Essential Home Utilities: Water, Gas, and Electrical Systems

Essential Home Utilities: Installation and Maintenance

Water Systems

Facilities housing installations:

• Water: Cold water, hot water, and sewerage inside.
• Electrical: Lighting, electrical outlets, and other electrical needs.
• Gas: Kitchen, heater, and boiler.
• Heating: Radiators, heat pump, underfloor heating, and air conditioning.
• Other: Phone, antenna, elevator, electric doorman, alarm, and surge protection.

Drinking water is suitable for consumption and produces no alterations in the body.

The installation of water in a home consists of:

• The water supply network.
• The sewerage system for sewage and rainwater.

The water network is the plumbing system that allows the internal hot and cold water supply to all parts of the house where necessary. The network consists of two independent pipeline installations: one for cold water and one for hot water (domestic hot water - DHW).

The main elements of the water installation are the pipes, valves, taps, sanitary appliances, heaters, and tanks. These must meet the following conditions:

• Be resistant to water corrosion.
• Withstand the pressure of the water network.
• Not alter the organoleptic characteristics of the water (smell, taste, color).

The water flow is the volume of water that circulates per unit of time, expressed in liters per second (L/s) or cubic meters per second (m³/s). Typical flow rates for fixtures are:

• Toilets: 0.1 L/s
• Shower: 0.2 L/s
• Bath: 0.3 L/s
• Toilet: 0.1 L/s
• Sink: 0.2 L/s
• Laundry: 0.2 L/s
• Washer: 0.2 L/s
• Dishwasher: 0.2 L/s
• Heater: 0.25 L/s

Heating Water

To supply the network, DHW heaters and boilers are used. These devices use the calorific value of fuel or electricity to heat water. Gas heaters provide hot water instantly but, like all gas appliances, carry a risk of leaks and noxious fumes. Electric heaters are slower to heat water but do not have the risk of leaks.

Sewerage Systems

The sewerage network is responsible for collecting and channeling wastewater into the sewers. The elements of sanitation are:

• Siphons: A hydraulic clamping system that allows wastewater to be evacuated and prevents odors from entering the house.
• Referrals: A set of horizontal pipes that connect the various sanitary devices with vents.
• Downpipes: A set of vertical pipes that collect water from referrals, toilets, and roofs.
• Collectors: Horizontal pipes buried underground, which are connected to vents, directly or through boxes, and discharge piped water to the siphonal chest.

Gas Installation

The gas installation is responsible for supplying gas to fuel gas appliances and, if necessary, evacuating the combustion gases resulting from the maximum-security conditions.