SANITARY FIXTURES AND APPLIANCES WC stands for “Water Closet” and, technically, refers to

a toilet or a room with a toilet. It was most probably

INTRODUCTION TO COMMON SANITARY FIXTURES used because it was deemed less vulgar or more
Differences of fitting and fixtures: fixtures are items in a discreet than the more obvious word "toilet".
property that are attached to the building. Or 'fixed' if Toilets - Consists of a water tank with a curved drain at
you prefer. Fittings, meanwhile, are items that aren't the bottom. The toilet is mounted to the floor, and the
attached to the property, unless by a screw or nail. drain pipe is connected over the sewer pipe. In addition,
Sanitary Fittings are used to maintain hygiene in a there are flush toilets, composting toilets, urinals, high-
building, lab, and other places where hygiene is tech toilets, and more.
necessary. There are different sanitary fittings available Flush Valve - A self-closing device designed to control or
in the market. release a large volume of water when activated, which is
Common sanitary fixtures, also known as plumbing what creates that flush. This mechanism is commonly
fixtures, are essential components in buildings for water used for most toilet flush systems in a toilet or a urinal.
supply, waste removal, and maintaining hygiene. They Bidet - Installed as a separate unit in the bathroom
include various devices and appliances designed for besides toilet, shower and sink, which users have to
different purposes within bathrooms, kitchens, and straddle. It can also be used to wash feet, with or
utility rooms. without filling it up with water. Primarily used to wash
Sanitary Fittings and clean the genitalia, perineum, inner buttocks, and
anus.
Soil Appliances:
Flushing cisterns - Flushing cisterns are used for flushing
 Toilets or other types of water closets (such out water closets and urinals. These are made of either
as squatting, composting, washdown, siphonic cast iron or porcelain. For Indian type WC, cast iron
or universal). flushing cistern is normally used, fixed at about Over 2
 Bidets (either pedestal or wall hung). m above the floor level. For Euro flow pear type and
 Urinals (bowl type, slab, Anglo-Indian type closets, porcelain cisterns are
stall, squatting, syphon jet or waterless). normally used, fixed at about 60 cm above floor levels.
 Slop sinks (found in hospitals and used for The low-level flushing cisterns, made of porcelain, are
emptying and washing bedpans and urine decent in look and operate very easily by simply turning
bottles). a handle.
 Bed pan sinks (again, found in hospitals).
Flushing cisterns are of two types
 Water closets
 Flush Valve i. valveless siphonic type and
 Flushing Cistern ii. valve fitted siphonic type.

Water closets Slop Sinks - A deep sink for filling and emptying scrub
pails, washing out mops, etc. (As in a hospital) in which
- Water closets are designed to receive and discharge
chamber pots and bedpans are emptied and washed
human excreta directly from the person using them. The
and scrub water is thrown out.
appliance is connected to the soil pipe by means of a
suitable trap. It is usually connected to a flushing cistern Bed Pan Sinks - Bedpan sluice sink allows for the
to flush the closet and discharge the human excreta to hygienic disposal of liquid and solid waste and is
the soil pipe. optimized for the cleaning of bedpans.

