Plumbing:

Plumbing refers to a system of pipes and fixtures installed in a building for the
distribution of potable water and the removal of waterborne wastes.

Plumbing is usually distinguished from water and sewage systems, in that a

plumbing system serves one building, while water and sewage systems serve a
group of buildings or a city.

In the State of Florida according to the Building Code, the Design of the
Plumbing for a Residence or Addition can be done by the Plumbing
Contractor.

If you plan to Building a Commercial project, it is required that the Plumbing

Plans be prepared by an Architect or Engineer,

Some Components:

Sewer Pipes = Pipes that carry away waste to sewer treatment plant or septic
tank.
Water Supply Pipes = Pipes that Supply Water to building.
Lawn Sprinkler Systems = Lawn Sprinkler System including piping and
sprinkler heads, etc.
Swimming Pools = Pump supply, return and filter.
Gas Pipes = Gas lines and any piping system that conveys water, air, gas or
other liquids.
Fire Sprinkler Systems = Fire Sprinkler System including piping and sprinkler
heads, etc.
Typical Toilet Waste Connection
Sewer Lines:

Sewer Lines are the pipes that carry away the water and sewer from your
toilets (wc), lavs, shower and kitchen sinks.
The sizing of Sewer Lines are calculated by computing all of the connected
fixtures, such as, water closets (toilets), lavs, sinks, showers, tubs, urinals, etc.
Each of the connected fixtures are given a value per the Plumbing Code. Each
of these values are called 'Fixture Units'.

Examples of Fixture Units values per the Plumbing Code are:

Water Closets = 4 Fixture Units (requires minimum 3" sewer line)

Lavs = 2 Fixture Units (requires minimum 1 1/2" sewer lines)

Kitchen Sinks = 2 Fixture Units (requires minimum 1 1/2" sewer lines)

Tubs = 2 Fixture Units (requires minimum 1 1/2" sewer lines)

Once all of the fixture units are added together, refer to the Plumbing Code for
the size of the pipe required for all of the connected fixtures. The size of the
pipe may change according to the slope of the sewer line. Refer to the
Plumbing Code for location of clean-outs and the required vent sizes. The code
also specifies the how far above the roof the vent shall extend.

Water Lines:

Water Lines are calculated by computing all of the connected fixtures, such as,
water closets (toilets), lavs, sinks, showers, tubs, urinals, etc. Each of the
connected fixtures are given a value per the Plumbing Code. Each of these
values are defined in the Code and assigned a pipe size for each type of fixture
being served.

Examples of pipe size based upon Fixture type per the Standard
Plumbing Code are:

Water Closets = 3/8" (Tank Type)

Water Closets = 1" (Flush Valve)

Drinking Fountain = 3/8"

Kitchen Sinks = 1/2" (residential)

Shower = 1/2" (Single Head)

 Waste Riser Diagram

Waste Pipe Design Example:

For a Commercial Project, locate the point where the Sewer

Pipe will be connected, as shown on the Survey or Civil
Engineering Drawings. Next prepare a layout of how you want
to interconnect the Waste Pipes and convey them to the Sewer
Tie-in. This is done on the Floor Plan. Identify all of the
Plumbing Fixtures, and from the Plumbing Code obtain the
Fixture Unit Values for each Fixture. Once the Pipes are layed
out, and interconnected, you can add the Fixture Unit Values
along each run. Where the Pipes join you add the sum total of
the Fixture Units. Continue to add all Fixture Units until you
reach the Point where the Pipe Ties-in to the Sewer Connection
Point. The Number of Fixture Units is used to Determine the
Size of the Waste Pipes (Waste Line). Based upon the Size of the
 Pipe, you will apply the required Slope of the Pipe. The Fixture
Units, Pipe Size and Slopes are taken from the Plumbing Code
Tables.

The Drawing above (Waste Riser Diagram) shows how the

Fixture Units are combined along the runs and carried to the
Tie-in Point.

For Residential Projects, follow the same procedure.

Plumbing Fixtures Requirements

This is a partical table of Fixture Requirements, for Residences and

Business Occupancies,
for a Complete List, see the Plumbing Code
Slope of Horizontal Drainage Pipe

Drainage Fixture Units for Fixture Drains or Traps

Drainage Fixture Units for Fixtures and Groups

Drainage Fixture Units for Fixture Drains ot Traps
Building Drains and Sewer

Horizontal Fixture Branches and Stacks

P