WHAT'S THE GO WITH OVERFLOW? - ASSESSING OVERFLOW EQUATIONS USED TO DESIGN BOX GUTTER SYSTEMS - Plumbing Connection
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WWW.PLUMBINGCONNECTION.COM.AU SUMMER 2020 WHAT’S THE GO WITH OVERFLOW? ASSESSING OVERFLOW EQUATIONS USED TO DESIGN BOX GUTTER SYSTEMS INSIDE: PLUMBING A VERTICAL SUBURB SPLASHING INTO THE CONNECTED WORLD TAKING PRIDE IN PLUMBING
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CONTENTS
COVER STORY
10 WHAT’S THE GO WITH OVERFLOW?
AHSCA Research and Training
Coordinator Dr Terry Lucke
discusses the appropriateness of
using the overflow equations from
AS/NZS3500.1 to design box gutter
systems as per AS/NZS3500.3.
10
FEATURES
16 COPING WITH COVID 42 PLUMBING SOFTWARE SOLUTION
Fergus job management software An Australian-based software
for trades and service businesses company is demonstrating
founder Dan Pollard shares three how technology can make time
20
key tips to help get you and your consuming and error-prone
business through 2020 while calculations a thing of the past.
coping with COVID-19.
20 TAKING PLUMBING TO NEW
HEIGHTS REGULARS
Find out how Hydrautech
designed a plumbing system 06 Editorial
for what is essentially a vertical 08 Industry news
suburb that is expected to house
38 Box gutters
some 7,000 people.
46 Prove It
32
28 AGA LISTED GAS FITTER SCHEME 50 Training off the page
As an industry first, The
Australian Gas Association
60 Products
(AGA) launched the AGA Listed 81 Trade stuff
Gas Fitter Scheme to increase
awareness around testing and
installation.
32 SPLASHING INTO THE
CONNECTED WORLD
Sean Carroll looks into Davey’s
42
new range of IoT products that 66 HEALTH
brings the plumbing market
more in line with the likes of the 70 BUSINESS
electrical and building industries.
74 TRANSPORT
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EDITORIAL
AND SO IT CONTINUES www.plumbingconnection.com.au
A
song that hit the charts in and the same or similar will no doubt GENERAL MANAGER
Jeremy Sweet
1987 by R.E.M titled ‘It’s the ensue around the country. Perhaps jeremysweet@build.com.au
end of the world as we know now more than ever, training and
EDITOR
it’ pretty much sums up 2020. That’s education is vital for the future of the Justin Felix
speaking from a Victorian of course. industry and apprentices. 03 9542 9024
justinfelix@build.com.au
This year has been nothing that Until we can all breathe a collective
any of us could have imagined, but sigh of relief, once the worst of this EDITORIAL CONSULTANT
Jeff Patchell
at the time of writing, the Victorian is over, it’s important to focus on jeff patchell@build.com.au
Government has announced an something beyond the financials and
STAFF WRITERS
extension to Stage 4 restrictions that’s your mental health. Anna Hayes, Sean Carroll
and what appears to be an uncertain If you’re experiencing downtime, GRAPHIC DESIGNER
roadmap out of this unprecedented now might be the perfect time to take Sam Elliott
time. a break from the tools and business ADVERTISING TRAFFIC MANAGER
The uncertainty surrounding the operations to recoup. If you’re a Tracey Glanville
roadmap out of restrictions feels business owner, you’re going to need SUBSCRIPTION MANAGER
reflective of 2020 as a whole with to ensure you’re in the right head Brigitta Novosell
03 9542 9005
nobody really knowing how this will all space to lead your team through the
pan out. rest of this uncertain time, so be sure CONTRIBUTORS
Jon Palfrey, Ken Sutherland, John Fennel,
Many small – and even big – to check in on yourself before looking Frank Iapozzuto, Standards Australia
businesses have or will succumb after your staff.
ADVERTISING
to the recession and economic If you’re going through a difficult Angelo Sticca 03 9542 9011
downturn, while others are thriving. time, or need support for your staff, angelosticca@build.com.au
It’s highly unlikely the likes get in touch with the likes of MATES TO SUBSCRIBE 1800 623 214
Australia 03 9542 9000
of businesses in remote work in Construction who are here to train
New Zealand +61 3 9542 9000
and social platforms, as well as and support the industry in a range of Fax (with credit card details) 03 9542 9090
delivery services and even home areas pertaining to mental health and
furniture manufacturers could awareness.
have anticipated it would take a
global pandemic to see demand and WHAT A RIDE www.facebook.com/tradieconnection
profi ts skyrocket for their goods and After 19 years of motoring
services, but that’s the way the cookie correspondence for Across the www.linkedin.com/in/plumbing-connection/
crumbles sometimes. Trades, it’s time for us to farewell
www.twitter.com/PlumbingCXNMag
For the construction industry it Terry Martin. Terry has been at the
isn’t all doom and gloom just yet. fore of all things automotive related
While the full impact of the pandemic and will be sorely missed by the team By mail, please write to the address below
on the construction industry remains here at Lanella Media, and no doubt PUBLISHED BY:
to be seen, as will be the case across the many subscribers who have Lanella Media Pty Ltd
2/18-22 Lexia Place,
the Australian economy as a whole, benefi tted from his experience and
Mulgrave, VIC 3170
there will be challenges to overcome. knowledge. With that being said, we AUSTRALIA
ISSN 1034-3075
Thankfully, apart from Victoria, wish Terry all the best in his new role
the industry has remained open for and future endeavours.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this magazine do
business, if not for some inevitable not necessarily reflect those of the publisher. Although
tweaks and changes here and there. all materials are checked for accuracy, no liability is
assumed by the publisher for any losses due to the use
We’ve seen Construction Skills Enjoy the read of material in this magazine. Copyright 2020 by Lanella
Media. All rights reserved. No part of this publication
Queensland (CSQ) announce a $42 may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or
million workforce training package transmitted in any form or by any means (electronic,
mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise)
to prepare for its eventual recovery, Justin Felix without the prior permission of Lanella Media.