A water closet is technically “a compartment or room Is a container used to collect urine or feces.
with a toilet.” In the United Kingdom, however, the term
Waste Appliances:
“water closet” refers to the toilet itself.
 Sinks
Water closets are of three types
 Washbasins
Indian type The W.C. is fixed in a squatting (or sitting)  Dishwasher
position just at floor level. Since the excreta does not  Drinking Fountain
directly fall into the trap, therefore, there are chances  Bath tub
for excreta to become foul.  Shower
 Wash Troughs
European type It shows a typical European-type water Sinks - Sinks are fixtures used for washing hands, dishes,
closet. It is usually made of porcelain. The pedestal type and various items. They typically consist of a basin, a
European W.C. also known as commode is commonly faucet for controlling water flow, and a drain. Sinks
used. come in various materials like porcelain, stainless steel,
or composite materials. They are commonly found in
Anglo-Indian W.C. The defect with Indian W.C. is that
kitchens, bathrooms, and utility rooms.
the excreta it does not fall directly in the An Anglo-
Indian W.C. removes both these defects. The closet is
fixed about 40 cm above the floor level.
Wash Basin - Washbasins are usually made of pottery or Plumbing fittings:
porcelain ware. Sometimes, they are also made of
A pipe fitting is used in the plumbing system to join
porcelain-enameled cast iron, pressed steel, or plastic,
multiple pipes of same size or different sizes, to regulate
especially where the number of users is more.
the flow or to measure the flow. They are made, up of
An ordinary washbasin is mounted on brackets fixed on different materials like copper, iron, brass, PVC, etc.
the wall, while a pedestal-type basin is mounted on a
Types of fittings
pedestal rising from the wall. They are available in
different shapes and sizes. 1. Collar - While joining two pipes in the same length,
collar is used. It is fitted at the end of the pipe
Dishwasher - Dishwasher is to provide the mechanical
action necessary to distribute and direct the detergent 2. Elbow - With the help of an elbow, the direction of
solution and rinse waters over, under and around the liquid is changed. Normally a 45 degree or 90 degree
dishes to loosen and remove soil. elbow is used.
Washing Machine - Machine washing is a quick and - Long Radius (LR) elbows - the radius is 1.5 times
efficient way to keep your garments clean and fresh. It the diameter of pipe.
not only saves time and energy, but it also extends the - Short Radius (SR) elbows - the radius is 1.0
life of your clothes and gives a more thorough clean times the diameter of pipe.
than hand washing. - 45-degree elbow - is used when the change in
direction required is 45 degrees.
Bathtub - Bathtubs are usually made of iron or steel
- 90-degree elbow - is used when the change in
coated with enamel, enameled porcelain, or plastic
direction required is 90 degrees.
material. They may also be made of cast-in-situ concrete
finished with marble chips or terrazzo, or else may Over- 3. Gasket - generally ring-shaped and fitted for sealing
be made of marble slabs properly flow jointed at the flange joints.
side.
4. Union - is made of three parts, namely a nut, a male
- It has a length varying from 1.7 to 1.85 m, width end and a female end. The male and female ends are
between 0.7 m to 0.75 m, and depth near waste pipe assembled with the support of the nuts, and necessary
varying from 0.43 m to 0.45 m. The overall height may pressure is applied to connect the joint.
vary between 0.58 to 0.6 m. It is provided with outlet
and overflow pipes, usually of 40 mm diameter. A trap 5. Reducer - used to connect pipes of different
with a proper water seal is used at the outlet. diameters. A reducer may be of various types like
reducer tee, reducer elbow and reducer socket
Shower - A bath in which water is sprayed on the body,
usually from an overhead perforated nozzle 6. Tee - with a side outlet at 900 to the run of the pipe.
(showerhead ). made in various sizes like equal or unequal.

