The Plumbing Code allows for the worst
possible case. That is, with bends in the gutter and DP at the end.
For all other cases, this method will achieve significant cost savings.
It is based on formula derived by the CSIRO:-
CLICK HERE
Generate a pdf file for your records.
Shows calculation steps and Code references. Allows insertion of Job numbers, Descriptions, etc.
Designed for printing out on your own letterhead. Also includes the 'Extra features;
CLICK to Activate view a typical template (HTML)
Semi circular eaves gutters are more efficient than rectangular ones.
The code also requires a 10mm freeboard. Activating the "More Down Pipes" function will allow you to calculate the resultant diameter.
These programs can be activated on more than one computer for the same price.
Referrals.
I often get asked if I know someone in a certain location who can help with hydraulic problems/design work,
and as I no longer do design work, I'm happy to pass on the name and email address of anyone who purchases the "Activate all programs" option.
So if you would like me to pass on your details, please add your area of expertise, ie Hydraulic designer,
Architect, Building designer, Engineer, Plumber, etc. and your location, in the area of PayPal marked
"Special Instructions/Add referral instructions to the seller". I can then give your email address to anyone looking for that profession in your area.
The "Start with a Downpipe size" function
This allows the calculation of Circular Diameters not listed,
the calculation of Rectangular Downpipes, and Semi-circular eaves gutters.
This gives the opportunity to enter a downpipe size that is not on the list.
There are plenty of these. Different manufacturers have different sizes. There are metal and there are PVC Pipes.
There are Storm water pipes, and there are Drain waste vent pipes (DWV). In the bigger sizes there are a whole lot more materials to choose from.
You may even want to enter the exact internal dimensions of the chosen pipe, instead of accepting the 'Nominal' diameters
of the pipes in the program. For example a 150 nominal diameter (150DN) PVC stormwater pipe is actually 154.5 mm internal diameter, and a 90DN is about 95
internal diameter.
Slightly bigger. Carries more water. This may reduce the number of downpipes in some cases.
For rectangular downpipes it doesn't matter which is side 1 or side 2.
A semi-circular eaves gutter section is more efficient than a rectangular section.
Also the Code requires a 10mm freeboard. This can either be a vertical rise of 10mm, which makes folding harder,
and may not look as good as continuing the circular arc.
This method gives the resulting diameter by continuing the circular arc to achieve the necessary 10mm freeboard.
Valley Gutters
Well its in the Code so I've included it here just for fun.
Admittedly it is an interesting method of calculation, with many limitations, but hey, that's the plumbing Code.
Valley Gutters and Downpipe location
The plumbing Code requires valley gutters to be at a high point of the eaves gutter.
The National Construction Code Vol2 suggests that a DP should be as close as possible to a valley gutter.
So is this a rock and a hard place or what?
Lets take a closer look. A valley gutter normally enters the eaves gutter at a bend.
So when water comes tearing down the valley gutter it may split in two when hitting the eaves gutter
with a proportion of the flow going in each direction around the bend.
If this is not a high point, there may be existing flow going through the bend.
The valley gutter will increase the flow leaving the bend, and impede (or stop) the flow coming into the bend.
Which is not good.
So giving the eaves gutter a high point at this location makes sense. Enabling the flow to go in both directions unimpeded.
Alternatevly the entry of the valley gutter to the eaves gutter can be made a low point, and drain to a box gutter type rain water head.
This would also satisify the "close as possible" rule for class 1 dwellings.
The Calculation and results file for your records.
This program has more functions than just printing the Calculations and Code references.
It will tell you if there is a smaller DP available than the one you have selected.
It will advise if you have gone outside of the Code tables or graph by stating that the result has been "extrapolated".
Table 3.5.2 in the code only allows for standard down pipe sizes. There are no in-between sizes.
However if you choose the "More Down Pipes" function the in-between size is shown as "interpolated".
You are free to choose this, The table size, or use your own preferred size.
All these sizes are shown in the resultant PDF file.
On pressing the generate button, you are taken to the next page that allows you to add your Job numbers, Descriptions, Client Names,
your own Name and address etc. Up to 14 text fields can be inserted. These fields are optional, and will disappear if nothing is entered.
After entering any relevant data, the next screen gives you a look at the final output before the PDF is generated.
If something is not to your liking you can go back to any screen as many times as you want and change something.
The PDF file is arranged with very wide margins that hopefully will allow printing out on your own letterhead.
There is also no colour or internet references.
There is also no limit on the number of different PDF files that can be created in the allotted time.
