Utilities Accessories

[Kleen]

Hi Everyone.

I'm looking to know some basic ( but important ) info about the following laundromat utility accesories:( what's common, what's better,what's usual..)

Pipes for Water supply - Cold and hot
Water supply Valves for Cold and Hot inlets
Water pressure regulators
Water meters ( quantity)
Drain pipes ( hot water)
Gas Pipes
Gas Hoses
Gas Supply valves ( shut off)
Any device to check inlet gas pressure ?

Thx Kindly

[Kleen]

Any kind soul around ? /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif

I'll appreciatte it..

[RWSmith]

I would be glad to help.
But, I'm not sure what kind of information you are looking for?

[Duane]

Kleen,

I also am not sure what you are asking for, but....

Incoming water size is determined by your equipment mix and number of machines. 1.5 inch line for a small mat with mostly HE machines. 2 - 2.5 inch water lines for larger mats and bigger machines. If you have a 1.5 inch supply line, you can run 2" lines inside the store to give a little more volume.

Water meter is usually supplied by your water company. Costs vary with size. Check your costs, it may be too expensive to go with a larger meter. Using larger inside lines and a holding tank (see below) you may save a lot by using a smaller meter.

Chances are you will need to install a back flow preventer. Can cost between $500 and $1200 (installed) depending on your line size. It should also be tested yearly.

A regulator will only be needed if you have extremely high pressure. Check with your water company and ask what the pressure is maintained at, then check your manufactures recommended pressure. Install a regulator if necessary.

Sometimes you can use a smaller line for a larger mat if you install a holding tank with a pump. During high demands for water you can tank from the holding tank and it can refill during slow times. Keeps the machine fill times fast.

Inside supply pipes can be copper (hot or cold) or Plastic (CPVC hot and PVC cold - both sched 80). Size is determined by your equipment mix and number of machines.

Use ball valves on everything. Install shutoff valves everywhere to isolate each bulk head, each machine, water heater, pumps, etc. It makes it very easy to replace a pump if you can shut off two valves, change pump and then open the valves up again.

Use water hammer arrestors on both hot and cold lines at the end of each bulk head.

Drain lines will work for both hot and cold water. Usually a 4 inch drain for smaller mats or a 6 " drain for larger mats. Make sure you place several clean outs in strategic locations so you can easily clean all of your drain lines when needed. Floor drains are also important for collecting water in case of a water line break or washer malfunction.

Gas lines. Use ball valves, one for each piece of equipment. You can use flex hookup lines, but I prefer to use black pipe.

Gas pressure gages can be purchased at Grainger.com. You may not need one unless you suspect problems.

You will probably also need to upgrade your electric. Your larger machines will probably need 3 phase electric. Make sure 3 phase is available in your area. I have a 450 amp 3 phase Wye main panel with 4 sub panels and around 100 circuits. Each piece of equipment should be on its own circuit with a proper ground back to the panel. Label each outlet, junction box and breaker with the proper piece of equipment that it controls.

All the above will be regulated by your local code. Your distributor should be able to give you the necessary sizes for each item and your contractor can provide you with rough drawings for your permit. Make sure you get your permits before starting work, it is much easier and cheaper to make changes on paper than it is during inspections.

Duane.

www.LMARIES.com (http://www.LMARIES.com)

[Kleen]

Thanks a lot Duane, you got it perfectly right. Very helpful info as usual , even more when I'm planning to start up from scratch.



By the way I want to thank RW also for the good intentions.

Warm Regards.

[petefritz]

in most municipalities you will have to submit plans for the equipment, and your distrib has the software to fit your equpment and specify electric, plumbing, and gas needs.
You will be told what need to be done to install the equipment, and in hindsight, is very little in the overall cost of your new mat. Don't sweat the details, they will make you sweat enough.. wait for the specs, do not speculate!

[Kleen]

Thx.

Well your statement is definetely true. I'm just taking the info to increase my very basic knowledge about that issue. I guess that is good to know in advance so in that way you gonna understand much better what their're talking about when the moment comes.

I know for sure that there are specs, codesand requirements for every particular place. We must wait to do things right.

Thx. Comment appreciatted.