These fixtures are vital for maintaining cleanliness and 7. Nipple - a piece of pipe having thread at both sides,
comfort in homes, offices, and public facilities. Proper and could be used for short extension of plumbing lines.
installation and maintenance are crucial to ensure their It can also be used for connecting two fittings within
functionality and hygiene. Advances in technology have small distance.
led to various innovations in these fixtures, including 8. Trap - It is a fitting in a P-, U-, S- or J-shaped type. The
water-saving features and smart capabilities, making trap bend is fitted to prevent sewer gases from entering
them more efficient and convenient for users. the building.
A plumbing fixture is a part that is connected to a 9. Cross - four pipes are joined, a cross is formed. It is
plumbing system and carries water through a building. also called a cross branch line or a four-way fitting.
The most common plumbing fixtures are bathtubs, deteriorate when temperatures change, because cross
sinks, showers, tubs, toilets and faucets. While a fixture fitting is made at the centre of the four connection
can be fixed into walls or the floor, a fitting is an item points.
that can be hung by a hook, screw or nail.
10. Offset - fittings on a pipeline makes one section of
pipe out of line and parallel to a second section, then it
is known as an offset.
TYPES AND MATERIALS OF FIXTURES Due to its features of corrosion-resistance, join-ability,
formability, safety, and recyclability. Copper serves to be
Types of Fixtures
an ancient material.
1. PVC or Polyvinyl Chloride for plumbing waste lines
It prevents outside chemicals from contaminating the
2. Galvanized iron for water plumbing lines plumbing system. When designed, installed, and
operated effectively, copper plumbing services prevent
3. Chromed copper for water plumbing lines water contamination in the tube
4. Chromed brass for plumbing or piping waste lines #PEX Pipes - PEX or Cross-linked Polyethylene is a
5. Cast iron for plumbing or piping waste lines durable form of plastic piping that is utilized for
supplying water. It is rigid enough to bear the overall
6. Copper (flexible and rigid) for water or plumbing pressures of water supply.
supply lines
These pipes are flexible enough to weave throughout
7. Black iron for pipes ceilings, walls, basements, and crawlspaces. It is also
8. CPVC or Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride for plumbing relatively less expensive in comparison to most other
supply lines piping or plumbing materials. Available in diameters of
½ inches or ¾ inches.
9. PEX or Cross-linked Polyethylene for plumbing supply
lines #CPVC Pipes - CPVC stands for Chlorinated Polyvinyl
Chloride piping materials. It is a thermoplastic material
#PVC or Polyvinyl Chloride - PVC stands for Polyvinyl that is derived out of PVC or Polyvinyl Chloride piping
Chloride. It is a type of plastic material that is primarily material. CPVC pipes are immensely famous for their
used for drainage pipes, main supply lines, spas, pools, overall durability. This is the reason why they last for
irrigation piping, and so more. around 50 to 75 years. CPVC pipes is that they are highly
resistant to corrosion -both internally as well as
Some of the most common PVC schedules are Schedule
externally.
40 & Schedule 80. The higher the schedule, the thicker
will be the walls. Materials of Fixtures
PVC pipes are only utilized for cold water pipes. It is Multiple uses -including waste drainage, freshwater
because hot water is responsible for eventually breaking supply, gas pipes for appliances, irrigation, and so more.
down the plastic material, Moreover, it can also degrade An outdated plumbing system might be dominated by
upon exposure to heat as well as harmful UV rays of the materials like galvanized iron or cast iron.
sun.
Materials of Fixtures
#PE PIPE - Polyethylene (PE) is a thermoplastic material
produced from the polymerization of ethylene. PE SOLVENT WELD - Is a way of joining two pieces of plastic
plastic pipe is manufactured by extrusion in sizes waste pipes using a glue which is called solvent weld
ranging from ½" to 63". PE is available in rolled coils of cement. The cement is liberally applied to both parts of
various lengths or in straight lengths up to 40 feet. the connection and the solvent literally welds the parts
together.
#CI PIPE - Cast iron (CI) pipes were widely used for the
transportation of water and sewage before plastic pipes TEFLON TAPE - Is specifically used for attachment
were invented. They are one of the oldest piping threaded pipe on fittings.
systems present today and are now being replaced by ABS CLEANER AND CEMENT - Is an adhesive material
high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipes and polyvinyl used by a plumbean when working with ABS pipe.
chloride (PVC) pipes. Cast iron pipes have a lifespan of
75 to 100 years, but evidence shows that some have Elbow Pipe Fittings - Elbows are used to change the
lasted much longer. Cast iron pipes can handle low direction of flow between two pipes. Elbows are
wastewater pressures even if the corrosion has occurred generally available with an angle of 22.5º, 45° and 90°. If
because of the thickness of its walls. pipes are of same diameter then normal elbows are
used otherwise Reducer elbows are used.
#GI PIPES - Galvanized iron pipes (GI pipes) are pipes
that have been coated with a layer of zinc to prevent REDUCER - Fitting component which reduces the flow
rusting and increase its durability and lifespan. This size from larger to smaller by reducing size of pipe.
protective barrier also resists corrosion and wear and 2 TYPES OF REDUCER
tear from constant exposure to harsh environmental
elements and indoor humidity. Concentric reducer - cone shaped with gradual
decreasing around the pipe but in this case
#Copper Pipes - Copper is a highly durable material. It accumulation of air may possible and it results in
has been a famous plumbing material since the 1960s. cavitation - Eccentric reducer - one edge parallel to
Several materials have been introduced since then. Still, connecting pipe due to which air accumulation is not
copper remains one of the leading options for plumbing possible.
materials due to its immense durability.
Tee type fitting - is a component of plumbing system
which is in T- shape. It is having one inlet and two
outlets, outlets are arranged at 90o to the main line
connection (inlet). It can also be used to combine the
flow from two inlets to one outlet. They are also
available in different materials and different sizes. If the
3 sides of T-fitting are similar in size then it is called as
Equal tee otherwise it is called as Unequal tee.

