The design of plumbing systems in buildings requires careful selection of vertical or horizontal piping distribution. Each option has its benefits and drawbacks, affecting the cost, efficiency and performance of the system. How do you decide which one to use? The building type is a key factor in this decision. Moreover, as I discussed in my previous columns, designers and engineers must follow the relevant codes and standards, sometimes the choice is already made for us.
Vertical system distribution is the term used to describe the configuration of multiple risers in a building. These risers are pipes that connect the lower and upper floors of the structure and allow for the delivery of water, waste and vent, or other plumbing utilities. The main feature of vertical system distribution is that there are multiple risers, not just one. This means that each floor can have more than one source of supply. Vertical system distribution is different from vertical main risers, which are single pipes that run vertically through the building and branch out to each floor for horizontal distribution.