Plumbing in an apartment: diagrams and design nuances

Major renovations should start with a good plan. At the same time, the plumbing in the apartment requires the closest attention. How to design it correctly, which option to give preference to? Those who decide to repair or replace water supply pipes will have to think about this question.

Poorly designed water pipes can cause many problems. And if problems in the water supply system were observed before the repair, it’s time to study the existing wiring in order to identify and eliminate deficiencies. To do this, you need to thoroughly understand all the intricacies.

We will tell you about the options for plumbing and help you decide on the optimal type. And 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 water supply system in the apartment consists of central risers for cold and hot water supply and mains leading to water distribution installations. Additionally, liquid is drained to the flush tank on the toilet. The number of water distribution points depends on the layout of the apartment; in some rooms only cold water supply is used. In this case, a gas or electric heater is installed, from which the hot water supply line departs.

• The layout of the water supply pipes in the apartment provides for connecting a washing machine, which is installed in the bathroom, in the hallway or built into the kitchen unit. Some of the premises provide for the installation of a dishwasher, which is located in the kitchen (for example, under the countertop). If a shower cabin is to be installed in the bathroom, then it is necessary to install water pipes to the installation connection point.
• In 2-level residential premises or in apartments with increased space, several bathrooms can be used, and in the premises themselves, in addition to the toilet, a bidet or a small sink for washing hands can be installed. An increase in the number of distribution points complicates the water supply scheme for an apartment and increases the load on the main lines. Some devices require stable water pressure, so the reliability of the water supply depends on proper design of the system.
• For the manufacture of mains, polypropylene pipes are used, which are connected with straight and angular couplings. The material does not collapse under the influence of high temperatures and does not rust, which allows water pipelines to be used for 30-50 years without repair. The project must be drawn on the apartment plan, which will allow you to accurately determine the pipe exit points and calculate the amount of materials. At the same time, it is necessary to decide on the pipeline material, on which the range of couplings depends.

Water sources

1. How to organize water supply in the absence of a main water supply?

Here is a list of all possible options:

• Supplying water from a well or well “to the sand”;
• Water supply from an artesian well;

Reference: artesian is an aquifer that is trapped between two impermeable layers. Artesian water differs from surface water in its high quality and does not require mandatory purification.

Artesian well

• Many gardening partnerships and cooperatives practice supplying water on a schedule through a surface summer water supply. In regions with a warm climate, such water pipelines can be operated around the clock. In this case, the task comes down to creating a water reserve for its uninterrupted supply;

Country water supply in a garden cooperative

• Finally, water can be imported. And in this case, you will need a reserve capacity to store it.

Water delivery tanks

Types of water supply pipes

The main types of pipes used in organizing water supply:

1. Copper pipes connected using special solders. The lines are resistant to corrosion and can withstand heating up to 250°C. Pipes are elastic, which allows you to create pipelines of complex configurations. The disadvantage of the material is the formation of a galvanic couple upon contact with aluminum or steel elements. When used in multi-storey buildings, one should take into account the high current conductivity; if the neighbors’ equipment breaks down, the pipeline becomes energized.
2. Metal-plastic pipes consisting of several layers of plastic with an aluminum gasket. The products are highly elastic; threaded bushings or crimp elements are used for connection. The products are not used for hidden installations, since the rubber seals at the joints lose their elasticity and allow water to pass through. The advantage is the absence of corrosion; the smooth internal surface prevents the formation of deposits.
3. Products made of polybutylene that can withstand heating up to 90°C. The elements are connected using soldering technology, the seam is characterized by increased strength. Due to the high cost, polybutylene products are not widely used; the pipes are used in the construction of heated floors.
4. Polyethylene reinforced pipes designed for pressure up to 3.5 atm. Use in water supply networks is not recommended, since the material is not highly durable. The parts are used for distributing water in personal plots or in domestic buildings; the material allows the liquid to freeze. When connecting, it is necessary to install a reducer that reduces the pressure of the water flow to a safe level.
5. The lines are made of polyvinyl chloride, which is characterized by high chemical resistance and allows operation at temperatures up to 80°C. The disadvantage of the material is its low resistance to ultraviolet radiation. Soldering or glue is used to connect pipe fragments, but the strength of the joint does not allow water to be supplied under pressure above 3.5 atm. Pipes are used for water supply to technological premises or when organizing irrigation systems; a reducer is provided in the main line to reduce pressure.
6. Pipes made of polyisopropylene, allowing elements to be connected by soldering. The material is low cost and allows pressure up to 12 atm. and temperature up to 130°C. The surface of the pipes is rough, but plaque does not form in the inside of the lines. The products are used for organizing risers and for distributing water inside residential or office premises.

