Plumbing - Pipe System Designs
Plumbing pipe system design have three method: Trunk-and-Branch systems, Home run systems, Remote manifold systems.The article will design two case for you.
System Design
Case 1 Simple Cold Water supply system
Trunk and Branch System layout
The branch system layout uses a “main” and “branches”. The main (sometimes called a trunk) is the largest diameter at the upstream end and gets smaller as each branch is connected. This layout is very common for residential and ICI installations using rigid piping materials like copper, PVC, CPVC, stainless steel, and polypropylene. The branch system layout can be used on both cold and hot water distribution systems.
Book : Water Services and Distribution Systems
Home-run manifold system layout
The home-run manifold layout is commonly used for residential installations, and can be used on both cold and hot water distribution systems. In this layout, all fixtures are supplied with smaller diameter pipe that is run from the manifold to each fixture. The hot water manifold should be located in close proximity to the hot water source to ensure fast and efficient delivery.
Book : Water Services and Distribution Systems
Combination system layout
This layout combines properties of the branch system layout with properties of the home-run manifold system layout. Sometimes called the sub-manifold layout, or remote-manifold layout, this design is commonly used in apartment buildings, condominium buildings, and similar buildings that incorporate groups of fixtures. The combination system layout can be used on both cold and hot water distribution systems.
Book : Water Services and Distribution Systems
Case 2 Hot and cold Water supply system
Trunk and Branch System layout
Trunk and branch system are configured in much the same way as traditional rigid copper or PVC supply systems.A main supply line(the main trunk pipe line)carries water to all of the outles via smaller branch lines that tie into the trunk and serve a few outlets in a common location.
The figure form BLACK+DEACKER PLUMBING book
Home Run System layout
Trunk and branch rely on one or two centeral manifolds to distribute the hot and cold water very efficiently.Eliminating the branch fittings allows you to use thinner supply pipe in some situations.
The figure form BLACK+DEACKER PLUMBING book
Remote manifold system (Combination system) layout
Remote manifold system are a hybrid or combination between trunk-and-branch systems and home run systems. Instead of relying on just one or two manifolds,they employ several smaller manifolds downline from a larger manifold .Each smaller manifold services a group of fixutures ,as in bathroom or kitchen.
The figure form BLACK+DEACKER PLUMBING book
Choosing A PEX system
For maximum single-fixture water pressure: Trunk-and-Branch.
For economy of materials: Trunk-and-Branch or remote manifold.
For minimal wait times for hot water(Single fixture): Home Run .
For minial wait times for hot water (multiple fixtures used at same approximate time ): Trunk-and-Branch or remote manifold.
For ease of shutoff control : Home Run
For lowest number of fittings and joints : Home Run.
