A water distribution system is a component of a water supply network that transports water from a centralized plant or tanks to consumers in order to meet residential, commercial, industrial, and fire fighting needs. Water is required in residence for a variety of activities. The home water supply system is the process of obtaining water from a plant and distributing it to all appliances for usage. Based on usage, the water supply system distributes water throughout the house. Pipes transport water from the source to the various appliances. Faucets and valves control the flow of water to appliances. The used water is then discharged into the drain.
What are the requirements of a proper water distribution and management system?
- Ideally, all distribution pipes should be installed one metre away from or above sewer lines.
- It should be fairly waterproof to minimise losses (due to leakage).
- During the repair of any component of the system, the arrangement should be such that it reaches the maximum places.
- It should be able to provide the necessary amount of water during firefighting.
- The system should be able to deliver water to all planned locations with an adequate pressure head.
Majority water distribution systems are constituted of these parts :
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Storage Tanks:
Storage tanks must constitute the water distribution system since every distribution system requires a hub/ reservoir/ storage space. Water tanks vary in size and shape as per the requirement. The material or make of the tank also changes as per its capacity. Water tanks must include a screened vent that allows air to enter the tank when the water level drops and exit as the water level increases. Mostly either overhead tanks or underground reservoirs are built as per the feasibility.
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Pipes:
Pipes used in water systems generally need to be made of approved materials for potable water usage. They must also include a screened vent that allows air to enter the tank when the water level drops and exit as the water level increases.
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Valves:
Throughout the distribution system, valves are deployed. Valves are used to control the direction and flow rate and isolate equipment, buildings, and other parts of the water system for maintenance. They are used to drain the system in preparation for seasonal shutdown.
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Hydrants:
Hose bibs, sample taps, faucets, and fire plugs are all hydrants. Hydrants are water extraction devices used in pipelines and water distribution systems. The connections to the pipes are made using hydrant wrenches and hydrant standpipes.
The materials used in making these pillars of distribution systems, especially pipes and pipe fittings, play a big role in deciding the system’s durability. Some of the popular materials of the new-gen world are:
- Aluminium
- Cast Iron
- Copper
- Malleable
- Plastic (CPVC, elastomer, EPDM, nylon, polypropylene (PP), polyethene (PE), PTFE or polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
- Steel
- Brass
Plastic is a widely used base material for pipes and pipe fittings due to its cost, shape and customizability. UPVC, also known as Unplasticized Polyvinyl Chloride, is a low-maintenance building material widely used for trash pipes, drain pipes, guttering, and downpipes and has almost entirely replaced the usage of cast iron in plumbing and drainage. UPVC pipes and fittings are dominating the industry. In the market, these products are commonly referred to collectively as “Roofline.”
Benefits of UPVC Pipes and Fittings
- Low maintenance cost compared to the alternatives
- High durability makes them popular for construction companies with a heavyweight workload
- Strength and versatility make UPVC fittings a common choice
- No requirement for painting
- Thermally efficient
- Easy to install and lightweight
- Non-toxic in nature
- Leak-resistant
- Maximum flow with a smooth inside surface
UPVC pipes are among the most preferred pipes for plumbing and water distribution systems in domestic as well as commercial locations. Since they are highly durable and require low maintenance, UPVC pipes can be a suitable choice for your home’s plumbing needs.
