Associations
61
Are you using the
right size pipe?
Submitted by Steve Brown, IOPSA operations manager (author unknown)
Plumbers understand that plumbing is the conveyance
of water, which means the supply of clean water and the
removal of dirty water and sewerage.
Over the past few months, IOPSA has had to deal
with complaints from across the country about
plumbing water reticulation systems that do not
function correctly.
In most cases, these issues are only noticed post-
occupation and the problems in terms of flow rate
are then brought to the fore. Often, rectification of the
system is costly and as we experienced in one such
complaint, legal action was taken. In many instances,
the design of the water reticulation system is left to the
plumber, who is not competent to design.
the complex and residents at risk. Reducing pipe
sizes will lower costs, but it will certainly increase
your risk. With local authorities reducing pressures
through their bulk mains due to the drought, it is
even more reason to ensure that the system is
designed correctly. PA
SANS 10252-1
has very clear
detail in terms
of the sizing of
water reticulation
systems.
SANS 10252-1 has very clear detail in terms of the
sizing of water reticulation systems, which cover static
and residual pressures.
Calculating water demand
Pipe sizing in terms of flow rates required for each
terminal fitting is important. Ensure that you consider
these details when next you price a project, or at least
be up to speed in terms of being able to question
drawings supplied to you. If you are unsure, seek
guidance rather than assuming what is right and then
finding yourself in a legal battle. The standards are
there to help us and if we follow and abide by them,
the system will function correctly.
Webinars are available to assist with basic pipe
design and these will add a great amount of value to
you and your business. Cover the bases and follow
the rules yourself.
IOPSA is currently dealing with a few design
complaints that may cost the contractor a great deal
of money. In one case, the fire reticulation system
failed due to incorrect pipe sizing, which placed
www.plumbingafrica.co.za
August 2017 Volume 23 I Number 6