Water distribution in the apartment: typical schemes + design nuances

Overhauls should start with a good plan. In this case, the wiring of the water supply in the apartment requires the closest attention. How to design it correctly, which option should be preferred? This question will have to be considered by those who decided to repair or replace water supply pipes.

An improperly designed arrangement of water pipes is associated with many problems. And if malfunctions in the water supply system were observed before the repair, it is time to study the existing wiring in order to identify and eliminate the shortcomings. To do this, it is worthwhile to thoroughly understand all the subtleties.

We will tell you about the options for wiring the water supply and help you decide on the choice of the best variety. And in order to make it easier to understand, the material is accompanied by schematic pictures and useful videos on the topic.

The Importance of Proper Design

The task of creating a plumbing system in an apartment looks simple. It is necessary to deliver water from the central riser (risers) to each parsing point. The list of such points in different apartments can be very different. A simplified version consists of a pair of sinks (in the kitchen and in the bathroom), as well as a toilet and a bathtub.

But modern realities dictate more complex schemes. In almost every apartment today there are additional household appliances for the operation of which tap water is also necessary.

Almost everywhere there is an automatic washing machine. More and more housewives are eager to complement their kitchen with another useful technical unit - dishwasher, dishwashing machine.

In addition to the bathtub, the bathrooms are equipped with modern showers, often equipped with additional options such as hydromassage. A convenient plumbing fixture, a bidet, may appear next to the toilet.

Finally, in large apartments, the number of bathrooms is not limited to one. A pair of additional toilets, another shower cubicle increase comfort for apartment residents, as well as the load on the water supply system.

As a result, the requirements for the quality of the water supply are increasing. Some appliances are very sensitive. to water pressure, which largely depends on how correctly designed pipe layout.

Proper design not only improves the characteristics of the water supply system, but also reduces the cost of its installation and operation, and also facilitates the repair work.

Most water systems that are building, rebuilding, or modernizing now are assembled from polypropylene pipes, work with which is covered in a number of popular articles on our site.

The main methods of distributing water in the apartment

There are two main schemes for the distribution of the water supply in the apartment: tee, it is sequential, as well as collector. Both schemes have certain advantages and disadvantages, so they are used for various situations. In addition, sometimes it makes sense to combine both of these schemes.

Method # 1. Sequential (tee) circuit

This is the easiest way to design and implement plumbing in a typical apartment. Such a scheme consists of one common pipe, to which all devices are connected in series - consumers of cold tap water. In the same way, a hot water system is mounted in parallel.

The main pipe should be larger in diameter than the rest of the water supply, since it acts as a collector in this system. To connect plumbers use tees, therefore this scheme is often called a tee.

The advantage of a consistent layout of the water distribution system in the apartment is that this scheme is very simple and requires minimal implementation costs

The principle of such a system is very simple for design and implementation. Similarly, water supply was organized in almost all apartments built according to standard Soviet projects. One of its significant advantages is the small number of water pipes. Therefore, the cost of creating such a water supply will be minimal.

This diagram demonstrates in sufficient detail the structure and principle of operation of a sequential water distribution scheme in an apartment, which is also called a tee

But such a plumbing system is suitable only for the small apartments described above with a small amount of plumbing. The fact is that the longer such a system, the lower the water pressure at the end of the pipeline. Plumbing fixtures connected at the end of the system will get less water, so their operation may become incorrect.

Problems with a consistent water supply system arise in the event of a breakdown of the tap or tank. For repair or plumbing replacements will have to shut off the water supply from the supply riser. In small apartments there is one riser (or two hot water and cold water), here the water is completely blocked.

Serial connection does not allow disconnecting only one device from the water supply.

When organizing a tee connection scheme, tees with a threaded connection are often used, which should be carefully sealed during installation

Experienced plumbers note a number of problems associated with the maintenance of a tee water supply. The connection points are usually hidden under decorative decoration and free access to them is far from always available. As a result, when a leak occurs, it is not easy to identify a problem place.

Very often for repairing water pipes, riser replacement or heated towel rail in the bathroom you have to dismantle false panels, break walls, etc. And at the end of the repair work, it may be necessary to re-perform the decorative decoration of the premises. But despite these shortcomings, the tee water supply system is quite in demand today.

This diagram allows you to visualize a set of elements that may be needed when creating a consistent layout of the water distribution in the apartment

It is considered the best solution when designing apartments with a small area. Such housing has a budget price, and the serial connection of plumbing can reduce the cost of its arrangement. In this case, the pressure in the short-distance water supply system remains quite high.