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INDUSTRY NEWS
NEXT GEN DIAL BEFORE YOU DIG SUBBIES WELCOME OVERDUE “NFIA and MPAQ commend the
SERVICE PAYMENT FAIRNESS REFORM government for taking our feedback
Dial Before You Dig (DBYD) has Master Plumbers’ Association of on board and delivering this reform,
announced Deloitte Consulting and Queensland (MPAQ) and National which will make a positive impact on
Esri Australia as the providers for its Fire Industry Association (NFIA) our industry as a whole,” NFIA chief
next generation referral service set to have commended the Queensland executive Glen Chatterton says.
provide enhanced protection for $388 government’s delivery on its The addition to the building industry
billion worth of underground utility election commitment to bring fairness act delivers:
assets across the country. security of payment for the 240,000 ∫ A simplified project bank account
DBYD chief executive Stuart Queenslanders who work in the framework, now called trust
Burdack says the group was building and construction industry. accounts;
extremely pleased to collaborate “Finally, the subcontractors will be ∫ Greater prosecuting powers to the
with Esri Australia to provide the treated fairly and get paid on time and QBCC to investigate false statutory
next generation referral service and in full. declarations;
Deloitte in the development of the “We would not expect a nurse ∫ More ways for builders to recoup
digital platform that will operate the to work seven shifts and only get monies owed, including charges
new DBYD service. paid for three, but this is what has on land and payment withholding
“For more than two decades DBYD been happening to hardworking requests on financiers;
has remained one of Australia’s most tradies every day in Queensland,” ∫ Greater transparency of the
relevant and respected services MPAQ executive director Penny Cornah certification process to increase
prioritising worker safety and the says. consumer confidence;
protection of critical underground “There is not a single plumber in ∫ More eff ective regulatory
infrastructure, above all else,” he Queensland that has not experienced powers for the boards of architects
says. non-payment or extreme late and engineers, improving
“Our vision of ‘zero harm, zero payment on money owed for work confidence in the standards of
damage’ sits at the heart of our done. This legislation, which has safety and quality of the built
decision to pave a new, innovative created a simplified project bank environment; and
path forward for the DBYD service.” account framework, now called trust ∫ A statutory review into the role
Esri Australia are location accounts, has been implemented.” of property developers, including
intelligence specialists and will Penny adds that this $267 million their workplace practices, in the
leverage cutting-edge Geospatial stimulus for the construction industry, construction industry.
Information System (GIS) technology announced on Wednesday 15 July
in the development of a vastly 2020, is an important and positive The Project Trust Account system
improved referral service for DBYD. step forward that will benefi t tradies’ will be progressively extended across
Phase one of the project will businesses and create a security that Queensland’s $46 billion construction
see the delivery of self-managed will extend into their personal lives, sector from March 2021, while other
kiosks for reporting and information particularly in these uncertain times. protections will commence this year.
uploads; enhanced data integration
capabilities allowing the seamless
amalgamation of referral service NEW CPD TO BUILD INDUSTRY importance to practitioners.
data into web maps for analysis and UNDERSTANDING Online training provider, Pointsbuild
visualisation; map-based search The ABCB has announced the has been contracted by the ABCB to
functions; an improved user interface latest NCC Continuing Professional deliver the online courses.
and many more features. Development (CPD) courses which will Courses being developed for the
The next generation referral service be launching in mid-late 2020. The following practitioner groups include
will be built and tested over the courses give builders and plumbers compliance practitioners including
coming year and will ‘go live’ in the the opportunity to undertake online, building surveyors and inspectors;
latter half of 2021. self-paced and aff ordable training to design and engineering practitioners
advance their knowledge. including architects, designers,
As one of ABCB’s first responses to draftspersons, specialists and
the Building Confidence Report, these engineers (including fire and hydraulic)
are being developed in partnership and construct and install practitioners
with industry, government and subject including builders, plumbers, fire
matter experts. This ensure that protection practitioners and site/
topics are relevant and of the highest project managers.
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COVER STORY
PERFORMANCE SOLUTIONS
WHAT’S THE GO
WITH OVERFLOW?
AHSCA RESEARCH AND TRAINING COORDINATOR
DR TERRY LUCKE DISCUSSES THE APPROPRIATENESS OF
USING THE OVERFLOW EQUATIONS FROM AS/NZS3500.1 TO
DESIGN BOX GUTTER SYSTEMS AS PER AS/NZS3500.3.
