Weathermatic SL1600 controller
would reflect the owners’ desire to match building efficiencies
and SLW20 weather station was
with site construction conditions.
installed to collect site-specific
Pre-design analysis consisted of a detailed review of the plant-
climate information. The unit is
ing plan with Waldbart and Sons and the construction team to
mounted on the south exposure of
identify areas of potential water savings based on plant species
the building site in close proximity
selection, polar orientation of the plantings, and site and other
to building vegetation.
factors such as hardscapes, screening areas, and employee inter-
action that may affect the final design of the irrigation system.
Green space calculations (see Table 1) were used to develop
a baseline water use estimate for the site for the April through
October growing season based on a reference evapotranspira-
tion (ET) value. The ET value represents the total water used Increase Water Conservation by Equipment. Irrigation
by plants and lost by evaporation from the soil at peak water equipment was selected based on water conservation principles
demand periods during the summer, with sliding reductions for for the product. Pressure-regulating heads were utilized to main-
the cooler and wetter periods found at the beginning and end tain the optimal operating pressure and discharge rate regard-
of the growing season. Historic rainfall amounts, reduced by 50 less of fluctuating inlet pressures, applying water uniformly
percent for runoff and other losses, also were factored into the throughout the entire zone. Integral check valves installed at
calculations to yield the baseline estimated water usage. the base of the sprinkler heads keep water from draining out of
Reduce Water Use Through Xeriscaping. As a measure to the lateral lines once a zone is turned off, eliminating the con-
maximize water savings, the landscape designer recommended stant drain and refill process common with many systems. The
installing drought-tolerant native plants that do not require irri- master valve, programmed with a weather station rain sensor,
gation for survival once established. Approximately 21 percent provides master control of the entire system. Drip piping also
of the green space was planted with this material, realizing sub- was utilized for select zones to help achieve direct application
stantial water savings without sacrificing aesthetics or needing to the root zones and increase water savings.
to rely on hardscape materials only.
Table 1 Landscape irrigation water calculations

Square % of 1 Inch Gross Water Total Water per
Feet Area Acres per Week Efficiency per Week Season
Savings from native plants Total green space 24,000 100% 0.55 14,930 55% 27,145.52 624,346.89 100%
Irrigated area 19,000 79% 0.44 11,820 55% 21,490.20 494,274.62 79%
Non-irrigated area 5,000 21% 0.11 3,110 55% 5,655.32 130,072.27 21%
Savings from design and equipment upgrades Total green space 24,000 100% 0.55 14,930 55% 27,145.52 624,346.89
Irrigated area 19,000 79% 0.44 11,820 55% 21,490.20 494,274.62
Irrigated area 19,000 79% 0.44 11,820 65% 18,184.02 418,232.37
76,042.25
Savings from ET clock Irrigated area 19,000 79% 0.44 11,820 65% 18,184.02 418,232.37
20–50% savings can be expected. We will use 30%. 30% 125,469.71
Baseline water estimate 624,350 gallons

LEED credit: 50% water reduction 312,175 gallons
Water savings in gallons from table 130,072 + 76,042 + 125,469 = 331,583
CORTEX projected savings 331,583 gallons or 53%

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requires ongoing commitment to ensure that all techniques,
zones. Turf areas were zoned separate from bed areas; plant-
ings requiring shade were zoned separate from those requiring products, and measures instilled can be quantifiably measured
direct sun. Zoning also was adjusted after analysis of additional in water savings, dollars, and plant health.
factors that could increase or decrease the microclimate area, Lessons Learned
such as reflective heat from pavements, building exterior, and In working with a client on a LEED project, it can be easy for a
hardscape surfaces. team to quickly choose those LEED credits that are “low hang-
Implement New Technologies. An ET-based controller ing” and initially easy to achieve. There is a point in the process
monitors water use by the plants and soil evaporation, and at which it becomes apparent that additional credits need to be
automatically programs zones to replace water deficit based studied in depth to actually accumulate the correct quantity of
on site-specific parameters to ensure water conservation and LEED credits to obtain certification. It is at this point that the
eliminate over- or under-watering. Weather data is collected on design and construction team must clearly explain and sell the
site through the use of a mini-weather station installed in one of alternatives and benefits of each credit to the owner. For the
the non-irrigated areas to ensure the system’s water needs are CORTEX One project, discussion of the site and water-related
specific to the project site only. credits should have occurred at an earlier point for a better
In the past, to achieve ET-based technology, building owners understanding of their impact. It would have been fantastic to
had to pay for elaborate equipment or tap into existing remote implement a rainwater harvest system for the project, but the
weather stations’ information via modem connections and pay team should have started discussions at an earlier phase.
for weather data subscriptions. Often these remote stations were Regardless, the evaluation process of water reduction mea-
many miles away and were not experiencing the same weather sures by the design and construction team, while working
conditions, resulting in inaccurate information. within a very tight construction schedule, resulted in the entire
“Smart” irrigation technology has an extensive history of sci- project team developing a far greater understanding of specific
entific and field documentation. Golf courses, parks, and ath- site-related LEED requirements, storm water reduction mea-
letic departments have used climate-based irrigation systems sures, and use of native and low-impact landscape and irriga-
for more than 20 years. As the technology becomes more afford- tion methods.
able, use of these systems for commercial and even residential
irrigation systems will increase, supported by regulatory agen-
cies continuing to push water conservation issues. This technol-
ogy will stay in the forefront and remain the driving force behind
the landscape irrigation market.
Finally, an ongoing maintenance program, including seasonal
irrigation system inspections and operation verification, and
landscape preventive maintenance, such as adequate mulch
Paul Todd Merrill, PE, LEED AP, leads
levels to hold moisture for use by the plants and core aeration the sustainable construction efforts at Clayco,
and de-thatching, were implemented, both of which increase a design/build contractor based in St. Louis
infiltration rates of the soil profile, thus preventing runoff and and one of the nation’s largest privately owned
real estate development, architecture, and
waste. After the first season, significant inefficiencies begin to engineering design/build and construction firms.
degrade the distribution uniformity and, if left unchecked, can Steve Niehoff, CID, CIC, CLIA, leads
result in significant water waste. A desire for water conservation the landscape irrigation and LEED design and
is not a one-time design challenge or goal, but a philosophy that construction activities at Merlo Plumbing
Company Inc., a St. Louis-based design-build
plumbing subcontractor with expertise in
plumbing and irrigation systems for a wide
variety of healthcare, research, commercial and
institutional clients. He is also an IA Certified
Irrigation Designer.

Acetic Acid, up to 10% Arsenic Acid Calcium Hydroxide Cupric Sulfate
Acetone, up to 5% Barium Carbonate Calcium Hypochlorite Cuprous Chloride
Adipic Acid, sat’d in water Barium Chloride Calcium Nitrate Dextrin
Alum, all varieties Barium Hydroxide Calcium Oxide Dextrose
Aluminum Acetate Barium Nitrate Calcium Sulfate Disodium Phosphate
Aluminum Chloride Barium Sulfate Can Sugar Liquors Distilled Water
Aluminum Fluoride Barium Sulfide Carbon Dioxide EDTA, Tetrasodium
Aluminum Hydroxide Beer Carbon Monoxide Ethanol, up to 5%
Aluminum Nitrate Beet Sugar Liquors Carbonic Acid Ethylene Glycol, up to 50%
Aluminum Sulfate Benzoic Acid, sat’d in water Caustic Potash Ferric Chloride
Ferric Hydroxide
Ferric Nitrate
Ferric Sulfate
There are a lot of folks trying to convince you that our new Ferrous Chloride
Ferrous Hydroxide
ChemDrain™ chemical waste drainage system won’t do the job. Ferrous Sulfate
Fluosilicic Acid, 30%
But that’s ok, we’re used to handling caustic agents.
Formic Acid, up to 25%
Fructose
Glucose
Ammonium Acetate Bismuth Carbonate Caustic Soda Glycerine
Ammonium Benzoate Black Liquor Chloric Acid Green Liquor
Ammonium Bifluoride Bleach, household (5% Cl) Chlorinated water, (hypochlorite) Hydrochloric Acid
Ammonium Carbonate Bleach, industrial (15% Cl) Chlorine, trace in air Hydrochloric Acid, 36% (conc.)
Ammonium Chloride Borax Chlorine dioxide, aqueous, sat’d Hydrofluoric Acid, 3%
Ammonium Citrate Boric Acid Chlorine water, sat’d Hydrofluosilicic Acid, 30%
Ammonium Dichromate Brine Acid Chromic Acid, 40% (conc.) Hydrogen Peroxide, 50%
Ammonium Fluoride Bromine, aqueous, sat’d Chromium Nitrate Hydrogen Sulfide, Aqueous
Ammonium Nitrate Butyric Acid, up to 1% Citric Acid Hypochlorous Acid
Ammonium Persulfate Cadmium Acetate Copper Acetate Kraft Liquors
Ammonium Phosphate Cadmium Chloride Copper Carbonate Lactic Acid, 25%
Ammonium Sulfamate Cadmium Sulfate Copper Chloride Lactic Acid, 85% (Full strength)
Ammonium Sulfate Calcium Acetate Copper Cyanide Lead Acetate
Ammonium Sulfide Calcium Bisulfide Copper Fluoride Lead Chloride
Ammonium Thiocyanate Calcium Bisulfite Copper Nitrate Lead Nitrate
Ammonium Tartrate Calcium Carbonate Copper Sulfate Lead Sulfate
Antimony Trichloride Calcium Chlorate Corn Syrup Lithium Chloride
Aqua Regia Calcium Chloride Cupric Fluoride Lithium Sulfate

Lubricating Oil, ASTM 1, 2, 3 Potassium Bicarbonate Silver Sulfate Sodium Tripolyphosphate
Magnesium Carbonate Potassium Bichromate Soaps Stannic Chloride
Magnesium Chloride Potassium Bisulfate Sodium Acetate Stannous Chloride
Magnesium Citrate Potassium Borate Sodium Aluminate Stannous Sulfate
Magnesium Fluoride Potassium Bromate Sodium Arsenate Starch
Magnesium Hydroxide Potassium Bromide Sodium Benzoate Stearic Acid
Magnesium Salts, inorganic Potassium Carbonate Sodium Bicarbonate Strontium Chloride
Magnesium Nitrate Potassium Chlorate Sodium Bichromate Sugar
Magnesium Oxide Potassium Chloride Sodium Bisulfate Sulfamic Acid
Magnesium Sulfate Potassium Chromate Sodium Bisulfite Sulfur
Maleic Acid, 50% Potassium Cyanate Sodium Borate Sulfuric Acid, 98%
Manganese Sulfate Potassium Cyanide Sodium Bromide Sulfuric Acid, 85%
Mercuric Chloride Potassium Dichromate Sodium Carbonate Sulfuric Acid, 80%
Mercuric Cyanide Potassium Ferricyanide Sodium Chlorate Sulfuric Acid, 50%
Mercuric Sulfate Potassium Ferrocyanide Sodium Chloride Tannic Acid, 30%
Mercurous Nitrate Potassium Fluoride Sodium Chlorite Tartaric Acid
Mercury Potassium Hydroxide Sodium Chromate Tetrasodiumpyrophosphate
Methane Sulfonic Acid Potassium Hypochlorite Sodium Cyanide Trisodium Phosphate
Methanol, up to 10% Potassium Iodide Sodium Dichromate Urea
Mineral Oil Potassium Nitrate Sodium Ferricyanide Urine
Motor Oil Potassium Perborate Sodium Ferrocyanide Vinegar
Muriatic Acid Potassium Perchlorate, sat’d Sodium Fluoride Water, Deionized
Nickel Acetate Potassium Permanganate, sat’d Sodium Formate Water, Demineralized
Nickel Chloride Potassium Persulfate, sat’d Sodium Hydroxide Water, Distilled
Nickel Nitrate Potassium Phosphate Sodium Hypobromite Water, Salt
Nickel Sulfate Potassium Sulfate Sodium Hypochlorite Water, Swimming Pool
Nitric Acid, up to 25% Potassium Sulfide Sodium Iodide White Liquor
Nitric Acid, 25 - 35% Potassium Sulfite Sodium Metaphosphate Zinc Acetate
Nitric Acid, 70% Potassium Tripolyphosphate Sodium Nitrate Zinc Carbonate
Oxalic Acid, sat’d Propanol, up to 0.5% Sodium Nitrite Zinc Chloride
Oxygen Propionic Acid, up to 2% Sodium Perborate Zinc Nitrate
Ozonized Water Propylene Glycol, up to 25% Sodium Perchlorate Zinc Sulfate
Paraffin Sea Water Sodium Phosphate
Perchloric Acid, 10% Silicic Acid Sodium Silicate
Phosphoric Acid Silicone Oil Sodium Sulfate
Plating Solutions Silver Chloride Sodium Sulfide
Potash Silver Cyanide Sodium Sulfite
Potassium Acetate Silver Nitrate Sodium Thiosulfate
Above is just a partial list of all the chemical compounds that ChemDrain,
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THE WORLD of DESIGN/BUILD
By Michael E. Smith, CPD
Hot’s on the Left

I remember well the slight flash of anger that welled up inside no more and no less? Would he know how to make a lead and
me when I heard the often-quoted phrase, “Hot’s on the left; oakum joint? Had he ever used snap cutters? Had he ever been
cold’s on the right.” The reason for my irritation centered on the burned by hot molten solder?
person speaking those words. He was not a plumber. He was an I assumed that the rest room facilities at his office were some-
architect, and he wasn’t able to finish the phrase (nor can I, not what nicer than the portable johns that field plumbers are
in print anyway) because he was at a meeting with the owner, made to use. I also assumed that his average workday was spent
the general contractor, and the MEP design team—polite com- in temperature-controlled comfort. Plumbers seldom enjoy
pany, so to speak. Did I mention we were in a church? One of the the creature comforts offered by a completed building. I can
owners of this project is the pastor of a local parish, and we were remember standing on the sixth floor of a new building that was
meeting to discuss his congregation’s new church. nothing but slabs and steel. I was operating a core drill to drill
The owner called the meeting to assemble the church’s building holes in the slab for the storm risers. It was January—windy and
committee along with the design and construction teams to go cold! The wind whipped around the building, freezing the tears
over the project, discuss plans and specs, address any concerns, to my cheeks. I thought that day would never end.
and outline the construction schedule. The owners were under I wonder how well my architect friend could work if he had to
a certain amount of pressure to sign on the dotted line, and they wear a hard hat, safety glasses, ear plugs, gloves, and steel-toed
wanted to better understand exactly what they were buying. boots, regardless of the temperature.
I sat patiently and silently as the architect described the overall
It’s Just a Tiny Bit More Complicated
building design and layout. The general contractor went over the
Don’t get me wrong. I understand that many of us chose to
site work, permit requirements, and so on. It was then time for
go to college and graduate school to avoid doing manual labor
the MEP design team to address the group. We had been chosen
to make a living. I have great respect for those with sheepskins
by the general contractor to design and build the mechanical,
on their office walls, using their brains to conceive and design
electrical, and plumbing systems for the project.
living and working spaces for all of us.
When it was my turn to talk about the plumbing, I walked to
I also believe that some of us could be a little less dismissive
the front to address the group. That’s when I heard him: “Yeah,
when we talk about plumbing contractors and the field person-
yeah, we know. Hot’s on the left; cold’s on the right…” As his
nel they employ. Today’s plumber is required to have a good
voice trailed off, I looked across the table and said, “And?”
deal more technical knowledge than years past. Consider back-
“And what?” he asked.
flow prevention. My company spends plenty to keep a number
“You didn’t finish the saying,” I replied.
of our field plumbers certified in the backflow preventer testing
“Well, you know…” he began, and then stopped. He was stam-
that is now required by most jurisdictions. We also have several
mering a bit now, and I could tell he wasn’t quite sure where I
employees certified in the installation of medical gas piping.
was going with this. “Would you like me to finish it for you?” I
The green building industry will rely heavily on the plumber’s
asked. “Sure” he replied, clearly relieved that I had let him off
knowledge of water conveyance to move forward and perfect
the hook. He was probably wondering how I was going to get
water reclamation and conservation techniques.
around using the “s” word in a church.
And don’t forget the potable water supply. Everyone involved
I said to the pastor and his wife, “The saying goes like this: The
in this trade needs to worry about liability when it comes to
hot’s on the left; the cold’s on the right; the effluent flows down-
delivering safe drinking water to the general public. With that in
hill; and that’s all you need to know about plumbing.”
mind, it’s a very good idea for plumbing engineers and plumb-
My new friend the architect relaxed to a spattering of nervous
ing contractors to take the time to get to know each other a little
laughter, and I proceeded to explain the plumbing systems to all
better. I intend to keep using this space to try to get us all to
who would listen.
mentally walk a mile in each other’s shoes.
Hot’s on the Left and Under My Collar Meanwhile, I must admit that my new friend the architect was
That meeting was weeks ago, and I still get irritated when I right. It is hot on the left and cold on the right. But trust me, it’s
think about it. Someone thinking that the plumbing trade can just a tiny bit more complicated than that.
be reduced to some silly old adage just doesn’t sit well with me.
I remember wondering if that architect had ever held a pair of
24- or 36-inch pipe wrenches, one in each hand, and attempted
to crack open a 4-inch union that had been untouched since the
Truman Administration. I wondered if his hands had developed
any calluses from using a hand shovel to shape the bottom of a Michael E. Smith, CPD, is a plumbing/piping
designer/draftsman for Southern Air Inc., a design/build-MEP
ditch to accept the slope and fittings of extra-heavy cast iron pipe. firm in Lynchburg, Va. His work in the construction trades
How many crawl spaces had he worked in, installing pipe in includes surveying, carpentry, masonry, concrete, and drywall
claustrophobic conditions while the critters watched? Did he mechanic/finisher/foreman. To comment on this article or for
more information, e-mail articles@psdmagazine.org.
realize that it takes a good amount of skill to install waste piping
at a constant slope so that the waste flows at 2 feet per second,

