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Click on the subjects below for more in-depth information. Plagues & Epidemics Fixture Locations Fixture Selection Fixture Chase Spaces Equipment Rooms Roof Drainage Schematic Design Guide The following subjects are directed more toward Plumbing Engineers Intelligence Reports Briefing Room Manufacturer/Product Search Tables & Tips Design Coordination Design Documentation Flow Control Problems Local Plumbing Codes Who Invented the Water Closet? To The Top

Your knowledge as an Architect is paramount for the success of a project. The profession you chose demands an understanding of all seen and unseen elements within the facilities you design. This knowledge is relied upon, not only by clients, but by the other disciplines helping create your vision. This effort attempts to provide you with basic concepts concerning Plumbing Systems... THE BASICS Below is a summary of initial considerations that should become second nature when designing any facility. More detailed explanations of the various items can be viewed by selecting the subjects on the left of this page. The Importance of Plumbing Almost every residential real estate agent will tell you that the greatest return on your investment is realized by well designed bathrooms and kitchens. This holds true with other facilities as well. The majority of persons who enter the facilities you design will eventually experience the plumbing. The impression made by your well thought out and expensive lobby may be dampened if toilet facilities are cramped and ordinary. With a little creativity and attention to details, you can continue the design impression throughout the facility. Another point to remember... There is a good chance that we would not have the opportunity to design these facilities, and more than likely would not even be here, without the health benefits provided by well designed sanitary plumbing systems. (See "Plagues & Epidemics") Fixture Locations Avoid locating plumbing fixtures at the following: GROUND FLOORS Exterior walls Adjacent to columns In front of windows On walls having cross bracing UPPER FLOORS On column grids Above Electrical rooms Above sensitive areas (Operating rooms, Kitchens, etc.) Above vaulted or extremely high ceilings Exterior walls Adjacent to columns In front of windows On walls having cross bracing DO locate plumbing fixtures in these arrangements: Utilize common walls and chases by setting fixtures back-to-back On walls that can easily be larger than the standard 3-5/8" stud Stack plumbing chases as often as possible on multi-floor buildings Fixture Selection Determine the fixture types in various areas: Wall mounted versus floor mounted water closets Surface mounted or recessed drinking fountains Determine areas where fixtures should have special color or aesthetic design Chase Spaces Chases will need to be incorporated into the floor plan to facilitate plumbing system piping. All plumbing fixtures will require pipe chases or at least a minimum 6" stud wall. Equipment Rooms Be aware that space must be allocated to house the following: Pumps Water heaters Water treatment equipment Domestic and Fire protection Water service entrance Do not locate boiler rooms below occupied spaces Locate main mechanical room having at least one exterior wall exposure Roof Drainage Determine how the roof will be drained. Roof drains with interior piping Sloped roof with perimeter gutters and downspouts Will parapets be incorporated, if so will scuppers be provided. Project Information The following information should be obtained and made available to the Plumbing Engineer Project scope Codes to be followed Contact information for Owner representatives and Consultants Owner's standards or guidelines Project schedule Project Budget Design team names and responsibility description