I
t appears that there is an increasing a laboratory research study using a a tranquil and steady water surface.
tendency for building roof drainage tank with a tranquil and steady water These equations are valid in situations
designers to use water tank overflow surface. These equations are only valid where the overflow inlet is not fully
equations from Section 8.4.4 of AS/ in situations where the overflow inlet is submerged, i.e. open-channel flow
NZS3500.1:2018 (and its predecessors) fully submerged. They are not suitable conditions.
to develop box gutter performance for box gutter design.
solutions. This article examines the EQUATION 2:
suitability of this practice. EQUATION 1:
ܳ௪ ൌ ܥௗ כ ܾ כඥʹ݃ ݄ כଵǤହ
ܳ ൌ ܥௗ כ ܣ כඥʹ݄݃
SECTION 8.4.4 – TANK OVERFLOW Where:
The orifice and weir overflow discharge Where: Q w = Flowrate over weir (m3/s)
equations provided in Figures 8.4.4.1 Qo = Flowrate through orifice (m3/s) Cd = Weir coefficient (varies significantly
(A), 8.4.4.1 (B) and 8.4.4.1 (C) of AS/ Cd = Orifice coefficient (~0.61 for sharp- depending on shape of weir)
NZS3500.1:2018 were specifically edged orifice) b = width of weir (m)
developed for water tank applications. A = Cross-sectional area of pipe (m2) G = gravity (9.81m/s2)
The overflow equations are applicable G = gravity (9.81m/s2) h = head of water above orifice
in covered tanks with a tranquil and h = head of water above orifice centroid (m)
steady water surface profile as shown centroid (m)
in Figure 1. BOX GUTTERS
Tank overflow equations 8.4.4.1(2) Tank overflow equations 8.4.4.1(1), As discussed above, the orifice and weir
and 8.4.4.1(4) provided in Figures 8.4.4.1(3) and 8.4.4.1(5) provided overflow discharge equations provided
8.4.4.1(A) and 8.4.4.1(B) are variations in Figures 8.4.4.1(A) 8.4.4.1(B) and in Section 8.4.4 of AS/NZS3500.1:2018
of the historical orifice equation 8.4.4.1(C) are variations of the historical are applicable for use in water tanks
(Eqn. 1) developed by Italian physicist weir equation (Eqn. 2). These equations with a tranquil and steady water surface
Evangelista Torricelli (1608-1647) in are also based on the assumption of profile.
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PERFORMANCE SOLUTIONS
Roof drainage box gutters are
long, straight, drainage components FIGURE 1
designed to convey roof runoff
Tranquil Steady
longitudinally and discharge it freely Water Surface
h h
from the end of the box gutter into a
Covered Tank d
sump below. Box gutters are subjected
to spatially varied flow conditions and
accordingly have extremely complex
flow variation throughout the length
of the gutter and at the outlet. This
circumstance becomes even more
complex where opposing flows of a d
gutter share an outlet and/or overflow.
Box gutters conveying roof water to
sumps clearly have no resemblance to
tanks, nor do they have a tranquil steady
water surface profile. It is a dubious
Q Q
practice to use tank overflow equations
to design overflow provisions for box Horizontal Side Overflow Vertical Pipe Overflow
gutter systems. It is also inappropriate
to develop an overflow solution in Figure 1 – Tank Diagrams provided in Figures 8.4.4.1 (A), 8.4.4.1 (B) in AS/
isolation, without due consideration NZS3500.1
of the varying water profile in the box
gutter.
Box gutters of building roof drainage Physical testing is the only reliable freely from the end of the gutter, in the
systems are subjected to very different method to accurately determine the full direction of flow, into a sump which has
operational conditions than those of a range of flow conditions that is likely overflow provisions at least equal to the
covered tank, or the laboratory-based to occur in a box gutter conveying roof total design flow.
model that was used to develop the water during a storm event in different Three alternative sump overflow
equations in question. configurations. designs are available in AS/
Roof drainage systems are designed Much research and hydraulic NZS3500.3:2018 namely, rainhead,
to operate effectively during intense testing was undertaken on box gutter sump/side overflow device and sump/
storm events where the inflow rates systems during the development high capacity overflow device. The
into the box gutters can fluctuate of AS/NZS3500.3:2018 (and its overflow of the rainhead device is a
greatly. This often produces highly predecessors). This research low-set weir in the direction of gutter
unsteady hydraulic flow conditions determined minimum box gutter flow, that discharges directly to the
(spatially varied flow) which results in depths, and a range of other factors atmosphere. The overflows of the sump/
significant water level changes within required to ensure roof drainage water side and sump/high capacity devices
the gutters. is conveyed safely in the box gutter discharge through weirs connected
These unsteady hydraulic flow to the sump without the risk of gutter to an overflow channel/duct, and an
conditions can also cause the location overtopping, flooding or building overflow pipe, respectively.
of the maximum water level within the damage. In the general method, the downpipe
gutter to change continually during a The outcomes of this, and other sizes required to safely drain the design
storm event (Figure 2). The deepest research studies, are incorporated flows from the three alternative sump
part of the water profile in a gutter in the general method for box gutter overflow designs in AS/NZS3500.3:2018
is rarely at the outlet and therefore, design procedures outlined in Figures are calculated using variations of the
sizing the outlet (or overflow) without 3.7.4(A), 3.7.4(B) and 3.7.4(C) in AS/ orifice equation (Eqn. 1). However, roof
identification of the deepest part of the NZS3500.3:2018. Using unrelated drainage system sumps do not generally
flow is fundamentally flawed. water tank overflow equations from experience a tranquil and steady water
The highly complex unsteady flow Section 8.4.4 of AS/NZS3500.1:2018 surface during operation, rather, they
conditions that occur in box gutters to design hydraulically complex box experience highly turbulent hydraulic
makes it very difficult to hydraulically gutter systems is clearly not a suitable conditions such as those shown in
model and no mathematical formulae performance solution alternative. Figure 3.
can reliably predict the maximum water As discussed, box gutter system
depths in gutters with consideration to OVERFLOW SUMPS sumps experience highly turbulent
varying gradients and encompassing a AS/NZS3500.3:2018 requires box hydraulic conditions and water level
multitude of outlet configurations. gutters to discharge primary flows variations during normal operation.