But in order to reduce costs not only for the creation, but also for the operation of such a system, one should carefully consider the layout of pipes and tees, providing access to them if possible.

Also, do not save on water supply to the detriment of the quality of materials. All work must be performed as best as possible in order to minimize the likelihood of breakdowns and leaks.

Method # 2. Beam (collector) option

This layout is considered the best choice for large apartments, as well as where the installation of a large number of plumbing is provided. A feature of this type of wiring is the presence of a collector. Water from the common riser is first supplied to the collector, and then to consumers, i.e. to plumbing fixtures.

This diagram illustrates the device of the collector version of the wiring of the water supply system in the apartment. The main flow of water is discharged to the collector, to which each piece of plumbing is connected separately

Each consumer is connected separately, and not in series, as in the tee system described earlier. One of the main advantages of collector water supply is the uniform distribution of water throughout the system.

This means that the number of connected devices and the length of the water pipes do not reduce the pressure in the system for one of the consumers.

By design, the collector for water supply is a relatively simple device. If desired, you can select and install it yourself

Another advantage of the collector system is the ability to disconnect only one plumbing fixture, and not the entire water supply in the apartment, in the event of a breakdown, as happens when connected in series.The same circumstance allows you to personalize the characteristics of the water supply system for each specific device.

For this, the necessary devices are installed between the collector and the device, for example, filters, gearboxes, etc. On the system water pressure you can influence: the flow of water can be increased or, conversely, reduced, cleaned of impurities or saturated with useful substances, etc. The disadvantages of the collector wiring diagram include the high costs of its creation.

Water pipes will need much more than when implementing a tee scheme. In addition, such a system is more complex, an inexperienced plumber may encounter problems at the design stage.

To make a collector connection, you must first select a location for the collector from which the flow of cold water will be distributed.

The same device will be needed if the hot water supply in the apartment is also carried out centrally. The collector for hot water is set separately.

Between the collectors and the common riser, water pipes are laid, on which a shut-off valve must be installed. It will allow, if necessary, to completely shut off the supply of hot and / or cold water to the apartment.

Depending on the situation, additional elements can be installed on this section of the water supply system, for example, rough filters or electric taps leakage safety systems. When the collectors are installed, they lead pipes to each plumbing fixture.

To sinks, bathtubs, showers, you usually need a hot and cold water supply. But to the toilet tank or automatic washing machine you need to submit only cold water. If the apartment has heated towel rail, it is connected to a hot water collector.

Additionally, the system may include filters, gearboxes, and other useful devices. Of course, shutoff valves are installed between the collector and the consumer, which allows shutting off water only in this particular area, if such a need arises.

On large areas, it sometimes makes sense to combine a collector and tee wiring diagram. At the same time, not one consumer, but several, are connected to one of the collector branches, connecting them in series with pipes. As a result, this part of the water supply will have the same drawbacks as any tee scheme.

For example, in the event of a breakdown, this part of the line will have to be completely disabled. But sometimes a combination of wiring diagrams can significantly reduce the cost of installing a water supply system. In addition, such a solution may be optimal for individual design of residential premises.

What you need to know about collectors?

According to the principle of operation, the water manifold is similar to a tee, only it is arranged a little more complicated. He has one entrance, through which water enters, and several exits for connecting plumbing.

The dimensions of the inlet pipe are approximately 30% larger than the dimensions water pipes, therefore, the flow of water to the collector is faster than its consumption, even if several consumers are involved at the same time.

The water collector is not a very large device, the dimensions of which depend on the number of consumers of hot and cold water. Sometimes it is placed in the space under the sink

Thanks to the collector, a large stream is created in the system, which is then simply divided into several smaller flows. The pressure in all sections of the water supply system remains stable, the pressure does not subside. The capacity of the collector depends on the size of the device and is largely determined by the size of its inlet pipe.

Modern collectors for water supply are made of various materials:

• brass;
• of stainless steel;
• polyethylene;
• polypropylene and the like

Devices made of polymeric materials have sufficiently high strength characteristics, therefore they compete quite successfully with metal counterparts. When choosing a collector, you should pay attention to the method of their installation. Metal products are usually equipped with traditional threaded connections.

