Plumbing Systems in Kenya
Plumbing refers to any system that allows the movement of fluids within or outside the building structure. This can take the shape of concealed pipes, storage tanks, flow control valves, and fittings such as faucets for use by building occupants.
These systems are key components of modern buildings and play an important role in preserving well-being and safety, as well as serving as a cornerstone of modern life and protecting public health. These systems should be installed, fitted, and repaired by qualified plumbers only.
Plumbing systems are used for reasons such as:
- Supplying potable water (Hot and Cold)
- Waste removal and greywater systems
- Water treatment systems
- Drainage (Rainwater and surface water)
- Gas
- Central Heating and cooling
Components of Plumbing Systems
Pipes
Pipes are used to convey fluids in and around a building from utilities or storage tanks to where needed. Pipework found in residential buildings is mostly made of polymers such as Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), Polypropylene Random Copolymer pipes (PPR), High-density polyethylene (HDPE) and stainless steel.
When designing pipework, some of the challenges to consider are pressure surges, water hammer caused by condensation, cyclic loads, cavitation, vibrations, and temperature fluctuations. Leaks often occur at pipe joints, so it’s best to minimize the number of joints by using methods like permanent welding for high-integrity systems or reformable connections like flanges and compression fittings.
In domestic plumbing, which includes water and fuel supply and sewage removal in houses, the arrangement of pipework depends on the structure. In solid floors, high-level feed pipes can be used, or pipework can be installed between the joists of a suspended ceiling. Risers can be concealed in plastered walls with or without insulation depending on use. However, loft or attic installations should be insulated, and bleed valves added to release air from the system.
Different arrangements for pipework include single pipe loops, feed and return pipes, and micro bore systems, each with its advantages and efficiency.
Valves
Valves are fittings commonly found in households and serve various purposes. They are typically composed of components like a solid metal casing, a rubber or plastic seal, and a body that opens and closes within a seat. Valves can be operated manually or automatically and may require substantial effort for high-pressure systems, often using levers or hydraulic rams.
There are different types of valves, including:
- Ball valve: It obstructs flow with a hollowed-out ball that swivels 90 degrees when turned.
- Butterfly valve: A disc within the pipe swivels sideways or upright to control flow.
- Cock or plug valve: A cone-shaped plug moves aside when a handle is turned.
- Gate or sluice valve: Metal gates are lowered to fully open or close pipes.
- Globe valve: It is screwed in like a tap when turned.
- Needle valve: A long, sliding needle regulates fluid flow, often seen in central heating systems.
- Spool valve: Valves slide back and forth to direct fluid flow in systems like hydraulic circuits
Plumbing Fixtures and fittings
This refers to assets installed or fixed to the building to provide the necessary water and waste management systems. They come in many different forms and types to enable them to perform their functions in a diverse array of applications. The majority of the fixtures are usually visible to the building’s users. This leads to aesthetics as an important consideration when choosing the type of fixture to use. Fittings on the other hand are normally concealed in walls, below fixtures and floors as part of the piping system.
Some of the common plumbing fixtures found in buildings include:
- Water closet/ toilets
- Showers
- Sinks
- Faucets
- Bidets
- Bathtubs
- Laundry Tubs
- Garbage disposals
- Water filters
- Water heaters/Geysers
Some of the common plumbing fittings available in plumbing systems include:
- Union – Used to join two ends of pipes using a nut to form the joint
- Gasket – Mechanical seals used to form a ring for sealing flange joints
- Elbow – Joins two pipes while changing the direction of flow
- Bottle Trap – Attached to waste plug under the wash hand basin/sink to drain grey water and prevent foul gases from entering the room via the sink.
- Collar – Joins two pipes of the same size and type
- Reducer – Connects pipes of different diameters
- Nipple – Threaded on both ends for use in extending plumbing lines
- Tee – Connects pipes with a 900 side outlet helping change the direction of water flow
- Floor trap – This trap is used to collect wastewater from the balcony, kitchen sink, utility area and washroom drain areas.
Water Tanks
These are used for water storage. They are made of diverse materials and shapes to suit applications and needs. The most common are poly tanks, made of food-grade plastic and can be installed practically anywhere within the building. Steel water tanks are commonly used in institutions or to supply a wide area and large buildings. Fiberglass is also used to make tanks more often in industrial settings. Concrete tanks are some of the earliest forms of water storage and are made of concrete as the name suggests.
All these components are available in Kenya and work together to make sure we have clean water, and that our homes, offices, industries, and institutions are comfortable and safe. So, when you turn on the tap or flush the toilet, take a shower, or drink a glass of water remember that there’s a whole system behind it that makes it all work!
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