The Basic Principles of Plumbing in Multi-Story Buildings

Although there are a lot of similarities when it comes to plumbing works in a detached single-house unit and a multi-story residential complex like most condominiums in Singapore, the latter’s plumbing problems are multiplied by the number of units in the building and the additional facilities that are connected to the plumbing. Because of the complicated problems in the plumbing works, a reliable plumbing system starts not with a scheduled maintenance with a licensed plumber, but with proper fitting and installation from a plumbing contractor in Singapore.

Size of the Plumbing

Commercial and residential complexes will require more pipes, fixtures, water outlets, sinks, and most importantly, the demand for water. Your plumbing services in Singapore will have to address all these problems by determining how to set up the distribution mains/arterial mains or the pipelines, storage reservoir for the pressure and supply in the system, where to place valves to regulate the flow, where to place the booster stations for water pressure (especially in a multi-story structure), and how to lay out effective water delivery to all units.

With the number of people who need regular water supply in such a setting, it is important to set up a system that will ensure that typical plumbing problems are addressed as soon as possible to prevent major repairs and structural damage.

Structural Challenges

A multi-story building is naturally more complex than a single-house unit, which is why gravity can play an important role when it comes to delivery and drainage, two separate subsystems in the plumbing works. The delivery and drainage, however, are separate from the other lines that supply hot water for the water heater and other systems that require plumbing (such as dishwashers) and even garbage disposal systems.

This structural challenge complicates the plumbing problems when it comes to repairing fixtures, drains, and pipes in a multi-story building because other minor problems cannot be easily detected and any damage to one part of the system might also affect the others in the building. Any business or residential complex therefore, needs to have regular plumbing services and a contact with a 24 hours plumber.

Problem Detection

As already mentioned, detecting minor problems in a multi-story building can be a challenge even if regular inspection and maintenance is performed by a reliable plumber in Singapore. Add to that the failure to report of minor leaks and faulty fixtures by irresponsible tenants.

Commercial properties can also present a challenge if it does not get regular servicing from a plumbing contractor because the problem can be invisible for months or even years. However, the consequence of ignoring minor plumbing problems can lead to structural damage which will cost more than if the apartment or the building manager invested in scheduled maintenance with a plumbing services company.

Water Pressure

There are several water pressure-boosting methods that can be used for a multi-story building in Singapore, and each can come with pros and cons. The most common, however, is the risk of backflow and contamination. The plumbing contractor will need approval from authorities in Singapore when installing a water pressure booster method and must determine if a combination of the different methods will work in a building.

The structure is usually divided into different zones for easier and constant distribution of water. If the building requires a replacement of the old supply system, you should contact a plumbing contractor that specializes in commercial or industrial plumbing services because there are problems that individual residential-only plumbers cannot address.

Drainage System Challenges

Not only is the delivery system more complicated, but so is the drainage system. That’s because there should be a planned layout of the vents to prevent siphoning of the water trap seal and the blowing out of the pipes from the pressure. The plumbing contractor will either connect various vent pipes or provide individual vent exits for each unit, but this is doubly challenging if the building has more than ten stories, because these will require vent connections at specific intervals.

The sanitary drainage is usually connected to the public sewer and wastewater exits through gravity, but if not installed properly, this could cause flooding and overloading, a problem common in old buildings that have suffered damage. In some cases, instead of a sewage system, a vacuum drainage system is preferred.

Fixture Calculations

Determining the type and number of fixtures in a multi-story building will require services from a professional plumbing contractor in Singapore like www.superplumbers.sg whose technicians also specialize in commercial and industrial plumbing. This is done by determining the fixture unit that includes the length of time the water is used in all units, the rate of consumption, and the period between use of the fixtures. Why should they do this? The calculation will ensure that all apartments in the building for example will get the same pressure and amount of water they need.

Water Heaters and Dual Supplies

This is common in most hotels and apartment complexes in Singapore where there are two different grades of water, one of which is used for drinking. Separate piping is required for dual supply systems, especially if the building also requires hot water for washing and bathing. The only concern of the plumbing contractor is to ensure that there are no cross connections between these two systems or to make sure that the hot water will not affect the cold-water delivery.

This is why a licensed plumber in Singapore should also be skilled in the installation and maintenance of water heaters. However, a water heater for a single-unit residence is different from that used for commercial and industrial buildings, because the reliable plumber will also have to determine the pressure limits and correct temperature.

Fire protection systems are also part of the plumbing works in a commercial building, because they include water sprinklers which might also be connected to the dual water supply system. Finally, water storage vessels, also a part of the dual system, might also be installed by the plumbing contractor as part of the plumbing works for drinking water supple, reserved water, and other functions.