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PLUMBING FIXTURE LOCATIONS
When designing a floor plan, consider the following in order to avoid redesign:
GROUND
FLOORS
Exterior
walls
There are several problems caused by locating a fixture
on an exterior wall. Structural grade beams, cross-bracing
and windows present obstacles which can prevent the
installation of service piping unless provisions (sometimes
costly) are made. Also, remember that in some geographical areas,
piping located within an exterior wall may be subjected to
freezing temperatures.
A wall chase, wide enough to extend beyond the interior
edge of grade beams and/or cross-bracing, can be provided
behind fixtures to accommodate piping, however, this is
not a very economical way to utilize square footage. In
some cases, waste and vent piping can be installed in
walls perpendicular to the exterior wall and adjacent to
the fixtures, but this arrangement is limited to only
certain types of fixtures.
Always be aware of window locations when placing fixtures.
Fixtures may be located below windows, only when the
bottom seal is at least 48" above the floor. The
wall beneath the window will also require additional
reinforcement to compensate for holes that will have to
be cut in studs to horizontally route vent and water
piping around the window.
If your creativity deserts you and you must locate
fixtures on exterior walls, be sure to coordinate with
the project Plumbing Designer before proceeding with your
design.
Adjacent to columns
The structural foundation below ground floor columns will
be larger than the column itself. This can prevent piping
from serving the fixture. There seems to be a tendency to
corral plumbing fixtures with columns to supposedly save
space. However, more space may be required to facilitate
a fixture located adjacent to a column than a fixture
located where there will be no structure interference.
UPPER
FLOORS
Columns,
Column Grids, Exterior Walls, Windows
Upper floors provide the same problems for plumbing
fixtures as the ground floor with the added bonus of
beams and joists. Nine times out of ten, beams will be
located on column grid lines.
As you are laying out walls and placing plumbing fixtures, visualize the
structural members that will be beneath the floor slab and remember that drain
piping serving the fixtures will be penetrating the slab from below.
Sensitive Areas on Lower Floor
Electrical Codes, Health Department Regulations and Hospital Licensing
Requirements do not allow Plumbing piping to be located above certain areas,
(Electrical Rooms, Food Preparation, Serving, Dining or Storage, Operating
Rooms, Nurseries, I.C.U., and other Critical Care Areas) unless special
precautions are provided. These Special Precautions usually require the
installation of drain pans below all drainage piping above these areas.
Obviously, providing drain pans can be costly and will utilize a significant
amount of ceiling space. Be aware of the space immediately below the floor you
are designing and avoid locating fixtures or equipment served by plumbing above
sensitive areas.
Ceiling Space Limitations on Lower Floor
Consider space availability within the ceiling directly below fixtures and
equipment. Vaulted ceilings in a lobby, high ceilings in Operating Rooms, etc.,
can prevent the installation of piping.
SUMMARY
Always be aware of the space demands required by plumbing
fixtures. Do not use the structural grid as a homing
device for laying out fixtures and restrooms. Think three-dimensionally
and visualize spaces above and below the areas you are
developing. If you prepare a floor plan without these
considerations, something will have to change: The
Structural Engineer will have to redesign the structure;
or You will have to provide uneconomical, large, wall
spaces; or You will have to relocate fixtures and
redesign your floor plan. Much of the time spent on your
preliminary layout will have been wasted. By realizing the
various components of a building while you are in
conceptual design, can insure your control of the
finished product and save time for everyone.
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