WATER DISTRIBUTION

PLANNING the WATER DISTRIBUTION

The system must provide adequate supply of water, with
adequate pressure up to the extremities of the system.
The safety and quality of water should not be impaired by
defects in the system.
It should be provided with sufficient valves and blow-offs to
allow repair work without undue interruption of service to
some areas, and to allow flushing of the system.

There should be no unprotected open reservoir, or cross

connection with inferior water systems to enter the
distribution system.
The water system should be tight against leakage.
The main and branches connection should not be submerged
in surface water, or subjected to any source of
contamination.

PLANNING the WATER DISTRIBUTION

The water system design shall afford effective circulation of
water with minimum number of dead end mains.
The system shall be guarded against contamination in any
parts of it resulting from repair works, replacement or
extension of the mains.
When new mains are installed, or old mains repaired, they
should be filled with strong chlorine solution of 40- to
60mg/L for at least 24 hours, and then flushed with water
supplied normally from the mains.
As much as possible, water main should be laid above the
elevation of concrete sanitary sewers, or crossover points,
and at least 3 meters horizontally from such sanitary sewer
when they are parallel. Should this be impossible for some
reasons, the sewer main must be encased in concrete.

TYPICAL WATER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM

CLASSIFICATION of WATER DISTRIBUTION

Public water distribution is classified into:
Direct Pressure Distribution

A direct-pressure distribution system is one in which no elevated

storage is provided, and the required distribution pressures are
maintained only by pumping facilities.
Obtains its supply of water through a large intake pipe installed in
the lake basin extended down the water
Water is drawn from the lake to a receiving well by force of gravity,
passing through the filtration plant
The water inside the reservoir is pumped by a centrifugal, or piston
pump into the water main with sufficient pressure to serve the
specific needs

Indirect Pressure Distribution

It is when the water is drawn from a drilled distribution by indirect

pressure
A turbine pump is mounted on top of the standpipe down the well
below the water table

WATER STORAGE
An extremely important element in a water
distribution system is water storage.
System storage facilities have a far-reaching effect on
a systems ability to provide adequate consumer
consumption during periods of high demand.
Required water storage capacity in a distribution
system is met by use of elevated or ground level
storage.
Elevated storage, feeds the water distribution system by
gravity flow. Storage which must be pumped into the
system is generally in ground level storage tanks.

TYPES OF WATER STORAGE

Ground storage
is usually located remote from the treatment plant
but within the distribution system.
is used to reduce treatment plant peak production
rates and also as a source of supply for pumping
to a higher pressure level.
such storage for pumping is common in
distribution systems covering a large area,
because the outlying service areas are beyond the
range of the primary pumping facilities.

TYPES OF WATER STORAGE

Ground storage
Types of ground storage tanks or reservoirs are: below
ground, partially below ground, or constructed above
ground level in the distribution system,
may be accompanied by pump stations if not built at
elevations providing the required system pressure by
gravity. However, if the terrain permits, this design
location of ground tanks at elevation sufficient for
gravity flow is preferred.
Reservoirs are the most common type of water
storage structure and are categorized as being ground
supported with a flat bottom and a height no greater
than its diameter.

TYPES OF WATER STORAGE

Ground storage
Concrete reservoirs are generally built no deeper than
6-7.5 meters (20-25 feet) below ground surface. If
rock is present, it is usually economical to construct
the storage facility above the rock level.
In a single pressure level systems, ground storage
tanks should be located in the areas having the lowest
system pressures during periods of high water use.
In multiple pressure level systems, ground storage
tanks are usually located at the interface between
pressure zones with water from the lower pressure
zones filling the tanks and being passed to higher
pressure zones through adjacent pump stations.

TYPES OF WATER STORAGE

Elevated Storage
is provided within distribution system to supply
peak demand rates and equalize system pressures.
In general, elevated storage is more effective and
economical than ground storage because of the
reduced pumping requirements, and the storage
can also serve as a source of emergency supply
since system pressure requirements can still be
met temporarily when pumps are out of service.

TYPES OF WATER STORAGE

Elevated Storage
The most common types of elevated storage
are elevated steel tanks and standpipes. In
recent years, elevated tanks supported by
single pedestals have been constructed where
aesthetic considerations are an important part
of the design process.
A standpipe is a tall cylindrical tank normally
constructed of steel or reinforced concrete.
They are ground supported, flat bottom,
cylindrical tanks with heights greater than their
diameter.

