Plumbing: Fine-Tuning Fixture Specification
Part 1: Plumbing: Specification Tips for High-Efficiency Toilets, Urinals
Part 2: Plumbing Fixtures: WaterSense Label Provides Guidance
Part 3: High-Efficiency Toilets: Consider Drain-Line Carry
Part 4: The Three Applications of Lavatory Faucets
Part 5: PRODUCTS: Plumbing & Restrooms
High-Efficiency Toilets: Consider Drain-Line Carry
By Winston Huff - May 2010 - Plumbing & Restrooms
Managers should be aware of concerns related to institutional and commercial facilities that use high-efficiency fixtures in systems with long runs of pipe and little water flow from plumbing fixtures. Ongoing research is trying to determine the distance solids flow downstream after a flush. This research is particularly important when considering low-flow water closets because concern exists regarding the current ASME1/CSA2 drain-line carry testing protocol. A separate Canadian study used a more realistic test using commercial fixtures with a 4-inch diameter drain pipe at a 1 percent slope.
Toilets in institutional and commercial applications that must handle paper seat covers, paper towels, and large amounts of toilet paper typically have much larger waste loads than residential toilets. In short, managers must consider the impact low-flow fixtures might have on their plumbing systems' performance and the resulting maintenance needs.
