FEATURE 15
Hot and Coldwater supply
By
Rory Macnamara
The supply of water , hot or cold , is far more than joining two pipes together . This is where the unqualified person pretending to do plumbing work fails the customer every time .
This is where the QUALIFIED PLUMBER excels .
The understanding of water is essential . In other words , what the composition of water is and why one needs to understand how the composition can or may affect a plumbing installation . In this feature we provide a broader overview of the elements of this topic and stress the importance of knowing the standards
Knowing the physics for plumbing is critical . The understanding of energy , mass and pressure are the basics that a plumber must appreciate and will indeed learn . Failing to do so will lead to untold problems and damage .
Water supply pressure has an enormous influence of the sizing of a pipe , for example . Again , not using the correct pipe material for a particular application could burst and damage both property and people . Mess with a geyser and it could kill !
Cold water pressure can vary from 100 kPa to 2000 kPa depending on the application so it is essential to balance the hot and cold-water supply .
Several SANS Standards exist to ensure that the pipes , fittings , valves and all products installed comply with certain minimum standards . Bear in mind , an engineer may well prepare a rational design for a more complex installation , at which time he / she will specify the standard . This does not
© Plumbing Africa | Rory Macnamara
A service duct including the natural gas supply
May 2022 Volume 28 I Number 3 www . plumbingafrica . co . za