Understanding Plumbing Systems in Commercial Buildings

Plumbing is essential to the basic infrastructure of most buildings, but it’s not often taught in traditional degree programs. Also, specialized kitchen and laboratory requirements are increasingly costly and complex to install and maintain. By improving your understanding of the design, installation and operation of plumbing systems, including water piping, waste and vent, storm water, specialty gases, and equipment—you’ll be able to tackle these systems with ease.

• Mechanical system design engineers
• Plumbing estimators and installers
• Building code officials and inspectors
• University and government facility operators
• Commercial office building superintendents
• Equipment sales and technical representatives
• Construction managers and contractors
• Architects and project team consultants

The June 2021 offering of this course has two attendance options, face-to-face or online. Click VIEW DETAILS under Upcoming dates for more information.

Welcome and Introductions

Plumbing Design Criteria

• Historical perspective
• Fixture count and capacity
• Piping material specification
• Valve and fitting selections
• Roof drainage and overflow
• Primary equipment design
• Sinks, toilets and bath layout

Codes and Standards

• Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS)
• International Plumbing Code (IPC)
• International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC)
• National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
• Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC)
• Accessibility provisions (ADA, ICC, ANSI)
• Water efficiency standards (IAPMO)

Drainage and Venting

• Pipe sizing, layout and traps
• Soil and waste vent stacks
• Floor drains and trap primers
• Sump pumps and sewage ejectors
• Odor mitigation measures

Storm and Rain water

• Site gradients and runoff
• Catch basins and dry wells
• Foundation drain tile
• Landscaping and plantings
• Irrigation and flow control 

Municipal Water Supply

• Backflow prevention device
• Sprinkler system connection 
• Fire hydrant flow testing
• Water quality and treatment 
• Lead testing and mitigation 
• Construction specifications

Domestic Water Piping

• Water treatment and softeners
• Pressure reducing valves
• Hot water heating equipment
• Dual wall heat exchangers
• Flooded vessel exchangers
• Re-circulation pumps and piping
• Legionella issues 
• Solar hot water heating systems

Water Conservation 

• LEED green building performance criteria (USGBC)
• Rain water harvesting
• Gray water re-use
• Condensate capture
• Waterless fixtures
• On-site waste treatment

Natural Gas Requirements

• Required pressure and capacity
• Gas meters and compressors
• Water heaters, boilers and furnaces
• Gas-fired appliances

Plumbing Design Workshop

• Water piping
  • Incoming service
  • Distribution piping
  • Fixture runouts
• Drainage system 
  • Vent stacks
  • Waste piping
  • Roof drainage
  • Sumps and area drains 

Science Lab Design

• Lab sink and fume hood layout 
• Eyewash and emergency showers
• RO/DI and purified water supply
• Backflow prevention devices
• Compressed air equipment and service
• Vacuum pump piping and controls 
• Special lab waste systems

Specific Facility Considerations

• Health Care
• Medical gas piping
• Certification requirements
• Vacuum and controls
• Temperature regulation 
• Decontamination issues
• High-Rise Construction
• Water pressure and booster pumps
• Gravity flow and piping distribution
• Commercial Kitchens
• Layout of appliances
• Fats, oil and grease

Mark Malkin

Mark P. Malkin, PE is a Program Director in the UW–Madison Department of Engineering Professional Development (EPD). He is a registered Professional Engineer with over 25 years of combined experience in university construction project management and HVAC systems design. His course offerings in the Facilities segment of EPD include HVAC and plumbing fundamentals, building and property maintenance code review, and design and operation of science labs, data centers, museums and libraries. Mark received his bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering from Cornell University, and his master's in Mechanical Engineering from UW–Madison.

Christoph Lohr

Christoph Lohr, PE, CPD
Christoph Lohr has over a decade of experience in designing plumbing systems for healthcare, laboratory, hospitality, sports, and university projects. Christoph's current responsibilities as Vice President of Strategic Initiatives for IAPMO is to identify long term, high impact projects, develop a business case for them, bring resources to bear, and execute them for maximum results.
Christoph's professional activities in the industry extend into multiple volunteer associations, of which he has also assumed leadership roles setting strategy and direction for teams including ASPE Phoenix Chapter, ASPE Society, ASPE Legionella Working Group, ASHRAE Committees, PIPE Trust of Arizona, and IAPMO's Safe Building Reopening Best Practices. Christoph consistently looks to find long-term, holistic solutions that positively impact public health and safety, particularly in the world of water and plumbing.

Douglas Nelson

Douglas Nelson, P.E. has passion for developing engineers to be successful in the marketplace.  He wants all students to be job-ready when the arrive at their chosen career.  He does this as an Assistant Professor in the Civil and Architectural Engineering and Construction Management Department at the Milwaukee School of Engineering.  He has been involved in various aspects of the plumbing industry for approximately 40 years.  In addition to teaching plumbing and fire protection he manages learning in both the Civil Engineering and Construction Management areas.

Cory Powers

Cory Powers

Cory Powers, CPD is an engineering principal at HGA in Milwaukee Wisconsin, with a background in mechanical design, having specialized in plumbing, medical gas and fire protection systems. A ready source of knowledge and information, Cory provides leadership, planning and coordination to make sure clients receive long-term benefits for their investment. He focuses on sustainable outcomes, researching and analyzing available and new technologies that provide energy-efficient, long-lasting and cost-effective solutions. Cory is a Certified Plumbing Designer, a registered Designer of Engineering Systems in the State of Wisconsin, and a member of ASPE. He is currently a lecturer at the Milwaukee School of Engineering, having earned a B.S. in Architectural Engineering Mechanical Systems there.