1. a. Problem. What size copper water pipe, service and distribution will be required to serve a two story factory building having on each floor, back-to-back, two toilet rooms each equipped with hot and cold water? The highest fixture is 21 feet above the street main which is tapped with a 2-inch corporation cock at which point the minimum pressure is 55 psi. In the building basement a 2-inch meter and 3-inch reduced pressure zone backflow preventer with a maximum pressure drop of 9 psi are to be installed. The system is shown by the example diagram (Figure 1805.D.3 of this code). To be determined are the pipe sizes for the service main and the cold and hot water distribution pipes.

2. b. Solution. A tabular arrangement such as shown in Table 1805.A of this code should first be constructed. The steps to be followed in solving the problem are indicated by the tabular arrangement itself as they are in sequence, Columns 1-10 and Lines a-l.

   1. i. Step i. Perform the following:

      1. (a). Column 1. Divide the system into sections breaking at major changes in elevation or where branches lead to fixture groups. After point B (see Figure 1805.D.3 of this code) separate consideration will be given to the hot and cold water piping. Enter the sections to be considered in the service and cold water piping in Column 1 of the tabular arrangement.

      2. (b). Column 3. According to the method given in §1805.C of this code, determine the gpm of flow to be expected in each section of the system. These flows range from 28.6 to 108 gpm.

         Figure 1805.D.3Sizing Example

   2. ii. Step ii. Perform the following.

      1. (a). Line "a." Enter the minimum pressure available at the main source of supply in Column 2. This is 55 psi.
      2. (b). Line "b." Determine from §611.E of this code the highest pressure required for the fixtures on system, which is 15 psi, to operate a flushometer valve.
      3. (c). Line "c." Determine the pressure loss for the meter size given or assumed. The total water flow from the main through the service as determined in Step i (above) will serve to aid in the meter selected.
      4. (d). Line "d." Select from Table 1805.D of this code and enter the pressure loss for the tap size given or assumed.
      5. (e). Line "e." Determine the difference in elevation between the main or source of supply and the highest fixture on the system and multiply this figure, expressed in feet, by 0.433 psi. Enter the resulting psi product on Line "e."
      6. (f). Lines "f," "g," "h." The pressure losses through filters, backflow preventers or other special fixtures must be obtained from the manufacturer or estimated and entered on these lines.
   3. iii. Step iii, Line "i." The sum of (Lines "b" through "h") the pressure requirements and losses which affect the overall system is entered on this line.

   4. iv. Step iv, Line "j." Subtract Line "i" from Line "a." This gives the pressure which remains available from overcoming friction losses in the system. This figure is a guide to the pipe size which is chosen for each section, as the total friction losses through the longest run of pipe.

      1. (a). Exception. When the main is above the highest fixture, the resulting psi must be considered a pressure gain (static head gain) and omitted from the sums of Lines "b"-"h" and added to Line "j."
   5. v. Step v, Column 4. Enter the length of each section from the main to the end of the longest run (at Point E).

   6. vi. Step vi, Column 5. Select a trial pipe size. A rule of thumb is that size will become progressively smaller as the system extends farther from the main source of supply. (Trial pipe size may be arrived at by the following formula: PSI=j x 100/total pipe length)

      EXAMPLE: PSI = 9.36 x 100/225 = 4.16

      From main to most remote outlet—Check applicable graph for size for this PSI and GPM.

   7. vii. Step vii, Column 6. Select from Tables 1805.E or 1805.F of this code the equivalent lengths for the trial pipe size of fittings and valves on the section. Enter the sum for each section in Column 6. (The number of fittings to be used in the installation of this piping must be an estimate.)
   8. viii. Step viii. Column 7: Add the figures from Column 4 and Column 6, and enter in Column 7. Express the sum in 100s of feet.
   9. ix. Step ix. Column 8: Select from the applicable figure (Figures 1805.A.1 through 1805.D of this Part) the friction loss per 100 feet of pipe for the gpm flow in a section (Column 3) and trial pipe size (Column 5).
   10. x. Step x. Column 9: Multiply the figures in Columns 7 and 8 for each section and enter in Column 9.
   11. xi. Step xi. Line k: Enter the sum of the values in Column 9. In summing, use only those values associated with the longest run (i.e., don't use the value associated with section CF unless the friction loss for CF by itself is greater than the combined fixture loss of AB + BC + CD + DE).