I went into the engineering business,
not the mixing valve business.
So when we ran into trouble maintaining water temperature at the
nursing home, I called THE mixing valve specialists at Leonard Valve Company.
I was a young consulting engineer He made the trip, and we went to the
working on a nursing home job and, job. After troubleshooting through the
we ran into a problem: The inspectors night, he challenged the report by the
determined that the water temperature plumber that stated the recirculation
wasn’t being maintained, even though system was balanced. Different slugs of
we had sized the valves according to return were coming back in slugs in
code to handle the high- and low-flow different temperatures.
demands typical in nursing homes. The Leonard engineer was able to
As a result, the nursing home was being balance it all out and achieve consistent
fined $5K per day, and my boss was temperature on the return. After that, I
getting an earful. I called the Leonard became a loyal Leonard specifier.
factory engineer to discuss the problem. Since then I have visited the Leonard
We went over it on the phone and Valve factory. Every valve is tested
identified the cause as an oversized before it goes out so they can catch
valve. He sent me internal parts, and I any problem before it ships. Their
took the guts of a small valve and put quality control is top notch—and so
it in the bigger valve. That helped the is their service.
situation, but didn’t solve the overall
problem. We were still getting spikes Call the mixing valve specialists.
that were creeping up to 150 degrees Call Leonard Valve Company.
at night. I had to try to fix it, or we
would get sued.
I was at my wits’ end because I had
never experienced this type of situation.
At that point I was talking to the
Leonard Valve engineer two to three
1360 Elmwood Avenue
times a day. Finally, he
Cranston, RI 02910
said, “Do you want
Phone: (800) 222-1208 Tim Smith
me to come out there?”
Fax: (401) 941-5310 CIPE/CPD
www.leonardvalve.com Vice President
Metro Design Associates, Inc.
Schaumburg, Illinois

Dispute Resolution
101
Litigation can be expensive. Just ask
for Plumbing Engineers
Negotiation and Settlement

By Steven Nudelman
third parties (one panelist or three pan-

any plumbing engineer who has needed Perhaps the most obvious form of DR elists may be used, depending on the
to hire an attorney to prosecute an action that is often overlooked by parties to a value and complexity of the case). Each
for breach of contract or fraud. Or ask a dispute is negotiation and settlement. side summarizes the evidence before the
parts supplier who has retained counsel Businesspeople may be able to negotiate panelists, who ultimately render an advi-
to defend a complex lawsuit involving 50 a deal to settle their differences—regard- sory (i.e., nonbinding) decision or award.
other codefendants. Even the savvy pro- less of whether a lawsuit has been com- No formal rules of evidence are involved
fessional with the appropriate insurance menced. Both sides are cognizant of the and, as with negotiation and settlement,
coverage may still have to pay a sizable high costs of litigation, which they may you should confirm that any discussions,
deductible if he is sued. (Of course, this wish to factor into a settlement. Negotia- memoranda, and writings pertaining to
assumes that the insurance company tion and settlement are often particularly the settlement conference are privileged,
agrees that there is coverage for the useful at certain milestones in active confidential, for settlement purposes
claims in the lawsuit and agrees to tender litigation, such as before the parties take only, and not to be used in court.
a defense—but that is a topic for another depositions or right after the parties file Early Neutral Evaluation
article!) These costs do not even take into motions. In early neutral evaluation, or ENE, a
account the professional time spent by the While attorneys are generally required neutral third party evaluates written and
plumbing engineer preparing for litiga- if a litigation has already commenced, oral presentations made by both sides. The
tion, participating in discovery, reviewing they often are not needed for a pre-liti- evaluator may be appointed by a court if
documents, giving depositions, making gation negotiation until after the parties litigation has already been commenced, or
motions, and getting ready for trial (to have agreed on all key business terms. the parties may elect to choose someone
say nothing of an appeal!). This process At that point, it is essential to involve an themselves. This person may be someone
takes an inordinate amount of valuable attorney to draft the appropriate settle- in the field, such as another engineer, an
time that is forever lost. It represents ment documentation, releases, and any architect, a construction attorney, or even
business deals not made, customers not other legal papers needed to consummate a retired jurist. Whoever is chosen must be
called, contracts not signed, products not the settlement. This will help ensure that acceptable to all sides.
sold, and work not performed—the list of you have a binding settlement (and that For ENE to be successful, it should occur
opportunity costs goes on and on. you did not waste your time negotiating). early in the process (even before litigation
Surely there has to be a way to resolve Of course, you may wish to involve your starts). This provides the parties with an ini-
business disputes without resorting to attorney earlier in the settlement process tial appraisal of the merits and, if settlement
costly, time-consuming litigation. For- if the matter is particularly contentious. is unsuccessful, helps the parties narrow
tunately, there are many ways, and the Regardless of when your attorney the issues and manage the litigation going
purpose of this article is to provide you becomes involved, you should confirm forward (i.e., map out discovery and other
with a broad overview of some of the with your adversary that any discussions, pretrial deadlines).
most popular methods of dispute resolu- memoranda, and writings pertaining to
tion, or DR. While most of these means of settlement negotiations are privileged, Mediation
resolving disputes require the assistance confidential, for settlement purposes Along with arbitration, mediation is
of an attorney, some do not (at least at only, and not to be used in court. While one of the most popular methods of DR.
the outset). Also, in some cases, depend- most courts have rules making evidence Parties meet with their representatives
ing on the factual circumstances and the of settlement negotiations inadmissible, it (usually attorneys) and a neutral and
parties involved, litigation may in fact be is still important for you to make this clear impartial third-party mediator. Although
quicker and less costly than DR. There are and express disclaimer at the outset. most court rules spell this out, you should
always exceptions to every rule, which is confirm with your adversary and media-
Moderated Settlement tor that any discussions, memoranda,
important for you and your attorney to Conference
remember if you ever have the opportu- and writings pertaining to mediation are
The moderated settlement conference privileged, confidential, for settlement
nity to select a method of DR to resolve a provides an excellent wake-up call to the
business dispute. purposes only, and not to be used in
parties. Attorneys are involved in this court.
process, along with a panel of impartial

The role of the mediator is to facili- to the mediator (in front of each other in tion to be successful (i.e., to result in
tate communication between the par- a joint session). Lawyers typically make a binding settlement), all parties must
ties. He assists with settlement, explores opening statements and frame the issues cooperate. The mediator may offer sug-
the issues, and addresses the needs and before turning the lectern over to the gestions to settle a case, but the ultimate
options of the parties. The mediator experts (who may have PowerPoint pre- resolution rests with the parties. Media-
should be selected based on his expertise sentations). Following the joint session, tion will fail if one of the parties does not
(for example, someone with a plumb- the mediator caucuses with each side take the process seriously. Mediation
ing background or a retired jurist), geo- separately, discussing the strengths and itself is not binding, but it may result in
graphic region, fees and costs, and avail- weaknesses of the case and that particu- a binding settlement. If a binding settle-
ability. (Mediation is popular nowadays, lar party’s needs and abilities. Multiple ment is reached, it is important for the
and a good mediator may be booked sev- caucusing sessions may occur, as well as parties and mediator to spell out the spe-
eral months in advance.) another joint session or two before settle- cific terms, time frame for performance,
Mediation may be commenced volun- ment, adjournment (for the day to be con- and key requirements. Parties also may
tarily by the parties, and in some jurisdic- tinued), or an impasse (when it is clear wish to include a confidentiality provi-
tions it may be court-ordered. (Courts that a settlement will not be reached). sion in the settlement agreement. An
may order parties to participate in media- Mediation is one of the least adver- experienced and thorough mediator will
tion in good faith, but ultimately, courts sarial methods of dispute resolution. It make the parties handwrite the agree-
may not order parties to agree to a settle- is remarkably cost-effective and often ment and sign it in the other party’s pres-
ment through mediation.) Like litigation, results in a binding settlement. Mediation ence. In my experience, this immediate
it is important for parties and their coun- is the most popular form of non-litiga- document preparation goes a long way
sel to prepare for mediation. Often this tion DR in the federal district courts. The toward ensuring a binding settlement
involves engaging an expert, preparing Middle District of Florida—among the (and it may reduce legal fees involved
an expert presentation, and submitting top 10 federal district courts using media- in preparing extensive settlement docu-
a confidential position paper. After these tion—referred more than 1,000 civil cases mentation and exchanging drafts with
preliminary matters are addressed, the to mediation in 2005. More than one-half opposing counsel).
parties meet with the mediator, counsel, of the mediated cases settled through the Arbitration
and their respective experts (typically on mediation process. Unlike mediation, arbitration is bind-
neutral ground, such as the mediator’s While this sounds encouraging, it is ing. It is also a creature of contract. In
office). Both sides make presentations important to remember that for media-
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other words, unless a party agrees to
arbitrate, he or she cannot be required
to arbitrate. Unlike mediation, which
utilizes a mediator as a facilitator, arbitra-
tion utilizes arbitrators to make rulings
and render decisions. One or more neu-
tral and impartial third-party arbitrators
hear and consider evidence (testimony,
documents, experts, etc.) before render-
ing a final and binding decision. With rare
exception (i.e., in certain circumstances
under law or if it is spelled out in the par-
ties’ agreement), arbitration decisions are
final and generally not appealable. After
the arbitrators reach a decision, it may be
reduced to a judgment and enforced in
a court of competent jurisdiction. Many
states have enacted the Uniform Arbi-
tration Act, and federal courts follow the
Federal Arbitration Act. Both of these stat-
utes provide a framework for arbitrations,
setting forth certain requirements for due
process and mechanisms for enforcing
an arbitration award.
Unlike litigation, arbitration is private
and confidential. It can be quicker and
less expensive than litigation; however,
considering that the parties must pay
for the arbitrators’ professional time (as
well as their attorneys’ time), the costs of
arbitration may grow rapidly. While arbi-
trations typically involve an exchange of
documents, they do not generally have
depositions. The whole process is less
formal than litigation, even though arbi-
trations are typically administered by
outside agencies, such as the American
Arbitration Association (AAA), that have
their own administrative and case man-
agement fee structures. While AAA-man-
aged arbitrations may cost more, the AAA
does help expedite the process by coor-
dinating schedules and communicating
with the parties. For more information
about the AAA and the arbitration and
mediation processes in general, I strongly
recommend you visit the AAA website:
www.adr.org. It is an excellent resource
for attorneys and parties.
Litigation
The discussed methods of DR are listed
in order from least formal to most formal
(i.e., most like litigation). To give you an
NOVEMBER 2 – 4
idea of the costs and time involved in liti-
gation, let’s review the stages of a typical
lawsuit (assuming there is such a thing
given the number of variables involved).
www.ASPE.org First, you and your attorney conduct
pre-litigation investigation, where you
review the facts, interview witnesses, and

go over documents. Next, your attorney derived from reaching a settlement of a more of these methods of DR as an affir-
commences the lawsuit in the appropri- lawsuit through mediation in terms of mative tool to help you resolve your busi-
ate court (federal, state, or local) and promoting judicial economy, reducing ness disputes in the future.
appropriate manner in your jurisdiction. the high costs of litigation, particularly in Suggested Reading
Some jurisdictions require the plaintiff to complex cases, and encouraging adver- American Arbitration Association web-
file a complaint first; others require the saries to seek ways to voluntarily resolve site: www.adr.org
plaintiff to serve it with a summons on their lawsuits.”
Federal Arbitration Act, 9 U.S.C. Sections
the defendant first. After the adversary Now that you are more informed about
1–16
appears in the case, the parties engage some of the most popular methods of DR,
in discovery. This information-gathering you may competently assist your attor- Treasurer of State of Conn. v. Ballard
process typically includes a document ney if you are ever asked (or required) to Spahr Andrews & Ingersoll LLP, 866
exchange, exchange of written questions participate in such a process. Or, you and A.2d 479 (Pa. Commw. Ct. 2006)
and answers (interrogatories or bill of your attorney may wish to explore one or
particulars), and/or oral depositions.
Needless to say, the time and expense of
discovery may be quite significant. Fol-
lowing discovery (although in certain
cases beforehand), the parties file pretrial
motions. These, too, are costly, although
certain kinds of motions, such as sum-
mary judgment motions, can potentially
dispose of the case without ever getting
to a trial. Assuming summary judgment
is not successful, you are confronted with
a trial (either before a judge or a jury).
After you and your adversary put on your
respective cases before the judge and jury,
the parties receive a decision, or verdict.
This decision or verdict may be subject to
appeal, in which case the costs continue
to mount.
While litigation may be appropriate
or required in certain circumstances—
remember the caveat and exceptions dis-
cussed in the second paragraph—it does
stand in stark contrast to methods of DR.
Hopefully, the preceding paragraph gives
you some idea as to why DR is currently
in vogue. As one Pennsylvania appellate
court explained about mediation in the
case Treasurer of State of Conn. v. Ballard
Spahr Andrews & Ingersoll LLP: “[C]ourts
must not discount the tangible benefits
Steven Nudelman is
a partner at the law firm of
Greenbaum, Rowe, Smith
& Davis LLP in Woodbridge
and Roseland, New Jersey.
He is a member of the firm’s
Litigation Department,
Construction Practice Group,
and Dispute Resolution Practice Group. He may be
reached at (732) 476-2428 or snudelman@greenbaumlaw.
com. For more information, or to comment on this article,
contact articles@psdmagazine.org. This article is based
on the workshop “Lessons in Building Liability” that Mr.
Nudelman presented at ASPE’s 2006 Convention and
Engineered Plumbing Exposition in Tampa, Florida.