Cross type fittings - contains 4 opening in 4 directions.

These are connected when there are 4 pipes are
meeting at a point. These fittings generate more
amount of stress on pipe as the temperature changes,
because they are located at the center of four
connection points. Cross fittings are generally used for
fire sprinkler systems.

Coupling - is used to connect the pipes of same

diameter. Coupling are also useful if the pipe is broken
or leakage occurs.

2 TYPES OF COUPLING

COMPRESSION COUPLING - is regular coupling which is

connected between two pipes and it prevents leakage
by the arrangement of gaskets or rubber seals on both
sides, otherwise glue is provided.

SLIP COUPLING - is easier to install and it contains two

pipes which are arranged as one into other, inner pipe
can slide up to some length.

Unions - consists nut, male and female ended threads.

Adopters - are generally used for copper and PVC pipes.

Male adapters contain male threads and female
adapters contains female threads.

Plug - is a component of plumbing component which is

generally used to close pipe opening during inspections
and repairs. Plug are generally contains male threads.

Cap - is a type of pipe fitting which function is same as

plug but the only difference is plug contain male threads
and cap contain female threads which is screws on the
male thread of pipe. These are available in different
materials like rubber, copper, steel, plastic etc.

Nipple - consisting of a short piece of pipe, usually

provided with a male pipe thread at each end, for
connecting two other fittings

Valves – used to control the flow of fluids and gases

through a system. In addition, some valves are also used
to control temperature.

• GATE VALVE, PLUG VALVE & BALL VALVE – used for

isolation only

• GLOBE VALVE – used for throttling.

• CHECK VALVE – used for preventing reverse flow.

