Topic 5 of 6 · Form 6
Building services and sanitation
Mains and borehole supplies; storage tanks (elevated for pressure); pipe materials (PVC, HDPE, copper, galvanised steel); stopcocks and valves; hot water from geysers and solar water heaters.
Notes for this topic 1 file, in order
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Water supply
Mains and borehole supplies; storage tanks (elevated for pressure); pipe materials (PVC, HDPE, copper, galvanised steel); stopcocks and valves; hot water from geysers and solar water heaters.
Drainage
- Above ground: traps (water seals 50–75 mm), waste and soil pipes, vent pipes.
- Below ground: falls (e.g. 1 : 40 for 100 mm pipes), inspection chambers at changes of direction, rodding eyes, gullies.
- Systems: combined and separate systems for foul and surface water.
Worked example: A 100 mm drain 30 m long is laid at a fall of 1 : 40. Find the total fall.
30 ÷ 40 = 0.75 m
On-site sanitation
Septic tanks and soakaways (percolation tests); ventilated improved pit (Blair) latrines – designed in Zimbabwe – with a vent pipe and fly screen to control odour and flies.
Electrical installations
Supply, distribution board, circuit breakers, earth leakage protection, earthing, lighting and power circuits; solar PV systems with batteries and inverters.
Sustainability
Rainwater harvesting, greywater reuse, solar water heating, natural ventilation and daylighting, passive design for Zimbabwe's climate (orientation, roof overhangs, thermal mass).
Check yourself
- What is the purpose of a trap?
- Why are inspection chambers needed?
- Name two passive design features that keep a house cool.
Show answers
- Its water seal prevents foul air from entering the building.
- To allow inspection and clearing of blockages at changes of direction or junctions.
- Any two: roof overhangs/shading, orientation, cross-ventilation, insulation, thermal mass, light-coloured roofs.
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