BUILDING SERVICES

CHAPTER 1 WATER SUPPLY

1.1 Functions of water supply

A

ready supply of cold water Warmed to provide hot water supplies Heated to provide space heating Incorporated into industrial processes Removing various types of waste Liquid feed for plants

1.2 Water supply to urban areas

The

size of the water main The pressure of water in the mains The demand upon the main

1.2 Water supply to urban areas (Contd)

Head

the height to which water in the main would rise in a vertical pipe A head of 30-70m is sufficient Reservoir or water tower is built to give water supply to buildings A building rising above the mains head which will require its own system of pumps to raise water to the top of the building The actual head will be reduced by the friction loses due to the water flow

1.3 Pressure loss

The

size of the supply pipe The actual distance of the water flow The number of fittings through the supply pipe The demand upon the main

1.4 Connection of water supply to a property

Regional

water authority (Kuching Water Board) connect a property to the water main Communication pipe service pipe Service pipe should be laid below ground Stop valve & drain valve

1.5 Distribution and operation of cold water systems Direct System

1) 2)

3) 4)

5)

All fittings and appliances are served directly from the main No provision is made for cold water storage. Mainssupplied storage cistern only for the hot part of the system Less pipework, smaller storage load and neater plumbing than in the indirect system The plumbing under higher mains pressure is likely to cause water hammer (noise), pipe burst, taps and valves are more stressed Risk of contamination of the mains supply by back siphonage

1.5 Distribution and operation of cold water systems Direct System (contd)
6) 7) 8)

9) 10)

Fittings will all be operating at mains pressure Drinkable water is obtainable from all cold water taps If the mains are under repair, the premises that having no storage facilities may without cold water supply for a period of time Greater peak demand on the mains The flow rate is subject to fluctuations in mains pressure

Basi n

Sink Risin g main s

From water mains

1.5 Distribution and operation of cold water systems Indirect System

1)

2) 3) 4) 5)

Supplies to fitting and appliances with the exception of the kitchen sink, are fed from the storage cistern Space and support must be strong and stable enough to bear the load of larger storage cistern More extensive pipework is required especially distribution pipes Less vulnerable to water hammer (noise) Risk of mains contamination reduced

1.5 Distribution and operation of cold water systems Indirect System (contd)
6) 7) 8) 9) 10)

Most of the fittings operate at a pressure less than the main Water drawn off from indirect cold taps is not safe for drinking purpose Water resources are optimised whenever supplies are restricted or mains failure Water storage cistern rechargeable for 24 hours relieves peak demands on the mains The flow rate of the indirect cold taps has no significant influence by the fluctuations in mains pressure

Cold water storage cistern Basi n Basi n

Sink