TYPES OF WATER STORAGE

Elevated Storage

Elevated storage tanks should be located in the areas

having the lowest system pressures during intervals of high
water use to be effective in maintaining adequate system
pressures and flows during periods of peak water demand.
These are those of greatest water demand or those farthest
from pump stations.

Elevated tanks are generally located at some distance from

the pump station(s) serving a distribution pressure level,
but not outside the boundaries of the service area, unless
the facility can be placed on a nearby hill.
Elevated tanks are built on the highest available ground, up
to static pressures of 520 kPa (75 psi) in the system, so as to
minimize the required construction cost and heights.

Types of Cold Water Distribution Systems

Direct or Non-storage

All the plumbing fittings are supplied with cold water direct
from the mains.
A cold water cistern is normally used to feed the hot water
supply system though water heaters are available which can be
fitted direct from the mains.

Advantages

Less pipe work, smaller or no cistern make it cheaper to install.

Drinking water is available at all draw of points.
Smaller cistern can be sited below the ceiling.
In systems without a cistern there is less risk of water
pollution.

Types of Cold Water Distribution Systems

Indirect or Storage

All plumbing fittings except the kitchen sink is supplied with

cold water via a storage cistern, which can also be used to
supply the hot water supply system.

Advantages

Cistern provides a reserve of water if supply is interrupted.

Reduced water pressure on taps reduces wear and noise.
Less risk of pollution to drinking water by back siphonage.
Lower demand on the water main.

COLD WATER DISTRIBUTION IN BUILDINGS

Water is distributed to the household or
buildings by any of the following methods:
Up-feed method
Water is distributed through normal water
pressure from public water main for use in low
rise buildings

COLD WATER DISTRIBUTION IN BUILDINGS

Pneumatic tank
Water is distributed through air pressure coming
from suction tank for use in all tall buildings that
cannot be reached by normal water pressure

COLD WATER DISTRIBUTION IN BUILDINGS

Overhead or Down-feed type
Supplies water to the plumbing fixtures by means
of gravity
The water is pumped to a large tank on top of the
building and distributed to the different fixtures
Storage tanks are installed when normal supply of
water from public main is unreliable
Also used when normal pressure is not enough to
force the water to the highest fixture

WATER PIPE SYSTEM

Water is conveyed from the main source to the
household or buildings by series of pipes:
Water main

Refers to the public water connection that are laid

underground along the streets where the house service is
connected

House service pipes

Refers to the pipe connection from the water main or any

source of water supply to the building served

Riser pipes

Refers to the vertical supply pipe that extends upward

from one floor to the next

Branches

Horizontal pipes that serve the faucets or fixtures

PIPING REQUIREMENTS
The amount of water a pipe will deliver at any one
pressure is a direct result of:
the size of the pipe,
the smoothness of the inside surface and
the pipe length.

The procedures used in selecting pipe size are affected by

whether there is only one building or hydrant being
serviced by the line, or two or more buildings.
Even a small increase in the diameter of the pipe can
greatly increase the amount of water that may flow
through it.

PIPING REQUIREMENTS
Friction between the inside walls of the pipe and the
moving water creates a force that opposes the flow of
water through the pipe.
The greater the roughness of the inside of the pipe, the
greater the force caused by friction, and the higher the
pressure required to push the same amount of water
through the pipe.
Consequently, pipes with smooth inside surfaces can
deliver more water than pipe walls with rough surfaces
using the same pressure.
Pipe connections such as elbows, reducers, tees, unions,
etc., as well as valves, can add greatly to the friction

TYPES OF PIPES
Galvanized Steel Pipe

Galvanized steel pipe is covered with protective

coating of zinc that greatly increases its life compared
to black pipe.
It is made in standard 6m lengths with each end
threaded. The pipe is cut and threaded to fit the job.
Joints are made by placing a small amount of pipe
joint compound on the pipe threads and screwing on
the fitting.
Galvanized steel pipe is suitable for all piping inside a
building, but plastic and copper pipe are preferred for
underground installation.
Highly mineralized water greatly reduces the life of
steel pipe.

