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PLUMBING FIXTURE SELECTION
An Architect must have at least a basic understanding of the various types of
plumbing fixtures that are available and also with their installation
requirements.
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT FOR AN ARCHITECT TO HAVE THIS KNOWLEDGE?
Aesthetic Considerations
Plumbing fixture manufacturers have become extremely innovative in providing a
wide range of colors, finishes, shapes and even themes for fixtures, faucets
and trim.
Taking advantage of these options and incorporating them into your design can
create pleasing environments for your clients. Since
the plumbing engineer may not be aware of the interior finishes or design
impressions that the Architect is planning to implement, it is necessary that
you become involved with these selections.
Functionality
Along with variety in appearance, there are even more choices available when it
comes to deciding which
fixtures are best suited for specific applications.
Fixture designs are available to accommodate handicap accessibility, vandalism
concerns, patient care, laboratory procedures,
and many other special use requirements.
Again, since the plumbing engineer
may not be in contact with the client, the Architect should always determine
how fixtures will be utilized and verify
any special needs that are required for the various users.
A graphic, yet real example of how critical the selection of plumbing fixtures
can be, is this incident that took
place in a hospital emergency area...A lady in early term pregnancy visited the
hospital when she realized that something inside her did not "feel right".
Upon entering the emergency suite, she attempted to use the public restroom.
While on the toilet, she miscarried.
The lady stood hoping to get aid, which in turn caused the toilet to
automatically flush. The water closet was equipped with an infrared sensor
flush valve.
Obviously, this is a drastic case, but it reveals the importance of why we, as
professionals, must never underestimate our responsibility to pay close
attention to details.
Installation
The Architect has the responsibility of deciding where fixtures are placed
within a floor plan. Knowing basic installation requirements for
the most common plumbing fixtures can help prevent redesigning a layout or
casework due to locating a fixture in such a way that does not allow proper
installation.
Some requirements are common to all plumbing fixtures. A brief explanation of
these
is provided on the page -
Fixture Locations
.
The following section describes requirements that are particular to various
types of fixtures.
FIXTURE TYPES
All plumbing fixtures are not created equal. They should be chosen based on
code requirements, user needs, aesthetic preference, construction conditions,
and budget considerations. The following overviews the most common fixtures:
(Note:
Security/Prison fixtures are not addressed
).
Water Closets
There are basically two types of water closets; wall-mounted and floor-mounted.
Both are available with either
flush tanks or flush valves and can be selected to meet A.D.A. requirements.
All water closets for public use must have elongated bowls and open-front seats.
Wall-Mounted toilets require a carrier that supports the fixture from the rear
with bolts. The more stable type of carrier
is bolted to the floor, keeping the weight of the fixture and its user from
being transmitted to the wall. A wall chase is required to facilitate the
carrier.
Generally, wall-mounted fixtures are more expensive than floor-mounted.
However, they provide better sanitary conditions due to the fact that the floor
beneath them can be easily cleaned. These fixtures are better suited for
multi-story
buildings since they require fewer floor penetrations than the floor-mounted
type and will allow more economical waste and vent piping systems. Most
wall-mounted water closets are designed to support a 300 pound load.
Floor-Mounted toilets require two floor penetrations for piping. One for the
vent which will be located within the wall and one for the drain
which will be located 10-12 inches from the finished wall face. The bowl is
secured to the floor with bolts. These fixtures will require less chase space
than the
wall-mounted type. Since the bowl sets on the floor, maintaining sanitary
conditions around its base can be difficult.
Flush valves should be provided for public use. They allow flushing to be
achieved at closer intervals than flush tanks since there is no
time needed to refill the tank. Bowl contents will generally be removed more
successfully than with flush tanks. The flush valve is more expensive than the
tank
since it requires a larger water supply and higher pressure to function
properly. Flush tanks provide a more residential appearance but will require
more maintenance.
Toilet seats are available in various types and with many useful options. As
mentioned above, seats for public use should have open fronts
to promote better sanitary conditions. Consider specifying seats with checks
and self-sustaining hinges. These options will prevent the seat from slamming
against
the flushing device or wall when raised and also allow the seat to remain in an
upright position while the bowl is being cleaned.