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PERFORMANCE SOLUTIONS
performance solutions for box gutter
systems. However, there are also other
related and relevant issues that should
be considered in the development of
performance solutions for box gutter
systems. These are discussed below.
Building roof drainage systems are
highly complex hydraulic systems that
contain different components including
rainwater, box gutters, sumps, outlets,
overflow devices, weirs and pipes. All
these components interact with each
other and they cannot be designed in
isolation.
Effective roof drainage system design
must consider all components of the
system acting together to ensure roof
Figure 2 – Flow in a 300mm wide box gutter showing varying maximum depth water is conveyed safely away from
locations. the building without the risk of gutter
overtopping, flooding, or building
damage.
Roof drainage box gutter systems
designed using the general design
methods outlined in Figures 3.7.4(A),
3.7.4(B) and 3.7.4(C) in AS/NZS3500.3
consider the interaction of all drainage
components operating together.
However, performance solution designs
often do not consider these effects.
Environmental conditions can also
influence the performance of roof
drainage systems. High winds and
intense rainfalls that often occur during
storm events can cause significant
wave actions in box gutters of roof
drainage systems.
Waves can also form in some gutter
Figure 3 – Highly turbulent hydraulic conditions in sumps receiving box gutter configurations due to the proximity of
inflows the outlet (or overflow) to vertical faces,
such as the return ends of the gutter.
These gutter waves can travel along
These water level variations affect the No research has been published that the length of the box gutters effectively
discharge rate through the downpipe. investigates the suitability of using varying the anticipated location of
AS/NZS3500.3:2018 allows for these the water tank overflow equations maximum gutter water depth and
highly turbulent hydraulic conditions from Section 8.4.4 of AS/NZS3500.1 potentially cause overtopping and
and water level variations in sumps by to develop performance solutions for building flooding.
increasing the typical sump depth. box gutters, sumps or overflows. It is Box gutter systems designed using
Research undertaken during the therefore inappropriate to use these the general design methods in AS/
development of AS/NZS3500.3 equations to design performance NZS3500.3 allow for this potential
determined that a significant increase solutions for box gutters, sumps, or wave action by applying sufficient
of sump depth was required to ensure overflows. freeboard values which were obtained
the required flowrate through the from physical testing research studies.
downpipe was achieved. These findings OTHER ISSUES FOR CONSIDERATION The height and speed of the waves vary
are incorporated in Figures I3 and I4 of As discussed above, there are numerous with the flow rate of the gutter and
AS/NZS3500.3 to allow for turbulent hydraulic theory explanations as to its configuration. As flow is increased,
flow conditions that occur during why it is inappropriate to use water additional freeboard may be required,
operation. tank overflow equations to develop and this is particularly evident in flow
14 PLUMBING CONNEC T ION Summer 2020COVER STORY
PERFORMANCE SOLUTIONS
rates above those presented in AS/ WRAPPING UP performance solutions where
NZS3500.3. This article has examined the AS/NZS3500.3 overflow solutions
Wind can also cause leaves, branches, practice of using water tank overflow are not suitable, or where required
plastic bags and other debris to be equations from Section 8.4.4 of AS/ flowrates are above 16L/s. Designers
blown into the box gutters and sumps NZS3500.1:2018 to develop box requiring box gutter performance
of roof drainage systems. This debris gutter performance solutions in lieu of solutions are advised to contact
can potentially cause partial, or full complying with the AS/NZS3500.3:2018 their local, fully accredited and trained
blockages of drainage components general method requirements for box AHSCA member to discuss their
resulting in overtopping of the gutters. gutter system design. requirements.
Box gutter systems designed using I have concluded that this practice is Hydraulic modelling and the
the general design methods in AS/ unacceptable. This is mainly due to the estimation of spatially varied flow in
NZS3500.3 allow for potential blockage significant differences in operational box gutters is extremely complex.
of the primary downpipe by requiring hydraulic conditions between covered These complexities are multiplied with
a separate overflow device that has at tanks and box gutter systems exposed varied outlet configurations, primary
least the same capacity as the primary to the elements. gutter flow requirements and additional
system. The AHSCA Research Foundation overflow paths.
Box gutters that are installed with recently concluded a four-year It is recommended that regulators,
changes in direction (i.e. not straight) comprehensive research study using building surveyors/certifiers, council
can also dramatically increase the physical modelling to investigate and and property owners insist that any
potential for blockages to occur and this validate the hydraulic behaviour of a ‘Performance Solutions’ related to
practice is specifically prohibited in AS/ variety of new box gutter outlet and box gutters be undertaken by an
NZS3500.3. The hydraulic resistance overflow devices. appropriately trained professional using
introduced by changes in direction The research outcomes included formulae and methodologies developed
(corners) is significant and outside the 12 new fully-tested box gutter by research specifically relevant to box
scope of AS/NZS3500.3. overflow devices that can be used as gutters.
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COPING WITH COVID-19
Fergus job management software for trades and service businesses founder Dan Pollard shares three key
tips to help get you and your business through 2020.
T
his is certainly a challenging time
between the global pandemic
and recession. Most plumbers
are seeing cautious spending from
customers, but also people are keen to
save money on water expenses.