Water manifolds vary in size, number of outputs, type of connection and other parameters. Before buying a collector, you should design a water supply system

For mounting on plastic or metal-plastic water pipes, which are being used more and more often, collectors with special compression fittings or with fittings for soldering PVC pipes are provided.

There are also devices with a mount, which is called the Eurocone and a combined version, providing for the ability to use several different connection options.

Another important indicator is the number of bends, i.e. outputs for connecting plumbing fixtures. Usually their number varies from two to six pieces.

What to do if a larger number of consumers must be connected to the collector? Everything is very simple, for this two or three collectors are connected with the right number of taps.

Typically, the collector has two to six outputs for connecting plumbing. To provide more consumers with water, it is necessary to make a composite collector from smaller devices

For such a connection, additional nozzles are provided on each collector. They are combined and thus obtained a composite collector. Unnecessary for connecting the inputs on the collectors are closed with a protective plug, otherwise the water from the device will simply leak.

Of course, there are collectors designed for cold and hot water. Do not forget about this obvious point when choosing a suitable device.

Before choosing a collector, you should determine the type of water pipes. The most common choice today are polymeric materials. With them it will be more convenient to mount a collector made of polypropylene or made of cross-linked polyethylene. Typically, such collectors are provided with a suitable fitting connection.

Modern collectors, designed to perform wiring in an apartment in a parallel circuit, are usually already equipped with shut-off valves for each branch. This is the most preferred solution, since it eliminates the need to install shut-off valves when installing each plumbing fixture.

As a result, the costs are lower and the installation of the water supply system will take much less time.

A check valve, necessary filters and metering devices are usually installed in front of the collector. Some collectors are equipped with built-in shut-off valves, allowing to shut off the supply of tap water to the house. If we are talking about a brass manifold, then it is better to choose a model without such taps and install them separately.

A reliable metal collector can last about half a century, but the life of cranes is usually limited to a couple of decades. If the built-in taps fail, you will have to replace the entire device. But the replacement of cranes installed separately will not affect the device.

Common installation errors

Project drafting plumbing system, and collector, and tee, it is best to instruct professionals who are familiar with building codes and able to perform hydraulic engineering calculations. But even the best project will be useless if mistakes are made in its implementation.

Shut-off valves are part of any water supply scheme: both sequential and collector. They are installed at the entrance to the plumbing system, as well as in front of each plumbing fixture

For example, some unfortunate craftsmen, driven by the idea of ​​unreasonable savings, neglect the requirement to insulate hot water pipes that are laid under the floor or in the thickness of the walls.

As a result, part of the thermal energy is transferred to the materials surrounding the pipe, which affects the quality of the water. In addition, condensation from the surface of pipes without thermal insulation can damage the finish of the room.

During installation work, experienced craftsmen recommend closing the ends of pipes that are not yet installed so that no debris enters them. The absence of this precautionary measure can lead to the fact that immediately after installation, the water supply system will have to be thoroughly rinsed for a long time or even repaired.

When soldering polypropylene water pipes, it should be remembered that slight contamination or moisture at the solder site can significantly impair the quality of work

If necessary soldering plastic pipes, all work should be carried out in a clean room to avoid contamination. The soldering of pipes on which at least a small amount of moisture is present is also unacceptable. A drop of water or particles of debris at the soldering point can significantly weaken the connection and degrade its quality.

It is not necessary to design a water supply system in such a way that all pipes pass through the ceiling through one common hole. This may impair the performance of the water supply.Professional designers never make such mistakes.

When making a wiring plan, it is necessary to ensure that the pipes do not block access to the joints. This will greatly facilitate repair in the event of a leak.

An insufficient amount locking devices can also cause a lot of trouble during installation work. Such fittings must be present in front of each device to which water is supplied, as well as for each riser. If the house has not one, but several bathrooms, you can install a shut-off valve for each of them.

Simultaneously with the water supply system, they usually design and arrange a sewer. It is necessary to ensure that the pipes and risers of individual systems do not overlap each other. In the future, this will facilitate the maintenance and repair work.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Clip # 1. The features of the collector and tee water supply system are interestingly described in this video:

Clip # 2. A detailed overview of the collector water supply system is presented in this video:

Clip # 3. An option with a tee wiring can be found here:

The correct choice of wiring diagrams is an important factor for the normal operation of the water supply system. But in addition to proper design, you will need to correctly select the necessary materials and competently complete all installation work. Only if all these conditions are met, the water supply in the apartment will last a long and flawlessly.

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