D-2 Planning and Installing DWV Systems Introduction
Communication between architects, homeowners, tradespeople, and inspectors is important when developing any project. While this could take place through extended conversations, the most efficient way to ensure success is by using drawings and diagrams.
Material organizational skills are essential for increasing job site productivity. Your blueprint reading and drafting skills will allow you to create installation drawings and organize your materials accordingly. Organizing materials in a list format eliminates material procurement errors and minimizes stock overruns. Knowing exact quantities and installation phases creates a systematic work atmosphere. Proper ordering techniques can decrease labour costs by minimizing material handling, thereby allowing more time for installation. By coordinating with other trades and organizing material, a plumber can expedite the installation of piping systems. This module will present proven methods for creating a productive job site.
Learning Objectives
After completing the chapters in this section, you should be able to:
- Describe the organization of a residential project.
- Describe considerations when handling plumbing materials.
- Describe the planning of interior DWV layouts.
- Create plan drawings of piping systems.
- Create isometric drawings of piping systems using the required lettering and line type.
- Describe the information to be contained in an isometric drawing of a piping system.
- Draw piping systems with the detail required.
- Use appropriate dimensioning and pipe sizing.
- Describe take-off procedures.
- Describe take-off materials from piping drawings.
- Describe the installation of DWV piping systems.
Resources
You will be required to reference the most current National Plumbing Code.
Terminology
The following terms will be used throughout this section. A complete list of terms for this section can be found in the Glossary.
- architectural drawing: the main plan of a building that shows its design, layout, materials, and finishes. It includes floor plans, elevations, sections, and detailed views to guide construction. These drawings are usually marked with an “A” followed by a page number (e.g., A-4). (Section D-2.1)
- “As-built”: The record drawings and documentation defining deviation to the designed information occurring during construction at the end of the project. (Section D-2.1)
- bulkhead: A barrier or wall built within a building that may require plumbing installation adjustments for the DWV system. (Section D-2.2)
- consumables: (Also known as consumable goods, non-durable goods, or soft goods); goods that can be consumed, dissipated, wasted, or spent. In plumbing construction projects, these may include materials such as solder, flux, sand cloth, fasteners, Teflon tape, and glue. (Section D-2.4)
- dimensioning: The process of adding measurements to a drawing. (Section D-2.3)
- elevation drawings: Vertical views of a building’s outside, showing details like the roof slope and wall openings. It also displays the distance from the first floor to the basement. To find the basement elevation, subtract the space between floors from the first-floor elevation. (Section D-2.1)
- fire-stop system: A method used to seal penetrations in fire-rated walls or ceilings to prevent fire from spreading through the openings. (Section D-2.2)
- fixture schedule: A list detailing the location and specifications of plumbing fixtures. (Section D-2.4)
- flashing: A material used to create a watertight seal around vent pipes where they penetrate a roof, preventing water intrusion. (Section D-2.5)
- floor plan: A horizontal view of one floor of a building, showing room layout, dimensions, materials, and fixture locations, critical for determining piping routes. (Section D-2.1)
- frost line: The depth below the ground surface where the soil freezes in cold climates. Pipes must be installed below this line to avoid freezing. (Section D-2.2)
- groundwork inspection: Inspection of underground plumbing before covering pipes. (Section D-2.4)
- hoisting and rigging: The use of cranes, hoists, and rigging equipment to lift and position heavy materials safely on a construction site. (Section D-2.5)
- isometric drawings: 3-dimensional (3D) pictures that show how pipes in a building connect and work together. They help plumbers see where drain, waste, and vent pipes go and what size they should be. These drawings make it easier to plan and install plumbing systems correctly, whether in homes or larger buildings. (Section D-2.3)
- key plan: A small map on a drawing (usually near the title block) showing the location of the area depicted, especially if the drawing is of part of a larger structure. (Section D-2.1)
- material handling: The process of safely receiving, storing, moving, and disposing of plumbing materials to prevent damage and ensure efficiency. (Section D-2.5)
- materials take-off: (MTO) A list of materials required for a plumbing installation. (Section D-2.4)
- orthographic drawing: A 2D drawing that shows different views (top, front, side) of an object. (Section D-2.3)
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Safety gear, such as gloves, goggles, and respirators, required to protect plumbers from workplace hazards. (Section D-2.5)
- pipe supports: Structures or brackets that hold pipes in place, ensuring they are properly aligned, supported, and maintained at the correct slope for drainage. (Section D-2.2)
- plumbing plan: A two-dimensional plan view drawing showing the plumbing system. It is generated from the architectural floor plan showing the types and locations of the plumbing fixtures in the building. The plumbing plan describes the location, sizes, and types of all piping and fittings used in the system rough-in. The horizontal branches and fixture drains are drawn to scale, but due to the two-dimensional properties of the drawing, only the locations of all vertical pipes are shown. (Section D-2.3)
- project scope: The defined objectives, requirements, and limitations of a project. (Section D-2.4)
- project specifications (specs): Detailed documentation outlining materials, installation procedures, and performance requirements. (Section D-2.4)
- Safety Data Sheet (SDS): A document providing information on hazardous materials, including handling, storage, and emergency procedures. (Section D-2.5)
- sectional view: Drawing showing a cut-through of a building to provide detailed information about wall construction and other interior elements (exterior and interior wall finish). Check these drawings for potential obstructions or conflicts for all locations where piping must penetrate walls. (Section D-2.1)
- seismic forces: The forces exerted on structures during an earthquake, which plumbing systems must be designed to withstand. (Section D-2.2)
- site plan: A drawing that shows the layout of the building and how it fits on the land, including things like roads, utilities, and the property boundaries. It is a plot plan with a basic outline of the building superimposed on it, which helps understand the location and surroundings of the building. (Figure 2, Section D-2.1)
- structure penetrations: Openings made in a building’s walls, floors, or beams to allow pipes, ducts, or wires. These must be carefully planned to avoid weakening the structure and must follow building codes and regulations, especially for load-bearing or fire-rated components. (Section D-2.2)