• BUTTERFLY VALVE – used for isolation as well as

throttling

• DIAPHRAGM VALVE – used for isolation as well as

throttling.
INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE OF FIXTURES - All the joints of fixtures close to the wall or
floor must be sealed to prevent water from
Installation is an important step in fixing the
entering or passing through.
components of a system as per the design. During the
11. Design of overflows
installation of plumbing system in a building, home or a
- Where any fixture is provided with an
housing colony, planning is done as per the standard
overflow, the waste should be designed and
procedure of designing.
installed in such a way that standing water
A good installation system prevents water leakage, in the fixture will not rise in the overflow
allows optimum installation of the money spent and when the stopper is closed, and no water
enhances the life of the plumbing fixtures. will remain in the overflow when the fixture
is empty.
1. Read the plumbing drawing: 12. Connection of overflows
- The drawing will help the Plumber General - The overflow from any fixture should be
to understand various aspects of plumbing discharged into the drainage system on the
fittings, fixtures, distance and height to be inlet or fixture side of the trap. The only
maintained during installation. exception exists in case of the overflow
2. Install the basic sanitary fixture from a flush tank serving a water closet or
- Fittings (faucets and valves) are used more urinal, which should be discharged into the
often than any other part of the plumbing fixture served.
system. The best modern fittings selected 13. Access to concealed connections
should use chrome-plated brass as it bears - Fixtures with concealed slip-joint
the effect of water quality and has a high connections should be provided with an
durability. They can be cleaned easily with access panel or utility space at least 12
soap and warm water. inches (305 mm) in its smallest dimension
3. Protection against backflow or other approved arrangement so as to
- The supply lines and fittings for every provide access to the slip connections for
plumbing fixture should be installed in such inspection and repair.
a way that there is no backflow. There may
be a backflow due to improper design. MAINTENANCE OF FIXTURES
4. Access for cleaning
Neglecting to maintain plumbing fixtures and fittings, or
- Plumbing fixtures should be installed in
incorrectly maintaining them, can contribute to a long
such a way that they can have easy access
list of problems that waste water and damage your
for cleaning, for both the fixture and the
home. Taking care of your plumbing system with regular
area around the fixture.
maintenance and knowing how to identify problems
5. Check for alignment and setting
and correct them without causing more damage can
- The fixtures must be set level in proper
prevent costly damage and the need for more extensive
alignment with the adjacent walls.
repairs.
6. Make floor and wall drainage connections
- Connections between the drain and floor 1. Clean Consistently.
outlet plumbing fixtures must be made with
Incorporate a regular cleaning routine. That
a floor flange. The flange shall be attached
way, you’ll be able to catch dust and debris
to the drain and anchored to the structure.
before they have the chance to build up.
Joints should be sealed with an approved
elastomeric gasket or setting compound. 2. Use Appropriate Products.
7. Check for floor flanges
- Floor flanges for water closets or similar Whether you’re wiping down the fixtures or
fixtures shall not be less than 1/8 inch (3.2 polishing them, it’s important to use the right
mm) thick for brass, 1/4 inch (6.4 mm) thick products. To find out which cleaning solutions
for plastic, and not less than a 2-inch (51 work best with the material and finish you’ve
mm) caulking depth for cast-iron or selected.
galvanized malleable iron. 3. Optimize Location.
8. Secure floor outlet fixtures
- Floor outlet fixtures must be secured to the In order to prevent customers from walking into
floor or floor flanges by screws or bolts of and potentially marring the fixtures, make sure
corrosion-resistant material. the store’s layout has generous walkways
9. Secure wall-hung water closet bowls between every display.
- Wall-hung water closet bowls should be 4. Don’t Overlook the Wheels.
supported by a concealed metal carrier that
is attached to building the structural If you have rolling Megawall fixtures, don’t
members so that strain is not transmitted to forget to maintain the wheels. They’ll collect
the closet connector or any other part of dust, dirt and debris, such as loose threads and
the plumbing system. paper scraps, much quicker than the rest of the
10. Make water-tight joints fixture will.
5. Keep Up Appearances.

When decorating your displays, consider how

you want to use them in the long run. For
example, you might want to put up backing and
signage to attract customers’ attention, but try
to avoid adhesives and hardware that might
leave marks afterwards.

6. Refresh the Hooks.

Pair your new fixtures with new brackets, pegs

and shelves. Using damaged or worn hooks can
detract from the store’s overall appearance and
potentially mark up the displays.

7. Address Problem Immediately

Problems within plumbing systems are only

sometimes immediately apparent. It's more
common for plumbing fixtures and fittings to
develop slow leaks than for pipes to burst
suddenly.

8. Schedule Inspection

An inspection to confirm that the plumbing

system is in good shape. An annual professional
plumbing inspection to identify loose
connections and signs of corrosion can stop
problems before they start.

9. Take Care with Connection

Every connection point has threads that help

create a tight seal, but those threads can wear
out when they are too tight or tightened
incorrectly. Adjusting the connections slowly
and not over-tightening the fixtures connected
to the pipes can keep this from happening and
ensure a secure connection.

