Cold Water Systems

Aims and Objectives

At the end of this session you will be able to:
Explain the difference between a direct and indirect cold water and hot water system, Name all the pipework in a direct and indirect cold water system, Give the name of the valves which are designed to work with each system
2

Task 1
Look at the two system drawing and;
List the differences between them.

Ascertain which appliance is always fed from the mains no matter what system is used and explain why you think this one appliance should always be fed from the mains.
Make a list of advantages and disadvantages of each system and decide which one you would prefer in your own house and why.
3

Direct Cold Water system

100 litre capacity

Open vent pipe

Cold Feed Pipe

Hot distribution pipe

Bathroom Pillar Taps

Supply pipe

Indirect Cold Water system

220l capacity Cold Feed Pipe

Open vent pipe

Cold distribution pipe

Hot distribution pipe

Bathroom Pillar Taps

Supply pipe

 As you probably noticed from the drawing, an indirect cold water system is fed from a cistern, Therefore the pipework is filled indirectly (through the cistern) from the mains.

In a direct cold water system all outlets are filled directly from the mains. (you can also have combined systems which some outlets are fed from the mains and some from storage.)
Which system do you think would generally have the highest pressure?
6

 This is not to be mistaken with direct and indirect hot water systems, In the; Direct hot water system, the water is heated directly by the heat source (boiler or immersion heater) Indirect hot water system the water is heated indirectly from the heat source via a secondary heat exchanger. (usually a coil in a cylinder) Again, we will look at this in greater detail in a later session

Task 3
Individually; Draw a direct system of cold water. When you finish name all pipes and consider the sizes of each pipe.

Correctly draw a direct cold water system

litre capacity

Outside tap

You have 10 mins to complete this task If you finish early label all pipe with their correct names and sizes also name all valves (inc. BS nos.)

Incoming main

Task 4
Individually; Draw an indirect system of cold water. When you finish name all pipes and consider the sizes of each pipe.

10

Correctly draw an indirect cold water system

litre capacity

Outside tap

You have 10 mins to complete this task If you finish early label all pipe with their correct names and sizes also name all valves (inc. BS nos.)

Incoming main

11

 Generally indirect CW systems are used where theres a low incoming water pressure

Direct systems are generally used where the incoming pressure is high.

12

 There are certain valves which are only supposed to be used in high pressure installation, and others which are only to be used for low pressure installations. (though many can be used on both high and low pressures) Screwdown stopvalves should only be used for high pressure installations Gatevalves should only be used for low pressure installations.
13

14

 Gatevalves should only be fitted vertically or upside down Because otherwise the seat can be blocked with debris in the pipe There are other fullway valves which can be used if this is not possible
Fullway spherical plug valve (can be used for high or low pressure)

15

16

Task 5
As we discussed previously anywhere where there is a risk of contamination we must provide backflow prevention methods. If a mixer valve was to be fitted under a sink what backflow prevention device must be used? What is the minimum backflow prevention allowed on a kitchen sink? If a bib tap was to be fitted outside what backflow prevention method is needed?
17

Mixer Taps
There are two main types of mixer taps, one type allows the water to mix in the body of the valve,
What sort of backflow prevention device would this need and why?

And in the other the water doesnt mix until it leaves the spout.
What sort of backflow prevention device would this need and why?

18

 Single flow mixer taps should be fitted as shown below,

Whereas twin flow taps do not need the single check valve. 19

20

Bib Taps
A bib tap is a general name for any tap in which the threads come out the back of the tap,

21

 Bibtaps would normally be screwed into a backplate elbow if being used for an outside tap or over a Belfast or London Sink
Explain which is Belfast/London sink London no overflow.

22

 If a temporary supply (stand pipe) is to be fitted on site a bib tap would be likely to be used for this.
Which is Belfast/London sink?

23

 Generally the type of tap used for outside taps is the bib tap.
It is a requirement of the Water Regulations that outside taps must be fitted with a double check valve. This check valve can be incorporated into the tap rather than being fitted in line.

24

Different styles of Hose Union Bib Tap With built in Double Check Valves and single Drain off Point 25

 On an outside tap installation, it is also considered good practice, to fit a; service valve, and, A drain off valve, So it can be isolated and drained during the winter months. (reducing the risk of frozen pipes bursting)

26

Pipe sleeve through wall with insulation Hose union bib tap or a tap with built in check valves can be used instead of in-line check valve

Electrical insulator (plastic fitting). Protects system if tap is struck by lightning. (Not required if plastic pipework is used.) Double check valve (with drain point). Not required if tap has built in valves. Isolating valve

15mm
Drain off cock Back plate elbow Main isolating valve and drain off cock to building.

Typical Copper Installation Requirements

27

 Name the parts pointed out.

Mains supply pipe coming into the property

28

Ask individual questions

Task 6

Explain the difference between a direct and indirect system of cold water. Explain the difference between a direct and indirect system of hot water. Which valve is designed to work only on low pressure pipework? Which system would be considered low pressure? Which valve is designed to work only on high pressure pipework? Which system would be considered high pressure?

29

Task 7
Using what we now know, go home and work out whether you have a direct or indirect cold water system. You could do this by checking the outlets of your CWSC, or, Another way would be by turning off the stopcock on the supply pipe and running the taps, if the supply runs for a short while then fades away it means its being fed from the mains, if you run it for a couple of mins and the flow rate hasnt changed it means its probably fed from a cistern.
30

Aims and Objectives

At the end of this session you will be able to:
Explain the difference between a direct and indirect cold water and hot water system, Name all the pipework in a direct and indirect cold water system, Give the name of the valves which are designed to work with each system
31