The PDF file shows the calculation steps, the results, summary, and Code references.
This file is ideal for your records, submission to the Local Authority, client, Builder, Architect, etc.
(even a court of Law, but hopefully you won't find yourself in that situation).
But wait ...there's more...You can also have a warm inner glow, knowing that you have a backup copy of the calculations on your files.
There are no special downloads or passwords or login required. A cookie is placed on your computer which remembers your details.
This saves the hassell of logging in each time you use the program.
However should the cookie be lost, or you wish to activate on more computers, you can place the cookie manually.
Refer to the Login menu for how to do this.
The extra features will now work for the allotted time.
The time remaining is also depicted unobtrusively in the top left hand corner.
P.S. Any text you add is not stored or used in any way, and is lost on exiting the browser.
Activating this feature also activates all the Extra features functions.
However the valley gutter function is not included in the printout, as it requires a different catchment area.
The "More Down pipes", function is included in the results PDF file.
There is now the ability to activate the programs on all of your office computers for the same price.
If all else fails there is still the ability to donate
Info:
The program is based on the Australian Plumbing Code, but can be used for anywhere in the world where water is
still wet and flows downhill. The physics of water flow does not change. Well.. not enough to have any significant effect on our sizes.
The changes relate to viscosity, and gravity changes. (So don't use this program in outer space.)
Therefore the only change required to operate the program for locations outside of Australia is the required design rainfall intensity for your local area.
This is normally stated in your local Plumbing/building Code in terms of the frequency and duration of the design storm.
For instance, the International Plumbing Code, and the Uniform Plumbing Code, both require a storm frequency of once in 100 years, and a duration of 1 hour,
for all catchments.
By the way, this happens to be far less than the Australian requirements, and is roughly equivalent to an 'once in 1 year' storm, of 5 min duration
in Australia.
Check it out here.
Instructions:
Enter data, press 'calculate' or the enter key when the cursor is blinking in any box.
You may also move between the boxes by using the 'tab' and 'shift+tab' key.
Note: Entering data will clear all previously calculated results. This is to prevent you from accidentally using the wrong results,
and forces you to recalculate with the new data.
The program will calculate the total number downpipes required, in each DP size range, for the catchment area entered,
and the recommended eaves gutter cross sectional area for the relevant downpipe size.
It is recommended that all downpipes on a project are the same size, so if you prefer 100 dia downpipes, the calculator will tell you how many 100 dia DP's you need.
Conversely if you can fit only say 2 downpipes, then the program will tell you what size you need.
To mix and match sizes, split the roof into different catchments for each size.
However, it is important when using this method, that all downpipes have a similar catchment area. Or the ability to share the flow.
If this is not the case, it may be necessary to split the catchments, or calculate each downpipe catchment area individually.
Roof Catchment Area:
The roof catchment area (watch video on how to calculate from a PDF plan) is the plan area as shown on the drawings. Entering the roof slope in the next box makes the necessary adjustments for a sloping roof.
Roof Slope:
Enter the roof slope in degrees. Note: if your roof slope is shown as a percentage, or
of the form 1 in ?, (Vertical:Horizontal) then use the 'conversion calculator' shown below.
Roof Slopes for combined Roofs
If the roof has multiple slopes, ie a steep slope draining to a flatter slope (or visa versa), the slope to use is the average slope.
Take the plan length from ridge to gutter, divide by the total fall, this will give the 'x' in terms of the roof slope being '1 in x'. Enter the 'x'
in the conversion calculator to get degrees.
'Degrees' must be used for the 'roof slope' box.
For the 'Conversion calculator', enter in one box and the answer will appear in the relevant other. More info on how the roof slope affects the catchment area.
Intensity:
Click the drop down box to enter a location. This sets the rainfall intensity for that town. If your location is not on the list, refer below on how to find, and add your own intensity,
Click the check box if the eaves gutter slope is steeper than 1:500 (eg 1:200).
Press 'calculate' (or 'enter') to obtain the required number of downpipes and eaves
gutter cross sectional area. You may also move between the boxes by using the 'tab' and 'shift+tab' key.
Effective Area of Gutters:
The Gutter area shown in the program is the "effective" cross sectional Area.
Clause 3.5.4 in the Australian Plumbing Code dictates that the 'Effective' Gutter Cross Sectional Area shall be taken as
the area beneath a line not less than 10 mm below the overflow, e.g., front bead, gutter back or bottom of
overflow slots.
This should be taken into account when the Manufacturer quotes the "Effective" area.