10. Choose the Right Fixtures

Install the right plumbing fixtures and fittings,

you're less likely to have problems with leaks,
clogs, and water pressure. Fixtures like shower
heads and faucets are not interchangeable and
may need adjustments to the existing plumbing
and pipes to work as they should.
Water-saving and energy-efficient fixtures With this said, it does create a high amount of moisture
and steam and isn’t ideal in a humid climate.
Fixtures that save water include low-flow shower heads,
sinks with auto-shutoff mechanisms, and water-saving Water-Saving Faucets
toilets and urinals. Equipment that saves water includes
Another major source of water consumption are
dishwashers, clothes washers, other commercial kitchen
faucets, making this one of the best plumbing fixtures to
equipment such as sprayers and steam cookers, as well
recommend upgrading. Many water-efficient faucets
as industrial process equipment.
work similar to low-flow showerheads, cutting down on
Reducing water use from fixtures and equipment is the amount of water that flows through the faucet. This
perhaps the easiest method to reduce total potable is generally accomplished through gaskets and aerators.
water use. It does not require extensive design An aerator is a type of gasket that adds air to the water
solutions, just specifying certain products. Avoiding to cut down on water flow while still maintaining
large fountains, pools, and other water features will also pressure. On average, this cuts water usage from 2.2
save water use. gallons per minute to 1.5 gallons per minute. Some
faucets also have filtered-water taps that allow you to
What are the water-saving fixtures sustainable?
create your own bottled water.
Water fixtures such as high-efficiency toilets, low flow
Pressure-Reducing Valves
shower heads, faucet aerators, and tub diverters are low
maintenance and smart investments that save water Also known as PRVs, these valves are set on your main
and money. water line to reduce water pressure. This is mainly
applicable for residential settings, where your average
List of The Best Water-Saving Plumbing Fixtures
home’s plumbing can function completely fine at 35 psi.
High-Efficiency Toilets However, many homes, without their knowledge, are
using pressure at a far higher level. As a plumber, you
As many as 40% of toilets are older models that use should add a water pressure check to your regular
roughly 3.5 gallons per flush. However, these newer, maintenance checks, and if you note a PSI that’s higher
more efficient models can reduce that number to than needed, you can add a PRV. This not only cuts
around 1.3 gallons per flush. This is accomplished water costs but also helps expand the lifespan of pipes.
through design changes that implement gravity and air
pressure to remove waste from the toilet without Recirculating Hot-Water Systems
having to use as much water. According to the EPA, this
These systems have actually already been present in
could save your typical homeowner as much as $100
buildings like hotels. However, new variants on this
per month in water bills. In addition, this can save
technology are now available for residential water tanks
thousands of gallons a year compared to older toilets
as well. In essence, this quickly sends hot water from
(anything made before 1993, generally).
your tank to showers or faucets as needed. This not only
Another efficient toilet variant is using a dual flush gets you hot water faster but also avoids waste from the
toilet. This enables the user to choose one of two cold water that goes down the drain as you wait for hot
different modes depending on how the toilet is being water. One additional point here is that this component
used. For commercial setups, options include waterless is relatively easy to install and may qualify you for
urinals. While these are viable, they aren’t popular certain tax breaks. Be sure to look at the laws in your
because they require the addition of a specific liquid. A state.
better compromise, in practice, has been a low-flow
EXAMPLES OF WATER-SAVINGS
urinal. This can use as little as .125 gallons per flush. For
perspective, your average urinal consumes a gallon of •low-flower shower head
water per flush.
- Low flow shower heads can decrease water
Performance Showerheads consumption by 40% or more! This not only
conserves water, but it cuts down on your
Much like toilets, older showerheads are a major source
monthly water bill providing significant end-
of water wasted. Your typical standard showerhead uses
of-year savings.
around 2.5 gallons per minute. Upgrading to a
performance shower could use around 1.75 gallons per •sink with auto-shutoff mechanisms
minute instead. This change is accomplished by designs
- Here are some of the benefits of a touchless
that lower the amount of water that flows through
kitchen or bathroom faucet,
them while still keeping proper water pressure. It’s
believed that a single household switching to this could
save as much as 2900 gallons of water annually. In Determine whether it's the right option for your home:
addition, this also could possibly lead to lower electric
bills. With less hot water used, the water heater doesn’t * Save Money and Energy.
have to be used as much each day. Best of all, this isn’t * Avoid Spreading Germs and Grime.
noticeable while actually taking a shower.
* Easily Access Water.
There is also another variant worth considering,
the aerating low-flow showerhead. This mixes water * Solenoid Valve.
with air to provide a misty water spray for a shower. * Power Source.