When selecting pipes, you should take into account the cross-section of the internal channel, on which the throughput depends. To determine the parameter, it is necessary to find out the required pressure in the lines; the coefficient of pressure drop inside the pipe and at the joints is taken into account. When planning the laying scheme, straight sections should be used, but excessive lengthening and cluttering the branch with reinforcement lead to a drop in pressure.

Advantages and disadvantages of a combined and separate bathroom

Correctly organizing the distribution of pipes in an apartment from risers to consumers always means using hot and cold water in sufficient quantities.

Combined.

• It is assumed that all plumbing equipment is located in one room.

Separated.

• The wall (partition) zones the space into a toilet and a bathroom. It turns out two rooms for different needs.

The need for a combined bathroom arises due to the lack of space for installing a washing machine, bidet, furniture, etc. But such zoning is justified only if few people live in the apartment. While one is taking hygiene procedures, no one will be able to use the toilet.

People who have at least once been forced to install plumbing in an apartment with their own hands know that work begins with the creation of a project. Otherwise, the work turns into a series of trials and errors, which lead to loss of time and unnecessary losses.

Important! Most unnecessary costs can be avoided if you are consistent.

To hide pipes or not

It should be taken into account that the water supply distribution in apartments is initially open, and for good reason. When the design of a bathroom requires walling up a pipeline, it is necessary to take into account that not all pipes are designed for walling up.

Metal and metal-plastic fall under the category of materials that can be covered.

Regarding polypropylene pipes, you need to ask consultants when purchasing, since there are many types.

Important! Plastic cannot be embedded. Connections (fittings, couplings, etc.) must be freely accessible.

Tools, materials, dismantling old

Special tools for assembling residential pipelines are described above. To purchase materials, of course, you will need to calculate the footage, nomenclature and quantity locally. Dismantling old pipes is done in the usual ways. It is better to do this after installing and registering the water meter, so as not to turn off water to the floors for a long time.

We will give only one piece of advice: do not use valves with a lever. It is made of silumin or plastic and tends to break off at the most inopportune moment, just when you urgently need to close it. Take ball valves with a butterfly handle. The round, grooved handles also do not break, but wet or sweaty hands slip on them.

The main methods of installing water supply in an apartment

Piping in an apartment is carried out using 2 methods:

• sequential, performed using tees;
• beam or collector.

Each of the existing schemes for organizing the distribution of hot and cold water between consumers has its own advantages and disadvantages. Because of this, the technique is selected taking into account the design features of the apartment and the pressure in the central riser. In some rooms there are combined schemes that use collector and series wiring of highways.

Method 1: Series (Tee) wiring diagram

It is assumed that one pipe leaves the cold and hot water riser, which subsequently branches according to the number of consumers. The method is easy to implement, low-cost, and therefore popular. However, the pressure will jump if you turn on an additional plumbing fixture, which is inconvenient.

A sequential scheme for distributing water in an apartment is used for standard rooms in buildings built in the 60-80s. last century. The system includes central hot and cold water supply pipelines with an increased cross-section, to which outlets are connected.

The diameter of the main pipe must be larger than the size of the secondary channels, ensuring the supply of liquid at the required pressure and with the required volume to consumers. The lines are connected using tees, which is why plumbers often call the structure a tee.

Installation of water supply distribution in an apartment involves laying the main line through the premises in which consumers will be installed. Then, outlet channels are attached to the tees, which are led to the place where the mixer or geyser is attached inside the walls or partitions.

