Domestic Water System Notes

Domestic Water System

IPC Chapter 6 focuses on water supply and distribution.
Objectives include understanding system components, locations, routing, and fixture connections.
Water tower height calculation: Height \times 0.433 = PSI or PSI / 0.433 = Height.
Key components: Utility water service connector, curb stop (valve), water meter, service valve, backflow prevention.
Water supply system: Pipes, fittings, valves in/adjacent to the structure.
- Water service pipe: From water main/source to the building's distribution system.
- Water distribution pipe: Within the structure, conveys water to usage points.

Coordinate with the municipal water supplier for installation requirements.
Building sewer pipe material must be separated from the water supply pipe by 5 feet in separate trenches.
No separation needed if water service pipe is 12 inches above the sewer.
Water service pipe crossing a building sewer must be sleeved to 5 feet on either side.
Potable water supply must be protected from contamination with backflow preventers at each opening/connection.
A point-of-source backflow preventer is typically required at the service entrance.

Applications shall conform to TABLE 608.1 (608.1)
Reduced Pressure Principle Backflow Preventer (RPZ):
- Provides highest level of protection.
Double Check Valve Assembly:
- Similar to RPZ but with no relief valve.
Vacuum Breaker Assembly:
- Uses atmospheric pressure to close when water is not flowing.
Dual Check Valve:
- Only used for small applications. May not be allowed by local codes.
Hose Connections:
- Must have backflow protection.
Air Gap:
- 2 \times pipe opening.
- 3 \times pipe opening if close to wall.

Full-Open Valves (IPC 606.1):
- Used to isolate water distribution system components for service, repair, etc.
- Must be fully open or closed.
- Types: ball, gate, and butterfly valves.
Shutoff valve types:
- Ball Valve: Quick turn, can cause water hammer.
- Globe Valve: Wheel handle, closes slowly.
- Gate Valve: Wheel handle, use for larger service entries.
Location of Full-Open Valves (IPC 606.1):
1. On the building water service pipe from the public water supply near the curb.
2. On the water distribution supply pipe at the entrance into the structure.
3. On the discharge side of every water meter.
4. On the base of every water riser pipe in occupancies
5. On the top of every water down-feed pipe in occupancies.
6. On the entrance to every water supply pipe to a dwell- ing unit, except where supplying a single fixture equipped with individual stops.
7. On the water supply pipe to a gravity or pressurized water tank.
8. On the water supply pipe to every water heater.
Location of Shutoff Valves (606.2):
1. On the fixture supply to each plumbing fixture.
2. On the water supply to each sillcock.
3. On the water supply to each appliance or mechanical equipment.
Fixture Connections:
- Flexible hose from shutoff valve to fixture

Common Types:
- Copper
  - Can be used below grade and inside building
- PEX
  - indoor installation product
Copper grades:
- Type “M” (red stripe)
- Type “L” (blue stripe)
- Type “K” (green stripe)
- Residential: Type “M”
- Commercial: Types “L” & “K”
- Type “L”: For most of the system that is not subject to damage
- Type “K”: Used below grade
Copper Fittings:
- Uses a soldered joint.
- Mechanical joint techniques
  - The fitting has an o-ring in it that becomes the seal when the crimping tool is used
PEX (cross linked polyethylene material):
- Flexible, various colors, fewer connections (roll form).
- Limited to smaller sizes (2" and below).
PEX Fittings:
- attached by a crimping tool