TYPES OF PIPES
Copper Pipe
Copper pipe is available in types "K", "L", and "M".
Type "K" is heavy duty - pump suction lines and underground
piping.
Type "L" is standard weight - inside buildings, and
type "M" is light-weight for use only behind walls inside
buildings.

Both types "K" and "L" are available in hard- or softtempered form.
Hard-tempered pipe is rigid and comes in 3m to 6m lengths.
It is used for exposed piping inside buildings, where it can be
fit closely to walls or ceilings. It needs very little mechanical
support to keep it in position, compared to flexible tubing.
Soft-tempered tubing is excellent for underground use and
for inside existing walls in old buildings.

TYPES OF PIPES
Plastic Piping

Plastic pipe is available in flexible, semi-rigid, and rigid

forms. Flexible pipe is common for underground
water piping because of installation ease and
economy. It is or more in diameter and in coils of
100 feet or more.
Solvent welded, or glued, PVC semi-rigid pipe is now
common as a result of better and more readily
available quality, ditching equipment, and ease of
joining. The joints of polyethylene pipe use nylon or
brass fittings and stainless steel clamps and clamp
screws.
Use only pipe fittings that have the National
Sanitation Foundation seal, NSF. It assures that the
pipe is safe for use with drinking water.

PLASTIC PIPES
There are five classes of plastic pipe and fittings
that meet commercial standards established by the
ASTM for potable household water.
Polyethylene (PE)

This flexible or semi-rigid pipe's strength decreases as

the temperature rises, therefore it is for cold-water
lines only. It has pressure ratings between 80 and 160
psi. PE pipe is used for hot water heating in concrete
floors; temperatures of up to 100F are common for
foot comfort. For this use, however, the best brand of
virgin plastic rated at 115F should be used. Also,
mixing valves for water temperature control should be
installed. Lines should also be laid in straight lines to
avoid undue stress. PE pipe is available in diameters of
up to 6 inches or larger; and it is joined by threads and
clamps.

PLASTIC PIPES
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)

This rigid pipe is available with pressure ratings of 50

to 315 psi.
PVC should be used for cold-water only.
It is used for some household cold water pipes and
drains and in some permanent irrigation installations.
Pipe for pressure water systems should be rated at
least 80 psi.
PVC comes in 3m to 6m lengths and common
diameters; and it is joined with a coupling solvent.
It is generally more resistant to crushing or puncturing
than PE pipe, and it will stand slightly higher
temperatures.

PLASTIC PIPES
Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride (CPVC)

This material is similar to PVC, but it is better for

handling corrosive water at temperatures 40 to
60F above the limits for other vinyl plastics.
It is suitable for hot or cold water lines. Although
this type of pipe was developed to handle hot
water, the manufacturer's stress and temperature
limitations should be checked before installing.
Local plumbing codes should be consulted also.

PLASTIC PIPES
Polybutylene (PB)

This pipe is suitable for both hot or cold water

lines.
Although this type of pipe was developed to
handle hot water, the manufacturer's stress and
temperature limitations should be checked before
installing. Local plumbing codes should be
consulted also.
In both of the classes - PB and CPVCmanufacturers sometimes make a number of
pipes with different physical characteristics. Care
should be taken in insuring the water system
needs are met by the pipe selected.

PLASTIC PIPES
Acrylonitrile Butadene Styrene (ABS)

This semi-rigid pipe has pressure ratings between

80 and 160 psi, and is suitable for sewer pipe.

SIZING OF COLD WATER PIPES

Pipe is categorized based on the wall thickness
(difference between the outside diameter and
the inside diameter), which is termed as
schedule, but most pipes are ordered based on
the nominal pipe size, or NPS.
The size of water service pipes is based on the
maximum and minimum probable water demand,
but in no case shall it be less than 20mm
diameter.
A 20mm service pipe can
supply two (2) branches of 12mm diameter pipes
deliver water to the house up to 38 l/m sufficient to
serve up to ten (10) fixtures

PIPE FITTINGS APPLICATIONS

Pipe and pipe fittings go hand-in hand.

Just as pipes are used for a variety of residential, public and industrial
applications, so also the pipe fittings.
No pipes can be connected without the use of proper fittings and
flanges.
Pipe fittings allow pipes to be installed and connected or joined where
necessary and terminated in the right place.