The advantage of the design is the reduced number of pipes, which reduces the cost of installing a centralized water supply inside the apartment.

a) The circuit is sequential (tee).
b) Beam (collector) circuit. In small apartments with a combined bathroom, a sequential circuit provides the necessary water pressure. But before performing installation work, it is necessary to carefully consider the location of the connecting elements, placing them under the sink, bathtub or in a special niche in the wall.

In this case, the procedure for repairing or connecting additional consumers is simplified. When using a sequential method, it is allowed to install the water supply in the apartment with your own hands (if you have the equipment and skills in soldering plastic pipes).

The main disadvantages of the scheme:

Installation of pipes in a sequential pattern is not suitable for elongated premises with a large number of consumers along the branch. As the disassembly point moves away from the central riser, the pressure in the system drops; the simultaneous activation of several water dispensing units further reduces the pressure at the end of the main. Due to this effect, incorrect operation of the equipment is observed (for example, the gas water heater does not ignite or operates intermittently).

If pipes or water distribution devices are damaged, the branch must be completely disconnected from the central riser. Installation of intermediate valves is allowed, but additional joints reduce the liquid pressure. The downside of the system is the large number of joints that are hidden deep in the wall or under decorative cladding. If a leak occurs, it will be necessary to dismantle the decorative coating over a long area, since it is impossible to accurately determine the location of the damage.

For example, installing a heated towel rail in a bathroom is connected to pipes hidden under a layer of tiles. To replace an element or current section of the pipeline, you will need to knock down the tiles. If the apartment owner still has a supply of tiles of the appropriate color, then the repairs will not require large expenses. But if there are no spare elements left, then it is necessary to completely change the tiles.

A toilet moved to another location may be useless if the drain pipe is not sufficiently sloped. A slope of at least 3 degrees is required so that waste water flows into the sewer by gravity. If it is not possible to make a proper drain, then there is only one way out - a pedestal for the toilet.

Method 2: Beam (collector) wiring option

Such distribution of water supply pipes in apartments of apartment buildings assumes that a separate pipe is supplied to each consumer. Due to the fact that on the way from the riser to the outlet of the pipeline the pressure is not cut off by additional connections, the pressure is always the same and sufficient.

The radial scheme for distributing water supply in an apartment is intended for rooms with an increased area or when installing a large number of plumbing equipment. The design includes an additional manifold, which is connected to the central riser.

The collector is equipped with couplings to which individual pipes are connected, laid to the installation points of water dispensing equipment. The circuit provides collectors for cold and hot water (with a different number of connection points).

Between the riser and the collector body there is a pipeline equipped with an emergency valve that shuts off the water supply to the room. It is possible to install taps with an electric power drive, which are activated by a signal from sensors on the floor covering. Sensing elements detect a leak and send a radio frequency signal, which is picked up by the controller. It is recommended to install a coarse filter in front of the collector, designed to catch sand and scale.

The advantage of the scheme is uniform pressure in the lines going to different consumers. The collector block is short and does not affect the drop in water pressure. Each outlet line is equipped with a valve that allows you to shut off the liquid supply during repairs or maintenance of the equipment. Installation of a water supply system using a collector circuit allows you to personalize the water supply parameters taking into account the technical characteristics of the device.

For example, in the line for switching a dishwasher, reducers are installed that reduce the pressure to the value recommended by the manufacturer. It is possible to install flow-through or storage filter units that allow you to separate mechanical impurities or regulate the degree of water mineralization. If there is insufficient pressure in the line, a pump is installed to increase the pressure (for example, to ensure the operation of a gas or electric heater).

The advantage of the collector circuit is the possibility of hidden installation of pipes in niches made in the walls . Pipes installed discreetly do not spoil the appearance of the room. If a leak appears in the line, the water supply is turned off. It should be taken into account that the design has a smaller number of connections, which further increases the reliability and durability of the pipeline.

The disadvantages of the scheme include:

To lay out water supply pipes using a radial scheme, a larger number of pipes are required (compared to a sequential scheme), which increases the cost of the design.

The use of additional elements (manifolds, valves) negatively affects the final cost of the system.

