Water System

[1st Semester Hotel Engineering | UNIT 5 BHM106 | IHM Notes]

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Water systems are a crucial part of hotel engineering, ensuring that guests have access to clean and safe water throughout their stay. From the water distribution system to hot water supply and softening, this blog provides an in-depth overview of water systems in hotels.

A water distribution system in a hotel involves the transportation of water from the source to the point of use. The system consists of several components, including pipes, pumps, and storage tanks. The system must be designed and maintained correctly to ensure the safe and efficient distribution of water throughout the hotel.

In India, cold water systems are usually supplied from municipal water sources or bore wells. The water is treated to remove impurities and ensure that it is safe for consumption. The water is then stored in a storage tank before being distributed to various points of use.

Hard water is a common problem in many hotels. Hard water contains minerals such as calcium and magnesium, which can cause scaling and damage to pipes and equipment. Water softening is the process of removing these minerals to make the water softer. One of the most popular methods of water softening is the base exchange method, which involves replacing the calcium and magnesium ions with sodium ions.

Cold water cistern swimming pools are commonly found in hotels. These pools are typically located on the rooftop and are filled with cold water that is supplied from the hotel’s water distribution system. The water is treated and filtered to ensure that it is safe for swimming.

Hot water supply is essential for guest comfort in hotels. The hot water supply system consists of several components, including a water heater, circulation pumps, and distribution pipes. The system must be designed and maintained correctly to ensure a constant supply of hot water throughout the hotel.

The flushing system, water taps, traps, and closets are all essential components of a hotel’s water system. The flushing system ensures that waste is removed from the hotel, while water taps and traps ensure that water is supplied to the appropriate points of use. Closets, also known as toilets, are connected to the flushing system and are an essential component of any hotel’s water system.

Water systems are a critical component of hotel engineering. Understanding the water distribution system, cold water systems, hot water supply system, and flushing system, among others, is essential for hotel engineers. Proper maintenance and design of these systems are crucial for ensuring the safe and efficient distribution of water throughout the hotel.

It is essential to ensure that water is always available in the right quantity, quality, and pressure. In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at the design, components, and maintenance of the water distribution system in a hotel.

The water distribution system in a hotel is a network of pipes, valves, pumps, and fixtures that transport water from the main source to different areas of the hotel. This system plays a crucial role in ensuring a consistent supply of water for various applications, such as drinking, cooking, cleaning, and bathing.

The water distribution system in a hotel consists of several components that work together to ensure efficient water supply.

Water Source

The water source is the first component of the water distribution system. Hotels usually receive water from a municipal supply, a well or a borehole. It is critical to ensure that the water source meets the quality and quantity requirements for the hotel.

Water Treatment

The water treatment component involves the treatment of water before it enters the distribution system. This process removes impurities and ensures that the water meets the required quality standards.

Water Storage

Water storage involves storing treated water in a tank for later use. This component ensures that the hotel has a steady supply of water even during peak usage periods.

Water Pumping

Water pumping is the component that ensures water is distributed at the right pressure throughout the hotel. It involves the use of pumps to move water from the storage tanks to the points of use.

Water Distribution Pipes

Water distribution pipes are a network of pipes that transport water throughout the hotel. The pipes are usually made of materials like PVC, copper, or steel, and must be carefully sized to ensure an adequate water supply.

Fixtures

Fixtures refer to devices that use water, such as faucets, toilets, showers, and bathtubs. They play a vital role in the efficient use of water in a hotel.

Maintenance of the water distribution system is crucial to ensure that it operates efficiently and safely. Here are some of the maintenance practices that hotels should observe.

Regular Inspections

Regular inspections of the water distribution system can help identify potential issues before they become major problems. This practice ensures that the system is working correctly and helps to avoid costly repairs.

Cleaning

Cleaning of water storage tanks and pipes is crucial to prevent the build-up of sediment, rust, and other impurities that can affect water quality. Regular cleaning can also help to prevent corrosion and extend the lifespan of the pipes.

Leak Detection

Leaks in the water distribution system can lead to significant water loss and damage to the hotel’s infrastructure. Regular leak detection is, therefore, necessary to identify and repair leaks promptly.

Pressure Regulation

Regulating water pressure is essential to prevent damage to pipes, fixtures, and appliances. Hotels must, therefore, ensure that water pressure is maintained at the appropriate levels to prevent issues such as bursting pipes and leakages.

A reliable and efficient water distribution system is crucial to the smooth operation of a hotel. Understanding the components and maintenance requirements of the system is, therefore, critical for hotel managers and engineers. By following the best practices for system design, installation, and maintenance, hotels can ensure a consistent supply of quality water to their guests.

Cold water systems are an integral part of any hotel or hospitality establishment. These systems are responsible for providing clean and safe drinking water to guests and staff, and can also be used for other purposes like cooking and cleaning. In India, cold water systems face a unique set of challenges due to factors like climate, water quality, and infrastructure. In this blog, we’ll explore these challenges and discuss the best practices for maintaining and operating cold water systems in India.