Forensic Engineering NEW
By Donald Wise, PE
Sometimes, Little Things Matter!

With the daily pressure to deliver a product faster, better, and important to the injured person or the person who could be
cheaper than the next guy, to obtain a sign-off from the code required to compensate the injured person. Judges, juries, and
official, and to comply with contract requirements, it is easy to lawyers know nothing about plumbing design and the unlimited
lose sight of the fact that rest room facilities are for people— number of other subjects that require understanding to reach a
people who come in a wide variation of shapes and sizes, and of fair verdict—one that is consistent with other cases with similar
cognitive skills. Yet, as Winston Huff’s article pointed out in the fact patterns and circumstances. This is not an easy undertaking,
last issue of PS&D, we often try a one-size-fits-all approach to and the time and attention of numerous people are required to
designing toilet facilities. do it right.
If you are a parent, you likely have discovered the trial of help- In this case, the following experts may be needed:
ing your child in a public rest room: You have to lock out the • An expert in human factors (the body of knowledge that
flush valve and hold your child with both hands so you don’t deals with human responses, limitations, and physical
lose him in the adult-size toilet. At the other end of the spec- capabilities) would be required to answer the question of
trum, very tall and very large people often find these toilets too whether 2 inches really could make the difference between
small. this injury happening or not, all other things being equal.
An associate asked me some time ago about toilet installation • A plumbing engineer would be required to discuss cus-
dimensions and construction standards for a case on which tomary plumbing industry practice regarding how toilets
he was working, involving a man who was badly injured while are installed and by how much the seat height could vary
using a toilet. The facts are loosely as follows: A very large man and still comply with all relevant codes and standards.
needed to use the toilet while shopping. In the rest room, he He also may provide opinions on whether the toilet was
found only one “handicapped” toilet, which he used. When it installed properly, whether incorrect installation (other
was time to stand up, he couldn’t—the toilet seat was lower than than the seat height) could have caused or contributed to
other handicapped toilets he was accustomed to using. The man the failure of the toilet, and whether other defects may have
decided to use the grab bars to get the extra leverage he needed compounded the alleged height problem. The plumbing
to stand. He then put his weight on the grab bars, which pulled engineer also may rule out whether this incident could have
from the stall’s walls. occurred altogether differently, with the injured person
Put yourself in this person’s shoes. He is sitting on a toilet in a making up this story to conceal some other self-incriminat-
public rest room with his pants around his ankles, and he can’t ing cause of his injuries.
get up. That’s humiliating enough, but in his attempts to lift him- • A materials expert may be required if defects in the materi-
self on the grab bars, he has managed to rearrange the facilities als or their processing created latent defects that were con-
somewhat, and he still can’t get up. The last thing a person in cealed until the toilet was stressed beyond previous levels.
this situation wants to do is draw attention to himself; that is Perhaps the toilet failed a lower stress than is required by
why rest rooms have privacy enclosures, after all. So, he made the standards to which it was designed, or perhaps the toilet
one more attempt by pushing on the stall’s walls and heaving had been damaged at some prior occasion, and the man’s
himself forward, hoping that he could land on his feet. Unfortu- weight was sufficient to cause latent cracks to propagate
nately, he came back down on the toilet, causing it to break into and cause failure of the fixture.
some very sharp shards that cut him rather badly.
• If the toilet was found to have been weakened by exposure
I’m sure the last thing this man wanted to hear was that the
to environmental agents such as incompatible cleaning
contractor was the low bidder because he had some fixtures
agents, a chemical engineer may be required to determine
left over from a previous project. How much would you pay, if
their likely sources and impact on reducing the load-bear-
you were this man, to have had a standard handicapped toilet
ing capacity of the toilet.
installed here?
You might be trying to figure out if adding a couple inches to • A medical doctor must determine if the injured person’s
a toilet seat’s height can make the difference between landing injuries were consistent with the accident description, what
on your feet or on your behind, but defer that question for now; injuries the person sustained in this incident, how long until
assume that it means the difference between the unpleasant he fully recovers, if he will fully recover, and if he will have a
situation happening and not happening. Many people, in my lasting impairment.
experience, would feel that someone who found himself on the • An economist must determine the cost that the injured
rest room floor, humiliated and in need of medical attention person has incurred and likely will continue to incur as a
because someone installed the wrong toilet, would be entitled result of this injury.
to some form of compensation; others would not. They may feel Finally, first and last is the attorney who must determine what
that the injured person caused his own injury by being so large. laws have been violated, how to prosecute the case, what experts
The courts often are tasked with resolving these types of dis- he needs, who should be a party to the suit, and so on. In addi-
putes. There are more than you probably imagine, and each tion, there are at least two sides to a dispute, and each side may
one is unique to some degree. Resolving them is often vitally duplicate the services indicated above. Depending on the spe-

cific circumstances of a case and the backgrounds of the partic- someone will get injured or even killed, or a significant financial
ular experts, even more experts may be required. For instance, loss will occur, as a result of hazardous conditions that easily
if it was alleged that the man’s shoes caused or contributed to could have been avoided or corrected because the corner-cut-
his not being able to get up, shoe experts, flooring experts, and ting went too far. Many times something that seems very minor
someone who could testify regarding the coefficient of friction ends up permanently injuring or killing someone, or destroy-
of the shoes on the floor would need to be included. When you ing property. Who would have thought that installing a toilet a
add the testing laboratories, courtroom reporters, private inves- couple inches too low could end up injuring someone?
tigators, photographers, technical illustrators, etc., you see how In the above case, the installing contractor would undoubt-
complex an apparently simple case can become. edly be named in a lawsuit if one was brought. If everything in
Some combination of the above-referenced experts is fre- the rest room was installed in accordance with the applicable
quently required for personal injury cases, including con- codes and standards, inspected and approved by the code offi-
struction and maintenance crew injuries occurring at work. cial, and there were no extenuating circumstances, it is likely
Construction claims and contract disputes are frequently even that a court would dismiss a suit filed by the injured man for
more complex due to the large number of parties involved. My having no basis in the law. If so, the extra hour or two to get and
company has investigated some claims to which every contrac- install the correct toilet would have saved hundreds of hours
tor on the construction site was a party. Recreating time lines and thousands of dollars in investigation costs.
and determining the timing of every contractors’ actions are In this column, I will use real cases to illustrate my points, but
vital steps in these cases; many file cabinets of documents must I will take liberties with them to disguise the actual parties and
be poured over, pieced together, and integrated with every other the cases involved. Sometimes I will combine facts from two
contractors’ documents to determine who caused the issue or more cases into one. At other times, I will discuss a group of
being investigated. Of course, with increasing complexity comes somewhat similar cases as though they were a single case. If you
increasing investigation time and cost. The cost of preparing an think that you know someone involved in a case similar to one I
adequate defense can be high, but the cost of not preparing one use as an illustration, that’s all right. However, I don’t want to be
can be even higher. so specific that you know the actual identity of a person involved
The purpose of this column is to inform those on the front in a case, or enough to identify the particular case.
lines of the plumbing design and construction industries, and Please feel free to e-mail your questions. However, remember
those who take possession of their finished products, about what that I am not an attorney, and I cannot give legal advice any
activities tend to end up in litigation, and what can be done to more than an attorney can give engineering and/or construc-
avoid them. For instance, in the referenced case, it might sur- tion advice.
prise you to learn that
• a standard toilet was shipped in error to the construction
site;
• the toilet arrived late in the day;
Donald Wise is president of Buildings and
• the installing crew was committed to another job the next Construction Advisory Inc., a New York-based firm
morning; and providing investigation of injuries, property losses,
and commercial contract claims relating to buildings
• they knowingly installed the wrong toilet to finish the job and construction activities. He is a member of ASPE,
that day. ASME, ASHRAE, NFPA, and the Foundation for Cross-
Connection Control and Hydraulic Research. For more
I’m sure you have experienced projects with similar pressures. information or to comment on this article, e-mail
My experience in this industry and in reviewing thousands of articles@psdmagazine.org.
cases tells me that it is widely believed that you can get away
with cutting corners to some extent. But every once in a while
#4
ASPE MEMBERSHIP BENEFIT Unparalleled Learning Opportunity
ASPE’s Technical Symposium provides a unique forum
for workshops that provide the plumbing engineer
with information about new developments in
the industry and new techniques for practical
implementation in the field. ASPE’s 21st
Annual Technical Symposium takes place
November 2–4, 2007, in Atlanta, Georgia.

Plumbing Technology of the Future
By Winston Huff, CPD, LEED AP
Water Efficiency Equals Energy Efficiency

Part 1: Transporting and Treating Water
“California’s Water-Energy Relationship,” a report released ing engineers are being asked to find ways to reduce the energy
in November 2005 by the California Energy Commission, illus- use in a facility’s plumbing systems. Americans also are realiz-
trates the relationship between energy and water by stating that ing the implications of energy use in addition to the cost of the
19 percent of the state’s electricity and 30 percent of the state’s power bill, including the cost to our quality of life when power
natural gas support the state’s water and sewer systems. is generated.
In 2001, the state’s total energy use for water-related energy Coal is one fuel source that has undesirable results. Due to
was 250,494 gigawatt hours (GWh, see Table 1). In 2004, Cali- coal mining, large parts of the natural landscape are forever
fornia used 36,970 GWh of electricity generated from nuclear changed in areas of West Virginia and Kentucky. Mountains and
energy, according to the California Energy Commission. Thus, if woodlands are removed to harvest coal, causing widespread
the state reduced the amount of water-related power by 15 per- erosion and watershed disasters. Acid rain emissions from coal-
cent, the state would eliminate the need to use nuclear power. fired plants have damaged large areas of woodlands and natural
parks such as the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Many
Table 1 Water-related energy use in California in 2001 breathing problems such as asthma are linked to coal-fired
Electricity Natural Gas Diesel energy plants.
(GWh) (million therms) (million therms) Hydrogenation power plants also have caused environmen-
Water supply and treatment tal concern by changing natural fishing migration patterns. In
Urban 7,554 19 ? California, 17 percent of the state’s power comes from in-state
Agricultural 3,188 hydrogenation facilities, according to the California Energy
End uses Commission. Artificial lakes cause large amounts of water to
evaporate into the atmosphere, which reduces the amount of
Agricultural 7,372 18 88
water available for areas downstream of dams.
Residential, commercial, industrial 27,887 4,220 ?
Nuclear power, often thought to be cleaner than coal, has its
Wastewater treatment 2,012 27 ? own problems. Storing, transporting, and maintaining nuclear
Total water-related energy use 48,012 4,284 88 waste are concerns. Nuclear power plants also use large amounts
Total California energy use 250,494 13,571 ? of freshwater in their cooling systems.
Percent 19% 32% ? Oil and natural gas are not as abundant or inexpensive as they
Source: California Energy Commission were just a few years ago. In California, 37 percent of the in-state
power is generated by natural gas, according to the California
This brings a new importance to water-efficiency programs. Energy Commission. Oil and natural gas refineries also cause
Reducing the amount of water used in California, even in small water and air pollution.
amounts, will greatly reduce the amount of energy used by the At the same time, electrical power is very important. Without
state. Reducing water brings a double benefit to the state’s econ- power, transportation systems fail, heating and cooling systems
omy and to the state’s natural water ecology. shut down, potentially causing personal and property damage,
The report shows that water uses energy in three ways. First, and communication systems break down, leaving emergency
it takes energy to move water from the source through the treat- systems unable to operate.
ment facility and to the point of use. Heating and treating water State and local governments such as California are looking
at the point of use is typically the second largest user of energy at ways to address these power concerns for today and for the
in a facility. Third, moving the wastewater away from the facility, future. When studied on a large scale, water systems are discov-
treating it, and returning it back to the source is another user of ered to be significant users of power. Managing water-related
energy. Reducing the amount of water at the point of use can energy use can reduce the need to build large power plants.
save energy in all three areas.
The Importance of Water
This is the first of a series of articles that will show how water
Water and power systems are so integrated that when power is
usage is linked to energy consumption. In this first article, I look
lost, water systems in urban areas begin to fail. Loss of power can
at the issues of how energy is used to transport and treat water
damage the water in the municipal system as well as equipment
and wastewater. The second article will look at the amount of
in the system. Water treatment facilities can become contami-
energy consumed to transport water to the point of use. The last
nated. Treating a system that is compromised with untreated
article will cover how simple water-efficient designs can save
water is very expensive.
water and, as a result, save energy.
The loss of water pressure and availability can compromise
The Importance of Energy community and facility fire suppression systems. The end result
Due to recent energy cost increases, Americans are realiz- is that people and property can be harmed in a fire event. There
ing that lighting, heating, and cooling our homes and offices is are widespread health concerns if drinking water is contami-
going to become more and more expensive. As a result, plumb-

nated and wastewater cannot be moved
away from large population areas.
As our society and facilities grow in com-
plexity, the importance of large amounts
Photo: National Park Service, Richard Frear

of dependable, safe water is a necessity.
Recent hurricane events such as Katrina
and Rita showed how large populations
and hospitals depend on power and the
availability of safe water. In these events,
electrical switchgear was flooded and
rendered useless. Backup electric genera-
tors were under water, under-powered, or
under-fueled. Reserve water supplies were Reducing the amount of water used at the end point will drastically reduce the amount of electricity
needed, but unavailable. needed by a nuclear power plant.
Interrelationship Between Water growth in the southern part of the state that is already stressing
and Power electricity and water delivery systems.
The California report brings up an important point about the
interrelationship between power and water systems. In times of Water Use Cycle
drought, more power is consumed throughout the state. Similar Water use is a complex cycle, as shown in Figure 1. Each step
to other Western states, California depends on large amounts of of the cycle uses energy, and the amount of energy depends on
snow in the mountains to melt in the spring to supply drinking the quality of water required for the end user, the distance of
water for urban areas, agriculture, and hydropower generation. the user from the water source, and the availability of the source
However, in times of drought, the amount of snow is reduced, water.
which reduces the amount of water available for urban areas, The source water can come from surface freshwater supplies
agriculture, and power generation. As a result, non-hydro- such as lakes and rivers or from under the ground. The qualities
power generation facilities have to produce more power to meet of the sources are different and require varying degrees of treat-
demand. Nuclear, coal, gas, and oil consumption rises. ment and monitoring. Qualities can change during different
The problem compounds during drought events when under- seasons and during drought and non-drought periods. Pumps
ground water sources are used, lowering the level of water. At this and conveyance systems are used to move the source water to
point, more power is needed to pump water from the ground. the treatment plant.
The report also found that as water demand grows, energy When the source water arrives at the water treatment facility,
demand grows. The dynamic is exacerbated with the population energy is used to move the water through the filtering systems.
After the water leaves the treatment facility, distribution systems
can pump the water to high elevations and long
distances. Because of the weight of the water, it
Figure 1 Water use cycle takes large amounts of energy to pump water
through these systems.
Electricity is used for most residential, com-
mercial, and industrial end users. Agriculture
uses gas or diesel pump systems to move water
from the source to the point of use. Agricultural
systems use gravity to distribute some of the
water through canals; thus, they don’t use as
much power to treat the water as non-agricul-
tural users.
Source: California Energy Commission
This is a good time to mention that it is

important for plumbing engineers to know
about local water issues. For example, low-
flow plumbing fixtures should be specified
for urban plumbing systems located in areas
with stressed water and electricity systems. In
other areas where irrigation systems are used

