If you are working on a new construction project, you likely already have a lot of things on your mind. This process can be comprehensive, with many aspects to consider, and so you may simply think that having your HVAC piping added will be the least of your worries. However, water pipeline in construction can be set up in an intelligent way that benefits you in the long term if you take a couple extra planning steps. Being careful of when water is added in relation to when the system is completed is critical. Please consider the following items, even if the engineers have left them out of the specifications.
Isolate Connections Between Dissimilar Metals
The type of metal that you choose for your water piping is important; certain types of water pipeline construction can not only introduce ions and other changes to your water, but they can also react with other pipes near them. In a process called galvanic corrosion, dissimilar metals in pipes can actually cause damage as they exchange particles due to their close proximity. For example, if you choose to join your copper water lines to a galvanized steel line, you will likely experience rust in the steel pipe due to the interaction.
Leave No Dead Legs Or Stagnant Areas
Dead legs, or areas where water does not consistently flow, can quickly become a breeding ground for bacteria. Before you add water to your piping, be sure that you have removed any areas where the water may stagnate in your system so that your water treatment plan can be most effective.
Consider Three-Way Valves to Keep Water Flowing
In the same vein as dead legs, three-way valves can ensure that water continues to flow throughout your system, spreading your water treatment chemicals throughout. These valves can bypass inoperable units to prevent water from becoming stuck or stagnating in an undesired area, and the installation of these valves is much simpler before you have ever added water to the system.
Pressure Test The System Before Adding Water
Before you add water, make sure that you have carefully checked the build of the system, especially regarding pressure; a miscalculation here could damage the new work if the water pressure is too high from the start. High pressure can weaken or damage the internal shape of pipes, causing them to bulge and leak over time.
Use Only Treated Water While Filling, Cleaning, Flushing and Circulating
Your water treatment system should already be installed and operable before you ever introduce water into the pipes. By using only treated water from the start, you can avoid the beginnings of corrosion, scaling and other issues to keep your pipes lasting longer with fewer repairs. Untreated water may be a different pH or include different minerals than your normal water, which can introduce fouling and unwanted buildup.
Follow All Local Regulations
New construction often involves quite a lot of paperwork, and your water system is no exception. You will need permits for the construction of the plumbing system itself, but do not forget that your water will require additional compliance. Before you add water to your pipes, you can begin to compile the documentation that you need to demonstrate regulatory compliance.
For example, if you will be operating a cooling tower, you must report the new tower to the state government before you begin to operate it. Much of this can be done before the water is introduced to the pipes so that, if an issue arises with permits or other legal considerations, it can be fixed without needing to drain the entire system to do the work.
Consider Filtration For Water Pipeline In Construction
Utilize filters in your plumbing to catch larger suspended solids once the flow starts for the first time. In addition, be sure to work with a professional to determine the composition of your local water so that you know ahead of time what sort of chemical treatment plan may be right for you from the first water flow.
Trust the Water Treatment Experts to Get Your System Safely Running
Water treatment, especially in new construction, requires expert knowledge of your local water and the ability to craft a customized plan that is suited to your specific building. If you work with a water treatment pro from the beginning, before water is ever introduced into your water pipeline construction, you can give yourself an advantage right from the start that prevents damage such as scaling and corrosion from becoming a problem before the damage is done.
This type of prevention can increase the longevity of your new systems so that you pay less over time in repairs and premature replacements. The experts at Tower Water would be happy to help you understand your water treatment needs in your new construction. Reach out to schedule an appointment.