Plumbers and businesses that double
down on their customer service are the
ones who weather the storm the best.
The downturn is also a time to focus on
improving your business operations,
catching up on admin, chasing
payments and even training.
FOCUS ON THE CUSTOMER
One very simple act that holds tradies
back from winning new business is
not answering the phone. It sounds so
simple, but from my own experience,
when I get recommendations for
any trades professional, I call them
wanting to spend money and they just COVID-19 has changed the way a lot of us have to work, but by implementing certain
don’t answer. This loses plumbers practices like wearing a mask and off ering remote quoting can help get us through.
and tradespeople valuable jobs as
customers go elsewhere.
Similarly, when plumbers visit a site With the trust barrier for allowing diversifying is a good idea if you want to
to analyse the job and don’t follow up strangers into the home at an all- be more savvy.
with a quote, that’s wasting valuable time high, you need to be sure that The area of water conservation is a ripe
time as the customer will likely go with prospective customers know you’re one as there are many ways to conserve
the most proactive company. taking the right health and safety water on a house, from rain harvesting
Due to COVID-19, there are some precautions at all times. to switching people’s hot water pipes to
other practices, such as remote Ensure you’re not shaking people’s smaller diameters, meaning they waste
quoting, that can help when customers hands when visiting sites, wear a mask, less water and it costs less to heat. If
aren’t comfortable allowing multiple use hand sanitiser and follow strict social three or four litres of water is coming out
tradespeople into their homes. If your distancing rules. You should also keep before the tap runs hot, customers are
customer service is the best then you a record of who is on site at what time. paying to waste water.
will be the plumber winning business. Fergus has a contact tracing forms Calculating these heating and
Each state has diff erent function to help business owners water waste costs can help educate
COVID-19 requirements and with this in addition to a health customers to get things amended, they
training, such as NSW COVID- and safety on-site checklist. will soon make the money back with
safe business certificates, which lower bills. For example, I once replaced
can be gained to help increase CREATING OPPORTUNITIES some shower heads for a hostel and
safety measures and customer During a recession, everyone it saved them thousands of dollars on
confidence. will be looking to win more their bill as they used less water.
recurring maintenance Many plumbers will be using the
business. However, downturn to organise their accounts
Fergus job management using this and adopt new processes to improve
software for trades opportunity to their business. We know this as we have
and service businesses specialise in more had a record amount of views on our
founder Dan Pollard. niche areas and Tradehub webinars.
16 PLUMBING CONNEC T ION Summer 2020SUREFLOW
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Some of the subjects include OFFER VALUE opportunity to show you can do more
going paperless, how to calculate The best thing plumbers can do to than just fix the leak and offer other
chargeable hours, recession-proofing improve customer experience is make it services as a package.
your trades businesses and how to easy for people to do business with them. It’s important you understand
keep your trades business running Plumbing services, maintenance the customer’s budget, timeline
throughout stage three and four and repair, are often seen as a grudge and expectations around quality of
lockdowns in Melbourne. Using this time purchase. A great way to make costs materials used so you can present them
to retool means you are improving the more palatable is to off er payment with the right options. Show your value
way you do business not just now but plans and packages. When clients think and help get them across the line, by
moving forward. one small job will cost them a huge also telling them about the money they
You can also create opportunities by lump sum, they are less likely to get it can save on their bills.
increasing your online presence. Many fi xed, but if a plumber explains to them Ultimately though, it’s delivering
tradies set up websites, social media that they can get multiple things fi xed outstanding outcomes for customers
pages and also upload their companies around the house for a package fee and that will win you repeat business and
to popular job sites. Even the simple pay in installments, they are much more referrals.
things like setting up the company on likely to go ahead with it. While the pandemic is a stressful time
Google My Business so they can be Taking a customer first approach is the for many, you can use any downtime to
found by people searching online, can key to a successful plumbing business. It improve the way you do business, chase
dramatically increase the amount of starts by really listening to your customer payments and create a new pipeline of
new business potential. to get a full picture of their problem. For customers.
Things like customer reviews, images example, you get a call about a leaking
and basic information about your kitchen faucet, but after speaking with
services really help customers feel the customer further you realise they Fergus: smart job software for trades
reassured and informed, making them were motivated to fix it in an effort to and service businesses
more likely to choose your business. conserve water. This then gives you an www.fergus.com
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TAKING PLUMBING TO NEW HEIGHTS
Imagine having to design a plumbing system for what is essentially a vertical suburb that is expected to
house some 7,000 people at any given time. Well that’s exactly what Hydrautech had to do. Justin Felix
finds out more.
W
est Side Place will become
Victoria’s largest residential
development at 1.2 ha, at a
cost of $2 billion.
Stage one will house 1,376 apartments
over two towers, as well as the tallest
hotel in the Southern Hemisphere –
Melbourne’s first Ritz-Carlton Hotel – at
270m high with 257 suites, a business
centre, 550-seat grand ballroom and a
check-in desk that boasts panoramic sky
views from level 80.
Stage two will provide a further 1,519
apartments over two towers with retail
arcades and the addition of a 308 room
Dorsett Hotel. On top of all of that, there
will be 3,000sqm of ground floor retail
space and 475sqm of garden spaces
running throughout a new central
laneway connecting Lonsdale Street
with Little Lonsdale Street.