Plumbing Technology of the Future
during drought times, a storm water irrigation storage system Table 2 Water use by area
is important. Wastewater pretreatment systems are important Northern California Southern California
in industrial areas that connect to agricultural water supply sys- (KWh/MG) (KWh/MG)
Water supply and conveyance 150 8,900
tems. A one-size-fits-all approach to plumbing system design is Water treatment 100 100
not always appropriate. Water distribution 1,200 1,200
Every plumbing engineer knows that a facility requires a water Wastewater treatment 2,500 2,500
distribution system and a waste collection system. Both systems Total 3,950 12,700
require energy, and both usually connect to a municipal system Source: California Energy Commission
outside the facility. After leaving a facility, the wastewater is
collected in both gravity and pumped systems. A wastewater Community Effort
pumped system can require pumps with higher horsepower In the short term, from the perspective of plumbing engineers,
than a domestic water system because it is designed to carry this report shows the importance of designing water-efficient
solids in the water. plumbing systems. Efficient systems can reduce energy costs to
Similar to the water system, the wastewater system requires the building owner in the form of reduced water, sewer, electric,
treatment before it is discharged into the source, from which it and gas bills.
will be used downstream as a source system for another commu- On a larger community perspective, facilities that have efficient
nity. Each step of the process uses energy. Some urban areas have plumbing systems reduce stress on both a community’s water
storm water systems that also use large amounts of energy. supplies and energy supplies. This payback is not seen by the
Agricultural wastewater systems have some holding areas and owner who focuses on reduced utility bills, but it is seen by the
pretreatment before discharge. Most of these systems are gravity owner who wants to be a good citizen to the community.
systems and do not use as much energy compared to domestic
water systems.
Recycled Water
Some municipal systems have recycled water treatment sys-
tems that can reduce the amount of water removed and returned
to a natural source. The California Energy Commission report Winston Huff, CPD, LEED AP, is a project manager,
finds that these systems also reduce power usage. plumbing fire protection designer, and LEED facilitator with
Smith Seckman Reid Consulting Engineers in Nashville, Tenn.
Sometimes called purple pipe systems, they clean water to He received the 2005 Apex award for Technical Writing for
the water standards of the 1960s and are not intended for sys- the article “Sustainable Plumbing System Technologies for
tems that treat water for human consumption. They do provide Space and Earth” printed in the September/October 2004
issue of Plumbing Systems & Design. He was the founding
reduced-rate water that users can use for irrigation and nonpo- editor of Life Support and Biosphere Science and has served as
table uses such as boiler and cooling tower feeds. While they its editor-in-chief. He is president of Science Interactive, an
organization promoting biosphere science. For more information or
initially were installed to conserve natural water sources, they to comment on this article, e-mail articles@psdmagazine.org.
also reduce energy use.
In California, the northern region has large sources of water
with low population areas, while Southern California has low
sources of water with high populations. As a result, in the south-
ern part of the state, more energy is needed for water supply and
conveyance systems than for water distribution and wastewater
treatment. (See Table 2.)
Keeping You Current
#8
ASPE MEMBERSHIP BENEFIT The Society provides a comprehensive publishing
program that offers an extensive library of
professional technical manuals and handbooks,
including Domestic Water Heating Design,
Practical Plumbing Engineering, Plumbing
Technology, Fire Protection Systems, and Engineered
Plumbing Design, to name just a few of the publications
that are available. Visit the online store at www.aspe.org for
ordering information.

AsPe
2007 Technical Symposium
University
Atlanta, Georgia • Nov. 2–4, 2007
Three days of intensive technical programming
Sample Schedule
Saturday Daily Schedule
Thursday Daily Schedule ASPE Registration
8:00 am to 5:00 pm
5:00 pm to 8:00 pm ASPE Registration ASPE Pavilion/Book Store
9:00 am to 10:30 am Technical Program Sessions
Watch for the

Friday Daily Schedule 10:45 am to 12:15 pm Technical Program Sessions
Re gistration Form 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm LUNCH
, Housing Form
7:30 am to 5:00 pm ASPE Registration
ASPE Pavilion/Book Store 1:45 pm to 3:15 pm Technical Program Sessions
Coming In the and Program D
9:00 am to 10:30 am
May/June 2007
Technical Program Sessions
etails
3:30 pm to 5:00 pm Technical Program Sessions
and at www.a
10:45 am to 12:15 pm Sunday Is sue of PS&D
Daily Schedule
Technical Program Sessions
12:30 pm to 1:30 pm spe.org in Apri
LUNCH
1:45 pm to 3:15 pm l/May 2007
Technical Program Sessions 8:30 am to 1:00 pm ASPE Registration
ASPE Pavilion/Book Store
3:30 pm to 5:00 pm Technical Program Sessions 9:00 am to 10:30 am Technical Program Sessions
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Continuing Education Units

All Technical Symposium workshops offer Continuing Education Units (CEUs). CEUs are nationally recognized units of
achievement that may be used as evidence of increased performance capabilities and for job advancement. ASPE CEUs
are also valid for PE registration and licensing in all states requiring licensing or registration that do not require prior
approval. (States that have PE registration CEU requirements and/or other licensing requirements and which only re-
quire individual responsibility for reporting the CEUs include Alabama, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Minnesota,
Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon,
South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, West Virginia, and Wyoming. States requiring prior approval
include:Arkansas, Florida, Louisiana, New York, and North Carolina.)
Symposium: An Investment
• The ideas that can be brought back and implemented result in savings worth many times the cost of attending.
• Networking opportunities are impressive and unparalleled — plumbing engineering power and expertise.
• The technical and professional development workshops and collegial interaction create an extraordinary educational
environment and opportunity.
• Every technical and professional development workshop provides CEUs.
Organization Benefits Professional Enrichment

1. Attend the Technical Symposium — the Continuing Edu- 1. Participate in intensive, interactive, hands-on design
cation University for plumbing engineering and design workshops.
professionals. 2. Find solutions to plumbing engineering problems
2. Build relationships that will benefit your organization. through networking.
3. Benefit from the premier educational and professional de- 3. Bring your engineering issues and concerns before an
velopment event for plumbing engineers and designers. unprecedented gathering of your colleagues.
4. Take back valuable information and supplemental handouts 4. Find quick, concise, relevant information on a variety
from first-rate technical workshops. of plumbing engineering topics.
5. Boost employee morale the easy way. What benefits em- 5. Don’t miss this unique and exceptional opportunity to
ployees, benefits the organization. find out what other professionals are doing.
6. Benefit your clients and organization by finding new and 6. Ideas abound that will keep you from going off in the
improved design methods. wrong direction.
7. Tap into the plumbing engineering knowledge and informa- 7. Build professional bridges for the future.
tion industry. 8. Technical Symposium is where your profession is kept
8. Become more productive. in perspective.
9. Meet with proven problem solvers in plumbing engineer- 9. Listen and learn from innovative, exciting and practicing
ing engineer and designer presenters.
10. Participate in the finest technical and professional develop- 10. Network to get the latest technical information.
ment workshops. 11. Make better specifying decisions.
PLUMBING DESIGN by the NUMBERS
By James E. Stenqvist, CPD, LEED AP
Hospital Checkup
Today’s hospitals are among the most complex of all build- often the domestic water system. Water systems should be
ing types. A hospital is comprised of an extensive assortment designed to avoid stagnation. Water systems need to be recircu-
of services and components. They include analytical and treat- lating; piping should not be oversized; and water should be dis-
ment functions, such as clinical laboratories, imaging, emer- infected. Backflow preventers also are required on equipment
gency rooms, and surgery centers. Hospitality functions such as between potable and nonpotable systems. Use instantaneous
laundries, linen processing, waste management, food service, steam heat exchanger-type water heaters so hot water does not
dietary facilities, laboratories, therapy pools, and maintenance need to be stored. Decorative fountains should not be provided
shops make up the vast array of supplementary areas requiring because they are a source of bacteria and waterborne illnesses.
specialty design. This assortment is echoed in the extensiveness A hospital’s plumbing design involves operations that occur
and specificity of regulations, codes, and supervision that pre- at all times. This requires reliable, redundant pumps and equip-
side over hospital construction and functions. Due to the wide- ment, backup water supplies, and high-quality systems. The
spread and continuously developing needs of hospitals, their systems will be used far more than those in a school or office
complicated plumbing systems require specialized knowledge building. The equipment must be designed and installed to last.
and expertise to design and maintain. It is difficult to remove critical components without backup
A thorough hospital design is critical because lives are at stake. systems. Shutdowns may not be possible. The equipment must
The design must meet not only the minimum code standards, be fully accessible for constant service and maintenance. Provi-
but also must be customized to meet the limitations of people sions should be made for isolating equipment, wings, floors, and
who do not have the physical capabilities of healthy people. The sections of systems with valves and fittings. Equipment should
need for reliability, safety, flexibility, quality, and redundancy is be located to ensure quiet operation to not disturb occupants
vital for this type of occupancy. and staff.
Cross-contamination of piping systems has resulted in count-
less deaths throughout the United States in recent years. Most
states have mandated that medical gas installers be certified James Stenqvist, CPD, LEED AP, is a project
and that a comprehensive testing and quality control program engineer with Diversified Technology Consultants in North
Haven, Conn. For more information or to comment on this
be performed for compliance. Good hospital design should save article, e-mail articles@psdmagazine.org. This article is
lives instead of taking lives. meant to provide some basic guidelines. Always check all
relevant codes and resources for a particular project.
Control of Legionella bacteria and other waterborne illnesses
is also a critical component. The source of contamination is

❑ CHECKLIST FOR Hospital Checkup
Codes to Follow q Which piped medical gas systems q Will existing equipment handle
q NFPA 99: Standard for Health Care are required? additional loads?
Facilities q How many different types of medi- q Are any existing systems valved for
q AIA Guidelines for Design and Con- cal outlets are required? future extension?
struction of Health Care Facilities q Where should the outlet and inlet q Are existing systems adequate to
q International Plumbing Code terminals be located? handle additional loads?
q National Standard Plumbing Code q Which type and style of terminals q What type of equipment is in use?
q Uniform Plumbing Code meet the needs of the medical staff? q Who manufactured the equipment?
q Americans With Disabilities Act q Where are outlets and terminals q Is existing equipment state of the
q State and local codes and standards located? art?
q U.S. Green Building Council q What size and capacity of outlets q What is the physical condition of
and terminals are needed? existing equipment?
Plumbing Fixtures q Is there space for new equipment at
q Water closets Future Expansion
q Which direction will expansion take existing locations?
q Lavatories and sinks q Is existing equipment scheduled for
place (vertically or horizontally)?
q Urinals replacement?
q What size piping is needed for the
q Showers and bathtubs future? q What is the maintenance history of
q Drinking fountains and water coolers q Are valves for future connections existing equipment?
q Service sinks required? Tests
Specialty Fixtures Determine Locations of Medical q Initial pressure tests
q Clinical sinks Gas Supply Sources q Cross-connection test
q Scrub sinks q Bulk oxygen (O2) q Pipe purge test
q Laboratory sinks q Cylinder manifolds (O2, N2O, N2) q Standing pressure test
q Bedpan flushing devices q Vacuum pumps q Pressure differential test
q Emergency showers and eyewashes q Air compressors q Valve test
q Service outlets Valve and Alarm Locations q Alarm test
q Hand-washing stations q Zone valves q Pipe particulate test
q Bathtubs q Isolation valves q Pipe purity test
q Master alarm panels and sensors q Gas concentration test
Specialty Equipment
q Dialysis machines q Area alarms q Air concentration test
q Heart and lung machines q Labeling of piping and equipment
Demand Loads
q Electron microscopes q Calculate peak and anticipated q Sequence of operation
q Stills demands for each system. Quality Control
q Sterilizers q Appropriately size each section of q Verify installer qualifications.
q Film processing equipment pipe to avoid exceeding maximum q Verify manufacturer qualifications.
q Dental equipment pressure drops allowed. q Verify materials and quality of work-
q Ice machines q Size piping for future expansion. manship.
q Washers and dryers If Project Is an Addition q Ensure commissioning of systems.
q Decontamination equipment q What medical gases are currently q Verify installer performed testing
q Kitchen equipment provided? and reports.
q What are the locations and number q Verify witness of tie-in points and
Medical Gas System Design of stations? cross-connection avoidance.
q Analyze each specific area to deter- q Who is the current gas supplier? q Obtain test and witness reports and
mine specific needs. affidavits.

HYDRONICS for PLUMBING ENGINEERS
By Roy C.E. Ahlgren
Solving Cooling Tower Pumping Problems

Now that spring is finally approaching, it is time to shift Poor Design
our attention from heating to cooling systems. The cooling Vortexing sometimes can be cured by throttling at the
tower and condenser piping system play a crucial role in pump discharge, trimming the impeller, maintaining
many large chilled water systems. As always in hydronics, proper level, or balancing the system. Poor system design
proper selection and installation of the equipment goes a is another issue.
long way toward minimizing operational problems, but The system in Figure 1 has several flaws. NPSHA (net pos-
sometimes the towers and pumps are not installed exactly itive suction head available) and pump cavitation are a seri-
right, leading to problems due to component wear and fail- ous possibility in the system as shown. (See “NPSHA and
ure. In this article, I’ll review some important design, instal- NPSHR: How Much Is Enough?” on p. 27 of the May/June
lation, and maintenance issues related to the condenser 2003 issue and “NPSHR—Again” on p. 35 of the November/
loop. December 2003 issue of PS&D for details on pump cavita-
Most cooling tower pumping systems are open systems, tion.) The condenser is higher than the pump, and there is
where no check valve at the pump discharge to prevent draining
• system water is exposed to the atmosphere at more of the condenser and piping when the pump is off. When
than one point, and the pump starts, it runs out on its curve, trying to fill the
• elevation differences may cause flow. empty condenser and the rest of the piping. The makeup
These system characteristics are often directly related to valve capacity is small compared to the pump’s capacity, so
tower pumping problems. it cannot keep the basin from emptying. Large slugs of air
will be introduced into the condenser loop with all these
Air in the Condenser Loop problems.
Large quantities of air in the condenser
water loop can stop the chiller dead in its
Figure 1 No check valve allows condenser to drain
tracks by reducing heat transfer and caus-
ing excessive condenser pressure. Air
may even damage the pump. Alternating
large volumes of air and water entering
the pump cause high torsional stress as
the impeller speeds up in air, then sud-
denly slows down as a slug of water hits
it. A broken shaft is sometimes the result.
If too much air enters the pump, it may
“lose its prime” and fail to pump anything
at all, unless it is a self-priming pump.
Air can be introduced into the pump
several ways.
A vortex can form in the tower basin,
drawing large amounts of air through the suction piping If it is necessary to locate the condenser above the pump
into the pump. High velocity in the suction piping is a major and basin level, then the discharge check valve and pres-
cause of vortexing. This could be caused by an oversized sure-reducing valve shown in Figure 2 are required to keep
pump, resulting in excess flow; undersized suction piping the condenser full of water during system shutdown. Now
at the tower basin outlet; or, in multiple tower systems, poor when the pump starts, significant friction loss occurs to
balance between the towers and the pump suction. Towers keep the pump from running out on its curve. Avoiding the
near the pump have less suction pipe head loss, therefore excessive flow on startup means that the basin level is less
higher flow rates, than more distant towers. likely to drop below the minimum required submergence
A vortex also may result if the water level in the tower level.
basin is too low. A minimum “submergence” is required to A triple-duty valve is often used to act as a check valve,
avoid vortex formation at a given suction velocity. You can isolation service valve, and throttling valve. The pressure-
think of submergence as the minimum required water level reducing valve is the same component used in closed loop,
above the basin outlet. This level is usually maintained by pressurized systems to establish the initial, or cold fill, pres-
a small float-controlled valve that adds water to the basin sure. (See “What’s the Pressure?” on p. 28 of the January/
to make up for evaporation and drift losses. Many towers February 2004 issue of PS&D for details.) It is connected to
have anti-vortexing baffles above the basin outlet to elimi- the city water supply along with a backflow preventer. The
nate the problem. Vortexing may be more likely to occur in valve setting is determined by the height of the system. The
towers that are mounted near the ground, where the basin purpose of the pressure-reducing valve is to keep the con-
outlet must be located on the side rather than the bottom. denser and all the piping full of water in the event that the

Figure 2 Check valve and PRV keep the condenser flooded
check valve leaks back into the basin while the pump is off. If
this were to happen, the static pressure at the valve would drop
below set point, the valve would open, and the level would be
reestablished. If the check valve doesn’t leak, then the pressure- Roy Ahlgren is director of the ITT Bell &
reducing valve stays closed because its pressure setting is satis- Gossett Little Red Schoolhouse (8200 N. Austin
fied by the hydrostatic head of the water as measured from the Ave., Morton Grove, IL 60053). To comment
on this article or for more information, e-mail
valve vertically to the top of the system. What happens when the articles@psdmagazine.org.
pump starts? The pressure at the pressure-reducing valve rises,
and the valve still stays shut.

