GUIDELINES FOR PLUMBING DESIGN

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Contents

1. Gathering information ............................................................................................................................ 1

2. Develop the plumbing fixture layout ...................................................................................................... 2
3. Calculate pipe sizing ............................................................................................................................... 3
4. Design water supply system................................................................................................................... 4
5. Design the drainage system ................................................................................................................... 5
6. Select materials and fittings ................................................................................................................... 5
7. Coordinate the plumbing layout ............................................................................................................. 7
8. Steps of designing and modeling a plumbing system in revit ............................................................ 8

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1.Gather Information:
Understand the project requirements, including the building type, number and type of plumbing fixtures, and
any special considerations. Obtain information about the water supply, including static and dynamic water
pressure, flow rate, and water quality. Review the local building codes, regulations, and any relevant
plumbing standards.

1.1 Building Information:

▪ Building type (residential, commercial, industrial, etc.)
▪ Number of floors/stories
▪ Total square footage
▪ Occupancy and usage patterns

1.2 Plumbing Fixture Details:

▪ Types of fixtures (sinks, toilets, showers, etc.)
▪ Quantity and location of each fixture
▪ Fixture flow rates and water consumption
▪ Special fixture requirements (high-efficiency, accessibility, etc.)

1.3 Applicable Codes and Standards:

International Plumbing Code (IPC):
• Pipe Material: IPC Section 605 - Materials, Joints, and Connections
• Fixture Drainage Sizing: IPC Table 709.1 - Drainage Fixture Unit Values
• Vent System Requirements: IPC Section 904 - Vent Terminals
• Backflow Prevention: IPC Section 608 - Protection of Potable Water Supply
• Venting System Design: IPC Section 903 - Vent Terminals
• Drainage System Design: IPC Section 704 - Drainage Piping Installation
• IPC Section 708 – Cleanouts
• Pipe Sizing and Installation: IPC Section 604 - Design of Building Water Distribution System

Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC):

• Special Occupancy Requirements: UPC Chapter 8
• Water Heater Safety: UPC Section 507.0 - Water Heaters

IPC Section 604.4 - Maximum Flow Rates and Consumption

• Toilets: Maximum 1.28 gallons per flush (gpf)
• Urinals: Maximum 0.5 gpf
• Showerheads: Maximum 2.5 gallons per minute (gpm)
• Lavatory Faucets: Maximum 0.5 gpm
• Kitchen Faucets: Maximum 1.8 gpm

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2. Develop the Plumbing Fixtures Layout:
Determine the optimal placement of plumbing fixtures (sinks, toilets, showers, etc.) based on accessibility,
drainage, and water supply requirements. Ensure the fixtures are arranged to minimize the length of pipe
runs and simplify the overall plumbing system.

• Identify fixture locations on plans, group by drainage

• Coordinate placement to align with building, meet codes
• Specify fixture types, sizes, installation requirements
• Design efficient layout, group common drainage
• Integrate with plumbing system, resolve conflicts
• Ensure compliance with local codes and regulations

Plumbing fixtures Standard Input size Output size Elevation Connectors

size
Sink (Lavatory) W-20”-24” ½” both H&C 1-1/4” 30” p-trap, flexible connector;
D-16”-23” pop up stopper, sink drain
Water closet toilet W-20” ½” 3” 15” wax ring, wax-free
L-28”-30”
Bathtub W-30”-32” ½” both H&C 1-1/2” 19” p-trap, flexible
D-14”-16” connector
Shower Head 8” ½” 2” 80” flexible shower hose,
Diameter threaded pipe
Kitchen Sink W-33”-36” ½” 1-1/2” 36” flexible connector, P-trap,
D-22”-24” Garbage disposer
Bar Sink W-15”-25” ½” 1-1/2” 36” p-trap, flexible connector;
D-15”-25” pop up stopper, sink drain
Hose Bib (Outdoor) ½” or 3/4 ½” 3” 12” garden hose
Water Softener 10” 3/4” 1/2”-1” 54” inlet and outlet valves
diameter
Water Filtration W-10” ½” 1-1/2” 15” inlet and outlet valves
System D-5”
Laundry Sink W-22-30” ½” 1-1/2” 36” p-trap, flexible connector;
D-20”-25” pop up stopper, sink drain
Floor Drain 4”-12” dim 2”
Water Heater Drain 22”-24” dim 3/4” Flexible connectors
Pan
Garbage Disposal W-6”-8” ½” 1-1/2”
H-12”-15”
Washing Machine W-27” 3/4” 2” 42”
D-27”

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3.Calculate Pipe Sizing
Estimate the peak water demand based on the number and type of plumbing fixtures. use hydraulic
calculation methods, such as the Fixture Unit or Hunter's Curve, to determine the appropriate pipe sizes for
the supply and drainage systems. consider factors like pipe material, length, and pressure requirements
when selecting the pipe diameters.

