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.
Codes and standards are intended to provide a minimum level of protection for the public’s health, safety and welfare. And, generally, these documents accomplish that intended purpose in the urban/metropolitan areas of the United States. However, that may not be accurate when one gets into the rural or more isolated areas of the country.
ASPE intends for this guide to be periodically updated to provide the latest innovations in Legionella and waterborne pathogen mitigation in building water systems and invites participation from all stakeholders.
ARCSA/ASPE/ANSI 78-2023 will assist engineers, designers, plumbers, builders/developers, landscape and irrigation professionals, state and local government, and end users in implementing a stormwater harvesting system while protecting public health and safety.
In larger domestic hot water applications, we often see centralized water heating lineups with or without storage tank equipment to produce and distribute domestic hot water inside buildings and facilities. I often see these more robust systems in healthcare projects, numerous hospitality (hotel) projects as well as some multifamily installations when energy metering is not required for hot water serving the units (apartments).
Many of the topics I have discussed in my column to this point have been about temperature considerations within the supply and return system based on recommendations in the community and right-sizing domestic water piping to reduce the overall volume of water in the building’s piping system.
Almost 80% of all water consumption comes from two groups: No. 1, thermoelectric power, and No. 2, irrigation (farming). Public supply, which includes industrial buildings, commercial buildings and residences, accounts for only 10%.
Somewhere along the way, fossil fuels have gotten a bad rap. Coal, oil, natural gas — you name it. We use fossil fuels for everything from creating electricity, warming the shelters we live in and scooting around town. Burning fossil fuels has become a necessity for our way of life.
Best practices for designing and installing PEX to leverage the benefits of installation efficiencies, job-site safety and profitability potential.
December 22, 2022
Most plumbing professionals in residential construction know PEX. They have either used it themselves or know other designers or installers that are using it. That’s because PEX is the piping product used in more new-home construction than copper and CPVC combined.