Pipe fittings include a wide range of products in various

shapes, sizes and materials.

With rapid developments in the field of industrial fittings and

continuous research work in this industry, various new products are
manufactured.
Some fittings have certain special features so that they can be
fabricated on different principles like hydraulics, pneumatic depending
on the end usage.
Fittings include a comprehensive range of products depending on
various applications in which they are applied.

PIPE FITTINGS BY MATERIALS

Aluminum
Brass
Cast iron
Copper
Malleable
Plastic
Steel

CATEGORIES OF FITTINGS

Fittings can be grouped in one of the following

categories:
Fittings that extend or terminate pipe runs
Couplings
Adapters
Caps and Plugs
Fittings that change a pipe's direction
Elbows (ells)
Fittings that Connect two or more pipes
Reducers
Bushings
Flex couplings
Fitting reducers
Adapters

PIPE FITTINGS BY TYPES

Pipe Adapters

Are an extremely important pipe

fitting that extend or terminate pipe
runs. They are used to connect
dissimilar pipes.
Adapters are somewhat similar to
pipe couplings, with the difference
that they connect pipe of different
types, one of which is an IPS (Iron
Pipe Size).
Adapters may have either male or
female IPS threads on one end and
the opposite gender on the other
end, which needs to be welded or
soldered onto a smaller pipe.
Adapters are used in a myriad of
applications but they are typically
used to connect different pipes to
fixtures.

Bulkhead Fittings

Specially designed fittings meant to

allow free flow of liquids in tank, drum
drainage and other plumbing
connections; also used as distribution
outlets in a piping system.
Bulkhead fittings provide full flow of
water and they are also used to attach
flexible pipes with the help of male
adapters. These fittings usually have
left handed threads, which help to keep
the fitting intact and tight while
installing the male adapter.
When used with unions, bulkhead
fittings facilitate the removal of pumps
and accessories.
Bulkhead fittings also come with nuts
and gaskets as accessories. The gaskets
are usually purchased separately.

Compression fittings

are special type of coupling, usually

used to connect two pipes or a pipe to
a fixture or valve.
A compression fitting tightens down a
sleeve or ferrule over a joint to prevent
leakage.
These pipe fittings are very strong and
reliable and can be put on using just a
pair of wrenches; do not require any
heating and go well even with wet
pipes.
Compression fittings are ideal for
household plumbing applications.
Compression fittings are usually made
of materials like:
Brass
Plastic
Copper
Cast Iron

In cases, when compression fittings are

used for joining pipes of two dissimilar
materials, for example PVC and copper, they
should be made of such appropriate
materials that are perfect for the
connection.

Parts of a Compression Fitting:

The pipe compression fittings consist

of three parts:
Compression nut
Compression ring or inner ring or
olive, and
Compression seat

 As a large variety of materials are used

for making pipe caps, the buyer should
always take care of the material of the
Pipe caps
fitting before going for pipe caps. Some
act as protective device and are designed
of the common materials used include:
to protect pipe ends of various shapes.
Aluminum
The main purpose of using pipe caps is
Nylon or polyamide
to waterproof the connections. They are
Polyethylene
also used to close the ends of hydraulic
Polypropylene
or pneumatic pipes and tubes.
Stainless steel
Vinyl
They are used in the plumbing apparatus
Silicone rubber etc.
of domestic, commercial and industrial
water supply lines, machinery and
processing equipment etc.
They are also fitted on water pump lines
with the sole purpose of removing air
blocks.
Pipe caps are highly demanded as an
important category of pipe fittings.

Common Shapes of pipe caps:

Pipe caps are available in various
shapes.
Round
Square
Rectangular
U Shape Cap
I Shape Cap
Hex Cap etc.