   12. xii. Step xii. Line 1: Subtract Line "k" from Line "j" and enter in Column 10.

       1. (a). The result should always be a positive or plus figure. If it is not, it is necessary to repeat the operation utilizing Columns, 5, 6, 8 and 9 until a balance or near balance is obtained. If the difference between Lines ”j" and "k" is positive and large, it is an indication that the pipe sizes are too large and may, therefore, be reduced thus saving materials. In such a case, the operations utilizing Columns 5, 6, 8 and 9 should again be repeated.

3. c. Answer: The final figures entered in Column 5 become the design pipe size for the respective sections. Repeating this operation a second time using the same sketch but considering the demand for hot water, it is possible to size the hot water distribution piping. This has been worked up as a part of the overall problem in the tabular arrangement used for sizing the service and cold water distribution piping. It should be noted that consideration must be given the pressure losses from the street main to the water heater (section AB) in determining the hot water pipe sizes.

   Table 1805.A Recommended Tabular Arrangement for Use in Solving Pipe Sizing Problems
   Column		1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10
   Line		Description	Lbs. per square inch (psi)	Gal. per min. through section	Length of section (ft)	Trial pipe size (in)	Equivalent length of fittings and valves (ft)	Total equivalent length col.4 and col.6 (100 ft)	Friction loss per 100’ of trial size pipe (psi)	Friction loss in equivalent length col.8 x col.7 (psi)	Excess pressure over friction losses (psi)
   a	Service and cold water distribution piping (NOTE 1)	Minimum pressure available at main	55.00
   b		Highest pressure required at a fixture (§611.E of this code)	15.00
   c		Meter loss 2” meter	11.00
   d		Tap in main loss 2” tap (Table F103A of this code)	1.61
   e		Static head loss 21 x 0.43 psi	9.03
   f		Special fixture loss- backflow preventer	9.00
   g		Special fixture loss-Filter	0.00
   h		Special fixture loss-Other	0.00
   i		Total overall losses and requirements (sum of lines b-h)	45.64
   j		Pressure available to overcome pipe friction (line a minus lines b to h)	9.36
   	Designation pipe section (from diagram) Cold water distribution piping		FU
   		AB	288	108.0	54	2 ½	12	0.66	3.6	2.38
   		BC	264	104.5	8	2 ½	2.5	0.105	3.2	0.34
   		CD	132	77.0	13	2 ½	8	0.21	1.9	0.40
   		CF (NOTE 2)	132	77.0	150	2 ½	12	1.62	1.9	3.08
   		DE	132	77.0	150	2 ½	14.5	1.645	1.9	3.12
   k	Total pipe friction losses (cold)									6.24
   l	Difference (line “j” minus line “k”)							9.36	-6.24	=	3.12
   			FU
   	Pipe section (from diagram) Hot Water Distribution Piping	AB’	288	108.0	54	2 ½	9.6	0.64	3.3	2.1
   		B’C’	24	38.0	8	2	9.0	0.17	1.4	0.24
   		C’D’	12	28.6	13	1 ½	5	0.18	3.2	0.58
   		C’F’ (NOTE 3)	12	28.6	150	1 ½	14	1.64	3.2	5.25
   		D’E’	12	28.6	150	1 ½	7	1.57	3.2	5.02
   k	Total pipe friction losses (hot)									7.94
   l	Difference (line “j” minus line “k”)							9.36	-7.94	=	1.42

   NOTES:

   1. To be considered as pressure gain for fixtures below main (consider separately omit from “i” and add to “j”).

   2. Consider separately, in Line "k" use CF 's Column 9 friction loss only if it is a greater friction loss than the sum of Column 9 friction losses of AB+BC+CD+DE.

