NEW: myIPS is now available
Combined Shape
Combined Shape

10 critical factors to consider when designing your commercial building piping systems

commercial building design

introduction

Designing a commercial building’s piping system is a complex task that requires more than just focusing on individual components. It’s about creating a system that is efficient, sustainable, and easy to maintain. Yet, too often, designers focus on valves, fittings, couplings or actuators as separate parts of the project, rather than considering how they interact within the larger system. This post explores ten important factors that should guide your approach to piping system design, encouraging a shift from product-level thinking to system-level solutions.

1. think system, not components

When specifying components for a piping system, the goal should be seamless integration. While it’s tempting to focus on the best valve or the most durable fitting, true efficiency and reliability come from how these parts work together. A well-designed system should consider compatibility and integration from the start.

engineer’s insight: Evaluate pressure drop across fittings, joints, and transitions to minimize energy losses. Small mismatches in material or component sizing can lead to inefficiencies that accumulate over time, negatively impacting the system’s overall performance.

2. energy efficiency through reliable connections

One of the most significant factors in designing a piping system is ensuring energy efficiency. Reliable connections play a major role here, as they affect the overall performance and integrity of the system. High-quality press fittings and valves minimize the risk of leaks and energy losses, while reducing installation time and potential errors. our grooved connections also offer a highly dependable, fast-install solution for larger diameter piping, reducing friction losses and system downtime.

eengineer’s insight: For secure, long-lasting connections in pressurized systems, consider Apollo® PowerPress® and Apollo® SmartPress. These systems feature leak-before-press technology, helping ensure connections are correctly installed before pressure testing—reducing energy waste, callbacks, and maintenance. For larger diameters or high-demand applications, Shurjoint grooved systems deliver proven performance, speed of installation, and mechanical flexibility across a wide range of commercial and industrial projects.

3. maintenance and serviceability

Every system will require maintenance at some point. Designing a system that allows for easy access and repair can reduce downtime and the complexity of repairs. Consider how future maintenance can be simplified by selecting components that allow in-line servicing or modular replacements.

engineer’s insight: When selecting components, check their mean time to repair (MTTR) and design the system so that critical valves and joints are accessible without the need for major disassembly. This can significantly reduce downtime and labor costs over the lifecycle of the system.

piping systems maintenance

4. ensure compliance with safety standards

Meeting industry standards, especially in systems designed for fire protection or critical safety applications, should be non-negotiable. The entire system, from the smallest valve to the largest pipe, needs to be specified and installed with these regulations in mind.

engineer’s insight: Always cross-reference the relevant safety certifications and standards such as ASME, ISO, or NFPA early in the design phase. This not only ensures compliance but can prevent costly reworks if compliance issues are discovered later during construction or commissioning.

ASME logo

5. balancing pressure across the system

Balancing the pressure in a piping system is essential for optimizing performance and avoiding failures. Pressure fluctuations can lead to inefficiencies and even damage system components over time. Design with dynamic pressure adjustments in mind to maintain a stable and efficient operation.

engineer’s insight: Incorporate pressure decay testing during the commissioning phase to ensure that pressure remains balanced throughout the system. Installing slow-closing valves and pressure relief devices can help prevent water hammer and pressure surges that may damage system components.

6. choose materials wisely

The material selection for your piping system must be based on the specific environment in which it will be installed. Factors such as corrosion resistance, temperature tolerance, and compatibility with the fluids being transported should all be weighed carefully. The right materials can extend the life of your system and improve overall reliability.

engineer’s insight: Always conduct a fluid compatibility analysis. For example, in systems carrying chemicals or steam, consider stainless steel for its corrosion resistance, or opt for copper when designing potable water systems. Follow standards like ASME B31.3 to guide material selection based on specific industrial applications.

piping materials

7. plan for future growth

Commercial buildings are often modified and expanded over time. A well-designed piping system should be adaptable to these changes. Planning with future-proofing in mind will save costs and disruptions down the road, ensuring that the system can be expanded or modified with minimal impact.

engineer’s insight: Design in loops and install shutoff valves at key locations, allowing future sections of the piping network to be isolated and modified without disrupting the entire system. Additionally, oversize certain key sections of the system where future load increases are likely.

building growth

8. leverage digital tools for precision

Advanced digital tools, like Building Information Modeling (BIM), can streamline the design process and help avoid costly errors. These tools allow for more precise planning, better visualization of the system’s layout, and can ensure that all components fit together as intended. Utilizing specialized plug-ins, such as the Aalberts IPS Revit plug-in, can further enhance accuracy by providing access to a complete product portfolio for seamless system integration.

engineer’s insight: Consider using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models during the design phase to simulate how fluids will behave under various operating conditions. This can optimize pipe sizing, reduce turbulence, and ensure pressure losses are minimized, avoiding oversizing or undersizing components.