Pipe couplings

are fittings that help to extend or

terminate pipe runs. Couplings
extend a run by joining two
lengths of pipe.
They are also used to change pipe
size. They are known as reduced
coupling if they are used to
connect pipes of different sizes.
Couplings are also known as repair
couplings. These couplings are
without stops or ridges and they
can be fixed anywhere along the
pipe length for preventing leak of
any kind.
Couplings are of 2 types
Flexible
Rigid

Pipe elbow fittings

are fitting accessories which are used

widely in various industrial sectors in
pipe fitting.
frequently used in pressurized
applications and are available in various
shapes and sizes for use in different
applications.
installed between two lengths of pipe
or tube allowing a change of direction,
usually in the 90 or 45 direction.
Types of pipe elbows are:

90 elbow
45 elbow
Reducing
Side outlet
Male & female elbow

Street elbow

Pipe ferrule fittings

made of various materials used

especially for joining or binding
one part to another (as pipe
sections).
consist of a circular clamp which
is used to hold together and
attach fibers, wires or posts. It is
a type of a ring or cap attached
to an object to protect against
damage, splitting or wear.
A pipe ferrule is also known as a
circular fitting device that is used
to hold the pipes together. Pipe
ferrules are available in various
sizes.

TYPES OF PIPE FERRULE

Single ferrule:
In the single ferrule, the nose of
the ferrule is used to perform two
functionsone to bite into the
tube to hold it and two to provide
a sealing element for the coupling
body.
Twin/Double ferrule:
The twin/double ferrule uses grip
by the back ferrule and seal by the
front ferrule.

Pipe Nipple Fittings

a length of straight pipe with

male threads on both ends.
a connector or a coupling
threaded on both ends.
Pipe nipples are used to allow
plumbing to be connected to a
water heater or other
plumbing.
are used to fit straight end hose
or pipe. A combination of pipe
nipples are recommended for
low-pressure discharge and
suction service for various
compatible liquids and not for
compressible products like air,
nitrogen or steam.

Pipe plug Fittings

are defined as cap end of fractional

tubes used in a large number of
industries.
These pipe plugs are designed to
insert into the end of tubing to deadend the flow.
These pipe plugs come in one piece
body design; easy to replace plug
assembly; very easy to maintain and
clean.
The pipe plugs are often plated with
chrome or nickel for a superior finish
and better resistance to corrosion.
Types of pipe plugs are:
Hex
Hollow
square

Pipe Plug Drive Styles:

Pipe reducer Fittings

are tube fittings that are widely used in a

number of industries in order to provide
greatest flexibility in connecting
fractional tubes in various installations.
a kind of pipe fitting that joins two pipes
of different diameter. The pipe reducers
are available in a range of materials
depending on the end use of the
products and these fittings are
manufactured in inch and metric size.
Pipe reducers are sometimes chrome or
nickel coated to prevent corrosion and
increase the life of the product.
Types of pipe reducers are:
Concentric
Eccentric

Pipe Union Fittings

a type of fitting equipment designed

in such a way to unite two pipes which
can be detached without causing any
deformation to the pipes.
Any kind of small diameter piping
connections requiring a positive seal
and easy assembly as well as
disassembly are made with the help of
pipe union. In other words, the pipe
unions can disjoint two pipes very
easily. They are widely demanded in
the pipe fitting market.

Three parts of pipe union:

A nut
A female end
A male end
With the joining of the female and male ends, the nuts are
used to provide the necessary pressure to seal the joint.
The parts of the pipe union are normally locked together
by at least one radial screw or nut with sized cross section.
Under normal conditions elastically stressed sealing objects
ensure maintenance of water-tightness between the union
parts.

Types of pipe unions:

Ground Joint Union

Flange Union
The difference between the two is that the former consists
of three pieces while the latter two pieces.

Pipe Tee Fittings

a type of pipe fitting which is T-shaped having

two outlets, at 90 to the connection to the
main line; a short piece of pipe with a lateral
outlet.
Pipe Tee is used to connect pipelines with a
pipe at a right angle with the line. Pipe Tees
are widely used as pipe fittings. They are
made of various materials and available in
various sizes and finishes.
Pipe tees are extensively used in pipeline
networks to transport two-phase fluid
mixtures.
Types of pipe tees are:

Bullhead
Female branch
Male & female run
Male
Reducing tee

Pipe wye Fittings

are used to allow one pipe to join

another pipe at some degree or
angle.
As the name suggests, the pipe wyes
are Y-shaped pipe fitting devices.
Pipe wyes are similar to pipe tees.
The only difference is in that the
branch line is angled to reduce
friction which could hamper the
flow. The pipe connection is typically
at a 45-degree angle rather than a
usual 90-degree angle.
Types of pipe wyes:
Standard
Reducing

