David Dexter: Plumbing Talking Points

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Installing underground plumbing requires removing existing materials to place the piping system. However, this effort moves the designer/engineer into territory not typically part of their knowledge base: “Backfill and Bedding.” Additionally, the requirements will likely differ depending on the interior, exterior, or public right-of-way location. Code sections, rules, and engineering standards will likely address each area. 

Join me as I explore the journey of plumbing from ancient practices to modern systems, all while uncovering the challenges of integrating sanitation into historic structures like Edinburgh Castle.

As design engineers, we frequently use systems requiring pressure regulation. A regulator, as defined by the ASPE Plumbing Dictionary, reduces variable inlet pressure to a stable outlet pressure under changing flow conditions. It maintains a uniform gas pressure lower than the supply pressure. Essentially, a regulator ensures consistent downstream pressure from a variable upstream pressure.

Plumbing involves providing clean water, managing wastewater, and ensuring water quality for safe use. It also includes handling various other systems such as gas distribution, drainage, and laboratory systems.

The author reflects on a recent trip to South America and Antarctica and discusses the topic of identifying back-feed potentials within domestic hot water risers, drawing from an article by Miles Ryan, PE, about typical issues found in high-rise residential buildings.

Introducing Safe Shower's new showerhead that minimizes the growth of biofilm and pathogens like Legionella. The showerhead circulates disinfectants like chlorine or UV water and uses UVC LED disinfectant approach that generates electricity using a tiny turbine.

What do the 3-model codes, UPC (Uniform Plumbing Code), IPC (International Plumbing Code) and NSPC (National Standard Plumbing Code), have to say on the subject?

As design professionals, our first and primary obligation is the protection of public health, safety and welfare above all other concerns.

Regardless of our position in an organization or profession, we all have obligations and responsibilities to the career that we have chosen.

Mechanical engineering is an integral part of both HVACR (Heating, Ventilating, Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration) and plumbing. While both disciplines utilize the same science and engineering principles, their application diverges depending on the system under consideration. A prime example of this is the “wet” piping system that moves water through the piping network.