Blog 9- Plumbing Systems

 This week in Building Systems we learned about Plumbing Systems. Plumbing systems were put in place to introduce and eliminate water and human byproducts from buildings. In plumbing systems there are three different types of water: potable water (suitable for drinking), black water (sewage waste water), and gray water (waste water from sinks, bathtubs, and washing machines).  

There are a few different ways in which to dispose of water in a plumbing system that we learned about; wetlands, sewer treatment plan, and using a septic tank.  

When it comes to plumbing you must pick all the different fixtures and be aware of water conservation. Toilets are the largest use of interior water; they can be high efficiency, low flow toilets, or dual-flushing toilets. Similarly, urinals are used which can be waterless or low water urinals. Sinks and faucets also come in various types to conserve water; automatic (using sensors), gray water use (sinks and showers then used in toilets), light powered faucets (light powers the sensors), or low flow shower heads (reduce the amount of water used). Other sustainable features are tankless hot water heaters (heats water on demand) and composting toilets (no water is used).  

As interior designers we must be aware of the location of plumbing lines, because this can deeply impact a design concept, because while plumbing fixtures can be moved, when necessary, you must think practically and economically.  

Plumbing fixtures of course need to be placed along walls and have minimum spacing around toilets in order to be accessible. Additionally, plumbing is stacked on top of each other so that the pipes can run directly, which saves money and works efficiently. Walls that contain pipes are called chase walls and must be a certain size to fit everything. Waste pipes are sloped at certain angles to allow sufficient flow. Traps are used in toilets and sinks to stop waste and smells from coming back up. 

In bathroom accessories can also use energy efficiently such as using hand dryers instead of paper towels to reduce waste. Ventilation in bathrooms can consist of windows allowing natural ventilation or fans mounted to ceilings or walls that are mechanically controlled.  

Overall, as designers there are a lot of different components to consider when working with plumbing. Of course, aesthetics is important, but so is functionality, accessibility, and sustainability.  

 

Blogging Assignment: 

Accessibility is key when it comes to designing bathrooms. If a bathroom is beautiful but is not accessible to its user, then what is the point? In the pictures that are shown below there are several elements to assist someone with physical disabilities are prevent struggles. There are rails to grab into the toilet, there is room under the sink to allow someone to roll under it with a wheelchair, some showers or tubs have seats or others have no elevation change in the floor, allowing them to wheel right in with a wheelchair. Additionally, you will notice that these bathrooms are spacious, allowing plenty of room to turn and move around.