Aalberts IPS Revit plug-in

9. sustainability and environmental impact

As building designs move towards more sustainable solutions, piping systems must follow suit. Consider the long-term environmental impact of your choices, from the energy efficiency of the system to the materials used. A sustainable system is not only good for the environment but also for the building’s operational costs over its lifetime.

engineer’s insight: Specify insulated pipes for systems where temperature control is critical, such as chilled water or steam lines. This will reduce heat loss and the energy required to maintain temperature, contributing to both sustainability goals and lower operational costs.

10. holistic system design

Finally, think beyond individual parts. A truly effective piping system is more than the sum of its components. Consider how each element contributes to the overall performance and longevity of the system. A holistic approach will not only deliver better results but also reduce the chances of unforeseen issues during operation.

engineer’s insight: Conduct system-wide hydraulic modeling to assess performance under various operating conditions. This will help you understand how pressure, flow, and temperature interact within the system, allowing for better-informed design decisions that optimize performance and prevent bottlenecks or imbalances.

coordination drawings

conclusions

Effective commercial piping system design is not just about choosing the right components but about understanding how those components interact as part of a dynamic system. By considering these ten critical factors, engineers and contractors can design systems that are not only efficient and reliable but also adaptable to future demands, energy-efficient, and compliant with industry standards.

share this post

more news

send by email

optional
optional
optional

new website feature available now: my IPS

Streamline your projects effortlessly with my IPS. Save product lists, compile and customize comprehensive submittal packages, and download completed materials with just a few clicks—all within one powerful solution.

"required*" indicates required fields

for an account is required

PUBLICITY WAIVER AND RELEASE

Aalberts integrated piping systems Americas, Inc., a North Carolina corporation with offices located at 10715 Sikes Place, Suite 200, Charlotte, North Carolina (the “Company“), desires to use and publicize the name, likeness, and other personal characteristics and private information of the individual named below with a residence at the address set out below (“I” or “me“) for advertising, promotion, and other commercial and business purposes. In exchange for the intangible value I will gain by participating in Company’s publicity programs/a one-time payment in the amount of $0 and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which I hereby acknowledge, I give Company my permission for such use and publicity for such purposes, according to the terms and conditions set forth in this Publicity Waiver and Release (“Agreement“).

 I hereby irrevocably permit, authorize, grant, and license Company and its affiliates, successors, and assigns, [and their respective licensees, advertising agencies, promotion agencies, and fulfillment agencies,] and the employees, officers, directors, and agents of each and all of them (“Authorized Persons“), the rights to display, publicly perform, exhibit, transmit, broadcast, reproduce, record, photograph, digitize, modify, alter, edit, adapt, create derivative works, exploit, sell, rent, license, otherwise use, and permit others to use my name, image, likeness, and appearance, voice, professional and personal biographical information, signature and other personal characteristics and private information, and all materials created by or on behalf of Company that incorporate any of the foregoing (“Materials“) in perpetuity throughout the universe in any medium or format whatsoever now existing or hereafter created, including but not limited to, in and on magazines, brochures and other print publications, electronic, magnetic, and optical media, motion pictures, television broadcast, cablecast, and satellite, home video and video on demand, radio broadcasts, display, point-of-sale, and other advertising and promotional materials, press releases, the internet and other digital transmission or delivery methods, mobile applications, on any platform and for any purpose, including but not limited to advertising, public relations, publicity, packaging, and promotion of Company and its affiliates and their businesses, products, and services, without further consent from or royalty, payment, or other compensation to me.