The switching circuit is highly complex, so creating a collector water distribution system in an apartment with your own hands is not recommended.

It is necessary to provide a distribution cabinet in which the manifold and valve blocks are mounted. If the room has hot water supply, then a second distribution block with valves is installed in the cabinet.

Method 3: Combined option

To install water supply pipes in an apartment with a branched layout, a combined scheme is used. A collector block is removed from the riser, to which the mains are connected. Then the branches are equipped with tees, which allows water to be supplied to several consumers.

The resulting circuit has all the disadvantages inherent in serial connection of equipment. But the technique allows you to reduce the cost of installation work, so the combined scheme is often used in individual residential buildings.

Heated towel rail

A mandatory attribute inside the bathroom is a heated towel rail. In standard apartment buildings, a separate heating riser is usually installed for this plumbing product. This is the most difficult pipe installation option for a number of reasons:

• the riser comes out of the lower ceiling and enters the upper slab;
• for hidden wiring, you will either have to make a false panel from plasterboard, or chisel reinforced concrete slabs to mount bends and cut grooves in the walls.

Less often, the specified device crashes into the hot water supply system, then there is no problem with hidden pipes to water outlets.

There are electric modifications of the heated towel rail that work even when the heating of the house is turned off. They are installed after laying the tiles, and an electrical outlet is installed for connection.

How to make a diagram correctly

With properly configured wiring, water is distributed between the tap, shower, toilet cistern, bidet, washing machine, etc. In this case, each device receives a sufficient amount of liquid. The water distribution must be shown on the drawing. It also indicates the types of connections, installation methods, installation features, etc.

Before drawing up a wiring diagram, you need to decide on the materials from which the pipes will consist:

• Plastic;
• Metal-plastic;
• Copper;
• Steel.

When independently developing an apartment water supply scheme, you have to build on generally accepted norms and rules. It's better when specialists get down to business. In this case, in addition to graphical display, the document contains important information:

• list, labeling and quantity of all household plumbing products;
• information about pipe materials, diameter, length;
• the intended purpose of the pipeline and the direction of flow;
• list of necessary shut-off and control devices;
• location of protective and measuring instruments.

But this does not mean that the quality and information content of an apartment water supply diagram developed with your own hands will be lower. It all depends on attentiveness and accuracy.

What do plumbers call a point?

Plumbers use the term "point" when referring to the inlet or outlet of a plumbing fixture. When drawing up an estimate, it should specifically describe how much money it will cost to connect each point.

You need to understand that connecting a shower with hydromassage or Jacuzzi is much more difficult than connecting a regular sink or toilet. The “point” can be double if for its operation it is necessary to supply cold and hot water.

Workers are responsible for laying pipes, connecting and starting the system. Landscaping is not included in the standard range of services. The price of laying a pipeline also depends on the complexity of the work.

What will you need besides pipes and fittings?

An effective system cannot operate safely without:

• main valve of inlet shut-off valves;
• multi-stage purification filtration station;
• devices for adjusting and setting operating parameters;
• flow control instruments;
• devices for protection against the consequences of accidents;
• other additional equipment.

Each of these elements is necessary for the system to operate smoothly, be monitored, configured, and protected.

Main valve, inlet shut-off valves

This is a device that operates in two positions (open, closed). The task is to cut off the water supply from the riser if it is necessary to carry out repairs or in the event of a long absence of apartment residents. An alternative is valves that smoothly regulate water pressure and operate in an intermediate position. But such valves are more expensive than conventional ball valves.

Filtering devices

The minimum set consists of two types of filters:

Coarse cleaning

Installed at the inlet after the ball shut-off valve. The purpose of the filter is to catch large solid contaminants (rust, scale, etc.).

Fine cleaning

Absorbs small solid suspended particles. Special cartridges with fiber filler are used as filter elements.

Each filter requires periodic maintenance. During rough cleaning, the particles are retained by a metal mesh, which must be removed and washed. There are filter models equipped with a self-cleaning system. You have to buy new fine cleaning cartridges.

