School districts are consistently needing to update and redesign their campuses due to growing population density, aging infrastructure, and outdated systems. To accommodate students’ needs while adhering to limited budgets, new construction projects are often eclipsed by renovations that integrate new technologies and buildings with existing infrastructure. Building additions and annexes allow schools to make the most of their current resources by introducing new spaces and repurposing old facilities. While renovating the existing systems is efficient and cost effective, it’s critical to assess the existing plumbing infrastructure before construction and update the systems accordingly. This article outlines practical solutions and best practices for maintaining efficient, resilient, and sustainable plumbing systems in K-12 educational facilities.

Water Conservation & LEED Compliance Strategies

When an addition at a facility is built, a new water service is usually installed to serve both the new and original buildings. Major plumbing equipment in the original structure is often decommissioned, and all fixtures are then supplied by booster pumps and water heaters located in the new addition.

Adding new buildings increases impermeable surfaces on site, impacting the permeable-to-impermeable surface ratio. This change is driven by the building footprint along with the need for additional parking or play areas, which often replace grassy spaces. To maintain a healthy ratio, local municipalities typically require on-site stormwater detention to prevent overloading public stormwater systems and reduce the risk of flash flooding in nearby neighborhoods. Since stormwater is detained on-site, one might suggest reusing it to meet some of the school’s water needs. Rainwater harvesting, however, is not popular in the Midwest due to the high cost of treatment and the abundance of fresh water from the Great Lakes. Harvesting systems also require regular maintenance, which school building engineers are often unfamiliar with, given their limited use in the region. Additionally, ongoing chemical treatment of the water is necessary, requiring schools to allocate budget for these expenses.

Instead of rainwater harvesting, using municipal water sources combined with low-flow fixtures is the preferred approach to achieving LEED compliance in the Midwest. However, installing low-flow fixtures in older buildings presents challenges. In aging school facilities, where sanitary piping may be past its useful life, low-flow fixtures can lead to frequent clogs. Replacing old piping with new runs can help, but this significantly increases project costs. The issue often lies not with the local fixture piping, which gets replaced along with the fixture, but with long horizontal runs that may have inadequate slope due to building settlement, corrosion, or other environmental factors. These runs typically lie underground beneath finished floors, making replacements very expensive.

This is where smart building layout becomes critical. Vertically stacking bathrooms between floors increases drainage flow velocity. Similarly, designing the building with multiple straight sanitary runs to the municipal system, rather than relying on a single service line, can simplify the internal drainage system. Multiple service lines allow for straighter runs with fewer elbows, reducing the risk of clogs. Placing the sanitary main near single-use restrooms can improve drainage performance by boosting flow and helping move waste more effectively instead of relying solely on a single flush valve. Additionally, designing the piping layout to avoid running beneath equipment or areas where future excavation would be difficult is crucial for long-term maintenance.

Maintenance & Facility Management

Training end users on proper use of low-flow fixtures is essential for the long-term life of these plumbing systems. Flushing sanitary wipes, which are commonly used in early childhood programs and for assisting special needs students, can be problematic. Even when labeled “flushable,” these wipes can severely damage the drainage system. Another common hazard is janitorial staff flushing floor wax into mop basins. When wax is poured down drains, it coats the pipes and solidifies, eventually causing complete blockages that are extremely difficult to remove and may require full pipe replacement. Proper staff training on disposal practices can reduce maintenance downtime and help avoid costly repairs in a pipe system with low-flow fixtures.

Vandalism is another unfortunate challenge faced with K-12 plumbing. To enhance vandal resistance, schools should use stainless steel fixtures and tamper-resistant faucets that withstand heavy use and intentional damage, reducing long-term maintenance costs. Vandal-resistant drinking fountains, designed with concealed or recessed spouts and durable housings, help prevent tampering and ensure reliable hydration access. Adding vandal-proof screws to all floor drains further protects against unauthorized removal and potential misuse. Aesthetic options like Enviro-Glaze coatings provide impact-resistant finishes in various colors, allowing schools to maintain both durability and visual appeal in high-traffic restroom areas.

Advanced leak detection technologies help K–12 schools conserve water and prevent costly property damage by identifying plumbing issues early. Acoustic sensors and listening devices detect the sound of escaping water, especially in hidden or underground pipes, while infrared thermography reveals temperature changes in walls and floors that may indicate leaks. Pressure testing equipment monitors for drops in pipe pressure, and gas injection methods use non-toxic gases like hydrogen or nitrogen to pinpoint leaks through surface detection. These detection methods can be used if a leak cannot be pinpointed by standard practices. Smart leak detection systems are especially valuable, offering real-time monitoring of water flow, pressure, and temperature. These systems can automatically alert maintenance personnel at the first sign of a leak, enabling rapid response to prevent further damage and disruption.

By prioritizing thoughtful design, proactive maintenance, and ongoing education for both staff and students, school districts can ensure their plumbing systems support safe, sustainable, and adaptable learning environments for years to come. As K-12 buildings continue to evolve, integrating best practices in plumbing infrastructure will not only extend the lifespan of existing facilities but also lay the groundwork for future innovation and resilience, an investment that will benefit both current and future generations.