Seat covers should not be specified for public use.
Urinals
There are basically two types of urinals; wall-mounted and floor-mounted.
Both utilize flush valves. All urinals that are required to meet A.D.A. must
have elongated bowls.
Wall-Mounted urinals require a carrier that supports the fixture from the rear
with bolts. The more stable type of carrier is bolted to the floor, keeping the
weight of the fixture from being
transmitted to the wall. A wall chase is required to facilitate the
carrier. These fixtures are better suited for multi-story buildings since they
require fewer floor penetrations
than the floor-mounted type and will allow more economical waste and vent
piping systems.
Floor-Mounted urinals must be provided with electronic sensor type flush valves
in order to meet A.D.A.
actuator height requirements. Since the bowl sets on the floor, maintaining
sanitary
conditions around its base can be difficult.
Lavatories
Lavatories can be wall-mounted, counter-mounted, and molded integral with
counter tops. All can be
selected to meet A.D.A. and have similar piping requirements.
Wall-Mounted lavatories require a carrier that supports the fixture from the
rear with a bracket, bolts or arms. The more stable type of carrier
is bolted to the floor, keeping the weight of the fixture from being
transmitted to the wall. A thicker wall is required to facilitate this type of
carrier.
Generally, wall-mounted fixtures are less expensive since casework is not
required for support. It is important to coordinate location of grab bars with
lavatory fixtures to prevent interferences in small A.D.A. compliant toilet
rooms. If you do find that
the grab bar and backsplash of the lavatory conflict, consider specifying a
fixture that does not
have a backsplash.
Counter-Mounted lavatories must be chosen to fit within the casework being
provided, Also,
you must decide if the bowl should be mounted from beneath the counter top or
from above
(self-rimming).
Integrally molded lavatories must be specified as a unit with the counter tops.
Coordination is required to
insure that the counter top fits properly on the base cabinets and between
walls.
Faucets should be chosen for aesthetics, A.D.A. compliance and functionality.
The arrangement of
holes required for installation of the faucet must be addressed in the
selection of lavatory fixtures.
Strainer drains for public use should be of the perforated grid type. Pop-up
type drains should be
used only for residential applications.
Sinks
There are infinite configurations and types of sinks. Stainless steel sinks can
be custom made to
suit almost any arrangement. The Architect should determine how the client will
utilize the fixtures
and insure that all required casework provides sufficient dimensions to
facilitate installation.
Bowl depths can not exceed 6-1/2" on sinks required to be A.D.A. compliant. Lab
sinks should be
specified with Lab casework.
Faucets should be chosen for aesthetics, A.D.A. compliance and functionality.
The arrangement of
holes required for installation of the faucet must be addressed in the
selection of sink fixtures.
Strainer drains with stoppers should be specified only on sinks that will need
to hold water within the
bowl. If the sink is to be used only for hand washing, a perforated grid
strainer should be provided.
Drinking Fountains
Since most drinking fountains are located in public areas, it is important for
the Architect to be involved
with the selection in order to maintain the aesthetics of the spaces. Fountains
are available in a multitude of finishes, designs,
and can be specified to deliver refrigerated, non-refrigerated and even
filtered water. Mountings can be free-standing, wall surface, recessed,
simulated recessed or fully recessed. Fountains that are arranged with
refrigeration components within the wall will require
at least a 12" chase. Of course A.D.A. compliant models are available and must
be used in most areas.
It is important to remember that fountains projecting into passages of travel
must extend at least within
27" of the finished floor in order to prevent the blind from inadvertently
walking into the fixture. Many models are available
with optional extension aprons to deal with this requirement.
SUMMARY
This article will hopefully encourage the Architect to become involved with
Plumbing fixture selection and provide
him or her with basic knowledge to do this. A Plumbing fixture is more than
just a symbol on a floor plan. As you should
gather from the brief descriptions above, there are specific requirements and
considerations that must be
given to each type of fixture on every project. Coordinate with the Users and
Plumbing Engineer during the preliminary
phase of your design and discuss the needs and available options. By doing
this, you will be serving your clients with
the professionalism they expect and deserve.
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