The distribution system is an essential component of any cold water system. In India, these systems are typically made up of a network of pipes that transport water from a central storage tank to various points of use throughout the building. It’s important to ensure that these pipes are properly insulated to prevent heat gain and maintain the temperature of the water. Additionally, regular maintenance and cleaning of the distribution system can prevent the buildup of sediment and bacteria.

Cold water systems in India are typically composed of several components, including a storage tank, a pump, a pressure regulator, and a water treatment system. The storage tank is used to store water and ensure a steady supply of cold water throughout the day. The pump is responsible for moving water through the distribution system, while the pressure regulator ensures that the pressure is maintained at a safe level. Finally, the water treatment system is used to purify the water and remove any impurities or contaminants.

Regular maintenance is key to ensuring that cold water systems in India operate efficiently and safely. Some best practices for maintaining these systems include regular cleaning of the storage tank, replacing worn or damaged components, and monitoring the temperature of the water to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. Additionally, it’s important to have a system in place for identifying and addressing any leaks or other issues in the distribution system.

Cold water systems are an essential component of any hotel or hospitality establishment, and it’s important to understand their operation and maintenance. By following the best practices for cold water systems in India, you can ensure that your establishment provides safe and clean drinking water to guests and staff.

Total hardness is a test for overall water quality. There is no health concern associated with it. The degree of hardness is generally defined as calcium carbonate, equivalent of calcium and magnesium ions, present in water and is expressed in mg/L. In simple terms, hardness is a measure of how much calcium (and to a much lesser extent, magnesium) is in the water. Water hardness industry measures it in grains per litre, where 1 grain/litre = 64.72 mg/L

The hardness of water is mainly due to the presence of dissolved bicarbonate (HCO3–), chloride (Cl–), and sulphate (SO42-), salts of calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and iron (Fe). Sodium (Na) salts do not cause any hardness. All these salts that causes hardness come from the rocks, get dissolved in the groundwater by way of rainwater percolating through the rock.

Ordinary soaps are mainly sodium and potassium salts of organic fatty acids such as stearic acid, palmitic acid, and oleic acid. When soap is added to hard water, calcium and magnesium salts dissolved in water reacts with the salts in the soap and form insoluble scum. The reaction occurs-

Na/K stearate/palmitate + Ca/Mg salt → Ca/Mg stearate/palmitate + Na salt

No soap in the mixture (mixture of hard water and soap) will form lather till all the salts present in the hard water are removed as scum. Thus soap is consumed without producing lather needed for cleaning clothes, resulting in a great wastage of costly soap. Synthetic detergents can overcome this problem as they form soluble salts of Ca and Mg and do not form a scum or soap curd.

Types of hardness

Depending upon the nature of the dissolved salts, hardness may be

Temporary hardness –

It is caused by the presence of dissolved bi-carbonates of calcium [Ca (HCO3)2]

Permanent hardness –

It is caused by the presence of chloride and sulphate salts of calcium and magnesium like, calcium chloride (CaCl2), calcium sulphate (CaSO4), magnesium chloride (MgCl2) and magnesium sulphate (MgSO4)

The reduction or removal of hardness from water is known as water softening. It is done mainly for the reduction in soap consumption, lowering the maintenance cost of plumbing fixture, boiler tubes, and to improve the taste of food, etc. and saving energy.

The permissible hardness for public supplies normally ranges 75 to 115 mg/L (14.25 mg/L is equivalent to one degree of hardness. Different methods for removal of hardness are shown below:

Removal of hardness

1. Temporary hardness           

2. Both temporary

3. Permanent hardness

The temporary hardness of water can be removed either by boiling or by adding lime to the water. The chemical reaction takes place (in boiling process) as

Ca(HCO3)2 (Calcium bicarbonate) +    Heat  →  CaCO3 ↓  (Calcium carbonate, insoluble) + CO2 ↓ + H2O

Mg(HCO3)2 (Magnesium  bicarbonate, insoluble) + Heat  →  MgCO3 ↓ + CO2 ↓ + H2O

The chemical reaction takes place (in addition of lime or Clarke’s process) as

Ca(HCO3)2 + Ca(OH)2  →   2CaCO3  ↓  + 2H2O

Mg(HCO3)2 +  2Ca(OH)2  →  Mg(OH)2 ↓   +  2CaCO3  ↓  +  2H2O

There are six methods for removing permanent hardness like,

Cold water cisterns are a common component of many swimming pool systems in hospitality establishments. These cisterns play an important role in maintaining the water quality and ensuring that the pool remains clean and safe for guests. In this blog, we’ll explore the basics of cold water cisterns and swimming pools, including the importance of proper maintenance and cleaning.

Cold water cisterns are tanks that are used to store water for use in swimming pools. They are typically made of durable materials like concrete or steel and are located on the rooftop of the building or in a separate room. The cistern is filled with fresh water that is used to refill the swimming pool as needed.

Regular maintenance of the cold water system is essential for ensuring the safety and comfort of guests. Some best practices for maintaining the cold water system include:

Swimming pools are a key amenity for many hospitality establishments, providing guests with a fun and relaxing way to enjoy their stay. However, proper maintenance and cleaning of the pool is essential for ensuring a clean and safe experience. Some best practices for swimming pool maintenance include:

Cold water cisterns and swimming pools are important components of many hospitality establishments, providing guests with a fun and relaxing experience. By following best practices for maintenance and cleaning, hospitality professionals can ensure that their pools remain clean and safe for guests to enjoy.