Pipe sizing of water supply system steps

• STEPS 1 - Assign a WSFU and min branch (from 103.1)
• STEPS 2 - Sum all WSFU
• STEPS 3 - Find developed length far remote outlet
• STEPS 4 - Find elevation of the high fixture
• STEPS 5 – Identify pressure drop (if it’s up to first floor presser drop (-)
• STEPS 6 – Identify system pressure from city system pressure
• STEPS 7 - Calculate residual pressure
• STEPS 8 - Determine water pipe and meter size
• STEPS 9 - Use the 75% method to size the pipes if a fixture that used both hot and cold water
(fixture units *0.75=load)
• STEPS 10 - start from the far fixture and use size - max fixture units

Example: To size the water supply pipe for a residential bathroom with the following fixtures:
• 1 Toilet (3 fixture units)
• 1 Lavatory Faucet (1 fixture unit)
• 1 Shower (2 fixture units)

The total fixture unit load would be 3 + 1 + 2 = 6 fixture units. Using IPC Table 604.3, the minimum water
supply pipe size for a 6-fixture unit load would be 3/4 inch.
Example: To size the building drain for a residential bathroom with the following fixtures:
• 1 Toilet (6 DFUs)
• 1 Lavatory Faucet (1 DFU)
• 1 Shower (2 DFUs)
The total DFU load would be 6 + 1 + 2 = 9 DFUs. Using IPC Table 710.1(1), the minimum building drain
size for a 9-DFU load would be 3 inches.

Pipe sizing of Sanitary system steps

• STEPS 1 - ASSIGN A DFU AND MIN BRANCH (from 702.1)
• STEPS 2 - check minimum branching size

• STEPS 2 - START FROM HIGHER PART OF THE SYSTEM AND ASSIGN PROPER FIXTURE UNITS
FOR EACH PIPE
• STEPS 3 - from upper maximum unit loading assign size of pipe (table 703.2)

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4. Design water Supply System:
Lay out the water supply piping, including the main distribution lines, branch lines, and connections to individual
fixtures. Incorporate pressure-regulating devices if necessary to maintain appropriate water pressure throughout the
system. Design the hot water distribution system, including the location and sizing of the water heater(s) or tankless
units.

Clearance
In residential home building, the following minimum clearances are typically considered for domestic cold-
water lines, hot water lines, and sanitary systems:
• the minimum clearance between cold and hot water lines in residential homes maintain a
minimum distance of 6 inches (15.24 centimeters).
• Horizontal Separation between Water and Sewer Lines: A minimum of 12 inches (30
centimeters) between potable water supply lines (cold and hot water) and sanitary sewer lines.
• Vertical Separation between Water and Sewer Lines: a minimum of 18 inches (45 centimeters).
• Minimum clearances between the water heater and combustible and noncombustible construction
are 0” at the sides and rear, 4” at the front, and 6” from the vent pipe. Clearance from the top of the
draft hood is 12”.
• Sink supply lines (horizontal): Two holes are required, one for the hot water supply and the other
for the cold-water supply. One hole is 4 inches to the right of the centerline and the other is 4
inches to the left of the centerline. (image)
Calculate the Minimum Spacing/gap between pipes
▪ Centre to center between the pipes = half O/D (outside diameter) of the bigger size pipe flange +
Insulation thickness of bigger size pipe (if applicable) + 25mm + half O/D (outside diameter) of the
smaller size pipe + Insulation thickness of smaller size pipe (if applicable).
How deep should plumbing pipe be?
▪ PVC pipe, being lighter than most pipe materials, should be covered with sufficient overlay and
backfill material to prevent inadvertent flotation and movement. A depth of cover over the pipe of
1.5 times the diameter is usually adequate.
What is the minimum distance between pipe and underground structure?
▪ Any pipe installed underground must have at least 12 inches (305 millimeters) of clearance
between the outside of the pipe and any other underground structure.
How far down is the main water line?
• The standard depth for water lines in the U.S. is around 36 inches, but this can vary from
location to location.

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5. Design the Drainage System:
When designing the residential drainage system, key considerations include:
• Determine fixture/appliance drainage requirements
• Establish drainage pipe layout with proper slope
• Size drainage pipes based on fixture units and code
• Design comprehensive vent system for air pressure
• Integrate drainage with site and building conditions
• Consider water conservation and sustainability
• Comply with local plumbing codes and regulations

6.Select Materials and Fittings:

Choose pipe materials (copper, PEX, CPVC, etc.) based on factors like corrosion resistance, cost, and
ease of installation. Select appropriate fittings, valves, and connections to ensure a reliable and leak-free
system. Verify the compatibility of materials to prevent galvanic corrosion or other chemical reactions.