Inside the industry
SAMPLEHEADER
By Peter E. Warshaw
It Isn’t Easy Being Green— or Is It?

Environmental concerns are hardly a new phenom- The water conservation act enacted by the Carter
enon. An ongoing campaign has tried to warn American Administration provided for a 3.5-gallon-per-flush water
citizens about the consequences of our wasteful lifestyle closet and a 2.75-gallon-per-minute flow rate for show-
habits—with future generations bearing the worst of the erheads and faucets. Proper ANSI standards dictated
burden. While important concerns such as toxic emis- performance and inspection requirements augmented by
sions, lack of green space, the dangers wrought by com- additional conservation standards such as ASHRAE Stan-
bustion engines, urban sprawl, industrial pollution, and dard 90.1, which mandated a faucet flow rate of 0.5-gpm
global warming are indeed critical, the plumbing industry with a 15-second running time in commercial and public
should concentrate on topics in which we are experts: the buildings.
impact of water and energy conservation on the efficiency The new system was reasonably adopted, but it wasn’t
and integrity of plumbing system design. long before the federal government made a major move in
Some years ago, Kermit the Frog sang, “It’s not easy 1984 that really got the industry’s attention: the proposed
being green.” Well, Kermit assuredly never thought the Atkins and Fowler Act, which demanded lower flow rates
title could refer to the plumbing industry’s efforts to be and especially the 1.6-gpf rate for water closets!
green. It definitely is not easy, but the ultimate result justi- Once again, PMI took the lead. It had continued moni-
fies the means. toring initiatives by various groups that would affect the
The supply of potable water and the energy to treat, existing regulations, and gathered many of the original
heat, transport, and dispose of that water are never really industry consensus groups that could provide an under-
out of the consciousness of the general public; however, standing of how the situation should be handled. The
we all have experienced the positive and earnest reaction 1.6-gpf regulation was a dramatic change, but the indus-
to curbing water waste during extended heat waves and try groups once again felt that a standard for testing and
droughts. Some of the measures suggested to curb usage certification must be in place before manufacturing and
could only be described as well intended. Local restau- distribution began.
rants would serve water only to customers if they specifi- Over a period of almost eight years, many hearings
cally requested it. Some did it regularly, others only on took place with some contentious exchanges between
specific days (“Thirsty Thursdays”). This really didn’t con- industry representatives and government officials as well
serve much water, but the public thought it was a proper as environmental advocacy groups. All shared the same
step. In many cases, lawn watering and car washing were goal—protect our resources—but a rush to produce was
restricted to individual days of the week and, even then, not the best way. The final product met all required condi-
only after dusk. Conservation methods for inside the tions and was a major component in the Energy Policy Act
home were suggested, but did not generate much enthu- of 1992.
siasm. “You can’t legislate lifestyle” was heard frequently. Conservation never really goes out of style. Most
A major drought in California in the early 1970s was the recently, the U.S. Green Building Council fostered a major
catalyst for the first effort at major governmental interven- conservation effort—the Leadership in Energy and Envi-
tion. This also marked the first time the plumbing industry ronmental Design (LEED) program—that was almost
came together to create consensus standards that would immediately and universally accepted. It was not the
reduce water and energy usage without sacrificing the result of a congressional committee nurtured by a series
safety and integrity of individual and public plumbing of debates and hearings. LEED appeals to genuine envi-
systems. ronmental concerns, design responsibility, community
This reaction was important since Congressman Leon pride, and professionalism. It works without big brother
Panetta of California introduced seven separate bills oversight. Its byword is “sustainable design.” The burden
that would have major consequences on the plumbing of proof is over a period of time. Systems are required to
industry. They had to be addressed professionally with support earlier claims. Extended building usage provides
the input of all industry segments. The Plumbing Manu- the final verdict.
facturers Institute (PMI) took the initiative and brought It is important to remember that this system is not man-
a group together representing manufacturers, engineers, datory; however, individual government agencies and
code officials, environmental experts, local government individual states have mandated LEED design require-
officials, contractor associations, and industry represen- ments for certain classifications of construction. Private
tatives such as ASSE, ASPE, and AWWA. The goal was not commercial work is still voluntary—could it change?
only to determine proper flow and flush rates, but also Some wise person once said that the only consistency is
to establish a means for testing product effectiveness change, so we’ll just have to stay alert.
measured by compliance with a national consensus stan- Architectural and consulting engineer firms rapidly
dard—an ANSI standard. embraced the concept in a most definite manner. Over a
year ago, the number of LEED-accredited individuals was

LONG BEACH
CA
well over 20,000. It is must larger now. Their attitude is
enthusiastic and confident as witnessed by their business
cards, where “LEED” now appears with their other profes-
sional certifications.
The rating system is divided into five areas of concern,
each with a value of importance: energy and atmosphere
(27 percent), indoor environmental quality (23 percent),
sustainable sites (22 percent), materials and resources (20
percent), and water efficiency (8 percent). In the case of
water efficiency, documentation must be presented that
shows how fixtures will use at least 20 percent less water
than is required by the 1992 Energy Policy Act. Extra points
can be earned with innovation in product performance. A
steady push to provide fixtures that use not just less water,
but no water at all certainly can be expected.
After credits are approved, the USGBC will send the
building owner a plaque attesting to the fact that the build-
ing was certified at the time of completion. The various
levels of compliance are LEED Certified, Silver, Gold, and
Platinum. These plaques can be displayed prominently to
announce the building owner’s concern for sustainability
to the community.
This is quite a change from the days of Thirsty Thursdays
and moonlight lawn watering and car washing. What has
happened to industry concerns and efforts about com-
pliance since those early days? Plenty! Let’s look at the
lineup:
PMI continues to play a prominent role in monitoring
regulatory groups and developing codes and standards.
ASPE and its Research Foundation contribute by their
OCTOBER 26–29
monitoring and participation in the major code groups.
ASSE and the contractor associations also are major par-
ticipants. The commitment to LEED systems of engineers
and architects makes them major players. LEED certifica-
tion certainly will provide confidence to the environmen-
tal groups that might question system and product design
criteria.
So, harkening back to Kermit’s contention that it isn’t
easy being green—it still isn’t easy, but look at what is now
in place to make it easier.
In the words of my sainted Uncle Herschel, “In nature
there are neither rewards nor punishment—only conse-
quences.”
Peter Warshaw retired from Delta Faucet

Co. as vice president of commercial sales. Currently
he is associated with Delta as an industry
consultant. He is a past president of the Plumbing
convention AND
Manufacturers Institute and served three terms as
affiliate liaison to the ASPE Board of Directors. To
comment on this article or for more information,
Engineered Plumbing Exposition
e-mail articles@psdmagazine.org.

CONTINUING EDUCATION: Water System Design
Continuing Education from Plumbing Systems & Design

Kenneth G.Wentink, PE, CPD, and Robert D. Jackson
Do you find it difficult to obtain continuing education units (CEUs)?
Through this special section in every issue of PS&D, ASPE can help
you accumulate the CEUs required for maintaining your Certified in About This Issue’s Article
Plumbing Design (CPD) status. The March/April 2007 continuing education article is “Water
System Design,” Chapter 13 of Engineered Plumbing Design II by
Now Online! A. Cal Laws, PE, CPD.
The technical article you must read to complete the exam is located The objective in designing the water supply systems for
at www.psdmagazine.org. The following exam and application form any project is to ensure an adequate water supply at adequate
also may be downloaded from the website. Reading the article and pressure to all fixtures and equipment at all times and to
completing the form will allow you to apply to ASPE for CEU credit.
achieve the most economical sizing of the piping. There are at
For most people, this process will require approximately one hour. If
least six important reasons why proper design of water distri-
you earn a grade of 90 percent or higher on the test, you will be notified
that you have logged 0.1 CEU, which can be applied toward the CPD bution systems is absolutely essential: health, pressure, flow,
renewal requirement or numerous regulatory-agency CE programs. water, pipe failure, and noise. This chapter describes how to
(Please note that it is your responsibility to determine the acceptance design an effective water system keeping these factors in mind,
policy of a particular agency.) CEU information will be kept on file at focusing on pressure, flow, and demand.
the ASPE office for three years. You may locate this article at www.psdmagazine.org. Read
Note: In determining your answers to the CE questions, use only the material the article, complete the following exam, and submit your
presented in the corresponding continuing education article. Using information answer sheet to the ASPE office to potentially receive 0.1 CEU.
from other materials may result in a wrong answer.
PSD 138
CE Questions—“Water System Design” (PSD 138)
1. The flow of water through two parallel circuits of 7. The empirical method is _________.
different pipe sizes results in a pressure loss _________. a. based on arbitrary decisions
a. of equal proportions in each circuit b. cannot be duplicated
b. higher in the circuit with the smaller pipe size c. allowed only by the most out-of-date codes
c. lower in the circuit with the larger pipe size d. used only by the most senior and the most junior of
d. that is double compared to a single piping run designers
2. The accuracy of Hunter’s Curve has been proven to be 8. Research is required to _________.
_________ percent inflated. a. determine the actual minimum flow required for each
a. 25 fixture type
b. 50 b. satisfy the psychological requirements of the users
c. 75 c. provide the necessary sanitary requirements
d. 100 d. all of the above
3. The coefficient of friction is the measurement of _______ 9. The pressure that exists in a piping network at any point
in piping. when water is flowing is considered _________.
a. pressure drop a. static pressure
b. velocity b. residual pressure
c. roughness or smoothness c. flow pressure
d. none of the above d. none of the above
4. Flow rates shown in Figure 2 are _________. 10. The probability method _________.
a. generally accepted by system designers a. works for all plumbing systems
b. hopelessly outdated b. is unanimously accepted by plumbing engineers
c. unreasonable for use in designing systems c. should not be used for small numbers of fixtures
d. b and c d. a and b
5. Pipe failure can be caused by corrosion from _________. 11. The two methods of sizing domestic water, empirical
a. contaminated water method and method of probability, _________.
b. excessive velocities a. are contradictory
c. softened water b. give satisfactory results
d. hot water c. cannot be relied upon
6. The actual inside diameter of 2½-inch type K copper d. have been replaced by computer-based methods
tube is _________. 12. An automatic flow control orifice is designed to _______.
a. 2.435 inches a. regulate pressure
b. 2.465 inches b. deliver constant flow
c. 2.469 inches c. restrict pressure
d. 2.500 inches d. increase pressure

Plumbing Systems & Design Continuing Education Application Form
This form is valid up to one year from date of publication. The PS&D Continuing Education program is approved by ASPE for
up to one contact hour (0.1 CEU) of credit per article. Participants who ear a passing score (90 percent) on the CE questions will
receive a letter or certification within 30 days of ASPE’s receipt of the application form. (No special certificates will be issued.) Par-
ticipants who fail and wish to retake the test should resubmit the form along with an additional fee (if required).
1. Photocopy this form or download it from www.psdmagazine.org.

2. Print or type your name and address. Be sure to place your ASPE membership number in the appropriate space.
3. Answer the multiple-choice continuing education (CE) questions based on the corresponding article found on
www.psdmagazine.org and the appraisal questions on this form.
4. Submit this form with payment ($35 for nonmembers of ASPE) if required by check or money order made payable to ASPE or
credit card via mail (ASPE Education Credit, 8614 W. Catalpa Avenue, Suite 1007, Chicago, IL 60656) or fax (773-695-9007).
Please print or type; this information will be used to process your credits.
Name _ __________________________________________________________________________________________________
Title _______________________________________________ ASPE Membership No.____________________________________
Organization _ ____________________________________________________________________________________________
Billing Address ____________________________________________________________________________________________
City_ _______________________________________ State/Province________________________ Zip _ ____________________
Country____________________________________________ E-mail_________________________________________________
Daytime telephone_ _________________________________ Fax___________________________________________________
❏ ASPE Member ❏ Nonmember

I am applying for the following continuing education credits: Each examination: $25 Each examination: $35
I certify that I have read the article indicated above. Limited Time: No Cost to ASPE Member
Payment: ❏ Personal Check (payable to ASPE) $____________
❏ Business or government check $
❏ DiscoverCard ❏ VISA ❏ MasterCard ❏ AMEX $____________
If rebilling of a credit card charge is necessary, a $25 processing fee will be charged.
Signature ASPE is hereby authorized to charge my CE examination fee to my credit card.
Expiration date: Continuing education credit will be given

Account Number Expiration date
for this examination through March 31, 2008.
Applications received after that date will not be processed.
Signature Cardholder’s name (Please print)

PS&D Continuing Education Answer Sheet
Water System Design (PSD 138)
Questions appear on page 52. Circle the answer to each question. Appraisal Questions
Q 1. A B C D Water System Design (PSD 138)
Q 2. A B C D 1. Was the material new information for you? ❏ Yes ❏ No
Q 3. A B C D
Q 4. A B C D
2. Was the material presented clearly? ❏ Yes ❏ No
Q 5. A B C D 3. Was the material adequately covered? ❏ Yes ❏ No
Q 6. A B C D 4. Did the content help you achieve the stated objectives? ❏ Yes ❏ No
Q 7. A B C D 5. Did the CE questions help you identify specific ways to use ideas presented in
Q 8. A B C D the article? ❏ Yes ❏ No
Q 9. A B C D
Q 10. A B C D
6. How much time did you need to complete the CE offering (i.e., to read the
Q 11. A B C D article and answer the post-test questions)?___________________
Q 12. A B C D