PIPE JOINT TYPES

Pipe Joint
Required to connect pipe to itself, a fitting or to
piece of equipment
The joint type selected for a particular application
depends on:

Pipe material and wall thickness

Pipe contents
System pressure
System temperature
Disassembly requirements
Applicable plumbing codes

CAULKED JOINT

A type of joint used for cast-iron pipe

having hub-and-spigot ends.
After the spigot-end of one pipe is
placed inside the hub-end of the other,
a rope of oakum or hemp is packed into
the annular space around the spigot
end until the packing is about 1 inch
(2.5 cm) below the top.
Then molten lead is poured into the
annular space on top of the rope.
Finally, the lead is pounded farther into
the joint with a caulking iron.

COMPRESSION GASKET JOINT

A type of joint used only for pipe having
hub-and-plain ends.
Are flexible pressure joints suitable for
gravity drainage and pressurized liquid
systems compatible with the pipe and
gasket.

COMPRESSION COUPLING
JOINT

Rigid non-pressure joints used to join

plain end drainage pipes
Suitable for gravity drainage systems

THREADED JOINT

Can be used for any pipe with walls thick

enough to have threads cut
This rigid pressure joint is generally limited
to 100mm pipe as it is difficult to turn
large pipe
Threaded ends come tapered (for
plumbing and utility pipes per ANSI B-2.1)
and standard (for process pipe systems).

SOLVENT CEMENT JOINT

This rigid pressure joint can be used only

with plastic pipe
Each plastic requires a specific
solvent/cement ratio combination
recommended by the manufacturer.
A joint created with solvent cement looks
like a soldered joint, but the cement is
used to soften and dissolve the plastic
after which it hardens into a
homogeneous joint.

SOLDERED AND BRAZED JOINT

Is a rigid pressure-type joint used to join

copper and copper alloy pipes and fittings
The distinction between soldering and
brazing is the temperature required to melt
the filler metal that enters the joint by
capillary action.
In case of brazing, the filler metal (brazing
metal) should have the melting point more
than 450oC, while soldering requires less than
that. Brazing produces joints stronger than
the pipe itself.
Flux is required for solder and some types of
brazing filler metal but is prohibited for use
with gases installed in health care facilities
Filler metal for soldering consists of 50% tin
and 50% lead. No lead is permitted for
potable water systems.
Soldered joints are used for relatively lowpressure applications

FLARED JOINT

This rigid pressure joint is used for

relatively low-pressure applications on
small diameter pipes made of soft copper
or other metals.
They are commonly used with capillary
piping in laboratories and small diameter
underground water piping.
Proprietary types of flared fittings are
available for high-pressure applications.

WELDED JOINT

Rigid pressure joint formed as butt-fused

joint or socket weld.
Butt-fused joints are created by melting
prepared end metal pipes or square end
plastic pipes, then butting them together
and fusing them, which forms a
homogeneous joint upon hardening.
Metal pipe ends are externally heated
and melted with an electric arc or flame
and filler metal added to form the joint.
For plastic pipe, the ends are melted
separately and brought together to form
the joint with the use of a special
machine.
For a socket weld, a plain pipe end Is
placed inside a socket and the end of the
socket fitting is welded to the exterior of
the pipe to form a rigid joint.

FLANGED JOINT

A rigid pressure joint consisting of two

companion flanges, bolted together
and made leak-proof by means of a
gasket.
Flanges can be installed on the pipe
end by welding, threading or brazing.

HEAT-FUSED JOINT

A rigid pressure joint used only for

thermoplastic pipes
A special socket fitting has resistance
heating wire embedded near the
outer edge facing the pipe to be
joined, complete with pigtails
extended outside the fitting.
An external electrical power source is
connected to the wire pigtails to
generate the heat to melt both the
inside of the socket and the outside of
the pipe in the area where the wire is
embedded.
When the material is cool, a rigid joint
has been formed and the pigtails are
cut off.

SPLIT-COUPLING JOINT

This joint requires two types of pipe

end preparation, roll grooving and cut
grooving.
The latter method is stronger, but the
roll grooves must be used when the
pipe is too thin for a groove.
These rigid pressure type joints are
well-suited for both pressure and
non-pressure lines.

