Effective plumbing systems

The goal for every facilities manager is to ensure a piped central source of good-quality water for any type of domestic or commercial use. In addition, with a piped drinking-water supply, proper sanitary transport and waste treatment and, disposal facilities are important to ensure a safe domestic and community environment. It is imperative to note that providing a source for good quality water must be supported by good drainage system.

The drinking-water supply should be adequate in terms of quantity, safety, continuity and reliability. The quality of the water provided through public mains is the responsibility of the drinking-water supply authority. It should be continuous and pressured at all times, and meet national standard or World Health Organization (WHO) drinking-water guidelines. The distribution system should not be affected by excessive leakage and should be constructed with appropriate materials.

Plumbing systems in domestic or commercial premises should not be permitted to degrade the main water point in any way. The drinking-water supply must be protected from cross connections with unsafe sources or with wastewater plumbing systems. It must be able to cope with the hazards of backpressure, and the water should not be in contact with plumbing materials that may cause contamination. Those materials should meet quality and performance specifications determined by the authorities, or by an accepted certification organization.

Piping systems and plumbing fixtures should be so designed, maintained and used to minimize leakage and waste. Leakage can also be avoided by sound installation practices and protection of pipes and fixtures against corrosion and accidental damage. Prompt repair of leaking faucets is an important practice that should form part of a good maintenance plan. Waste can also be minimized by proper education on the need for rational use of drinking-water.

Drainage systems should be equipped with liquid seal traps

Each fixture or group of fixtures, connected to the drainage system should be equipped with a liquid seal trap. The depth of liquid in each seal must be adequate to prevent the emission of odors and gases, and must prevent access by insects or rodents from the sewer to the premises. Self-sealing waste valves are a possible alternative to liquid seal traps in some situations.

Drainage systems should be designed and constructed so that sewage cannot enter buildings connected to the sewage system in the event of backflow from the public sewers due to flood, blockage or any other cause.

Tests suitable for various types and designs of plumbing systems should be specified by the water, sewerage and other authorities concerned, and no system should be put into service until such tests have been satisfactorily completed.