Water supply
Cold water enters the building through the meter, then splits to fixtures and to the water heater. Common materials are copper, PEX, and CPVC. Pressure should be 40 to 80 psi; over 80 psi requires a pressure-reducing valve. Each fixture needs an accessible shutoff valve.
Drain, waste, and vent
The DWV system carries waste water out and lets sewer gases vent above the roof. Drains slope at 1/4 inch per foot for 2-inch and smaller pipe, and 1/8 inch per foot for larger. Every fixture needs a trap, and every trap needs a vent within the maximum distance allowed by code.
Fixture units
Pipe sizing is based on drainage fixture units, a measure of expected flow. A toilet is 4 DFU, a lavatory is 1, a kitchen sink is 2. Total the DFUs on a branch and use the code table to pick the pipe size.
Mini-quiz
Attempt 1 · 3 questions
Check your understanding. Passing is 70% — but you can keep going to the next lesson either way.
Question 1
Based on "Water supply", which statement is correct?
Question 2
Based on "Drain, waste, and vent", which statement is correct?
Question 3
Based on "Fixture units", which statement is correct?