The use of maths in plumbing.

A aptitude to maths is identified in plumbing at a very early stage.  The aptitude test that is taken as a criterion to identify a student entry-level before entering a plumbing course    However, a weakness in maths should not be a deterrent, because plumbers are not made in classrooms but out in the field.  Whatever the outcome of the test improvement can be made.  A student can develop numeracy skills with a little time and effect. The basic maths that are used when plumbing is not rocket science. This consist of measurements calculations and conversion. How is this done?   With a pencil tape measure and if required a calculator.  For some of the more complex calculations  i.e. pipe sizing and ventilation a formula is use.

Whether a plumber is formulating a work plan or working to the specifications in a drawing. Using maths to assist in the preparation of a plumbing installation adds precision and accuracy. This doesn’t require the skills of a mathematician just the basic understanding of measurements. This process becomes second nature to an experienced plumber that is repeatedly doing this kind of work.

To achieve numeric synchronicity throughout the plumbing industry metric measurements are used.  This allows the seamless transition of plumbing fittings when joining pipe.  Specifications in drawings are metric, this   eliminates the need for converting to any other format.

Copper pipework is installed before the 70s will probably be sized in imperial measurements – 1/2 inch, 3/4 inch, 1 inch, etc. The metric pipe is measured using the outer diameter; the idea of this is to unify all the fittings into a better standard of sizing. The new metric 15mm copper pipe used today is a close match to its predecessor the 1/2 inch and is rarely found in properties today.

Numbers can be a great analytic resource

The use of numbers is important they will help predict the outcome of a task before proceeding into the unknown. However, in general the mainstream use for numeracy in plumbing is addition division and on occasion multiplication.

By using a percentage as an analytic resource you can identify a direct correlation between the number of times a task has been carried out and the method used to achieve a successful result. The statistics from this can be used to predict the probability of success when used in plumbing.  It all makes sense because a plumber will most likely be able to resolve a repair that he or she as encountered in the past.    Maths and plumbing work well together, the use of figures can not only determine a precision fit. Put also create a detailed forecast on the time and cost allocated to complete a project.

When in-depth maths and calculations count

The groundwork that goes into major commercial projects is in-depth. Engineer’s use many of the same mathematic principles implemented within the domestic sector, but on a much larger scale. Before a major project enters into construction a comprehensive detail plan is formulated. This applies to high rise buildings, football stadiums and mega structures for example large ships.

The distribution of water through a complex commercial pipework infrastructure, is certainly challenging. The challenging simply being transforming a idea on paper in to a fully operational system, with no room for error. A commercial mistake will bring about a domino effect thronging out work schedules, budgets, and deadlines. To construct a fully functional watertight system of this magnitude involves in-depth planning that incorporates maths.

A mathematic formula is used to select adequate pipe size with regard to distribution of a specified flow rate. In addition to this if a combustible form of energy is used within a design, calculations to accommodate ventilation will be required.  On major plumbing projects, mistake are costly.  For this reason planning and is everything.  From the cinchonized layout of a work schedule to the length of a water distribution pipe, numbers and maths are very important.