   Table 1805.B Load Values Assigned to Fixtures1
   Fixture	Occupancy	Type of Supply Control	Load Values, in Water Supply Fixture Units
   			Cold	Hot	Total
   Bathroom group	Private	Flush tank	2.7	1.5	3.6
   Bathroom group	Private	Flush valve	6.0	3.0	8.0
   Bathtub	Private	Faucet	1.0	1.0	1.4
   Bathtub	Public	Faucet	3.0	3.0	4.0
   Bidet	Private	Faucet	1.5	1.5	2.0
   Combination fixture	Private	Faucet	2.25	2.25	3.0
   Dishwashing machine	Private	Automatic	-	1.4	1.4
   Drinking fountain	Offices, etc.	3/8" valve	0.25	-	0.25
   Kitchen sink	Private	Faucet	1.0	1.0	1.4
   Kitchen sink	Hotel, Restaurant	Faucet	3.0	3.0	4.0
   Laundry trays (1 to 3)	Private	Faucet	1.0	1.0	1.4
   Lavatory	Private	Faucet	0.5	0.5	0.7
   Lavatory	Public	Faucet	1.5	1.5	2.0
   Service sink	Offices, etc.	Faucet	2.25	2.25	3.0
   Shower head	Public	Mixing valve	3.0	3.0	4.0
   Shower head	Private	Mixing valve	1.0	1.0	1.4
   Urinal	Public	1" flush valve	10.0	-	10.0
   Urinal	Public	3/4" flush valve	5.0	-	5.0
   Urinal	Public	Flush tank	3.0	-	3.0
   Washing machine (8 Ibs.)	Private	Automatic	1.0	1.0	1.4
   Washing machine (8 Ibs.)	Public	Automatic	2.25	2.25	3.0
   Washing machine (15 Ibs.)	Public	Automatic	3.0	3.0	4.0
   Water closet	Private	Flush valve	6.0	-	6.0
   Water closet	Private	Flush tank	2.2	-	2.2
   Water closet	Public	Flush valve	10.0	-	10.0
   Water closet	Public	Flush tank	5.0	-	5.0
   Water closet	Public or Private	FlushometerTank	2.0	-	2.0

   1. For fixtures not listed, loads should be assumed by comparing the fixture to ones listed using water in similar quantities and at similar rates. The assigned loads for fixtures with both hot and cold water supplies are given for separate hot and cold water loads and for total load, the separate hot and cold water loads being three-fourths of the total load for the fixture in each case.

