F27
Issued 20/3/2001

91 Hammond Avenue, PO Box 456
Wagga Wagga NSW 2650
Phone 02 6922 0608 Fax: 02 6921 2241
Email: admin@rwcc.com.au

Attention Home Builders & Renovators.........

The sizing of water pipes within your property can have a significant effect on the flow and pressure of water you receive. Unless instructed otherwise, builders and plumbers will tend to install the smallest diameter pipe that complies with the Plumbing & Drainage Code of Practice.

For a small additional cost at the time of installation, you can avoid the problems of the shower flow changing when someone turns on another tap, or of inadequate garden tap flow when the washing machine is on.

When several water outlets are operated simultaneously the amount of water needed can add up to 0.5 litres per second or more. Once you have water flowing in a pipe, you have a loss of pressure due to the friction along the inside of the pipe. A 20mm copper pipe suffers three times the pressure loss of a 25mm copper pipe at typical household flow rates.

Many residents are looking to take advantage of various water appliances now available, such as dishwasher, sprinkler systems and multiple bathrooms. In these situations, and in locations where the mains pressure is not high, we recommend that you ask your plumber to install water pipes one size larger than the minimum specified in the code. In particular we would suggest that the pipe from the water meter to the house or back garden tap be not less than 25mm diameter.

Existing homes can also have their pipe sizes increased, and this may well be advisable if the existing pipe has reached an age where it may have a build up of rust or other internal restriction.

A licensed plumber should be able to advise you on your particular circumstances, while general advice is available from Riverina Water’s Plumbing Inspectors or Engineering Staff at 91 Hammond Avenue, Wagga Wagga.

Riverina Water will, on request, check the flow and pressure of the property service up to the meter.

TYPICAL FLOW RATES