Plumbing engineers are involved in every project, but their role and the systems they design vary depending on the type of building being worked on. Whether it’s a commercial building, like an office or government building, or an educational facility like a school, each type requires different plumbing solutions. Labs, for instance, need specialized water systems, such as purified, de-ionized, or reverse osmosis water, which can corrode copper pipes and strip minerals located in the pipes. For this reason, plastic pipes are often used in lab environments.
In labs, materials such as epoxy countertops are commonly used, and metal finishes like chrome are avoided due to the chemicals involved. School labs, which are generally less intense than commercial or research labs, might not need such specialized materials but still require specific systems, such as acid interceptors in sinks. These interceptors neutralize acid before it goes down the drain. A common example is a limestone interceptor, which uses limestone rocks in a trap at the bottom of the sink to neutralize the acids.
Other types of interceptors serve different purposes in various buildings. For example:
• Hair interceptors are used in salons to trap hair and lint.
• Oil interceptors are installed in parking and repair garages.
• Grease interceptors are used in commercial kitchens.
• Sand interceptors are found in areas near the beach or sand volleyball courts.
In schools, interceptors are often installed in a point-of-use system, meaning each sink or fixture has its own interceptor. This approach is often more cost-effective than installing a central system.
Sizing is one of the most critical aspects of designing plumbing systems. Different pipe sizes are needed depending on the number and types of plumbing fixtures located on the water systems in the building. Proper sizing ensures that the right amount of water flows to each fixture, and the proper amount of drainage leaves each fixture, preventing issues like clogs or poor water flow.
In commercial buildings (residential systems are usually not as complicated), hot water is circulated through the pipes constantly at a temperature of at least 120°F. The hot water is often produced at a temperature at or above 140°F and then mixed with cold water to drop the temperature to the safer 120°F that is circulated through the pipes, which is crucial to prevent the growth of Legionella bacteria, which can cause illnesses similar to pneumonia, and also a Legionella-caused flu-like illness. In places like schools, where there are many children using the sinks, keeping the water temperature safe is especially important. That’s why mixing valves are commonly used in faucets. These valves mix the hot water to its desired, safe temperature, then disperse it to ensure that the water coming out of the faucet is comfortable and won’t cause burns.
In renovation projects, it’s not always necessary to completely redo the plumbing system. However, if a building’s usage changes—say, more people will be using the space—more plumbing will need to be added to meet code standards. This might include additional toilets, sinks, and other fixtures to accommodate the increased demand.
Plumbing and fire safety systems are typically considered two different disciplines. However, some plumbing engineering staff have a hand in the design of these fire systems. Fire systems are a specialized component of a building’s infrastructure. These systems are typically designed and installed by professionals who work with plumbing engineers to ensure they meet the required standards. In high-tech environments like police stations or data centers, where electronic equipment is particularly vulnerable, non-water fire suppression systems, such as gas-based systems, are used to protect sensitive machinery from fire damage.
Whether it’s acid interceptors in labs, proper sizing of pipes, or specialized lab gas systems in high-tech environments, plumbing engineers play a vital role in making sure buildings function safely and efficiently. The specific needs of each building—from schools to commercial spaces to specialized labs—determine the plumbing systems that must be in place to meet both safety and operational standards.
Interior design spans many areas: residential, healthcare, office, retail, and hospitality, all of which require slightly varied expertise based on the needs of the people using those spaces. When focusing on the residential aspect of interior design, one sector...
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