WATER SERVICE FITTINGS and

DEVICES

SERVICE FITTINGS AND DEVICES

Water service installations are subject to
breakdowns.
Potable water supply systems require not
only pipes, but also many fittings and valves
which add considerably to their functionality
as well as cost

Valves

Valve is an equipment designed to stop or regulate

flow of any fluid (liquid, gas, condensate, stem, slurry
etc.) in its path.
Valves are categorized depending on their
applications like isolation, throttling and non-return.
It is installed in the piping system based on its
requirement.
Various type of valves are available depending upon
the type of construction.
The two principal types of valves used to stop the
flow of water in water supply systems are gate valves
and globe valves.

Gate Valves
It is operated by raising and lowering a double-faced wedgeshaped gate.
When the valve is closed, the two faces of the gate are
tightly pressed against the seats, thus effecting a double
seal.
The chief advantages of a gate valve are:
its tight seal
full size straightway opening, which offers no greater resistance
to the flow of water than would an ordinary pipe coupling or
other fitting of equal length.

Either end of this make of gate valve may be used as the

inlet, although there are some makes of gate valves that are
single seated or have only one gate face.
Such valves should be screwed on a pipe with the valve face
to the pressure.

Globe Valves

One of the types of valve most commonly used for water

supply systems.
This type of valve has an inlet and outlet end, and a valve
disk, a, that closes against the pressure.
The valve is operated by lowering the disk, a, until it
presses firmly and evenly on the valve seat and thus cuts
off the flow of water. By turning the valve stem to the left,
thus raising the valve disk from its seat, the water is
turned on.
Instead of an interchangeable soft disk, some globe valves
have a brass disk that closes on a brass seat.

Such valves seldom remain water tight more than a few

months and cannot be repaired as easily and inexpensively as
can soft disk valves; therefore, it is a matter of economy to use
soft seat valves.

Globe Valves

The principal objections to the use of globe valves are:

the opening through the seat of the valve is not the full area of
the corresponding size of pipe, and therefore not only restricts
the flow but offers considerable frictional resistance
the opening is not straightway, consequently it offers
additional frictional resistance to the flow of water.

they also, when placed on horizontal pipes, form traps that

keep the pipes half full of water when the pipes are
drained.
This latter objection, however, can be overcome by turning the
valve on its side, so the stem will be nearly horizontal. In this
position the opening in the valve seat is as low as the bottom
of the pipe and permits all water to drain out.

Lift Check Valves

A check valve is an automatic valve that opens to the pressure of

water on one side but closes tightly when pressure is applied to
the opposite end of the valve.
A check valve should be used where water should always flow in
one direction and there is a possibility of a reverse flow.
There are two common types of check valves; lift check valves,
and swing check valves.

In a lift valve, the check seats by gravity when pressure in the system
on both sides of the valve is equal.
When pressure on the inlet end of the valve exceeds that in the outlet,
the pressure unseats the check from the seat and permits water to
flow through the valve.
If there is an excess of pressure on the outlet end of the valve, the
pressure will the more tightly seat the check and prevent any water
from passing back through it.

Check valves are made both for vertical and for horizontal pipes.

LIFT CHECK VALVE

Swing Check Valve

It derives its name from the fact that the metal flap, a,
yielding to the pressure of water, swings on the pivot
and thus presents a straightway opening for the flow
of water.
This type of check valve compares with the lift check
valve about as a gate valve compares with a globe
valve.
The swing check valve offers less resistance to the
flow of water through it and has a straightway
opening of almost the full size of the valve.
In the lift check valve, on the contrary, the water must pass
through a reduced opening in the valve seat and must
make two right angle turns while doing so.

SWING CHECK VALVE

Angle Valves

A type of valve much used for controlling the water

supply to separate fixtures.
It is known as an angle valve and is a modification of
the globe valve.
The openings to an angle valve are at right angles to
each other so that the valve can serve the dual
purpose of controlling the water and changing the
direction of the pipe.
Angle valves are made with metal seats and with
seats of soft materials, the latter being the better kind
for use on water supplies.

Pressure Regulators

Apparatus for controlling or decreasing the pressure of

water within a building and thus relieving the system of
excessive strain.