Hydrautech Designs Consulting
Engineers did more than imagine the
above scenario. It had the momentous
task of making it all a reality. West Side Place is set to become Victoria’s largest residential development,
As you can no doubt appreciate, a eff ectively being a vertical suburb.
project of this size and nature extends
well beyond the limits of AS3500 and
AS5601. So how do you design the population across both stages (of the The hydraulics design features a
hydraulics (including gas) for a project project) is 7,000. That’s more than combination of both Deemed-to-Satisfy
that is basically a vertical suburb? double the amount of people that live in and Performance Based Solutions in
Hydrautech Designs Consulting a lot of suburbs,” Ross says. accordance with the Plumbing Code of
Engineers managing director Ross “We knew that if we designed all of Australia.
Weight ran us through the monumental the plumbing systems through the Performance Based Solutions were
task. towers in accordance with AS3500 documented to satisfy Victorian
“What determined most of our Deemed-to-Satisfy (DTS), we were Building Authority (VBA) and building
designs purely came down to the sheer going to be sizing pipes and outgoing surveyor requirements and include:
size of the project. The anticipated drainage that would have been larger ∫ Sizing of main connecting sewer drains
than the street connection. in accordance with Water Services
“The authority gave us consent to Association of Australia (WASA) Gravity
THE NUMBERS: connect to their existing assets, which Sewerage Code of Australia (branch
for example, was the likes of a DN 225 drains and stacks designed DTS)
∫ 2,895 apartments
∫ 565 hotel suites sewer branch. So we looked at designing ∫ Positive Air Pressure Attenuator
∫ 7,000 population the entire building to the Waster (PAPA) stack systems designed
∫ 10 pools and water features Services Association of Australia in conjunction with Fully Vented
∫ 140,000 litres of hot water (peak hour) (WASA) code. If this was a sub-division Modified (departures for Ritz Carlton)
∫ 160,000 MJ/h of gas (connected load)
we’d have designed it completely ∫ Water services designed in accordance
∫ 190 l/s stormwater discharge
(1:100 year, 5 min) diff erently. We really had to treat it like a with WASA Codes with cross reference
vertical suburb.” to AS3500 diversified flows
20 PLUMBING CONNEC T ION Summer 2020The Stainless Steel Advantage
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THINKING OUTSIDE THE BOX
Water distribution in large, multi-apartment buildings can be very costly in energy, money and time.
Sean Carroll looks into the latest solution tackling this issue.
“I
f you were to walk into a room,
switch on a light and wait 30
seconds for it to turn on, you
would be pretty annoyed. So why do we
put up with it in the plumbing industry
when waiting for hot water at a tap?”
That’s the question All Valve
Industries marketing manager Daniel
Dillenbeck asks when talking about the
company’s latest solution: the H-BOX.
“Hot water lag time in plumbing is
something we’ve come to accept, but
it’s certainly not good practice and
there are ways of improving that. Not
only that, but we’re wasting energy and
water,” he says.
Circulating hot water in a plumbing
system to maintain the desired
temperature is standard practice
in most residential and commercial
multi-level buildings with the hot water
generally being circulated vertically
from the hot water plant up and down The H-BOX solution from All Valve Industries aims to reduce lag times in plumbing
the building. and improve energy efficiency.
Traditional designs will use risers to
distribute water through the building
from the hot water plant. With some H-BOX that enables the pipes to keep through the heat exchanger and heats
utilities, especially in NSW, requiring hot is the use of a heat exchanger which up the cold water from the thermal
water meters and other services to be transfers heat from the riser pipes energy provided by the primary circuit,”
centralised in common cupboards, the supplied from the hot water plant over Daniel says.
ability to circulate this hot water further into the separate zone to be circulated “Hot water then circulates to
to each apartment becomes tricky. It out to the apartments. each apartment, bypassing the hot
generally means the pipe from the water “Basically, heat exchangers provide water meters, which is important
meter to the apartment becomes a a physical barrier between two circuits. otherwise the tenant would be charged
dead leg, with the further the water has They are made of a number of plates consumption, and, ideally, continues to
to travel, the longer the wait time is for with the fluids from each circuit flowing the very last fi xture, where it returns for
that water to be delivered to the tap. through alternating channels, allowing recirculation.
Solutions already exist in the the thermal energy to transfer from one “That return line from the apartment
market to counter this, including using circuit to the other, but without the two gets fed back into a common return and
an electric heat trace to maintain fluids physically coming into contact back to the H-BOX to get reheated. It
temperature in these dead legs or with each other or crossing into the circulates over and over and keeps the
increasing the number of risers in the opposite circuit,” Daniel explains. loops hot.
building. Both options can be quite The water in the first zone (primary “What happens when someone uses
costly in terms of space, money and circuit) flows down from the hot water hot water from a fi xture, there’s a
energy. plant, reaches the H-BOX, transfers special auto shutoff valve that we’ve
What the H-BOX does diff erently is heat through the heat exchanger and developed that senses a small pressure
create another circulating zone after then loops back up to the top of the loss and then quickly shuts off any flow
the hot water meters that maintains the building to be reheated. which circulates in that second zone,
temperature of the water in the dead leg “The second zone (secondary circuit) thereby forcing all water to be drawn
pipes. One of the key components in the after the hot water meters flows from the hot water meter.”
24 PLUMBING CONNEC T ION Summer 2020NEW
Don’t risk it,
use the Biscuit
Attention all Engineers, Builders, Plumbers, Drainers and
Hydraulic Consultants! Did you know...
AS2870 requires the installation of Clay Plugs
on all M, H1, H2 and E class sites.