6.1 Common Water Distribution Pipes

▪ PEX - used to water supply lines and its flexible.
▪ PVC - used for drain or vent lines.
▪ Copper - used for water supply lines.
▪ ABS (Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) - often used for vents and drain lines, very similar to PVC
pipe, but it is black and stronger than PVC.
▪ Galvanized Steel and Cast Iron - used for years as multi-purpose piping for drains, supply lines
to tankless water heaters in Phoenix, gas lines, and other purposes.

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 6.2 Common fittings
Fittings for water supply lines include:
(A) CPVC tee, elbow and coupling; (B) copper tees and elbows; (C) brass compression fittings; (D) brass
fittings, with barbs.

Common fittings for drain lines include:

Bend pipes for DWV systems include: ¼ street bend (A), ¼ bend (B), ¼ vent bend (C),
and ¼ bend with side inlet (D)

Tees for use in DWV systems include Double sanitary tee (A), vent tee (B), and test tee (C).

Two types of sanitary tees include: Single sanitary tee (A) and double sanitary tee (B).
Wye fittings for DWV use include: Wye (A), double wye (B), and tee-wye (C).

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7, Coordinate the Plumbing Layout
When coordinating the plumbing layout for a residential project, the key considerations are:
• Review architectural plans to identify fixture locations and grouping
• Determine optimal routing for supply and drainage pipes, considering:
• Structural elements
• Avoiding conflicts with other building systems
• Locate designated plumbing chases and shafts for efficient main line routing
• Ensure compliance with plumbing code requirements for:
• Clearances
• Slopes
• Accessibility
• Design layout with flexibility to accommodate future expansions or modifications
• Collaborate with other trade professionals to integrate the plumbing system within the overall
residential design

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8. Steps of Design and Modeling a Plumbing System in Revit

STEP 1: Plumbing Central File

• Create a Plumbing Central File (CF) in a designated PL CF directory.
• Copy the CF file to your user directory folder.
• Rename the copied CF file by adding your username to it.
• Open the central file for further modeling and design work.
STEP8 2: Preliminary (for new design)
• Select each sanitary fixture from the Architectural linked file and paste them in the same place.
• Sketch a preliminary design using detail lines
• water supply system plan, precisely mapping out the placement of pipes and valves.
• Show the routing and sizing of drain lines to effectively remove waste and ensure proper drainage.
• Code the lines according to their functions. Use the color red for hot water lines, blue for cold water
lines, and green for sanitary system lines.
STEP 2: Trace the system using detail lines (from the main PDF documents)
• Select each sanitary fixture from Architectural linked file and copy paste them in “aligned in same
place”.
• Link the pdf or image file to the Revit model and scale to fit.
• Trace the sanitary and water supply systems using detail lines.
• Code the traced lines according to their functions. Use the color red for hot water lines, blue for
cold water lines, and green for sanitary system lines.
STEP 3: Determine the type and size of pipes (water supply system) See chapter 111
• Identify the necessary water supply units (such as faucets, showers, toilets) in your building and
determine their locations.
• Determine the type and size of pipes required for the water supply system. This will depend on
factors such as the expected flow rate, pressure requirements, and local plumbing codes.
• Trace the red lines for hot water supply and blue lines for cold water supply using the
appropriate pipe types and sizes (e.g., copper for domestic cold water, PEX for domestic hot water)
based on your design requirements. Make sure to connect each water supply unit to its
corresponding line. (In the Ribbon, go to the Systems tab and click on "Pipe" in the Plumbing &
Piping panel.)
STEP 4: Connect fixtures to the main water supply
• First select the fixture and Click on "Connect into" in the contextual tab that appears after
selecting a pipe type.
• Choose the main distributor system that represents your cold or hot water supply line. This may
be a main riser or distribution manifold, depending on your specific design.