By their use, the static pressure within a building can be

maintained at a pressure of 15, 25 or more pounds, while the
static pressure in the street might exceed 100 pounds; at the
same time, the volume of water or the pressure of the water
while running will not be affected by the pressure
reducing valve

RELIEF VALVES

Relief valves are automatic valves used on system lines and

equipment to prevent over pressurization.
Most relief valves simply lift (open) at a preset pressure and reset
(shut) when the pressure drops only slightly below the lifting
pressure.

System pressure simply acts under the valve disk at the inlet
of the valve.
When system pressure exceeds the force exerted by the valve
spring, the valve disk lifts off its seat, allowing some of the system
fluid to escape through the valve outlet until system pressure is
reduced to just below the relief set point of the valve.
The spring then reseats the valve.

RELIEF VALVES

An operating lever is provided to allow manual cycling of the

relief valve or to gag it open for certain tests.
Virtually all relief valves are provided with some type of device to
allow manual cycling.

Other types of relief valves are the high-pressure air safety

relief valve and the bleed air surge relief valve.

Both of these types of valves are designed to open completely at a

specified lift pressure and to remain open until a specific reset
pressure is reachedat which time they shut.
Many different designs of these valves are used, but the same
result is achieved.

Fuller Pattern Faucets

A type of faucet for low

pressure work.
This type of cock is quick closing
and closes with the pressure, a
rubber packing, a, effecting the
seal.
On account of the quickness
with which this kind of cock can
be closed, each supply pipe to
which they are connected
should be provided with an air
chamber and they should not
be used on high pressure work.

Ground Key Cocks

May be either stop cocks for controlling water in a pipe,

or faucets for drawing water at a fixture.

The only difference is in their exterior appearance, the principles

of construction and operation being the same for both patterns.

The plug, a, is ground to a watertight fit in the cock, b, and

water is turned on and off by giving a one-quarter turn to
the lever, c.

The principal objection to this kind of a cock is that the constant

wearing of the plug and cock every time the water is turned on
or off, soon causes the cock to leak, and the leak can only be
repaired by re-grinding the plug, which is a tedious and rather
expensive undertaking.
Another objection is the quickness with which this type of cock
shuts off the water. Where the water pressure is high, this might
cause serious damage to pipes and fixtures.

GROUND KEY COCK

Compression Cocks

A compression cock is used at kitchen

sinks. In construction it is quite similar to
a globe valve and, like one, it closes
against the pressure.
The core, a, of a compression cock is
fitted with a soft disk packing, b, which
can be easily renewed when the cock
leaks.
They are also fitted with a rubber
packing, c, or in some cases with a
ground joint to prevent water spouting
out around the compression stem.
Compression stop cocks should be fitted
with an auxiliary stuffing box around the
stem to withstand the back pressure they
are subjected to.

Self-Closing Faucets

Water can be drawn from a selfclosing bibb only while it is held

open; the moment the hand is
removed, the faucet is
immediately closed by a spring
provided for that purpose.
When the stem, a, is turned to
the left it raises the block, b,
thus compressing the spring, c,
which, as soon as the pressure
is removed, returns to its
original shape, thus closing the
faucet.

Water hammer (or hydrostatic shock) is a noisy pipe problem that occurs when valves are
shut off quickly. You may hear banging water pipes, or clanging, rattling, or rumbling
noises in the water piping when a plumbing fixture, sink, or clothes washer turns off.
Water hammer can damage pipe connections and result in leakage.
Water hammer works like this: water passing through a pipe has momentum or velocity.
When the valve is shut quickly, the momentum of the water carries it into the valve with
considerable force.
Since water is essentially incompressible, a large pressure is built up against the valve, and
there is low pressure upstream in the pipe. The high-pressure water wants to flow to the
low-pressure area.
This happens so quickly that a small vacuum is created against the valve as the water
moves away from it. This can result in cavitation as the water is pulled back against the
valve a second time.
This continues back and forth in slowly diminishing shock waves. Pressures up to 600 psi
(some sources say 1000 psi) can result from water traveling up to 3,000 miles per hour, for
very short periods.
Water hammer can result in loud noises in supply plumbing pipes. Water hammer only
occurs as valves are closed. If a valve is closed slowly, and the noise does not occur, one
can be sure that water hammer is the problem.
Water hammer is common with quick-closing electrically operated valves on appliances
such as washing machines and dishwashers. Air chambers can be installed to control water
hammer, as Carson Dunlop's illustration (above) demonstrates.