The demand for copper in clean energy projects increases as the amount of copper produced decreases. An alternate piping source is needed: plastic. Greg Swafford explains the copper deficit and walks us through the main considerations when switching piping materials.

One of the most common plumbing system issues I’m brought into near punch list time or shortly after occupancy is inadequate water temperature at a fixture or in a general area. 

In-wall water closets include concealed tanks inside the wall, resulting in a clean aesthetic for office, hospitality and other commercial restrooms. Plumbing engineers and designers are responsible for configuring the proper venting and waste removal for these buildings using a variety of fittings and innovative installation techniques.

The second part of this series discusses ventilation options, zoning with thermally activated building systems and high-mass radiant floor cooling, the relationship of heat transfer to radiant cooling, and thermal storage with geothermal heat pumps.

The Stockbridge-Munsee Band of Mohican Indians have always been good stewards of their community’s environment. It was no different when it came time to replace the HVAC system in their health center with a geothermal system, empowering the tribe to achieve greater energy independence.

Hydronic snow and ice melting systems using PEX tubing are ideal for projects with demanding winter requirements. Read on to discover how an NYC car dealership turned its roof into a vehicle storage area.

Backflow prevention is vital for the safety of our potable water supply; the technology stops “undesirable” fluids, such as sewer water or chemicals, from contaminating our drinking water. National Backflow Prevention Day, Aug. 16, raises awareness of the critical issue.

A building’s fire protection system may require fire pumps and associated equipment. Engineers should follow these planning and design best practices to protect against various risk factors and ensure reliability during emergencies.

Thermal disinfection or short-term chemical disinfection may kill Legionella bacteria on the surface of the biofilm, but it does not kill bacteria under it. Bacteria can go into a cyst form, encapsulating it inside an amoeba and deep within layers of buildup on a pipe wall covered with biofilm.

GSA has incorporated IAPMO’s Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) in its newly released Facilities Standards for the Public Buildings Service (P100), marking the first instance that this federal agency has officially referenced the Uniform Codes.