When moving to more efficient power options, building owners and operators are often faced with difficult decisions deciding what to do with existing gas-fired heating systems—especially in colder climates. (Learn more about building electrification.)
In his latest column for Plumbing & Mechanical Engineer magazine, ESD Technical Director for Plumbing Engineering James Dipping says selecting the correct pipe size for a facility is no longer as simple as looking at a chart.
According to Dipping, there is currently a battle underway in the industry regarding domestic water distribution systems and how plumbing engineers determine the correct size for water piping. In his article, “A deep dive into water pipe sizing,” Dipping says while plumbing engineers are obligated to follow building codes, they must also understand the possible repercussions if other factors are not taken into consideration.
Dipping says building codes predominately used the Water Supply Fixture Unit (WSFU) method for determining pipe size. However, those estimations do not account for modern plumbing fixtures.
He says, “Buildings, technology, and plumbing fixtures are much different in modern times than in the 1940s. We have seen a significant reduction in water consumption at the fixture level established by the United States Energy Policy Act of 1992, and many municipalities enacting even more stringent requirements in recent years.”
Dipping’s article outlines what plumbing engineers should be considering to keep modern domestic water distribution systems safe and effective.
James Dipping brings more than two decades of experience to his role as technical director, plumbing engineering. He freely shares his knowledge with other industry professionals to further ESD’s mission to improve society through the built environment.
For more information on how our engineers can help with your project or how plumbing engineering may impact your facility, reach out to ESD’s Plumbing Engineering team.
