What are the two main types of plumbing systems?

Mia Hernandez | 2018-06-15 08:01:36 | page views:1233
I'll answer
Earn 20 gold coins for an accepted answer.20 Earn 20 gold coins for an accepted answer.
40more

Amelia Brown

Studied at Princeton University, Lives in Princeton, NJ
As a domain expert in the field of plumbing and water systems, I have extensive knowledge on the subject. Plumbing systems are an integral part of any building's infrastructure, ensuring the efficient and safe distribution of water and the proper disposal of waste. There are two main types of plumbing systems that are typically considered in residential, commercial, and industrial settings: the potable water supply system and the waste water drainage system.

### Potable Water Supply System

The potable water supply system is designed to deliver clean, safe drinking water to the building. This system encompasses several components:


1. Cold Water Supply: This part of the system brings water from the municipal supply or a well into the building. It includes the water main, shutoff valves, and possibly water meters.


2. Hot Water Supply: In addition to cold water, many buildings have a system to heat water for use in bathrooms, kitchens, and sometimes for space heating. This typically involves water heaters, which can be gas, electric, or solar-powered.


3. Plumbing Distribution: The distribution network within the building that carries water to fixtures such as sinks, toilets, and showers. This network includes a network of pipes, often made of copper, PEX, or PVC.


4. Plumbing Fixtures: The actual points of use, such as faucets, showerheads, and toilets, which are connected to the supply system.


5. Cross-Connection Control: Measures to prevent the contamination of the potable water supply by backflow from other sources.


6. Water Treatment: In some cases, additional treatment may be necessary to ensure the water meets the required standards for drinking, such as filtration or purification systems.

### Waste Water Drainage System

The waste water drainage system is responsible for the removal of wastewater from the building. This includes:


1. Sewage Systems: These systems carry off the used water from toilets, sinks, and other fixtures. Sewage systems can be connected to a municipal sewer or use a septic system for treatment.


2. Septic Systems: In areas not served by municipal sewage, septic systems are used to treat and dispose of wastewater. They involve a septic tank and a drain field.


3. Graywater Recovery and Treatment Systems: Some buildings may have systems to collect and treat graywater (wastewater from sources other than toilets) for reuse in irrigation or other non-potable uses.


4. Drainage Venting: Vent pipes that allow air into the drainage system to balance the pressure and prevent water siphoning out of fixtures.


5. Plumbing Traps: Devices that prevent sewer gases from entering the building by trapping a column of water.


6. Stormwater and Surface Water Drainage: Systems designed to handle rainwater and other surface water to prevent flooding and water damage.

7.
Fuel Gas Piping: While not directly related to water, in some cases, the plumbing system may also include the distribution of fuel gases for appliances such as water heaters or stoves.

Both systems are critical for the health and safety of building occupants and must comply with local building codes and health regulations. They are designed with redundancy and safety in mind to prevent contamination and ensure the efficient use of water resources.

Oliver Smith

Works at the International Organization for Migration, Lives in Geneva, Switzerland.
The major categories of plumbing systems or subsystems are:potable cold and hot tap water supply.plumbing drainage venting.sewage systems and septic systems with or without hot water heat recycling and graywater recovery and treatment systems.Rainwater, surface, and subsurface water drainage.fuel gas piping.More items...

Alexander Wright

QuesHub.com delivers expert answers and knowledge to you.
The major categories of plumbing systems or subsystems are:potable cold and hot tap water supply.plumbing drainage venting.sewage systems and septic systems with or without hot water heat recycling and graywater recovery and treatment systems.Rainwater, surface, and subsurface water drainage.fuel gas piping.More items...
ask:3,asku:1,askr:137,askz:21,askd:152,RedisW:0askR:3,askD:0 mz:hit,askU:0,askT:0askA:4