Well-read and eagerly anticipated by all Plumbing Engineer readers, our columns are authored by experts in their respective fields. The columns on this page are updated each month, so check back often.

DESIGNER'S GUIDE

Maui water
Whenever I travel, which isn’t often these days, I am always fascinated to learn of the local water supply in the area I visit. In some cases the story is not so interesting, such as urban environments with predictable, generous rainfall and nearby supply sources. However, a recent vacation to Maui ... >> More

FPE CORNER

Reviewing Norman J. Thompson’s work on fire and sprinklers
Fire Behavior and Sprinklers by Norman J. Thompson was first published by the National Fire Protection Association in 1964. I consider my copy to be one of the most valued texts in my library. Thompson retired in 1959 as director of the Engineering Division of the Associated Factory Mutual ... >> More

SOLAR SOLUTIONS

Expansion tanks in combisystems
The success of any solar hydronic home heating installation depends on the often-conflicting balance between any of these six principles. Finding the balance between them defines the art of solar heating design. A piping diagram for a typical solar combisystem ... >> More

SUSTAINABLE DESIGN

Water efficiency makes a world of difference
Sometimes plumbing engineers forget why water efficiency is important. Since we work with water every day when designing building plumbing systems, we can lose track of how important water is to our health and the environment. We can forget how simple improvements in designs can make a world of difference. ...  >> More