   Table 1805.C Table for Estimating Demand
   Supply Systems Predominantly for Flush Tanks	Supply Systems Predominantly for Flush Valves
   Load	Demand	Load	Demand
   (Water Supply Fixture Units)	(Gallons per Minute)	(Cubic Feet per Minute)	(Water Supply Fixture Units)	(Gallons per Minute)	(Cubic Feet per Minute)
   1	3.0	0.041104	-	-	-
   2	5.0	0.0684	-	-	-
   3	6.5	0.86892	-	-	-
   4	8.0	1.06944	-	-	-
   5	9.4	1.256592	5	15.0	2.0052
   6	10.7	1.430376	6	17.4	2.326032
   7	11.8	1.577424	7	19.8	2.646364
   8	12.8	1.711104	8	22.2	2.967696
   9	13.7	1.831416	9	24.6	3.288528
   10	14.6	1.951728	10	27.0	3.60936
   11	15.4	2.058672	11	27.8	3.716304
   12	16.0	2.13888	12	28.6	3.823248
   13	16.5	2.20572	13	29.4	3.930192
   14	17.0	2.27256	14	30.2	4.037136
   15	17.5	2.3394	15	31.0	4.14408
   16	18.0	2.90624	16	31.8	4.241024
   17	18.4	2.459712	17	32.6	4.357968
   18	18.8	2.513184	18	33.4	4.464912
   19	19.2	2.566656	19	34.2	4.571856
   20	19.6	2.620128	20	35.0	4.6788
   25	21.5	2.87412	25	38.0	5.07984
   30	23.3	3.114744	30	42.0	5.61356
   35	24.9	3.328632	35	44.0	5.88192
   40	26.3	3.515784	40	46.0	6.14928
   45	27.7	3.702936	45	48.0	6.41664
   50	29.1	3.890088	50	50.0	6.684
   60	32.0	4.27776	60	54.0	7.21872
   70	35.0	4.6788	70	58.0	7.75344
   80	38.0	5.07984	80	61.2	8.181216
   90	41.0	5.48088	90	64.3	8.595624
   100	43.5	5.81508	100	67.5	9.0234
   120	48.0	6.41664	120	73.0	9.75864
   140	52.5	7.0182	140	77.0	10.29336
   160	57.0	7.61976	160	81.0	10.82808
   180	61.0	8.15448	180	85.5	11.42964
   200	65.0	8.6892	200	90.0	12.0312
   225	70.0	9.3576	225	95.5	12.76644
   250	75.0	10.0260	250	101.0	13.50168
   275	80.0	10.6944	275	104.5	13.96956
   300	85.0	11.3628	300	108.0	14.43744
   400	105.0	14.0364	400	127.0	16.97736
   500	124.0	16.57632	500	143.0	19.11624
   750	170.0	22.7256	750	177.0	23.66136
   1000	208.0	27.80544	1000	208.0	27.80544
   1250	239.0	31.94952	1250	239.0	31.94952
   1500	269.0	35.95992	1500	269.0	35.95992
   1750	297.0	39.70296	1750	297.0	39.70296
   2000	325.0	43.446	2000	325.0	43.446
   2500	380.0	50.7984	2500	380.0	50.7984
   3000	433.0	57.88344	3000	433.0	57.88344
   4000	535.0	70.182	4000	525.0	70.182
   5000	593.0	79.27224	5000	593.0	79.27224

   Table 1805.D Loss of Pressure through Taps and Tees in Pounds Per Square Inch (psi)
   Gallons per Minute	Size of Tap or Tee (In)
   	5/8	3/4	1	1 1/4	1 1/2	2	3
   10	1.35	0.64	0.18	0.08	-	-	-
   20	5.38	2.54	0.77	0.31	0.14	-	-
   30	12.1	5.72	1.62	0.69	0.33	0.10	-
   40	-	10.2	3.07	1.23	0.58	0.18	-
   50	-	15.9	4.49	1.92	0.91	0.28	-
   60	-	-	6.46	2.76	1.31	0.40	-
   70	-	-	8.79	3.76	1.78	0.55	0.10
   80	-	-	11.5	4.90	2.32	0.72	0.13
   90	-	-	14.5	6.21	2.94	0.91	0.16
   100	-	-	17.94	7.67	3.63	1.12	0.21
   120	-	-	25.8	11.0	5.23	1.16	0.30
   140	-	-	35.2	15.0	7.12	2.20	0.41
   150	-	-	-	17.2	8.16	2.52	0.47
   160	-	-	-	19.6	9.30	2.92	0.54
   180	-	-	-	24.8	11.8	3.62	0.68
   200	-	-	-	30.7	14.5	4.48	0.84
   225	-	-	-	38.8	18.4	5.6	1.06
   250	-	-	-	47.9	22.7	7.00	1.31
   275	-	-	-	-	27.4	7.70	1.59
   300	-	-	-	-	32.6	10.1	1.88

