How do you calculate the water supply demand for fixtures?

The calculation of water supply demand for fixtures is primarily based on established demand factors, which are outlined in the Georgia Plumbing Code. This code provides specific guidelines and formulas that consider the type and quantity of plumbing fixtures, which helps in determining the expected water demand for a building. These demand factors are derived from statistical data and past performance, ensuring that plumbing systems are designed to handle the anticipated needs without being oversized, leading to wasteful water use and unnecessary costs.

While manufacturer specifications can provide useful information regarding the capabilities of specific fixtures, they do not offer a standardized approach for calculating overall supply demand across various fixtures. Standard flow rates may serve as a reference for individual fixtures, but they do not account for the collective impact of multiple fixtures or their usage patterns in real-world scenarios. Trial and error methods, while occasionally used, are inefficient and unreliable compared to the systematic approach provided by the Georgia Plumbing Code, which is rooted in research and practical application. Thus, relying on the demand factors specified in the code leads to a more effective and reliable calculation of water supply needs.