A tool designed to determine the appropriate diameter of pipes for potable water distribution systems is often used in plumbing design. It utilizes mathematical formulas, flow rates, fixture unit calculations, and material specifications to arrive at an optimal pipe size. For example, by inputting the number of plumbing fixtures, the distance water travels, and the available water pressure, the tool calculates the minimum required pipe diameter to ensure adequate water flow to each fixture.
Proper sizing of water supply lines is critical for maintaining adequate water pressure and preventing pressure drops that can affect the performance of showers, faucets, and appliances. Historically, plumbers relied on experience and rule-of-thumb estimations. Modern design relies on calculation to avoid undersized pipes, which result in poor flow, or oversized pipes, which are wasteful and can lead to stagnation of water, impacting water quality and increasing material costs.