ASPE REPORT www.aspe.org
FROM THE PRESIDENT’S PEN
Time to Think Atlanta

JULIUS BALLANCO, PE, ASPE PRESIDENT
November seems far away, but it will be here How much will it cost? The early registration fee
sooner than you think. This November, make it to for ASPE members is $395. This fee is very easy to get
Atlanta for the ASPE Technical Symposium. This is approved by management. It is very low—way low. It
the premier educational opportunity for plumbing is so low that some managers have asked us to make
engineers, offering 2½ days of educational programs, the fee higher to prove you are attending a quality
with numerous seminars available for every type and program.
level of engineer. It is time to mark your calendar and I have instructed at seminars that cost employees
plan to attend. $695 for the day. That is just one day. For 2½-day pro-
Once again, the Technical Symposium Commit- grams, it is not unusual to see fees of $1,295. Hence,
tee is doing a great job of organizing the educational $395 is peanuts, plus it includes lunch.
programs. Furthermore, the Atlanta Chapter is put- Atlanta is a hub airport. As a result, you can find dis-
ting together a trade show for Thursday evening. You count airfares from all over the country. Just be sure to
receive a bonus by attending this show. book your flight three to four weeks in advance. The
A number of manufacturers have stepped forward earlier, the better. Right now, I can fly from Chicago to
to support the Technical Symposium as sponsors. Atlanta for $268 round trip.
Their help has allowed ASPE to keep the registration The hotel is very close to the airport, so there is no
price to attend the Symposium very low. In the next need for a rental car, nor is there a high cost for a cab
few issues of PS&D, you will see the list of sponsors for fare. By the time you add the tax to the hotel rate, I
the Technical Symposium. Be sure to thank them for would guess that a room will cost less than $140 a
their continued support. night. If you room with a fellow employee, that rate
It is also time to starting talking to your boss about is cut in half.
attending the Symposium. Make sure they add the So, let’s assume a high airfare of $350, registration
cost of your attendance to this year’s budget. of $395, a three-night hotel stay of $420, plus $65 for
Some plumbing engineers have told me that they meals (lunch is provided on Friday and Saturday)—
would love to go, but their bosses would never support that brings the cost to attend to $1,230. As a company
them and they can’t afford it on their own. I disagree owner, I can tell you that this cost is low. I have paid
with the assertion that the boss wouldn’t support higher fees for administrators to attend computer
your attendance at the Symposium. As an owner of an classes locally.
engineering company, let me give you the perspective How much time will you be out of the office? Well,
of a boss. The boss needs to know: What will the com- that is the beauty of the Technical Symposium. You
pany gain by your attendance? How much will it cost? only miss Friday in the office, plus you need to leave
How much time will you be out of the office? How will a little early on Thursday to catch the flight to Atlanta.
it help you? The other two days are Saturday and Sunday. You are
Company owners want to hire the best and the giving up your weekend to benefit the company. You
brightest. Once they have an employee, good bosses get 2½ days of education for only one day out of the
want those employees to continue to grow and learn. office. From a company owner’s perspective, this is
It doesn’t do anyone any good to hire the best and the a win/win situation. Typically, 2½ days of education
brightest, only to let them sit in a cubicle and stag- mean three days out of the office.
nate. To grow and learn, you must attend educational Finally, how will it help you? It will make you a
programs. better plumbing engineer. If you are a CPD, you obtain
So let me answer some of those questions. As to approximately 16 hours of continuing education to
what benefits the Technical Symposium provides to maintain your certification. If you are a PE in a state
the company, first and foremost, the company will requiring continuing education, you receive the same
be able to offer, as a part of their services, the most amount of continuing education credits toward your
educated plumbing engineers who are current on the PE license. You also have an opportunity to network
latest technology and design requirements. with fellow plumbing engineers. I always find this to
You will also become more efficient by having be a bonus to attending the Symposium.
knowledge of the latest information. Consider the fact The advances I have made in the plumbing engi-
that, if you do not attend these seminars, it could take neering profession are a result of the education that
you seven times longer to research the information for I have obtained throughout my professional career.
an upcoming project. All summed up, the company
has a better employee and makes more money.

ASPE REPORT
I have never failed to learn something at ASPE Technical Sym- Feel free to give your boss a copy of this column. If he doesn’t
posia. I have always gotten my money’s worth. agree to send you to the Technical Symposium, have him call
So, approach your boss really soon and let him know that you me. I will gladly explain the benefits in much greater detail. If he
need to attend the Technical Symposium in Atlanta. Be pre- doesn’t want to call, send me his name and number, and I will
pared with the answers to his likely questions. Bring the list of call your boss and explain why you need to attend.
proposed educational programs. Any good boss will certainly See you in Atlanta! ✺
see the benefits of your attending the Symposium. Plus, the
boss will clearly recognize how economical the Symposium is
to attend.
March through September are ASPE

Member-Get-A-Member
Months
Each member who sponsors a new member (see rules for
eligibility) into the Society will receive an ASPE Member-Get-
A-Member Discount Coupon good for a 10% reduction on any
ASPE product or service including the Society’s membership
dues and the 2007 Technical Symposium. You may put
coupons together for redemption: Each coupon you get will
be good for a 10% discount—the coupons are additive. Get
eight (8) new members and eight (8) ASPE Membership
Discount Coupons and you will have the special opportunity
to receive a complimentary membership for a year (a 20%
savings on your next membership renewal.
March through September have been chosen by The coupons are additive. That is, you may use
the ASPE Membership Committee as “member- as many coupons as you get for either of the
get-a-member” months, the kickoff for a major redemption discounts. Get five (5) coupons and
chapter-by-chapter membership campaign. The you will be eligible for a 50% reduction toward
Membership Committee is going all out to entice your next membership renewal or toward the
ASPE members to go out and find and sponsor new 2007 Technical Symposium registration fee. (See
members to the Society. (Be sure to place your all of the rules and regulations regarding the
sponsor’s name and membership number on the earning and redeeming of ASPE Member-Get-A-
ASPE membership application form.) Member Discount Coupons on the back page.)
ASPE Discount Coupons ASPE Member-Get-A-Member Discount Coupons
Starting in March 2007, each member who will be sent to sponsors of new members from
sponsors a new member into the Society will March 2007 through September 2007. The ASPE
receive an ASPE Discount Coupon. Each coupon Member-Get-A-Member Discount Coupons can
will be good for up to a 10% reduction on any be redeemed up until November 1, 2007, for a
ASPE product or service including on your discount for the 2007 Technical Symposium, or
next membership they must all be used at your next membership
dues renewal or renewal anniversary date immediately following
a 10% discount the receipt of the coupon but in no event later than
toward the 2007 one year from April 1, 2007.
Technical Symposium
registration fee.

FROM THE EXECUTIVE’S DESK
Rumors
STANLEY M. WOLFSON, ASPE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Everyone knows what rumors are and pretty much evident from the similar responses you receive. Even
accepts that rumors don’t have much substance. Ter- if the facts are a bit embarrassing, you will get the
tullian, a Roman church father, said, “The nature of truth.
rumor is known to all.” Shakespeare, always good for
It’s Time to Rebuild the Society Membership
a quote or two, had this to say about rumor: “Rumor
ASPE needs every member’s involvement and help!
is a pipe/Blown by surmises, jealousies, conjectures”
Over the past three years, the Society has had a net
and “Enter Rumor, painted full of tongues. Open your
loss of members, whereas for the seven years prior
ears; for which of you will stop/The vent of hearing
to that period, ASPE had an annual net membership
when loud Rumor speaks?” as well as “From Rumor’s
growth of 3 to 5 percent. So what has happened?
tongues/They bring smooth comforts false, worse
We believe that whatever combination of events
than true wrongs.” Jack Levin wrote: “Gossip, then, is
caused this decline is now behind us. ASPE grows
content, a message about people; rumor is a process.
financially stronger every year. For the first time in
It takes a bit of gossip and reshapes it, modifies it in
three years, the Plumbing Engineering Design Hand-
some way, and passes it along from individual to indi-
book is being published in a hardbound edition. The
vidual in different ways.”
most recent, Volume 2, is already in members’ hands,
How Do You Know? But how do you know whether
and an updated Volume 3 is due out within the year.
or not what you are passing on as information or
PS&D continues to be very well regarded, win awards
accepting as gospel is rumor? Why am I even bringing
and honors, and move toward profitability. ASPE is
this up?
again in the midst of publishing a series of new tech-
It is amazing how many times during the past years
nical handbooks and manuals. The Technical Sympo-
I have heard from a member, or seen a statement in a
sium and the Convention and Engineered Plumbing
chapter newsletter, about something going on or being
Exposition continue to grow and remain big suc-
planned within the Society, or something the board
cesses. The ASPE online education is off to a good start,
has implemented or is shortly planning, or “facts”
allowing members to earn CEUs from their home or
about a Society product or service. The amazing part is
office. The Certified in Plumbing Design Examination
how wrong the statements are, and that’s troubling.
will, on April 21, be available as a computer exam in
ASPE as an entity and the board of directors are
more than 200 locations across the United States and
honest and open about what has, is, and will be hap-
Canada.
pening within the organization. ASPE operates on a
With the Society once again healthy and active, the
tell-it-like-it-is basis, much like hanging your dirty
involvement we need from you is to help us retain
laundry out for all to see.
members and recruit new members. Within this issue
Does It Matter? Does it really matter that rumors,
of PS&D, you will find a full-page advertisement about
correct or otherwise, are out there for all to hear or
the new Member-Get-A-Member promotion that the
read about? It does when you consider that ASPE is
ASPE Membership Committee has implemented. The
an international organization that often is challeng-
program will run from now through September 2007.
ing the status quo or putting forth policy direction
The Member-Get-A-Member program is simple:
that is not always accepted by other organizations.
Get an engineer, designer, or contractor to join ASPE,
That is when rumors, especially those that are incor-
or get a previous member to rejoin, and not only will
rect, seem to have a way of becoming “facts” and are
you be helping the Society, but you also will benefit
used by others to embarrass or otherwise provide a
personally. Each member you solicit will earn you
negative view of the Society.
a 10 percent discount coupon that, for the first time
What’s the Point? My point is that rumors don’t
ever, you can use to offset your Society membership
need to be spread when the truth is so readily avail-
dues.
able. True, it’s not easy separating a rumor from the
It’s time—start finding members and start saving
truth, but if something seems incorrect or foolish, it
on your membership dues, any other ASPE product
probably is.
or service, or the 2007 Technical Symposium regis-
Get the Truth! To confirm the facts, you just have
tration fee. ✺
to call or e-mail any ASPE board member or me, and
you will receive a quick reply—with the facts, to the
extent they are known. If you feel you need more than
one source to confirm something, call or send e-mails
to multiple members of the board. The truth will be

Unleash the Power of Your Professionalism
A National Program of the American Society
of Plumbing Engineers for the Certification of
Plumbing Engineering and Design Professionals
Registration Opens: January 5, 2007

2007 CPD Examination Deadline: April 6, 2007
April 21, 2007 Get CPD Bulletin Online @
www.aspe.org/CPD/2006-2007CPDBulletin.pdf
Now Available Online at over 200 Proctored Sites in the United States and Canada.
The CPD designation is achieved through successful completion of the comprehensive

CPD examination and maintained through a biennial recertification program.
The Certified in Plumbing Design (CPD) program is an ContEnt of thE Examination
international certification program for engineers and The CPD examination consists of 100 multiple-choice
designers of plumbing systems. Successful completion questions covering five major job dimensions:
of the CPD examination confers upon the candidate Gathering Information • Administration • Design •
the designation “Certified in Plumbing Design” or CPD. Specifications • Construction Services
The certification program provides the profession, the
plumbing industry, and the general public with a single, t Esting f EE
comprehensive qualification of professional compe- The testing fee for the examination is $375 for members
tence for engineers and designers of plumbing systems. of ASPE and $575 for nonmembers.
The CPD: PraCtiCE Examination
• Identifies those individuals who fulfill prescribed Watch for information about a special CPD Practice
requirements of experience, responsibility, and con- Exam available starting February 2007 (now in develop-
duct. ment). The Practice Exam will be available online, so you
• Recognizes those individuals who meet a standard can take it from the comfort of your home or office.
of professional competence.
• Encourages plumbing engineers to participate in a
Examination DatE
The 2007 CPD Exam will be administered on Saturday,
continuing program of professional development. April 21, 2007, starting at 2:00 p.m. (Eastern time). On-
• Provides a standard for educational programs in site registration and material pickup begins at 1:00 p.m.
plumbing engineering.
E ligibility Certified in
W hErE to t akE thE t Est
Plumbing The April CPD exam will be an online proctored exam.
To be eligible to take the CPD Design
There will be over 200 testing sites throughout the
examination, a candidate must 2006-2007
Bulletin of United States and Canada. Check inside the bulletin for
possess a minimum of four (4) the site nearest you.
Information
years of practical experience in a A National Program
position of responsibility for the

for the Certification of
Plumbing Engineering
Professionals t Esting s ChEDulE
design of plumbing systems and The test will begin at 2:00 p.m. and end promptly at 5:30
p.m. You will be allowed three hours and 30 minutes to
American
possess a baccalaureate degree Society of
Plumbing
Engineers
in a field related to engineering. complete the test.

In lieu of an accredited degree, a candidate may information anD CPD bullEtin
substitute up to an additional four (4) years of practical For more information about the test, contact the ASPE
experience in the design of plumbing systems, for a total office at (773) 693-2773 or download the 2006–2007
of eight (8) years, or be granted a credit of one-half year CPD Bulletin at www.aspe.org/CPD/2006-2007CPD-
of practical experience for each one (1) full year of edu- Bulletin.pdf.
cation in an accredited curriculum related to plumbing
engineering.
ASPE STANDARDS COMMITTEE UPDATE
Help Develop Standards —

Join a Working Group
David D. Dexter, PE, CPD, ASPE Main Standards Committee Chair
The 2006 ASPE Convention and EPE are now a fond draft will be reviewed and balloted through the Main
and fading memory. It was an exciting event, a time to Committee, a process that should take 30 to 60 days.
renew old friendships and make new ones. Now that Based on a preliminary review, I hope to forward the
it has passed and I am finally close to catching up on standard to ASPE for public review before the middle
the accumulated work, it is time to turn my attention of this year.
to the work of the ASPE Standards Committee. The ASPE has three other standards in development:
Working Groups are the heart and soul of the stan- ASPE Standard 10: Water Line Sizing, ASPE Standard
dards development process. 50: Venting Systems, and ASPE Standard 100: Plumb-
It is the Working Groups, through the dedication of ing Systems Commissioning. Each Working Group is
the volunteer members—whether ASPE members or diligently working on its task. However, if you have
other interested professionals—that develop the stan- knowledge or interest in these topics, each group
dards that are sorely needed to advance the industry could use your participation. Applications are avail-
and the profession. These dedicated individuals are able on the ASPE website, or you can contact me
you: ASPE members and others interested in our directly. Remember, you may have been designing
industry who wish to raise the level of the plumbing for years, but all of us can learn, and by sharing your
profession and improve the public’s safety and health. knowledge, you grow and help others.
You, too, can make a difference by getting involved. Currently, Working Groups are taking the initial
You can share your knowledge and experience with steps to develop standards on residential sprinkler
those just beginning their career and, yes, even those systems (yes, sprinkler systems involve plumbing
with many years of experience. We all have something engineering); fats, oils, and grease removal and sys-
to share and contribute. I have heard many reasons tems; fuel gas system design (propane); and vacuum
for not getting involved, but the truth is, most of us plumbing systems. Do you have thoughts on other
feel that we lack intellect or are embarrassed to step standards? Do you know people interested in work-
out in front of a group. Do not let that stop you; take ing on these groups or chairing a Working Group?
that first step—participate and contribute. Once past Please let us know. As an ASPE member and some-
your apprehension, you will see that you can contrib- one interested in elevating and growing the plumbing
ute and grow in your personal skills as well as your engineering profession, I will continue to be involved,
professional ones. pushing to assist and better my profession.
ASPE’s design standards process began at the ASPE’s President, Julius Ballanco, PE, the board of
Fort Worth Convention and EPE, when a few people directors, Main Standards Committee, and member-
stepped forward to take on the new challenge of devel- ship all have many ideas for other Working Groups to
oping standards. As most of us were new to the ANSI develop standards. It will be through the empower-
standards process, it has been a long learning curve. ment and growth of the membership as well as inter-
While we are still learning, ASPE has its first standard ested groups and individuals that the profession will
out for review on its website. It was not planned to be grow and receive elevated respect in the clear view of
the first standard through the process, but ASPE Stan- the industry and public. What can and will you do to
dard 45: Siphonic Roof Drainage Systems will soon be assist in this growth? Membership, large or small, is
ready for publication. needed to make things happen that we all desire. It is
This standard will assist engineers, designers, con- time to participate, contribute, and get involved. You
tractors, and code officials in understanding and can make a difference too.
evaluating an old technology that is new to the United Remember, the application is available on the ASPE
States. With the publication, a new process will begin, website; I hope to process yours shortly. If you have
with reviews and updates on a regular cycle. While any questions, please feel free to contact me at (614)
the standard represents a leap in the design of some 487-1650 or david.dexter@korda.com. ✺
storm drainage systems, everything requires review
and improvement as experience in use is gained. This
is an area where you can contribute, by reviewing the
document, applying the technology, and providing
feedback.
The Main Standards Committee now expects to
receive the final draft of what will become ASPE Stan-
dard 15: Hot Water Temperature and Control. That

WANTED Technical Presentations for the
ASPE Technical Symposium
November 2–4, 2007
Atlanta, Georgia
Present an intensive two-, four-, or eight-hour
practical engineering and/or design seminar or interactive workshop.
The 2007 Symposium is designed to provide educational and professional development opportunities for plumbing
engineers and designers. The Technical Sympoisum Committee is looking for technical presentation proposals directed
to plumbing engineers and designers. Some technical proposal topic ideas include:
• Green Buildings and Spaces • Fire Protection
(e.g., green buildings, gray and black water reuse) • Gas Systems (e.g., NOX, liquified, cryogenics)
• Acoustics • Plumbing Specifications
• Seismic Design • Drainage Systems
• Venting Systems (e.g., gas, closed) • Professional Development
• Plumbing Systems for Specialized Facilities (e.g., time management, team development, business
(e.g., electronics, pharmaceuticals, health care) communications, negotiating, contracts)
PROPOSAL SUBMITTALS prepared to provide appropriate guidance and leadership.