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 • Now select each fixture (faucets, showers, toilets) by clicking on them one by one in your floor
plan view.
• With each fixture selected, click at its connection point and then select "Connect to" from the
ribbon bar.
• Choose the appropriate connector type based on whether it's hot or cold-water supply and
connect it to the corresponding point on the main distributor system you previously selected.
STEP 5: Determine the type and size of pipes (sanitary sewage system) See chapter 111
• Identify the necessary sanitary fixtures (such as toilets, sinks, floor drains) in your building and
determine their locations.
• Determine the type and size of pipes required for the sanitary sewage system.
• Trace the appropriate pipes for carrying sanitary sewage from each fixture to the main sewage
line, ensuring that the pipes have the correct slope 1/8 inch per foot (1% slope) for efficient
drainage. (In the Ribbon, go to the Systems tab and click on "Pipe" in the Plumbing & Piping
panel.)
• All the sewerage main line should be under the structural floor.
STEP 6: Connect fixtures to the main sanitary sewage system
• First, select the fixture and click on "Connect into" in the contextual tab that appears after
selecting a pipe type.
• Choose the main sewage line or collection point that represents your sanitary sewage system.
• Now, select each fixture (toilets, sinks, floor drains) by clicking on them one by one in your floor
plan view.
• With each fixture selected, click at its connection point and then select "Connect to" from the
ribbon bar.
• Choose the appropriate connector type based on the fixture type and connect it to the
corresponding point on the main sanitary sewage system you previously selected, ensuring that
the slope of the connected pipes allows for proper drainage.
STEP 7: Double check the pipe size, fitting and its systems classifications (for new design)
• If there is a mismatch, select each pipe segment and change its size by clicking on "Edit Type"
button in Properties palette and selecting an appropriate pipe type/size from available options.
• Repeat this process for each segment of pipes, fitting, classifications until all have been
checked and adjusted as necessary.
STEP 7: Check and match the size of pipes (from the main PDF documents)
To check and match the size of pipes based on the information from the main PDF documents, you can
follow these steps:
• Open the PDF document provided containing the plumbing system details.
• Identify the required pipe sizes for each section or fixture in your Revit project.
• Compare the specified pipe size in your PDF document with the currently assigned size in Revit.

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 • If there is a mismatch, select each pipe segment and change its size by clicking on "Edit Type"
button in Properties palette and selecting an appropriate pipe type/size from available options.
• Repeat this process for each segment of pipes until all sizes have been checked and adjusted as
necessary.
STEP 9: Coordinating with Other Building Systems
• ensure that plumbing design integrates seamlessly with HVAC, electrical, and fire protection
systems. This involves communicating with architects, engineers, and contractors to address any
conflicts or coordination issues that may arise. By coordinating plumbing layouts with overall building
design and meeting the requirements of other disciplines, designers can ensure the successful
integration and functioning of all building systems, contributing to the overall success of the project.
STEP 10: Callout, Annotation, and Documentation
• Utilize callouts to highlight specific areas of the plumbing system that require detailed attention
or further explanation.
• Add annotations to provide additional information about the plumbing components, such as pipe
materials, sizes, and connection details.
• Ensure comprehensive documentation by creating detailed plumbing plans, including floor plans,
riser diagrams, and isometric views, to accurately represent the layout and configuration of the
plumbing systems within the building.
• Include all necessary dimensions, annotations, and labels to ensure clarity and understanding in
the documentation.
STEP 11: Plumbing Fixture, equipment, Pipe, Fitting Schedules
• Develop schedules listing all plumbing fixtures and equipment used in the project.
• Include information such as fixture type, size, quantity, and location.
• Prepare schedules detailing all pipes, fittings, valves, and accessories used in the plumbing
system.
• Specify pipe sizes, material types, lengths, quantities, and locations.
• Include information on fittings such as elbows, tees, couplings, and reducers.

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8. Plumbing Checklist

No. Contents Check

1. Create a Plumbing Central File in a designated PL CF directory ☐
2. Copy and paste fixtures in the same place ☐
3. Sketch a preliminary design (for new design) ☐
4. Trace the system from Linked the PDF or image file ☐
5. Code the lines according to their functions ☐
6. Determine the type and size of pipes (water supply system) ☐
7. Model/Place the pipes with appropriate pipe types and sizes ☐
8. Connect fixtures to the main water supply ☐
9. Determine the type and size of pipes (sanitary sewage system) ☐
10. Model/Place the appropriate pipes for carrying sanitary sewage with proper slope ☐
11. Connect fixtures to the main sanitary sewage system ☐
12. Double-check the pipe size, fitting, and system classifications (for new design) ☐
13. Ensure plumbing design integrates with HVAC, electrical, and fire protection systems ☐
14. callouts to highlight specific areas ☐
15. Add annotations ☐
16. Create detailed plumbing plans ☐
17. Create detailed riser diagrams, and isometric views ☐
18. Fixture schedules ☐
19. pipes schedules ☐
20. Fittings schedules ☐
21. Waste fixture unit schedule ☐
22. Water fixture unit schedule ☐
23. Plumbing schedule ☐
24. Key plan ☐

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