   Table 1805.E Allowance in Equivalent Length of Pipe for Friction Loss in Values and Threaded Fittings
   Fitting or Valve	Pipe Sizes (in)
   	1/2	3/4	1	1 1/4	1 1/2	2	2 1/2	3
   45° elbow	1.2	1.5	1.8	2.4	3.0	4.0	5.0	6.0
   90° elbow	2.0	2.5	3.0	4.0	5.0	7.0	8.0	10.0
   Tee, run	0.6	0.8	0.9	1.2	1.5	2.0	2.5	3.0
   Tee, branch	3.0	4.0	5.0	6.0	7.0	10.0	12.0	15.0
   Gate valve	0.4	0.5	0.6	0.8	1.0	1.3	1.6	2.0
   Balancing valve	0.8	1.1	1.5	1.9	2.2	3.0	3.7	4.5
   Plug-type cock	0.8	1.1	1.5	1.9	2.2	3.0	3.7	4.5
   Check valve, swing	5.6	8.4	11.2	14.0	16.8	22.4	28.0	33.6
   Globe valve	15.0	20.0	25.0	35.0	45.0	55.0	65.0	80.0
   Angle valve	8.0	12.0	15.0	18.0	22.0	28.0	34.0	40.0

   Table 1805.F Allowance in Equivalent Length of Tube for Friction Loss in Valves and Fittings1 (ft) (Copper Water Tube)
   Fitting or valve	Tube Sizes (in)
   	1/2	3/4	1	1 1/4	1 1/2	2	2 1/2	3
   45° elbow (wrought)	0.5	0.5	1.0	1.0	2.0	2.0	3.0	4.0
   90° elbow (wrought)	0.5	1.0	1.0	2.0	2.0	2.0	2.0	3.0
   Tee, run (wrought)	0.5	0.5	0.5	0.5	1.0	1.0	2.0	-
   Tee, branch (wrought)	1.0	2.0	3.0	4.0	5.0	7.0	9.0	-
   45° elbow (cast)	0.5	1.0	2.0	2.0	3.0	5.0	8.0	1.0
   90° elbow (cast)	1.0	2.0	4.0	5.0	8.0	11.0	14.0	18.0
   Tee, run (cast)	0.5	0.5	0.5	1.0	1.0	2.0	2.0	2.0
   Tee, branch (cast)	2.0	3.0	5.0	7.0	9.0	12.0	16.0	20.0
   Compression Stop	13.0	21.0	30.0	-	-	-	-	-
   Globe valve	7.5	10.0	12.5	53.0	66.0	90.0	33	40
   Gate valve	0.5	0.25	1.0	1.0	2.0	2.0	2.0	2.0

   1. From "Copper Tube Handbook" by Copper Development Association, Inc.

   Figure 1805.A.1Friction Loss in Smooth Pipe¹

   (Type K, ASTM B88 Copper Tubing)

   1. This chart applies to smooth new copper tubing with recessed (Streamline) soldered joints and to the actual sizes of types indicated on the diagram.

   Figure 1805.A.2Friction Loss in Smooth Pipe¹

   (Type L, ASTM B88 Copper Tubing)

   1. This chart applies to smooth new copper tubing with recessed (Streamline) soldered joints and to the actual sizes of types indicated on the diagram.

   Figure 1805.BFriction Loss in Fairly Smooth Pipe¹

   1. This chart applies to new steel (fairly smooth) pipe and to actual diameters of standard-weight pipe.

   Figure 1805.CFriction Loss in Fairly Rough Pipe¹

   1. This chart applies to fairly rough pipe and to actual diameters which in general will be less than the actual diameters of the new pipe of the same kind.

   Figure 1805.DFriction Loss In Rough Pipe¹

   1. This chart applies to very rough pipe and existing pipe and to their actual diameters.

A. Scope. This Appendix outlines a procedure for sizing a water piping system. This design procedure is based on the minimum static pressure available from the supply source, the head charges in the system due to friction and elevation, and the rates of flow necessary for operation of various fixtures.

1. Because of the variable conditions encountered in hydraulic design, it is impractical to specify definite and detailed rules for sizing of the water piping system. Accordingly, other sizing or design methods conforming to good engineering practice standards are acceptable alternates to that presented herein.

B. Information Required. Prior to beginning calculations, the following preliminary information shall be measured or otherwise obtained from the water supplier.