Regulating devices

The task of the stabilizing reducer is to maintain a comfortable pressure in the distribution pipes - this is from 3 to 4 bar. You can also use an electronic version - this is a pressure switch, which will eliminate the possibility of water hammer. A sharp surge in pressure can damage washing plumbing fixtures and wiring elements.

Check valves also fall into the category of control devices. They are needed if boilers are to be connected, and they protect the system from spontaneous drainage of water from the tank into the riser when the water supply is turned off.

Metering devices

The use of meter models is regulated by GOST. Installing it is not enough; flow metering devices must be calibrated and sealed. This is done by special water utility services. The device is equipped with a strainer and a check valve. When installing, there must be straight pipes on both sides. This will eliminate measurement error.

Emergency devices

This is a “smart electric valve” - this device protects the wiring from breaks and leaks, and the apartment from flooding. If a hose or pipe bursts, the pressure will drop sharply, and the device will immediately cut off the water supply.

Other auxiliary devices of sanitary cabinet

Properly organized plumbing in an apartment allows you to control operating parameters during operation of the water supply system. For this purpose, pressure gauges are used that measure the water pressure in the pipes. When there are several of them, the presence of a difference indicates a blockage that can be eliminated.

The manifold-distributor is a separate element that is involved in flow distribution. The number of outputs depends on the number of consumer devices. Ideally, each outgoing branch is equipped with a ball shut-off or check valve, depending on the need. Pressure gauges and emergency protection devices are also installed here.

Calculation of required building materials

The size depends on the number of plumbing fixtures and household appliances that consume the resource. In an average apartment, usually 20-22 mm in diameter is enough for risers, and 16-18 mm for bends.

The number of fittings, as well as the total length of the pipeline, is calculated based on the project. However, we recommend taking 10% more.

What you need to know about collectors?

The collector block used in the installation of water supply systems is a piece of pipe with several side branches. The diameter of the input channel is 25-35% larger than the cross-section of the highways used for switching consumers.

This design ensures a uniform supply of liquid to several simultaneously switched on water taps while maintaining the required pressure. When selecting equipment, you should remember that there are manifolds for distributing cold and hot water.

To make the device body, brass or stainless steel is used; there are devices made of impact-resistant plastic that can withstand heating to temperatures of more than 100°C. Metal products are attached to pipelines using threaded bushings. To connect plastic pipelines, manifolds with compression transition elements or with special bushings (fittings) are used that allow plastic pipes to be soldered.

Manufacturers offer collector blocks with a clamp connection (Eurocone). The design of the unit uses a nut and a special split washer; rubber sealing rings are installed on the pipelines. Devices with a combined switching circuit are produced, allowing you to connect pipelines made of different materials.

When selecting a collector, you should take into account the number of outputs intended for switching external equipment. Standard products provide up to 6 channels, but manufacturers allow 2-3 collector modules to be connected in series. For coupling, couplings are provided at the nodes; the method of connection depends on the design features of the collector. If switching of the additional unit is not required, the collector is closed with an end cap.

Recommendations for the buyer

Basic recommendations for selecting a collector:

1. Before purchasing a collector, you should decide on the type of material of the water pipes. It is recommended to use products made of polymers (for example, cross-linked polyethylene) that are not destroyed by water and do not have threaded connections.
2. During the installation process, it is necessary to provide for the installation of a tap for the side lines. There are manifold blocks with integrated valves; the installer needs to connect the pipes and the manifold itself to the central riser. Please note that if the locking mechanism is damaged, the entire manifold block will need to be replaced. When using brass or stainless steel products, the taps must be installed separately.
3. A block of additional devices is installed in front of the manifold (for example, meters, filters or a check valve).

Installation Features

Before installation work, professionals always first determine:

1. Number of consumers. The number of outlets on the comb may be greater, but not less than the water points.
2. Type (material) of pipes to each device.
3. Installation locations for additional components of the distribution unit. Their attachment points are marked on the wall.
4. Necessary consumables and their quantities.

The collector installation process itself is carried out in stages:

• install shut-off valves on the inlet line;
• install check valves, meters and filter elements;
• connect and secure the switchgear;
• lay pipes to each water point;
• connect pipelines to the collector.

