PLUMBING PIPING SYSTEMS

FIXTURE UNITS-
The fixture unit (FU) is an arbitrary, comparative value assigned to a
specific plumbing fixture, device, or piece of equipment. FU values represent the
probable flow that fixture will discharge into a drainage system or use (demand)
from a potable water supply system, compared to other fixtures.
Since sanitary discharge and water demand FUs are different, the designations
DFU for drainage fixture unit and WFU for potable water fixture unit will be used
to differentiate between them.

PLUMBING FIXTURES
A plumbing fixture is any approved receptacle specifically designed to
receive human and other waterborne waste and discharge that waste directly into
the sanitary drainage system, usually with the addition of water. Ideal fixture
materials should be nonabsorbent, nonporous, nonoxidizing, smooth, and easily
cleaned.
Potable water discharged from specific plumbing fixtures may be restricted
to a maximum flow rate mandated by water conservation requirements. Refer to
specific code provisions for these restrictions.
Table C13.1 lists average drainage and vent DFUs, hot and cold water
WFUs, gallons-per-minute (gpm) flow, and branch size information for typical
fixtures.

EQUIVALENT LENGTH OF PIPING

This is the actual pipe run plus an additional length, expressed as a number
of feet of straight pipe, that would have the same friction loss as that occurring
through various fittings, valves, and so on.
JOINTS
A joint is a connection between one pipe and either another pipe or a fitting.
It must be able to withstand the greatest pressure capable of being exerted upon
it. Most plumbing codes refer to standards that govern the methods and materials
used in forming joints. The selection of the joining methods is determined by the
type of pipe and fittings used, the maximum pressure expected in the system, and
the need for disassembly.

Caulked Joints

Caulked joint, illustrated in Fig. C13.2, is a rigid, nonpressure-type joint. This

joint consists of a rope of oakum or hemp that is packed into the annular space
around the spigot end. For acid-resistant cast-iron pipe, hydrous magnesium aluminum
silicate, reinforced with fiberglass, is used as a packing material instead of
oakum. Molten lead 1 in in depth is then poured into the annular space on top of
the rope. The lead is then driven (caulked) farther into the joint. In use, the hemp
or oakum swells when it absorbs water and further increases the joints ability to
resist leaking.
Because caulked joints are labor-intensive, they have generally been replaced
by either compression coupling or gasketed joints for most cast-iron joint applications
where permitted by code.
Compression Couplings
The compression coupling, illustrated in Fig. C13.3, is a rigid, nonpressure type of
joint that can be easily disassembled. The coupling consists of an inner elastomeric gasket and
an outer metallic sleeve with an integral bolt used for tightening and compressing the gasket.

This joint is preferred for aboveground installations because of its ease of assembly
and strength. Underground, the metallic sleeve often fails after years of service
due to corrosion by surrounding soil or fill. The standard governing the fabrication
of this type of joint is Cast Iron Soil Pipe Institute (CISPI) Standard 310.