Chapter 20

Plumbing Plans
 Introduction
Classifications of piping:
Industrial or residential (i.e., plumbing)
Types of pipes:
Copper
Plastic
Metal
Steel
Cast iron
 Introduction (contd.)
Residential plans
Generally dont require complete plumbing
plan
Need should be verified with local building code
In most cases, requirements can be provided
on floor plan
Symbols for fixtures
Notes for specific applications or conditions
Plumbing Terms and Definitions
Key terminology:
Cleanout Potable water
Drain Riser
Fitting Rough-in
Hose bibb Run
Main Sanitary sewer
Plumbing fixture, Sewer
system, and wall Soil pipe and stack
 Terms and Definitions (contd.)
Key terminology (contd.):
Stack Water closet
Storm sewer Water distributing
Trap pipe
Valve Water heater,
Vanity main, and meter
Vent pipe and stack Water service
Waste pipe and stack
 Size of Plumbing Piping
Water supply plumbing is based on:
Amount of water needed
Supply pressure
Pipe length
Number of stories to be supplied
Flow pressure needed at farthest point
Size of Plumbing Piping (contd.)
Size of drainage piping is based on:
Standards established for fixture type
Average amount of waste discharged through
the fixture in a given amount of time
Size of vent pipes is based on:
Number of drainage fixture units that drain into
waste portion of vent stack
Universal Plumbing Installations
Design considerations:
Sinks
Water closet
Bathtubs
Showers
 Plumbing Schedules
Similar to door,
window, and lighting
fixture schedules
Mortgage lenders may
require a complete
description of
materials
 Plumbing Drawings
Usually not on the same sheet as complete
floor plan
Only plumbing items on floor plans are fixtures
Generally drawn separately
Floor plan is used as a base drawing
May be prepared by a drafter or in conjunction
with a plumbing contractor
 Water Systems
Water supply to a structure begins at a:
Water meter for public systems
Water storage tank for private well systems
Water supply to home or business:
Known as the main line
Generally 1" plastic pipe
 Water Systems (contd.)
Water heaters
Placed on a platform with an overflow tray
Recommended sizes vary
Hose bibbs
Faucets used to attach a hose
Outside hose bibbs require a separate valve
Allows owner to turn off water to hose bibb during
freezing weather
 Drainage and Vent Systems
Drainage system
Provides for distribution of solid and liquid
waste to sewer line
Vent system
Allows continuous airflow through the system
Gases and odors can dissipate
Bacteria do not have an opportunity to develop
 Isometric Plumbing Drawings
Provide three-
dimensional
representation of a
plumbing layout
(i.e., plumbing riser
diagram)
Automatic Fire Sprinkler Systems
2009 International Residential Code (IRC)
Section P2904 of the International Plumbing
Code (IPC)
Requires automatic fire sprinkler systems for all new
townhouse construction
Not required on additions or alterations made to
existing townhomes
 Sewage Disposal
Sanitary sewer system
Underground pipes collect and transfer
wastewater to treatment plants or private
sewage treatment
Includes domestic, business, and industry
Not designed to handle storm water
Systems:
Public sewers
Private sewage disposal (e.g., septic tank)
 Fire Sprinkler Systems
Commonly used in commercial buildings
Becoming a consideration in residential design
Sometimes required
Determined by local governing agency, by square
footage or location
Water plug releases water when heat reaches
a certain temperature
Several advantages
 Metrics in Plumbing
Pipe is made of a wide variety of materials
Identified by trade names
Nominal sizes related loosely to actual
dimensions
Metric values established by International
Organization for Standardization
Relate nominal pipe sizes in inches to metric
equivalents (i.e., diameter nominal)
 Adding Plumbing Information to
the Floor Plan
Residential floor plan drawings plumbing
symbols and notes
May be placed with all other floor plan content
Aid in reading and understanding
Notes are generally minimal
Can also be placed on a separate drawing
Commercial Plumbing Drawings
In most cases, are an individual component
of the complete set of plans
Architect or mechanical engineer prepares
plumbing drawings over base floor plan
Keeps drawing clear of unwanted information
Makes it easier for the plumbing contractor to read
the print
Plumbing Plan Drawing Checklist
Refer to the text for a plumbing plan
drawing checklist
Check off items as you work on the plumbing
plan
Ensures all of necessary items are included