All work can be performed with high quality only by professionals. The whole process takes more time than installing a water supply according to the classical scheme.

Common installation mistakes

Before distributing water in the walls of a room or in floor coverings, you should consider a thermal insulation scheme. The water passing through the pipes is cooled, giving off heat to the materials of the walls of the house and increasing the load on the autonomous heaters. Metal lines lacking an insulating layer are covered with a layer of condensation, which causes corrosion. Drops of water are absorbed into the wall material, causing mold or mildew to form.

During operation, plastic pipes expand. When laying highways in channels made in the walls, a reserve of space is provided. A padding polyester cover is placed on the outer part of the pipe. If the pipe is laid in a groove without a gap and covered with cement, then when heated, the surface of the wall cracks, which leads to shedding of the tiles or damage to the paintwork.

During installation work, it is necessary to cover the end edges of the pipes to protect them from foreign objects. Before soldering or welding, it is recommended to check the inside of the pipe for foreign objects. When dirt gets in, the water supply line becomes clogged or the water supply equipment gets clogged. To remove blockages, you will have to disassemble part of the water supply or repair taps or radiators of heating installations.

Soldering of plastic pipes is carried out using a special induction unit. Traces of dirt and oil are removed from the surface of the elements being connected, and water is not allowed to enter the joint. Foreign objects or liquid entering the weld joint will reduce the strength of the joint. If pipes are laid through the ceiling between floors, then individual holes are drilled in the slabs. It is not recommended to stretch pipelines in a bundle through a single channel, since the operating conditions of water mains deteriorate.

The design of the mains includes shut-off valves located in front of the water tap or at the outlet of the collector. The levers and wings of the valves should be located at a distance from each other, allowing for rotation.

When installing a water supply system, it is necessary to design sewer drains. The clean water supply and waste liquid drain lines should not overlap each other, making maintenance or repair work difficult.

Products on the market

Depending on the material, the cost of products ranges from 400 to 2500 rubles. Collector groups for 200-300 outputs can cost 10,000-40,000 rubles.

There are models from different manufacturers on the market, the popular ones include:

• Watts;
• Uponor;
• Giacomini;
• APC;
• Luxor;
• Fado;
• Caleffi;
• Valtec;
• Bianchi.

The stores offer not only combs, but also accessories. Products without taps are economical. They are used to install individual wiring and make it possible to select suitable parts. Purchasing a product with shut-off valves will make the installation process easier. When assembling the units, the need to install valves disappears.

To adapt the device to the home system, components are purchased. These include valves, valves, and pump groups. Mechanical drives, plugs and pipes are required.

Manifold cabinets are used for wall mounting and maintaining an aesthetic appearance.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

If the owner intends to do the work himself, it is recommended that you watch videos that show how to correctly install hot and cold water supply pipes. To ensure trouble-free operation, it is necessary to decide on a highway routing scheme and then develop a project. Based on the prepared documentation, the quantity of materials is calculated.

When purchasing pipes and transition elements, it is not recommended to choose cheap products produced by small enterprises. Savings will result in low strength of parts, which will lead to the need to repair sections of the pipeline or replace the entire installed network.

If the owner of the premises does not know how to work with soldering or welding equipment, then it is recommended to invite a team of plumbers. In addition, the owner will not need to purchase equipment and devices for connecting pipes, which will reduce the cost of installing a water supply system.

Properly completed wiring includes many control, monitoring, protection and metering devices. In order for the system to be operational, before making the water distribution, a diagram is drawn up that shows the routes with branches, as well as the arrangement of all the necessary elements. This can be done in a specialized company if the process seems too complicated.

Where does the right connection begin?

The right approach is to plan ahead. It is the creation of a scheme, a project, that represents half the success. On the plan you will need to indicate all water intake points, as well as calculate the approximate pressure power and how many liters of liquid will be consumed on average.

Thus, the beginning of water distribution work is a preliminary thorough study of all information. We recommend that you read the entire article, familiarize yourself with the sequence of work, the nuances of installation, as well as the types of pipes and water resource connection diagrams.