“Where plumbing and drainage pass under the footing,
there shall be a clay plug barrier to stop the ingress of
water under the slab.”
Plastec’s new Clay Biscuit will give you peace of mind
that your installation meets all AS2870 requirements.
www.plastec.com.auPUMPS
The special auto shutoff valve to the riser. So it’s also a more equitable to bringing it to market in the coming
is there to eliminate the risk that solution.” years.
water is accidentally drawn from the The H-BOX can also be programmed A lot of the components in the
common loop or other water meters. to increase efficiencies. Instead of H-BOX system are off-the-shelf,
It automatically isolates the relevant running the system all day, every day, it there’s nothing groundbreaking about
circuit when a pressure diff erential is can be set to turn off from midnight to using heat exchangers, pumps and
created from using hot water. 5am for example. valves. However, the team at All Valve,
On top of the main benefi t of All Valve Industries soft launched the alongside its partner engineers in Italy,
delivering hot water where it needs to be H-BOX to the Hydraulic Consultants created this solution that works, is
faster, it’s cost-eff ective given there are Association of Australia (HCAA) in efficient and can revolutionise the high-
less risers, it takes up less space and it December 2019. It was immediately rise plumbing industry.
can be wholly installed by a plumber. installed in a multi-storey high- “We endurance tested it for almost
“I’ve also seen some projects where rise building that was experiencing two years, testing it under low flow
the electrical heat trace is charged to extensive hot water delivery times. After and high flow conditions, fi xtures that
individual electricity meters,” Daniel the installation of the H-BOX at this open and close slowly or quickly, along
says. project, the average reduction in hot with a range of conditions to simulate
“It’s not fair that just because water lag time was 55 seconds. real life conditions so that we can make
someone happens to be further away Daniel also says that when telling sure that by the end of that testing
from the central riser, that they either companies about the new solution, it’s it still operates consistently,” Daniel
have long wait times for hot water or well-received as it helps people cut explains.
alternatively pay hundreds of dollars down considerably on dead legs and hot “I think by the end of the endurance
more per year for water heating with water delivery times which is a constant testing, some of the components had
heat trace. The delivery of hot water challenge in hydraulic design. operated at the equivalent of over 100
should be designed inherently to the The H-BOX is still a young solution years’ worth of tap actuations so we
building; it’s not a privilege to be closer and the team at All Valve are committed well and truly tested it to death.”
GET THE WHOLE STORY
www.plumbingconnection.com.au
www.facebook.com/tradieconnection www.linkedin.com/in/plumbing-connection/ www.twitter.com/PlumbingCXNMag
26 PLUMBING CONNEC T ION Summer 202030
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www.bosch-climate.com.auGAS SAFETY
THE AGA LISTED GAS FITTER SCHEME
As an industry first, The Australian Gas Association (AGA) launched the AGA Listed Gas Fitter Scheme on
September 1 2020.
A
GA has a long and proud history
of serving the Australian gas
industry dating back to 1925 as
a membership-based not-for-profi t
industry association. AGA’s primary
objective is consumer safety and
over the years has been involved in
the development of Australian Gas
Standards, laboratory testing approval/
certification of gas products and
promotion of the gas industry.
AGA is now focusing its attention on
promoting Licensed Gas Fitters to the
Australian community through the AGA
Listed Gas Fitter Scheme. The benefi ts
of the Scheme include a licence to use
the AGA Mark, being included on the
AGA Listed Gas Fitter Directory and
promotion to customers through the The AGA Listed Gas Fitter Scheme aims to increase consumer awareness and
AGA Showroom (www.gas.asn.au). promote best practice around installations and servicing.
This extends AGA’s safety focus from
testing and certification of gas products
to include installation and servicing. As a result, the National Gas Association manufacturers and importers of gas
AGA will be running targeted marketing (NGA) and the Australian Gas Institute products and other affiliate companies.
campaigns to increase consumer (AGI) were formed in 1925 and 1932
awareness that it is a regulatory respectively to fulfil these roles. DEVELOPMENT OF GAS STANDARDS/
requirement that only licensed gas NGA was primarily focused on CODES
fi tters should be used for gas appliance promotional activities for the gas In the early 1960’s, AGA set up specific
installation and appliance servicing. industry and AGI was a scientific body Australian Gas (AG) Committees to
Being not for profi t, AGA is able to providing technical expertise to the develop safety Standards/Codes
invest the income from the Scheme industry. The discovery of rich reserves for domestic and commercial gas
right back to the industry. of oil and natural gas in Bass Straight appliances as well as myriad gas-
Go to https://www.aga.asn.au/gas- provided Victoria with an opportunity carrying components and controls.
fi tters/ for more details. to become energy self sufficient, Under the management and
however, it was recognised that the full technical support of AGA, the industry
HOW IT ALL STARTED WITH AGA economic benefi ts of this prize could was brought together through these
The Australian gas industry has only be realised if consumers across Committees to produce our world class
been evolving continuously for over Australia were satisfied that, first and safety gas Standards/Codes. This
100 years, from the introduction of foremost, Natural Gas was a safe fuel provided manufacturers and suppliers
manufactured towns gas and propane, to use in their homes and that it was a the much needed direction to help
to the conversion of Australia’s reliable, efficient and economical fuel. develop and produce safe and compliant
reticulated supply to Natural Gas. To achieve this, the NGA and AGI merged gas products.
