Implementation of the Goal

This Tech Set shows you how to to decrease the cost of construction, maintenance, energy and water use by promoting the effective integration of the water distribution and used water (greywater) systems. To ensure the easy and proper integration of the Tech Set recommendations into your next project, more detailed installation instructions are provided below.

Goals of the Resource Efficient Plumbing Tech Set

• To decrease the cost of construction and maintenance of housing.
• To speed the delivery of hot water which minimizes the amount of wasted water because the fixture is not left to run until hot water is delivered to user.
• To improve the energy-efficient of water heating.
• To provide the opportunity for present or future greywater reuse.

Implementing the Tech Set

Vanguard and Zurn, manufacturers of PEX, plastic manifolds, and PEX fittings, publish concise installation guides that provide information about how to design, use, and install PEX and a manifold. A pressure drop chart, which will assist in the distribution system design, is contained in Vanguard's "Material Specifier: Tech Data" brochure.

Oatey's Sure-Vent Air Admittance Valves (AAVs) feature a chart that equates Drainage Fixture Units to valve sizes that are available, which assists the designer. The drain/waste/vent (DWV) system design is the same with or without AAVs, except that most of the vent pipe installation above a fixture is not needed and the vent stack end is capped 4-6" above the flood level rim of fixture/drain with an AAV that must be accessible for servicing. Note: One vent stack shall extend outside to the open air.

As with tank water heaters, tankless water heaters will require an energy and water supply. Units come with instructions for the professional installer to help them size the service utilities and locate the equipment. Electric tankless heaters will require more amperage than a tank heater. Gas tankless heaters will require electric, gas, and water supply. Power vent and out-of-doors mounted gas tankless units are also available.

Content updated on 8/4/2006