A hot water supply system is an essential component of any hospitality establishment, providing guests with hot water for a variety of purposes, including bathing, cooking, and cleaning. In this blog, we’ll explore the key components of a hot water supply system in a hotel, including the storage tank, distribution system, and water heating equipment.

A storage tank is a key component of a hot water supply system, providing a reserve of hot water that can be used as needed. The tank is typically made of a durable material like steel or fiberglass and is insulated to prevent heat loss. The tank is filled with hot water from a water heating equipment and can be heated using electricity, gas, or solar power.

The distribution system is responsible for transporting hot water from the storage tank to the various fixtures and appliances in the hotel, including sinks, showers, and washing machines. The distribution system is made up of pipes, valves, and pumps that work together to maintain a steady flow of hot water throughout the building. It is important to ensure that the distribution system is properly sized and insulated to prevent heat loss and maintain efficiency.

Hot water supply systems in hospitality establishments can be categorized into different types depending on the heating method used. The three main types of hot water heating systems are the direct heating system, indirect heating system, and solar water heating system. In this blog, we’ll explore each of these heating systems and their key components.

Direct Heating System

A direct heating system is a type of hot water heating system where the water is heated directly by the heat source. The heat source is typically a boiler that burns gas or oil, or an electric heating element. The hot water is then transported directly to the various fixtures and appliances in the hotel. The direct heating system is relatively simple and easy to install, making it a popular choice for many hospitality establishments.

Indirect Heating System

An indirect heating system is a type of hot water heating system where the water is heated indirectly using a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger is typically located inside a storage tank, and the water is heated by circulating it around the heat exchanger. The heat source is typically a boiler that burns gas or oil. The indirect heating system is more complex and expensive than the direct heating system, but it provides a more efficient and reliable source of hot water.

Solar Water Heating System

A solar water heating system is a type of hot water heating system that uses the energy from the sun to heat the water. The system typically includes a solar collector that is installed on the roof of the hotel, a storage tank, and a backup heating system (such as a gas or electric boiler) for times when there is insufficient sunlight. The solar water heating system is a sustainable and environmentally friendly option, but it requires a significant investment and may not be suitable for all hospitality establishments.

The choice of hot water heating system will depend on a variety of factors, including energy efficiency, cost, and local regulations. Hospitality professionals should carefully evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of each type of system and choose the one that best meets their specific needs.

Regular maintenance and upkeep of the hot water supply system is essential for ensuring that it operates efficiently and provides a reliable source of hot water for guests. Some best practices for maintenance and upkeep include:

A hot water supply system is an essential component of any hospitality establishment. By understanding the key components of the system and following best practices for maintenance and upkeep, hospitality professionals can ensure that their guests enjoy a reliable and efficient source of hot water for all their needs.

A proper flushing system, water taps, traps, and closets are essential components of any hotel’s water supply and drainage system. In this blog, we’ll explore the key components of these systems and their importance in ensuring a clean and hygienic environment for hotel guests.

A flushing system is a mechanism used to dispose of waste and maintain the cleanliness of the hotel’s toilets and urinals. The flushing system typically includes a cistern or tank that holds water, a flush valve, and a handle or button to activate the flush. The water in the cistern is replenished automatically after each flush. The flushing system should be regularly maintained to ensure it is working properly and to prevent leaks.

Water taps are used to provide guests with a source of running water for drinking, washing, and other purposes. There are various types of water taps available, including manual taps, sensor taps, and mixer taps. Manual taps require guests to turn a handle or lever to activate the flow of water, while sensor taps use infrared sensors to detect the presence of a user and automatically activate the flow of water. Mixer taps allow users to control the temperature and flow rate of the water. Regular cleaning and maintenance of water taps is necessary to prevent leaks and ensure the cleanliness of the water supply.

Traps are a critical component of a hotel’s drainage system, as they prevent foul odors and gases from entering the hotel through the drainage pipes. Traps are typically installed in the plumbing below the sinks, showers, and toilets, and are designed to hold a small amount of water that forms a barrier between the hotel’s interior and the drainage system. Traps should be regularly cleaned and maintained to prevent blockages and leaks.

Closets, or water closets, are a type of toilet used in hotels and other hospitality establishments. They typically include a bowl or pan, a cistern or tank, and a flushing mechanism. Closets should be regularly cleaned and disinfected to prevent the spread of germs and bacteria.

The choice of flushing systems, water taps, traps, and closets will depend on a variety of factors, including the size and layout of the hotel, the specific needs of guests, and local regulations. Hospitality professionals should carefully evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of each type of component and choose the ones that best meet their specific needs.

Proper flushing systems, water taps, traps, and closets are essential components of any hotel’s water supply and drainage system. By understanding the key components and their importance in maintaining a clean and hygienic environment for hotel guests, hospitality professionals can choose the right components and ensure their guests have a comfortable and enjoyable stay.