Help needed. New plumbing design

[Jon O'Neill]

Hi, we are re-plumbing our entire house, old vented system, one pipe CH, to an unvented system, with 2 pipe CH.

I’d be keen to spend some time making the layout / design as efficient as possible, best places for drain offs, air release valves, pipe sizes etc etc

Are there any modern bits of software / apps, which semi automate this process, and also produce a materials list etc? I’m willing to learn the software.

In terms of AI, Chatgpt had the flow heading straight out the front door and not returning… and on closer look at the plan made absolutely no sense in general. But I’m sure some AI would work better.

Cheers

 

[Madrab]

Nah - there isn't any software I've ever comes across that can take the place of real world experience and know how for the domestic or DIY level. Mostly it's all for large design works being setup by engineers etc where material costs, tolerances and flows/pressures etc is absolutely critical.

Given the variety of our housing stock in the UK then software like that is way overkill and expensive, it can do all the basics, loading units, flow etc but in the end it's not cost effective, paper design work comes down to experience and knowing what may be achievable and what to use to get it there.

The thing to remember is there are basic design features and principles that should always try to be followed. Survey the outside mains - see what is available so it is known what is achievable. Learn to solder if you can't already.
Centralise the system where possible - try to maximise flow - be as efficient as possible by keeping runs as short & as direct as possible. Try to use as little plastic and small bore pipework where possible.