In the early days, gas appliances to form the peak national industry AGA transferred the administration of
were pretty basic and it was difficult body known as The Australian Gas the gas product Standards to Standards
to convince the Australian community Association (AGA). Australia in 2004. This enabled
that they were safe and off ered many AGA was set up as a national not- AGA to focus on other gas industry
benefi ts. Positive promotion with for-profi t, membership association and developments and improvements while
proper technical backing was needed to its membership comprised hundreds continuing to be the largest technical
convince the community that gas is safe of companies from all over the world, contributor to the Standards writing
and that gas appliances are safe to use. including gas producers and suppliers, process going forward.
28 PLUMBING CONNEC T ION Summer 2020GAS SAFETY
APPROVAL/CERTIFICATION OF GAS AND affi xed to domestic and commercial networks and the LP Gas supply network
RELATED PRODUCTS gas appliances in Australian homes and throughout Australia’s vast rural areas.
AGA launched the AGA gas product businesses for more than 60 years and
approval scheme in the 1960s through are well recognised by consumers and KEEPING THE INDUSTRY UP TO DATE
which suppliers and manufacturers industry practitioners alike. AGA hosts industry forums annually
approved their gas products prior which cover the latest and most
to selling them to the market. This PROMOTION OF THE AUSTRALIAN GAS relevant gas industry developments.
ensured only compliant gas appliances INDUSTRY Delegates have the opportunity to meet
and components were available in the Since 1925 up to the 1980s, AGA helped key stakeholders and provide their input
Australian community in accordance with make the Australian community aware for the betterment of our industry. The
AGA gas product Standards/Codes. The of the benefi ts of gas with promotional forums are held in the last quarter of
compliance and safety of gas products slogans such as “Safe, Clean, Efficient every year and include distinguished
was critical to provide assurance and Natural Gas”. AGA also produced speakers and guests from Australia and
confidence of gas and the use of gas to promotional videos featuring gas and overseas.
the Australian community. the use of gas appliances. These videos The theme and the opening of
Today the AGA gas product approval were exhibited to the Australian public registrations are announced around
scheme is called ‘The AGA Product on national TV as well as commercial August and is a must attend event to
Certification Scheme for Type-Tested Gas slots at cinemas and drive-ins. Go to keep up to date with our industry’s
Products’ which covers tens of thousands www.aga.asn.au/best-in-our-street to evolution. Unfortunately, due to
of currently certified brands and models. view one of the promotional videos AGA COVID-19, the forum will not be held in
In order to cater for AGA member produced in 1955. 2020.
needs, AGA’s Certification services Moreover, cookbooks such as AGA also publishes NewsFlashes
broadened from the early 2000’s to ‘The Australian Gas Cookbook’ were monthly for the purpose of keeping
cover gas cylinders, plumbing products, published by AGA’s Australian Gas the gas industry informed of the latest
gas cartridges and gas cylinder test Cookbook Committee to promote 100’s developments and new requirements. It
stations. These Certification Schemes of recipes for dishes using gas cookers. covers topics such as Gas Certification
require detailed on-site quality auditing There was no shortage of promotional and Testing, WaterMark, gas cylinder
and in some cases, 100% inspection material nationally about the industry. developments as well as Standard
at the manufacturer’s premises during Through these initiatives, AGA updates.
every production run. brought stakeholders together and
helped achieve what we call “social THE AGA SHOWROOM
TESTING OF GAS PRODUCTS connectivity”. This is important The AGA Showroom was launched
Underpinning AGA’s safety because, unlike electricity, gas is a fuel in 2019 providing an online, iOS and
certification schemes is its state of of choice i.e. consumers choose to have Android platform for AGA members to
the art laboratory based in Melbourne a gas connected to enjoy the benefi ts list and showcase their certified gas
with collectively over 350 years’ it off ers. Through AGA, and for many products to the Australian community.
experience in testing gas appliances years the industry invested heavily to This supports AGA’s promotional
and components for compliance get to a point where consumers felt that root objectives by bringing the industry
with Australian Safety Standards. gas was a safe fuel choice supported by together once again to promote gas as
Laboratory testing is extensive and a very committed and safety conscious a fuel of choice and the safe use of gas
includes such things as combustion industry. products.
analysis, delayed ignition, temperature The AGA Showroom is where
hazards and energy labelling. AUSTRALIA’S GAS SAFETY RECORD customers and gas fi tters can find a
AGA’s NATA scope of accreditation In early 2004, AGA participated in a whole range of safe and reliable gas
includes cookers, water heaters, space survey of the gas safety records of the products and all the benefi ts that come
heaters, laundry dryers, refrigerators, major developed economies around the with them. Amongst other features, the
ducted heaters, barbecues, patio heaters, world, including the major economies platform also has an inbuilt messaging
camping products, commercial catering of Europe, Nth America and some of the system where customers can
equipment, as well as a whole range of countries in the Asian region such as communicate directly with the suppliers
gas components and controls and more. Japan, Korea, Hong Kong and Singapore. and manufacturers.
Results of this survey showed that The AGA Showroom is number one on
TRUSTED AGA MARK Australia enjoyed a gas safety record internet search engines and is achieving
Each AGA certified appliance is affi xed that was the envy of most countries high result targeted showcasing
with either an AGA badge or an AGAMark and was amongst the best in the world. through social media. AGA Listed Gas
when sold since the approval scheme This was a notable achievement given Fitters will be promoted to users in a
was developed in the early 1960’s. the length of transmission pipelines, location targeted method through this
These safety symbols have been the scale of natural gas distribution high traffic platform.
30 PLUMBING CONNEC T ION Summer 2020You can also read