1. Static Water Service Pressure/Meter Friction Loss. The minimum daily static water service pressure in the area where the building is to be located shall be measured or otherwise obtained from the water supplier. If the building's water supply is to be metered, obtain information regarding friction loss relative to the rate of flow for meters in the range of sizes likely to be used. Friction loss data can be obtained from most manufacturers of water meters.

C. Estimate of Demand Load Required. Prior to beginning calculations, the following estimates shall be made.

1. Fixture Water Supply Demand. Estimate the water supply demand of the building main and the principal branches and risers of the water distribution system by totaling the corresponding demand for fixtures from the applicable part of Table 1805.C of this code. The Load (in water supply fixture units) listed in Column 1 of Table 1805.C of this code shall be calculated using the load values, in water supply fixture units, obtained from Table 1805.B of this code.

2. Continuous Water Supply Demand. Estimate continuous water supply demands in gallons per minute for lawn sprinklers, air conditioners, etc., and add the sum to the total water supply demand for fixtures. The result is the estimated total water supply demand for the building.

D. Selection of Pipe Size. The selection of the size for the water service pipe, water riser pipes, branch supply lines, etc., shall be calculated using the following procedures.

1. General. Decide the desirable minimum residual pressure that should be maintained at the highest fixture in the water distribution system. If the highest group of fixtures contains flush valves, the pressure for the group should be not less than 15 psi (103.4 kPa) flowing. For flush tank supplies, the available pressure may not be less than 8 psi (55.2 kPa) flowing, except blowout action fixtures may not be less than 25 psi (172.4 kPa) flowing.

2. Pipe Sizing. Pipe sizes may be selected according to the following procedure, except that the sizes selected shall be not less than the minimum required by the Louisiana State Plumbing Code.

a. This water pipe sizing procedure is based on a system of pressure requirements and losses, the sum of which must not exceed the minimum pressure available at the supply source. These pressures are as follows.

i. Pressure required at fixture to produce required flow (see §§611.C, 611.D, and 611.E of this code).

ii. Static pressure loss or gain (due to head) is computed at 0.433 psi per foot (9.8 kPa/m) of elevation change.

(a). Example. Assume that the highest fixture supply outlet is 20 ft (6.1 m) above or below the supply source. This produces a static pressure differential of 20 ft x 0.433 psi/ft (6.1 m x 9.8 kPa/m) which equates to an 8.66 psi (59.8 kPa) loss or an 8.66 psi (59.8 kPa) gain.

iii. Loss through water meter. The friction or pressure loss can be obtained from meter manufacturers.

iv. Loss through taps in water main (see Table 1805.D of this code).

v. Losses through special devices such as filters, softeners, backflow preventers, and pressure regulators. These values must be obtained from the manufacturers.

vi. Loss through valves and fittings (see Tables 1805.E and 1805.F of this code). Losses for these items are calculated by converting to equivalent length of piping and adding to the total pipe length.

vii. Loss due to pipe friction can be calculated when the pipe size, the pipe length and the flow through the pipe are known. With these three items, the friction loss can be determined using Figures 1805.A.1-1805.D of this Part. When using charts, use pipe inside diameter. For piping flow charts not included, use manufacturers' tables and velocity recommendations.

3. Example. The following example is provided to assist one in calculating the proper sizing of the water piping system for a plumbing installation of a building or other structure.

1 cfm = 0.4719 L/s 1 ft² = 0.0929 m²

1 degree = 0.0175rad 1 psi = 6.895 kPa

1 in = 25.4 mm 1 gpm = 0.0631 L/s

NOTE: For the purposes of this example the following metric conversions are applicable:

NOTE:

NOTE:

NOTE:

NOTE:

NOTE:

NOTE:

NOTE:

Authority Note

AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 40:4(A)(7) and R.S. 40:5(2)(3)(7)(9)(16)(17)(20).

Historical Note

HISTORICAL NOTE: Promulgated by the Department of Health and Hospitals, Office of Public Health, LR 38:2900 (November 2012).