If folding your own gutter, add 10mm freeboard to the suggested depth shown.
The eaves gutter cross sectional area is calculated on the flow in the gutter. That is, the total catchment flow divided by the actual number of downpipes
used. Therefore if a 90 diameter downpipe is sufficient and a 150 or greater diameter is used, the gutter area will remain the same,
as the flow in the gutter will not change by using a larger down pipe.
Eaves Gutters, width, depth and effective area: For sizing eaves gutters, the most efficient (and desirable) cross section, is width = twice the depth.
The plumbing code assumes this in these calculations, so don't vary too much from this criteria.
The width and depth values shown in the table above are for the "effective area" and are rounded
up to the nearest 5mm. These values are only shown to give an idea of the size
of the gutter, and are not to be used as the actual dimensions.
The actual size will depend on whether the downpipe will fit, and where the overflow is - front, back, or slots.
(Refer "Effective Area" above.), and 10mm freeboard is required to be added to the depth shown.
Pick a standard gutter that the Manufacturer's quoted "effective" area is equal to, or greater than that shown in the program.
'Number of DP's Req'd', and, 'Number of DP's Used':
The number of downpipes required is the theoretical number. This may not be a whole number, eg 3.5,
Not very practical using 1/2 a down pipe, so the number is rounded up to the next whole number.
If using your own DP dia, or a rectangular downpipe, the object is to get the number of DP's required, as close as possible to
a whole number.
Down Pipe size not listed
A few of the uncommon pipe sizes are not listed, eg sizes smaller than 90mm, 125mm dia etc. However any size can
be calculated by entering the diameter into the "Any circular DP dia" box.
Rectangular Downpipes:
Enter your chosen dimensions in the box given. It doesn't matter which is side1 or side2.
Play with the dimensions until you get the number of DP's you require (or the required gutter area).
It doesn't matter what dimensions you enter, the printout will tell you the size referred to in table 3.5.2 of the Plumbing code.
You are then free to go back and change to this size, or use your preferred size. Either way your DP will either be equal to, or greater
than, the code requirements.
START WITH A GUTTER SIZE:
You can either choose a gutter from the drop down list, or enter an "effective area" directly in the table.
If you choose from the list, the selected gutter and profile will be shown in the results printout, otherwise only the area will be shown.
Commercial gutters are made in standard sizes and shapes.
An Architect may like the look of a particular gutter and specify that.
So the designer must then find the most economical number of, and size of, downpipe to fit the specified gutter.
This is working back the other way from the free version of the program, which allows the designer to select the number and size of downpipes
first, and then find the gutter size that suits.
However for those of us that prefer to work back the other way this program is provided.
The manufacturers catalogue will give the "effective gutter area" of each of their standard gutters.
Enter this figure in the gutter area box, or select a gutter from the optional drop down list, then press calculate.
The results don't seem to make much sense at first glance, so let's see what is happening:-
We obviously need a whole number of downpipes to service the gutter. Standard Downpipes can increase in diameter by as much as 50%.
So one number (n) of DP's may be not enough, and the next number (n+1) may be too many.
Looking at it another way, let's say the chosen gutter can handle 2 L/s; but there is 7L/s draining to the gutter.
If we split the gutter into 3 equal catchment areas (ie using 3 DP's), each will have 7/3 = 2.3L/s flowing into the DP and also flowing along
that stretch of gutter. This flow is too much, as the gutter can only take 2L/s. Therefore we need a larger gutter, or more DP's.
If we split the gutter into 4 equal catchment areas (one more DP) we have 7/4 = 1.75L/s flowing along the gutter. However the gutter can handle
2 L/s therefore we can use a smaller gutter. This is why the "gutter area for this flow" result in the program is smaller than the chosen gutter.
Either way, in this example, we must use at least 4 downpipes . The most economical downpipe size to use is the "theoretical size" shown.
This size can handle approximately the same flow that is flowing along the gutter.
Note: the flow along the gutter is not necessarily the gutter capacity.
To utilise the full gutter capacity would require a non whole number of downpipes.
For instance, the example above would require somewhere between 3 and 4 down pipes. (three is not enough, and 4 is too many)
However another solution is to use different size downpipes.
One size to suit the chosen gutter size, and one size to suit any left over areas.
For instance, the maximum catchment area for the chosen gutter has been calculated. Entering this area in the main entry fields will give
the required DP size for this catchment area. Divide the main roof into catchments of this size, and any left over area can be entered
again to find a down pipe size for this smaller area.