Each proposal submittal should include a 200- to 350-word All programs should have relevant handout material that
abstract or description of the proposed seminar or workshop. includes all the information presented, incorporates copies
Information provided should include the following: of all visual materials, and includes documentation of the
• How the program will enhance the skills of the professional completed design project(s).
plumbing engineer/designer BIOGRAPHY
• What practical or professional skills will be augmented and A one-page, 250-word biography for each instructor or pre-
strengthened senter should also be included (a photo is recommended)
• How the attendee to this session will benefit directly with each proposal. Please be sure to include prior seminar
• What benefits this seminar will have for an attendee’s employer or presentation experience.
• Session level (beginner, intermediate, or professional)
• Why a participant should attend this seminar/workshop SUBMITTAL DATE
• Handouts that will be incorporated into the seminar/workshop Proposals or a Statement of Intent to submit a proposal
• Audio and visual media and materials that will be used should be received at the ASPE office no later than March
28, 2007.
Presentations must be non-proprietary in nature as the
Technical Symposium is about learning—not selling. The SUBMIT WRITTEN PROPOSALS TO:
preferred technical session will be a minimum of two hours 2007 ASPE Technical Symposium
in length (with breaks). Be sure your submittal provides c/o Stanley Wolfson, Executive Director
enough information to ensure the presentations will cover American Society of Plumbing Engineers
a topic in detail and for the required time period. 8614 W. Catalpa Avenue, Suite 1007
Chicago, IL 60656-1116
PRESENTATION GUIDELINES (773) 693-2773 • Fax: (773) 695-9007 • E–mail: aspehq@
Presentations should include an introduction to the system(s) aspe.org • Internet: www.aspe.org
under consideration, when appropriate; relevant terms and
definitions; formulas; applicable codes; and equipment PROPOSALS MAY BE SUBMITTED ONLINE AT:|
descriptions and specifications. Programs should include a www.aspe.org/Conv_Symp/cfp2007.html
full discussion of the system design objectives and param-
(Note: Material submitted to ASPE for consideration will not be
eters, and should incorporate one or more realistic design
returned.)
projects to be solved by the attendees—presenters should be
Highlights of the January 2007

ASPE Board of Directors Meeting
The next ASPE board of directors meeting will be held April is to use the ASPE website for pop-up advertisements. It was
19–20, 2007, at the ASPE office in Chicago. noted that for the 2006 year, the ASPE site received more than
New Voting Board Members. In accordance with the ASPE 5.5 million hits.
Bylaws, the board of directors may fill vacant board positions. Grassroots Budget Meeting. The board announced that a
At the October 2006 ASPE Business Meeting, the delegates Grassroots Budget Meeting will be held at Society headquarters
passed bylaw amendments creating the board voting positions in Chicago on March 17, 2007, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (Cen-
of vice president, affiliate, and region directors. In accordance tral Time). Chapters not able to travel to Chicago will be able
with these bylaw amendments, Billy Smith was sworn in as vice to view and participate in the Grassroots Meeting by webcast.
president, affiliate, to fill the vacant position until elections in This will provide every chapter the opportunity to review the
October 2008. Billy becomes the first affiliate member to have Society budget before it is officially presented to the board for
a vote on the board of directors. Similarly, John Puchala, CPD, approval.
Jim Rogers, CPD, Dave Anelli, and Tim Smith, CPD, were sworn 2007 Symposium. The board approved the initial program-
in as region directors. These former region chairs became full ming and registration pricing for the 2007 Technical Symposium
voting members of the board of directors. They will retain these to be held in Atlanta. The board voted to hold the line on costs
board positions until the next election of board members in so the registration fee will increase only slightly from 2005. With
October 2008. The Region 4 director position remains unfilled the success of the sponsorship program for the 2005 Technical
at this time. Steve Shayler shall retain his position as Region 4 Symposium, the board has approved an enhanced sponsorship
chair. program for this year’s Symposium. This program allows man-
Oral History. Historian Richard Regalado Jr., CPD, will begin ufacturers to show their support for ASPE while helping keep
collecting an oral history of the past presidents. Members of the expenses down and provide reduced registration and atten-
Society Historical Committee will assist him. dance costs for ASPE members. All Convention delegates are
Logo Use. The board approved the addition of the terms encouraged to attend the Technical Symposium. This will help
“supporter,” “sponsor,” and “patron” to the ASPE logo, which maintain continuity in the Society between Convention years.
will permit expanded use of the Society logo. Manufacturers, CPD Designation. Based on requests from the member-
affiliates, and others can use the new logo designs to show ship, the board revisited the cost of the upcoming April 21 CPD
their support of ASPE’s Technical Symposia, Conventions, and Examination. After careful review, the board decided to slightly
Engineered Plumbing Expositions. In addition, the logos will reduce the fee to $375 from the advertised $425. Anyone who
be available to advertisers in PS&D. Use of the alternate logos is registered and paid the higher fee will be issued a refund for the
subject to written permission from ASPE. difference. To encourage engineer members who hold the PE
ASPE Calendar. As an additional revenue source, the board registration to participate in ASPE’s CPD program, the board
has approved the creation of a special ASPE calendar for the year approved a reduced CPD exam fee for PEs. The board would like
2008. Board members will be tasked with contacting manufac- to encourage all PE members of the Society to show support for
turers to advertise in the calendar. The calendar will be sent to the CPD program.
all ASPE members and to all PS&D subscribers later this year. CIPE Designation. After careful deliberation, the board has
ABET Membership. The board approved the initial process decided to eliminate all use of the CIPE designation, which
of completing and filing an application to become a member of was created in 1983. At the time of the changeover to the CPD
ABET. Final decision as to whether ASPE will become a member program in 2000, all CIPEs were offered the opportunity to
of ABET will be determined based on acceptance of the appli- grandfather into the CPD program. The board has approved
cation and costs of membership. ABET is the organization that one last opportunity for those holding the CIPE designation
accredits engineering colleges and universities. Since there is to grandfather into the CPD program. Grandfathering means
now a degree course at the University of Wisconsin in Fluid Sys- that those with the CIPE designation are not required to take
tems Engineering that ASPE was instrumental in helping create, the CPD Examination. However, they must recertify every two
it is important for the Society to be involved in future curricu- years. A letter will be sent to all those with the CIPE designation
lum development. indicating the discontinuing of the term Certified in Plumbing
Budget. The Board reviewed the budget, which showed a Engineering and use of the CIPE acronym. A special form will
deficit, submitted by the Finance Committee. The board insists be required to grandfather into the CPD program. There will be
that the Finance Committee work with chapters, region direc- a six-month time limit for CIPEs to make the conversion. After
tors, and the board to find additional “real” revenue sources for, this moratorium period, CIPE no longer will be a valid designa-
at a minimum, a balanced budget for the 2007–2008 fiscal year. tion. The CPD program already provides for a retired CPD status
The budget is to be resubmitted by the Finance Committee to that doesn’t require recertification every two years. This status
the president so that he can present it at the April board meeting will be available to qualified individuals currently holding the
for final board approval. One suggestion for additional revenues CIPE designation.

ASPE REPORT
New Membership Promotion. The new Member-Get-A- to Appendix L provides the engineering design requirements for
Member promotion will provide incentives to members who using air-admittance valves. The intent of the changes is that the
sign up new members. For every member recruited by a current Uniform Plumbing Code recognizes design parameters that are
member in good standing, that member will receive a numbered identified in the Plumbing Engineering Design Handbooks.
discount coupon. These coupons will be good for 10 percent off New Course. In a few months, the Society will make available
any ASPE product or service, including Society membership to ASPE chapters a 16-week course on Plumbing Engineering
dues and registration for the 2007 Technical Symposium. The Basics. This program will allow chapters to hold special courses
coupons will be good for up to one year of the stated issue date in plumbing engineering over two eight-week semesters. The
and can be accumulated and used together. For example, if you chapters will be provided with all the material needed to pres-
sign up five new members, you can receive 50 percent off your ent the course, including lesson plans, a course timetable,
next membership renewal or 50 percent off the 2007 Techni- PowerPoints, handout material, homework, and quizzes. This
cal Symposium registration fee. This is the very first promotion college-level course has been in development and successfully
that provides for discounts on a member’s annual dues. Every presented by the Chicago Chapter for the past 10 years, and they
member in good standing is eligible to receive the discount have donated it to the Society.
coupons. Each new sponsored member will receive a 25 percent New Standard. The Main Standards Committee announced
discount coupon to attend the 2007 Technical Symposium. In that the Siphonic Roof Drainage standard should be available for
addition, all members who sponsor a new member and attend publication within the next few months. The standard has been
the 2007 Technical Symposium will have their name entered out for evaluation and comment, and the Committee is making
into a special drawing to win a laptop computer. final adjustments to the standard based on the comments. This
Code Changes. The board authorized the submittal of code will be the first standard issued by ASPE. ✺
changes to IAPMO’s Uniform Plumbing Code. The code changes
proposed will add language to Chapters 7, 9, and 11 to recognize
engineered designs of drainage and venting systems. A change
New ASPE Members

Welcome to all new Society members. When you choose a and new, this is your Society; your involvement enhances the
chapter affiliation, you have twice the advantage. Not only can plumbing engineering field as well as ASPE. Suggestions about
you participate in chapter functions and programs, but you ways to make your Society more beneficial to both fellow mem-
also can be involved at the national level. To all members, old bers and all involved in the industry are welcome.
Alabama Chapter Central Texas Chapter Kansas City Chapter Northern California Chapter Southern Nevada Chapter
Randle David Eagan, PE Julio Garcia Steve E. Berry, PE Leo Deagon Sandor Joshua Duran
Atlanta Chapter Muhammad Sajjad Panjwani Mark Alan Howard Glen Reed Jacobs, PE Southwestern Ohio Chapter
Tom Harrison Charlotte Chapter Luke Ismert Orange County Chapter Ronald Barry Cobb
Kim Allen Honea Ronald Patrick Deese Jere Dean Kimmel Korey Kowata Michael A. Hagan
Shannon Walls Chicago Chapter Los Angeles Chapter Chrissy Marie Kresta Steven Albert Nonnenman
Keith M. Watkins Shawn Allen, PE Barbara A. Balsz Efren Martinez, Fundament Maria T. Ramos, PE
Baltimore Chapter Paul Joseph Gangloff Theera Sirinopwongsagon, PE and Associates St. Louis Chapter
Joederick Casilag Abrigo Todd R. Gray David Norman Summers, PE Ottawa Region Chapter Eric Paul Rogers
Larry S. Harpster Diane Wang Dave Orr
Boston Chapter Virginia Blue Ridge Chapter
Daniel Mark Cohen Scott Martorano Memphis Chapter David Shore William Crouch III
Eric Daniel Griswold Scott Milne Stephen Levi Clark Ralph Siciliano Ralph Hudnall Johnson III
John Kennedy Cleveland Chapter Minnesota Chapter Philadelphia Chapter West Coast Florida Chapter
Cho Yiu, PE Olga Zlotnikov Michael James Rivers James William Henry Dean L. Wilson, CIPE
British Columbia Chapter Columbia Chapter Ryane L. Ross Pearson Phoenix Chapter
Scott Alan Sawyer Western Michigan Chapter
David Iwabu Thomas Barton Hamilton Tom V. Le, PE Ashley Marie Baker
James A. Hill Lawrence Bert Sundberg Thomas Michael Stone, PE
Central Florida Chapter Mark Trogstad, PE Mark Allen Taylor
John Lee Guerrero, PE Denver Chapter Pittsburgh Chapter Wisconsin Chapter
John Rivada Miranda Jr. David S. Buesser, PE Montreal Chapter James Tharun
Andre Allard David Alexander Earl
Cliff M. Moxey, PE Eastern Michigan Chapter Quebec Chapter Adam C. Johnson
Lynn Shaffer Francis Leclerc, PE
Nancy J. Bednarz Francois Martin
Central Indiana Chapter Rick Allen Johnston New York City Chapter
Prince A. Addo Richmond Chapter
Phillip B. Cutler, PE Houston Chapter Manan M. Haji
Terrence Chapman
Central New York Chapter M. Saleem Khan Daniel John Colombini Shontae Danielle Hewlett
Grant M. Talcik Intermountain Chapter Vincent Falkowski Rochester Chapter
Central Ohio Chapter Nicholas George Allred North Florida Chapter Daniel Owen Keiffer
John Carano Robert Bader, PE Jarrett Alan McAllister San Diego Chapter
Stacy A. Elia

Charlotte Pipe Viega
NEW PRODUCT SHOWCASE Jay R. Smith
Charlotte Pipe and Foundry’s ChemDrain CPVC ™
Viega Releases New Stainless Steel Manifolds Grease+Gard™ Automatic Grease Recovery Device
Chemical Waste Drain System offers a safe, durable New for 2007 Viega releases three different options The Grease+Gard™ is an automatic grease recov-
and economical alternative for the disposal of a wide of Stainless Steel Manifolds. Offered as Valveless, Shut ery device that relies on a belt and heater assembly
range of chemicals in institutional, academic and off/balancing or Shut off/balancing/flow meters, to pick up the grease. In a process known as grease
commercial laboratories. CPVC (chlorinated polyvinyl the radiant manifolds come fully assembled in 11⁄4" recovery, the grease is then skimmed into a small
chloride) piping systems are ideal for chemical diameter with (2) 6 5⁄8" spacing brackets for compact trough where it flows into a grease container on the
waste systems because of their high temperature remote mounting. Compatible with Viega Mixing and side of the unit for easy disposal. This Grease+Gard™
rating and excellent resistance to a broad range of Injection Stations the new Stainless Steel Manifolds can be retrofitted on any grease interceptor, metal
chemicals, including acids, bases, caustics, salts, allow for higher flow rates. Committed to supplying or plastic, or can be purchased as a system com-
aliphatic solutions and other common reagents. the most superior line of radiant heating products plete with unit and solids interceptor.
Charlotte Pipe’s ChemDrain system is much easier Viega sets the standard for excellence by delivering To contact your local representative about this
to join than mechanical or heat fusion systems. CPVC an expanding line of highly engineered systems. For product please visit our web site at www.jrsmith.com
pipe is lightweight and only requires simple tools to more information on Viega’s intensifying radiant line
cut and bevel. CPVC is joined by solvent cement – the call 1-877-VIEGA-NA, visit viega-na.com or e-mail
most commonly used technique for thermoplastic service@viega.com.
pipe and fittings in the chemical processing industry.
Circle 100 on your reader response card Circle 101 on your reader response card Circle 102 on your reader response card
IPS Sioux Chief Parker Seal

