High-performance plumbing, no surprises on site

Location

Palo Alto, CA

Scope

New construction

We combine AI modeling with hands-on experience to deliver engineering plans that are accurate, buildable, and easy to inspect.

Summary
Summary
Summary

A comprehensive plumbing strategy sized for the peak demands of a luxury custom home. Engineered for long hot-water runs, efficient recirculation, and reliable pressure from meter to fixtures.

Challenges
Challenges
Challenges

• Designing a high-performance plumbing system to serve a gourmet kitchen, multiple bathrooms with luxury fixtures, and an outdoor spa while maintaining perfect water pressure.

• Ensuring long-term drainage for the main house and JADU through a gravity-fed sanitary network with limited fall.

Approach
Approach
Approach

Great plumbing engineering is invisible. Our approach started with full fixture-unit counts and meter-to-fixture pressure loss calculations so the service, trunk, and branches stay within target velocities and hold pressure at peak demand. We focused on near-zero pressure loss from the curb to the farthest fixture, set main sizes and loop geometry to minimize equivalent length, placed balancing valves where they add value, and verified that static plus residual pressure meets fixture requirements at upper floors and long runs.

We modeled hot-water loops to cut wait time and waste, sized the recirculation pump and piping for comfort, and used demand or thermostatic control with check and mixing valves plus insulated supply and return. The heat pump water heater is right sized for first-hour demand with a neutralized condensate and approved drain path. Water hammer arrestors are at fast-closing fixtures and expansion control is included where required by the AHJ. Cleanouts are located at stack bases, at directional changes, and as a two-way at the property line for simple service. Roof penetrations are grouped out of primary sightlines and vent offsets and terminations align with the clerestory and roof geometry. The accessory suite uses a separate, code-sized sanitary lateral with minimal trenching; where a dedicated lateral is not allowed, the tie-in includes backwater protection and independent cleanouts. Slopes, materials, trap primers, sleeves at slabs, and crossings at shear walls are all coordinated so installation is straightforward and inspection is predictable.

Outcomes

Performance

Consistent pressure at peak use

Build Efficiency

Stacked risers and cleanouts reduced field reroutes

User Experience

Faster hot water at distant fixtures with recirculation

Inspection

Clear path through final review