The answers for downpipe size are in mm. The program will calculate the most suitable circular, and rectangular downpipe sizes.
The option to select the downpipe size to be used, is only necessary if you require a printout of the results. The size entered here has no effect on the
capacity of the gutter. The eaves gutter capacity depends solely on the gutter area and the slope.
The printout program needs to know what size is required. For example, any size can be selected as long as it is greater than the "Code" size.
Flat Roofs and Surfaces
This function uses two formulas, the weir and the orifice formula. The formula that gives the biggest size is adopted.
The weir formula is taken from the Plumbing Code AS/NZS 3500.3-2021 clause 5.4.10.1. With the exception, the constant 1600 is changed to
1522. This agrees more closely with commercial rain water outlet grates when flowing under weir flow.
The orifice formula is taken from the Q'ld Urban Design Manual (QUDM) formula 7.5. with the following exceptions:-
The pressure loss coefficient is changed from 2.75 to 11.1. This has the effect of reducing the capacity by approximately 50%.
The formula in QUDM is designed for field inlets and not roof outlets. Roof rain water outlets (RWO's) are much smaller
and seem to have a greater resistance to the flow.
This change gives results more consistent with commercial rain water outlets such as the Wade type 100dia.
Also commercial rain water outlets come complete with an outlet pipe size, either vertical or horizontal. This also affects the capacity when
the grate enters the orifice phase, as there are now two orifices to contend with.
This formula used on this site does not take this interaction into account.
This has the effect of reducing the grate diameter and increasing the downpipe size in some instances.
In other words, if you see the formula used is "orifice", then a commercial Rain water outlet (RWO) may have a smaller outlet and a larger grate that will pass the same flow.
Also the clear grate area used in the formula is assumed to be half the total area. This can vary substantially between manufacturers, and grate type.
So after all that, there are so many variables and assumptions, that these answers give only a general idea of sizes and where to start looking
for a commercial RWO.
Both these formulas make assumptions as to the head loss coefficients and discharge coefficients. These depend on the grate configuration etc.
If in doubt, or the numbers look weird, please adopt the Manufacturers recommendations as to the outlet capacity.
The formulas also assume that the flow can enter the outlet from all sides. If a square outlet is against a wall, only 3 sides will accept the flow
under weir flow conditions. Therefore the user should calculate the perimeter of the square outlet given, and use that length over 3 sides instead of 4.
The Area to be drained is not the area of the entire roof, just the area draining to the particular outlet with no significant roof slope.
Ponding Depth A Flat roof normally has high and low points. The maximum depth of ponding will be the difference between these heights
for the catchment in question.
However this may not be the appropriate value to use. Consideration should be given to the usability of the roof. For instance, if it is a habitable roof,
or a car park, think about how much water pedestrians may have to walk through.
The blockage factor suggested in the Code is 0.5. That is, allow for 50% blockage if the area is subject to leaves, debris etc.
However the Code formula is confusing because a blockage factor of 0.8 (80%) means that the capacity of the inlet is 80% of the unblocked value.
That is the capacity is reduced by 20%. Meaning the grate is blocked by 20%, not 80%.
In an effort to avoid this confusion I have used the term Percentage blocked instead. So if a grate is 80% blocked, it means that its capacity
is only 20% of the unblocked value.
If nothing is entered for the Percentage blocked, the default 0% is used. That is, no blockage is allowed for.
The Graded Outlet Pipe Size is calculated for a graded pipe of slope 1 in 150, this will give a slightly larger pipe
to allow for entry and exit losses.
The constructed pipe grade should be as per the code.
This size for a graded pipe should really only be used when there is no vertical pipe involved, as this pipe is calculated as flowing full,
whereas a down pipe is not flowing full. If this size is smaller than the downpipe size, the program will increase it to the downpipe size.
The vertical downpipe size is calculated using the same formulas as mentioned above, only without obstructions due to grates and blockage,
and with an extra head of 30mm.
This may produce sizes that are subject to siphonic action. The calculator using the British/European standard should give sizes that prevent this.
Also as mentioned above, if you see the formula used is "orifice", then a commercial Rain water outlet (RWO) may have a smaller outlet
and a larger grate that will pass the same flow.
Further reading. If you wish to know all there is to know about roof outlets, Wade have produced a very good document here
Galvin Roof Outlets
It is the users responsibility to ensure the program is suitable for the purpose intended and that all data is entered correctly
as required by the program and the associated instructions. Copyright Ken Sutherland 2024 donations gratefully accepted