IPS is pleased to announce the introduction of Sioux Chief’s new Commercial Chase Bracket is Parker Hannifin’s Seal Group has released two
the Guy Gray FR-12 Series of Fire Rated Outlet Boxes. designed to support copper water headers ranging up new chloramine resistant materials for use in water
Made of high temperature resin, FR-12 series boxes to 3" diameter for chase wall applications. The heavy- system sealing applications. EJ274-70 and EJ273-70
are Warnock Hersey Certified and have a 1 and 2 duty 16 gauge copper plated steel Chase Bracket is are 70-durometer EPDM based polymer formulations
hour fire rating. With the U.L. listed Intumescent pad ideal for pre-fab installations. Fasten to vent or stack (with and without internal lubrication).
attached to the back of the outlet box, no special pipe with the included stainless steel band or secure The new EPDM compounds can help safeguard
wrapping or sheet fabrication is needed. The FR-12 to any flat surface with approved hardware using the
against leakage and contamination in potable water
outlet boxes are available in Washing Machine, Ice two mounting holes at the top of the bracket. Once
Maker and Gas Outlet boxes and are available with bracket is installed, spot solder the copper pipe to the systems. They are available in a wide variety of
most major valve connections. Pre-loaded nails for bracket making sure heat is applied to the pipe. configurations, including standard or custom O-rings
right or left stud bay installation makes installation and molded shapes.
easy, simply nail the box into the stud. The FR-12 For more information, or to order your free copy
molded in test cap for testing of DWV systems will not of the “Chloramine-Resistant Sealing Materials”
fall down the drain. One face plate fits all FR-12 series bulletin (PSG 5027) call 1-800-C-PARKER.
boxes. Visit www.ipscorp.com to download Guy Gray
FR-12 Fire Rated Outlet Box literature.
Circle 103 on your reader response card Circle 104 on your reader response card Circle 105 on your reader response card

Plumbing Engineers, Designers,
Specifiers, Contractors
Engineers/Designers Employers
Need a job or Need a professional?
looking for a new job? Having trouble finding plumbing
Want to check out available engineers/designers?
job opportunities? Need to fill a engineer sales position?
The ASPE Career Center is a unique online job board designed to connect plumbing industry employers
with highly qualified engineering professionals looking to advance in their careers.
Keeping ASPE’s commitment to the professional growth and advancement of its members in mind, the
online Career Center is a free service to all ASPE members. This user-friendly Career Center allows
members to post their résumés (anonymously, if desired), set up job search agents, search job postings,
and apply online for positions of interest —all the tools members need to get the job they deserve. Indus-
try employers can post jobs and search résumés on the Career Center efficiently and cost-effectively.
The ASPE Career Center provides the latest and most innovative career site technology to the plumb-
ing engineering and design community. The ASPE Career Center focuses on all positions that relate to
plumbing engineering and design and related plumbing industry positions, including:
• Plumbing Engineers • Design Engineers
• Fire Protection Specialists • Plumbing Contractors
• HVAC Engineers and Designers • Process Piping Engineers and Designers
• Product Engineers • Product Designers
• Sales Engineers • Other related plumbing industry positions
ASPE members are leaders in innovative plumbing design, effective materials and energy use, and the
application of advanced techniques throughout the world. ASPE members represent an extensive net-
work of experienced engineers, designers, contractors, code officials, manufacturers, and manufacturer
representatives interested in advancing their careers, their profession, and the industry.
Are You a Professional Engineer/Designer?
Employers: Want to Ensure You Get the Best Qualified Candidate?
Getting It Right—The ASPE Hiring Check List
1. An ASPE Full or Associate Member? To be a full member of ASPE, the engineer/designer MUST have
four years of education combined with four years of experience, or eight years of experience. Associ-
ate Members MUST have four years of education combined with experience. Not everyone can be a
Full or Associate Member of ASPE.
2. Does the Candidate have a PE or a CPD? Registered Professional Engineers have a combination of a
college/university engineering degree and experience. Those Certified in Plumbing Design must be
able to meet all the qualifications for a Full Member of the Society, have passed a rigorous examina-
tion, and are required to recertify every two years.
Check it out: www.aspe.org/careers

Classifieds\ADVERTISERS INDEX
Advertisers Index
AGF................................................... 37
www.testandrain.com
Armstrong......................................... IFC
www.armstrong-intl.com
Bradford White................................... 25
Piping/Plumbing www.bradfordwhite.com
Engineers Charlotte Pipe............................... 32-33
Vanderweil Engineers, a prestigious and well- www.charlottepipe.com
established MEP firm is seeking Piping/Plumbing Green Turtle....................................... 11
Engineers to join our Alexandria, VA facility.
www.greenturtletech.com
Qualified candidates will possess five to fifteen Leonard Valve..................................... 35
years of design experience with an emphasis on www.leonardvalve.com
laboratories, healthcare, biotech and other
technically complex facilities. Experience as a Liberty Pumps.................................... 17
project lead is required, as is the ability to www.libertypumps.com
visualize and interpret interdisciplinary drawings.
Fire sprinkler, process piping and sustainability Lowe Engineering............................... 19
experience is a definite plus. Successful www.lowe-engineering.com
candidates will be team players with strong
communication skills and a quality focus. BSME, Parker Seal........................................... 9
BSAE, NICET and CIPE are preferred. Further www.parker.com
advancement is also available for a proven
professional with a strong drive to excel and grow,
Patterson Pumps.................................. 5
and the desire to be part of a winning team. www.pattersonpumps.com
Vanderweil Engineers offers prospective
Powers............................................... 29
employees experience with diverse projects and www.powerscontrols.com
nationally recognized high-profile buildings Schott................................................. 7
and facilities. These projects are in the area of
biocontainment and chemical laboratories, www.us.schott.com/drainline
hospitals, cGMP pharmaceutical and innovative Sioux Chief.......................................... 3
sustainability, as well as in the government, www.siouxchief.com
high-rise and commercial sectors.
Smith Mfg. Co., Jay R. . ...................... BC
Vanderweil Engineers offers growth potential www.jrsmith.com
and exposure to some of the most exciting,
challenging and high-profile projects, in PLUMBING DESIGNER/ENGINEER Sloan................................................. 13
addition to competitive salaries, flex time and Cator, Ruma & Associates is seeking qualified www.sloanvalve.com
generous benefits. E-mail your resume to: candidates for the position of Senior Plumbing
jobs@vanderweil.com. Principals only, EOE. Designer/Engineer. Candidates should have ex-
Studor.............................................. IBC
perience in plumbing systems design for health- www.studor.com
care, industrial, and educational facilities, be Tyco.................................................. 39
proficient with AutoCAD, be a team member and www.tycothermal.com
possess good oral and written communication
skills. Fax resume to 303-233-3701 or email to
T&S Brass............................................. 1
cra-resumes@catorruma.com www.tsbrass.com
www.vanderweil.com Viega................................................. 21
The firm is located in Lakewood, Colorado just
minutes from the foothills of the Rockies. We www.viega.com
can offer you an excellent compensation package
PLUMBING DESIGNERS including a competitive salary, a comprehensive
Consulting engineering firm located in Los An- insurance package, 401K, flex time, and Friday PLUMBING DESIGNER
geles area seeks experienced plumbing designers afternoons off to enjoy the Colorado mountains. Cincinnati M/E/P Firm is seeking an experi-
for large healthcare, institutional and sports facil- Visit our web site at www.catorruma.com for more enced Plumbing Designer to design Plumbing, Fire
ity projects. The plumbing designer works on a information about us. Suppression & Utilities systems for facilities. Re-
variety of projects with overall responsibility for sponsibilities include design of facility engineer-
the technical quality of the plumbing design. PIPE FITTING SPECIALIST ing plumbing systems in healthcare, education,
Excellent salary and benefits including medical, Do you have experience specifying, using, in- industrial, commercial, institutional facilities and
dental, vision, 401(k), cafeteria plan and profit stalling, or selling products related to pipe and knowledge of codes. Proficient in AutoCAD. 5+
sharing. Nice work environment. pipe fittings? If so, we would like to talk to you! years of experience Relocation costs negotiable.
Email resume to: lstrubing@me-engineers-la.com, McMaster-Carr, one of the nation’s leading dis- CONTACT–Mary Sigmon 513-772- 1756 x6205,
M-E Engineers, Inc., 10113 Jefferson Blvd., Culver tributors of industrial supplies, is seeking bright, Email: careers@valu-tech.com
City, CA 90232 resourceful candidates to fill Pipe Fitting Spe-
cialist roles in our Los Angeles, Cleveland, Chi- MECHANICAL PLUMBING ENGINEER
cago, Central New Jersey and Atlanta locations. Cincinnati M/E/P Firm is seeking an experi-
PLUMBING DESIGNER Our Pipe Fitting Specialists assist our customers enced Plumbing Engineer to oversee its Plumb-
Energy Systems Designs, Inc. has an immediate by finding the best items for their application, ing, Fire Suppression & Site Utilities group. Re-
opening for a Plumbing Designer. Successful can- answering questions about items we carry, finding sponsibilities include engineering plumbing sys-
didate will have experience in design of plumbing special items in the marketplace, and consulting tems such as sanitary, storm, and water systems;
systems for commercial, educational and municipal with our vendors. engineering compressed air systems, medical and
facilities, as well as have proficiency in AutoCAD. We offer an exceptional compensation and lab gas systems, water treatment systems, and
ESD is an MPE consulting firm in Phoenix, AZ, es- benefits package, which includes profit shar- fire suppression systems. 10+ years of experience
tablished in 1988. We offer a competitive salary and ing, a company-funded retirement plan, and in plumbing & fire suppression. A college engi-
excellent benefits – refer to our website for further insurance. To apply: please e-mail your resume neering degree; CPD/CIPE certification; and/or
information (www.esd-inc.com). Fax resumes to to recruiting@mcmaster.com or fax it to (630) P.E. Relocation costs negotiable. CONTACT: Mary
602.954-6393, or email to jacque.ardebili@esd-inc. 617-4641. Please reference “ELM-Pipe Fitting” in Sigmon–513-772-1756 x6205 Email: careers@
com. ESD is an equal opportunity employer. the subject line. valu-tech.com

COMBINING SUPERIOR
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REDUCES
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ALLOWS
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How It Works
Grease+Gard™ uses a heater and belt technology to skim the grease out of the interceptor.
Grease Reservoir
Grease+Gard’s trough has one of the industries
most aggressive slopes. This helps gravity feed
Skimmer Belt and Blades the grease to the grease container and also
The skimmer belt goes reduces the cleaning cycle of the grease trough.
through the skimmer
blades and wipes the Grease+Gard™ Skimmer
grease off of the belt and
Grease+Gard™ is a completely
gravity feeds the grease
sealed device to prevent
down the trough into the
unpleasant odors.
grease container. Timer
Grease is removed Thermostat

from the unit because Heater Outlet
its viscosity allows it
Cover to stick to the belt.
Static water
Piping Line
(by others)
Agitator
Flow Control
Fitting The Agitator on
the lower pulley
Inlet works by keeping
the upper layer of
grease circulating,
eliminating the
Solids Removable Baffle need of stirring
Direction of Flow the grease layer
Interceptor
on a daily basis.
Grease+Gard™ Stainless Steel The Agitator also
Adjustable Legs Grease Recovery Device. draws the grease to
the belt.
Removable Auxiliary Outlet Secondary
Perforated Bottom
Strainer
Bucket
The Grease+Gard™ Retrofit Skimmer

Grease+Gard™ is an automatic grease recovery
device that relies on a belt and heater assembly to
pick up the grease. The Grease+Guard™Skimmer can
be retrofitted on any grease interceptor, metal or plastic,
or can be purchased as a system complete with a grease
and solids interceptor. 8165 Grease+Gard™ Stainless 8165GG Retrofit Skimmer
8980 Inline Solids Steel Grease Recovery Device
Interceptor
® For more information on our products or to

contact your local Jay R. Smith Mfg. Co.®
representative, visit our Web site at:
www.jrsmith.com

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March/April 2007

HOW TO SOLVE BUSINESS DISPUTES

LEARN WATER SYSTEM DESIGN

LEGIONELLA RISK REDUCTION AND ENHANCED

Log on to www.armstrong-intl.com/brain today to learn more and

to sign up for a live, online tour of a hospital system in operation.

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Plumbing Systems & Design Magazine

Photo by Sam Fentress

12 Code Update............................................................... Ray Moore, PE, CPD

22 Designer’s Notebook............................................ Joseph V. Messina, CPD

42 Plumbing Technology of the Future.......... Winston Huff, CPD, LEED AP

Water Efficiency Equals Energy Efficiency

42 46 Plumbing Design by the Numbers...... James E. Stenqvist, CPD, LEED AP

48 Hydronics for Plumbing Engineers............................ Roy C.E. Ahlgren

 Plumbing Systems & Design MARCH/APRIL 2007 PSDMAGAZINE.ORG

Watch the new interactive presentation of the

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CONTINUING EDUCATION Executive Publisher

ASPE Board of Directors 2006–2008

 Plumbing Systems & Design MARCH/APRIL 2007 PSDMAGAZINE.ORG

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 Plumbing Systems & Design MARCH/APRIL 2007 PSDMAGAZINE.ORG

KIMAX ® Glass Drainline by SCHOTT

Low Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

Will not burn or emit toxic fumes

Maximum corrosion resistance

Flexibility, adaptability, modularity

Safe and simple installation

Lowest life-cycle costs

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 Plumbing Systems & Design MARCH/APRIL 2007 PSDMAGAZINE.ORG

It’s also zeroing in on NSF-certiﬁed seal materials, causing degradation,

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Thinking Big in a Little World

10 Plumbing Systems & Design MARCH/APRIL 2007 PSDMAGAZINE.ORG

Specify Proceptor.™ Retire Happy.

12 Plumbing Systems & Design MARCH/APRIL 2007 PSDMAGAZINE.ORG

Call Sloan’s Water Conservation Division

XLerator ® FLUSHMATE ® Waterfree

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14 Plumbing Systems & Design MARCH/APRIL 2007 PSDMAGAZINE.ORG

MARCH/APRIL 2007 Plumbing Systems & Design 15

16 Plumbing Systems & Design MARCH/APRIL 2007 PSDMAGAZINE.ORG

Order a Liberty EPS and you’ll get the

All liberty EPS systems now feature

Specify a pre-designed system from Liberty!

18 Plumbing Systems & Design MARCH/APRIL 2007 PSDMAGAZINE.ORG

Oil, Grease & Solids

Two Popular Styles for Sanitary

MARCH/APRIL 2007 Plumbing Systems & Design 19

Who Are These Plumbing Engineers?

20 Plumbing Systems & Design MARCH/APRIL 2007 PSDMAGAZINE.ORG

“FostaPEX is the best pipe I have

For more information about FostaPEX

Viega...first to bring press technology to PEX plumbing and heating.

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What Plumbing Designers Need to Know

22 Plumbing Systems & Design MARCH/APRIL 2007 PSDMAGAZINE.ORG

Figure 3 Angle valve

MARCH/APRIL 2007 Plumbing Systems & Design 23

24 Plumbing Systems & Design MARCH/APRIL 2007 PSDMAGAZINE.ORG

Commitment has its rewards

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by Paul Todd Merrill, PE, LEED AP, and

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