FEATURES
PHYS. ORG
Anyone and everyone can play a role in conserving water.
Gradient is of utmost importance because liquids flow faster than solids and if the incorrect gradient is used the flow of water will be problematic. The gradient, bathroom layout, choice of equipment for the layout and interpretation and teamwork around architectural drawings, are crucial in ensuring sustainable affordability for clients.“ If the architect’ s plans are not detailed enough and plumbers only use their judgement when setting out the plumbing system and sanitary wear, it can result in problems,” Spies says.
Piping and fittings play a critical role in ensuring what is hidden behind walls and underground and must be installed correctly and according to the pre-determined standards.
INSTALLING SMART PLUMBING
Recent water shortages call for serious attention by municipalities for developers, building owners and residents to save water. Measures have been issued on various platforms to encourage citizens to use water wisely.
In Cape Town, the City’ s water by-laws state that all showers installed should have a flow rate of no more than 10l a minute and hand basins no more than 6l a minute.“ Efficient plumbing fittings ensure that our scarce water resources are not wasted and that water costs are kept as low as possible for the homeowner,” says Councillor Xanthea Limberg, Mayoral Committee member for Informal Settlements, Water and Waste Services and Energy.
The City’ s Water and Sanitation Management Department installs water management devices( WMD) in newly built subsidised houses across the metro to assist
residents in managing their water consumption within acceptable levels.
“ Households have daily access to 350l of water and the opportunity to manage future water consumption. The WMD is programmed to provide daily allocations of water which commence at 04:00. Any unused water from the daily allowance is carried over to accumulate. The WMD will shut off when the daily allocation is exhausted and the water will be reduced to a trickle,” says Limberg.
Ensure that dual-flush toilets or multi-flush toilets are installed with a cistern capacity of no more than 6l. An existing toilet can also be fitted with a multi-flush.“ Adding an empty bottle to the cistern will also reduce the volume of water in the cistern, which will help to save water,” he says.
Despite installing water saving devices, there are practical things that the homeowner can do, such as setting the temperature of the geyser at about 55 ° C.“ The lower temperature ensures that you don’ t dilute the hot water with more cold water to achieve your desired temperature, therefore reducing your water consumption and electricity bill,” says Spies. Ensure that low flow shower heads and taps are installed; a cost effective option is to install flow restrictors in the taps and shower heads.
According to Anca Szalavicz, architect and urban designer, plumbing must be designed to include easily accessible ducts for easy construction, cost effectiveness and future maintenance.“ The size of the ducts must be adequate to cater for the piping it needs to accommodate. All these considerations can affect the design, particularly in the affordable housing market, where each square inch counts,” she says.
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SEPTEMBER- OCTOBER 2017
AFFORDABLE
SA HOUSING