Right-sizing water distribution pipes and water heating systems to save energy and reduce building costs
Overview
Recent work has confirmed that plumbing distribution systems are oversized in most residential buildings. This results in excess material and energy costs that could be avoided by right-sizing these systems. Many states (e.g., California, Washington, Montana, to name just a few) have adopted a right-sizing best practice for plumbing systems in their plumbing code, benefiting new construction and adaptive reuse projects. This best practice is codified in the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) Appendix M “Peak Water Demand Calculator” and IAPMO/ANSI 2023 Water Efficiency and Sanitation Standard for the Built Environment Chapter 5 "Peak Water Demand Calculator."
This research project will examine previously collected data and new data gathered in Minnesota multifamily buildings to verify the benefits of right-sizing plumbing in Minnesota. The team will use the Minnesota-specific data to support updates to the MN Plumbing Code.
Project Summary
Objective
- Validate the UPC Appendix M for sizing water distribution pipes in Minnesota multifamily buildings.
- Support the adoption of the UPC Appendix M into the MN plumbing code.
Scope
- Collect water flow and fixture count data from two previously monitored buildings in Minnesota.
- Recruit at least two new buildings in Minnesota, install instrumentation, and gather new data for at least two weeks, aiming for two months.
Non-energy benefits
- Reduced upfront construction costs for plumbing systems
- Ongoing cost savings from water savings
- Faster delivery of hot water to occupants
- Reduced public health and safety risk and improved water quality