Company shall be the exclusive owner of all rights, including copyright, in the Materials. I hereby irrevocably transfer, assign, and otherwise convey to Company my entire right, title, and interest, if any, in and to the Materials and all copyrights and other intellectual property rights in the Materials arising in any jurisdiction throughout the universe in perpetuity, including all registration, renewal, and reversion rights, and the right to sue to enforce such copyrights against infringers. I acknowledge and agree that I have no right to review or approve Materials before they are used by Company, and that Company has no liability to me for any editing or alteration of the Materials or for any distortion or other effects resulting from Company’s editing, alteration, or use of the Materials, or Company’s presentation of me. Any credit or other acknowledgment of me, if any, shall be determined by Company in Company’s sole discretion. Company has no obligation to create or use the Materials or to exercise any rights given by this Agreement.

To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, I hereby irrevocably waive all legal and equitable rights relating to all liabilities, claims, demands, actions, suits, damages, and expenses, including but not limited to claims for copyright or trademark infringement, infringement of moral rights, libel, defamation, invasion of any rights of privacy (including intrusion, false light, public disclosure of private facts, and misappropriation of name or likeness), violation of rights of publicity, physical or emotional injury or distress, or any similar claim or cause of action in tort, contract, or any other legal theory, now known or hereafter known in any jurisdiction throughout the world (collectively, “Claims“), arising directly or indirectly from the Authorized Persons’ exercise of their rights under this Agreement or the production, exhibition, exploitation, advertising, promotion, or other use of the Materials, and whether resulting in whole or in part from the negligence of Company or any other person, and I hereby covenant not to make or bring any such Claim against any Authorized Persons and forever release and discharge the Authorized Persons from liability under such Claims. I understand that Company is relying on this Agreement and will incur significant expense in reliance on this Agreement, and I agree that this Agreement cannot be terminated, rescinded, or modified, in whole or in part.

I represent and warrant to Company that I am at least 18 years of age, and I have full right, power, and authority to enter into this Agreement and grant the rights granted hereunder. I further represent and warrant to Company that I will provide only true and correct statements and other information in connection with this Agreement, and the Authorized Persons’ use of the Materials and the rights and license granted hereunder do not, and will not, violate any right (including without limitation copyright, trademark, trade secret, right to privacy, or right of publicity) of, or conflict with or violate any contract with or commitment made to, any person or entity, and that no consent or authorization from, or any payment to, any third party is required in connection herewith.

This Agreement constitutes the sole and entire agreement of the parties with respect to the subject matter contained herein and supersedes all prior and contemporaneous understandings, agreements, representations, and warranties, both written and oral, with respect to such subject matter. I have not relied on any statement, representation, warranty, or agreement of Company or of any other person on Company’s behalf, including any representations, warranties, or agreements arising from statute or otherwise in law, except for the representations, warranties, or agreements expressly contained in this Agreement. If any term or provision of this Agreement is invalid, illegal, or unenforceable in any jurisdiction, such invalidity, illegality, or unenforceability will not affect any other term or provision of this Agreement or invalidate or render unenforceable such term or provision in any other jurisdiction. Company may assign this Agreement and its rights hereunder, in whole or in part, to any party. This Agreement is binding on and inures to my benefit and the benefit of Company and our respective heirs, executors, administrators, legal representatives, successors, and permitted assigns. All matters arising out of or relating to this Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the internal laws of the State of North Carolina without giving effect to any choice or conflict of law provision or rule (whether of the State of North Carolina or any other jurisdiction). Any claim or cause of action arising under this Agreement may be brought only in the federal and state courts located in North Carolina, and I hereby irrevocably consent to the exclusive jurisdiction of such courts.

THIS AGREEMENT PROVIDES COMPANY WITH YOUR ABSOLUTE AND UNCONDITIONAL CONSENT, WAIVER, AND RELEASE OF LIABILITY, ALLOWING COMPANY TO PUBLICIZE AND COMMERCIALLY EXPLOIT YOUR NAME, LIKENESS, AND OTHER PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS AND PRIVATE INFORMATION AS SET OUT ABOVE. BY SIGNING, YOU ACKNOWLEDGE THAT YOU HAVE READ AND UNDERSTOOD ALL OF THE TERMS OF THIS AGREEMENT AND THAT YOU ARE GIVING UP SUBSTANTIAL LEGAL RIGHTS, INCLUDING THE RIGHT TO SUE COMPANY

by signing below I acknowledge that I have read and accept all terms and conditions in the Publicity Waiver and Release form and are authorizing an electronic signature as opposed to a written signature