What is the water supply fixture unit value for a kitchen sink for the cold water branch?

In plumbing design, the water supply fixture unit (WSFU) value represents the probable demand that a particular fixture will place on a plumbing system. The value helps in sizing the water supply piping adequately to ensure effective and efficient water provision. For a kitchen sink, the WSFU value for the cold water branch is established at 1.0 according to the International Residential Code (IRC).

This standardized value has been derived from analysis of various plumbing fixtures and their usage patterns. A kitchen sink is a frequently utilized fixture, and the value of 1.0 accurately reflects its demand on a plumbing system, balancing both average and peak usage rates.

Knowing the correct WSFU value is crucial for plumbing system design because it helps engineers and plumbers calculate the needed pipe sizes and water supply capacities to prevent problems like low water pressure or inadequate flow during peak usage times. Thus, recognizing the value of 1.0 for a kitchen sink supports the overall functionality and reliability of the plumbing system in a residential setting.