The type of pipe joint plumbing, heating and air system designers spec for modern commercial buildings can affect how simple or challenging installation, commissioning and maintenance will be. Part 1 focuses on grooved, welded and flanged joints.

The building industry has seen an increase in the development of zero net energy or net zero energy structures over the last decade. Behind these designs are building science and thermodynamic principles that allow such structures to consume the same amount of energy they produce in a year.

We continue this series with a discussion on verifying that temperature controls in a domestic hot water system are working properly. TMVs work well at stabilizing system temperatures. When used with point-of-use mixing valves, they provide safe temperatures for bathing and washing. 

Ensuring that a healthcare facility can continue to provide care to patients during construction, requires thoughtful planning and innovative solutions.

Understanding and implementing water conservation strategies —such as low-flow fixtures, hot water system design and leak detection, and greywater and rainwater systems — contributes to energy efficiency and the well-being of ecosystems, in addition to water savings.

In part 4 of commissioning/troubleshooting domestic hot water systems, Ron George discusses how long it takes hot water to get to all fixtures, temperature limit stops, water heater thermostats, digital mixing valves, water flow velocity, and balancing water conservation with health and safety.

Part 3 of this series covers applications and locations for various temperature controls, DHW control valves, temperature control valve standards, and how to protect yourself from liability if the owner refuses to install a control valve serving the hot water distribution system.

Facilities using smart plumbing fixtures can save time, manage facility workflow and improve efficiency and sustainability. Advanced sensors detect changes and track product performance, providing maintenance staff with real-time insights into the performance of the facility’s smart products.

Health care needs in rural areas may differ from urban areas, but facilities are usually sparse, and services are more limited and less specialized. Designing simple, maintainable and resilient plumbing systems helps avoid additional challenges to health-care facilities with limited resources.

By incorporating redundancies, zoning considerations, and efficient scheduling, healthcare facilities can improve their medical gas systems' safety, reliability, and efficiency. ASSE 6060, Medical Gas Systems Designer, has improved reliability, safety, and operational efficiency in healthcare facilities.