Retrofitting for water efficiency Water efficient retrofits; the plumbing and heating professional s perspective
Outline Benefits of water efficiency retrofits Issues and dangers with such retrofits How pipe systems are designed? How can the potential for retrofitting be assessed? Top recommendations
Benefits of water efficiency retrofits If metered save money If not metered, good training for when you are metered New fittings / appliances for old Can save energy on hot water production
Hot water efficiency guidance www.holeintheroof.org.uk
Issues and dangers with such retrofits Use Water Wisely: Save Water Safely Lifetime homes ages of occupants Aspirational living can lead to unsafe plumbing create stagnation or long run-offs / mix materials and fittings Legionella / Pseudomonas / electrical safety
CIPHE P&HE Journals
Lifetime homes
Traditional layouts
New home layouts
Prestige homes aspirational
Resulting water supply issues Increased areas with little used pipework Possibly extended run-off times to obtain water of the desired temperature Increased simultaneous demand leading to dissatisfaction with appliances Health related issues stagnation / biofilms / temperature control / bacteria
Factors involved in pipe sizing
How pipe systems are designed? BS 6700, BS EN 806 Loading / Design units and probability Lifestyle and appliance changes over time Water efficient appliances and fittings are not considered Fear of undersizing frequent oversizing
Standards
Guides
LUNA Loading Unit Normalisation Assessment Where did loading units come from? Are there any other methods used today? Can we do better?
LUNA http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/business/news/103450.aspx
Pipework Pretty and neat-is it safe?
Pipework Aims of water pipework: Convey water to where it is needed No leaks Minimal pressure loss Minimal heat transfer Minimal contamination Avoid stagnation and low turn-over Minimise biofilm and other microbial growth
Linear plumbing Simple traditional approach Sentinel fitting is a WC high volume regular use (only works on cold water) Tails to fittings prone to stagnation
Looped-linear plumbing Simple traditional approach but with minimised tails to fittings Sentinel fitting is a WC high volume regular use (only works on cold water)
Looped plumbing Loops to all fittings and appliances: minimised tails to fittings Both hot and cold supplies are on a loop within the room, but if no appliances are used there will be no circulation
Fittings that may be used
Circulation fittings http://www.delabie.ru/pdf/doc900int/5.pdf
Circulation fittings http://www.delabie.ru/pdf/doc900int/5.pdf
Circulating the loopwith a pump Worcester Bosch Technical Bulletin TB050 a (2011/06)
Circulating the loopwithout a pump
Venturi Tee
En-suites / utility rooms / outside taps
How can the potential for retrofitting be assessed? Water audits DIY / professional Water Regulations/Byelaws Water calculators / AECB guide / water bills
Water Audits
Water Audits
Water Regs and Building Regs
Above basin issues: Compromised air gaps
Below basin issues: Flexible connections
Top recommendations for saving water Stop wasting water fix dripping taps and valves Fit low volume flush WCs Use a high efficiency dishwasher as intended Develop a 10 year plan; to replace less efficient appliances and fittings, taking into consideration the anticipated occupation level and pattern
Fix the drips and leaks
Top recommendations for retrofitting Don t just replace terminal fittings and appliances consider the plumbing Aim to eliminate any stagnant water Insulate pipes properly Fit isolation valves to aid servicing with minimal disruption and water loss Protect air gaps Draw a plan of your water supply and drainage systems
Where does the wastewater go? www.connectright.org.uk
Recommended publications Water consumption in sustainable new homes (NF29) Water efficiency in new homes (NF20)
www.ciphe.org.uk https://www.watersafe.org.uk
johng@.ciphe.org.uk