Rule of thumb · MechanicalNº 18 / 96
Keep water at 1–2.5 m/s
Size pipes so water flows between about 1 and 2.5 m/s.
Why it works
Slower and sediment settles; faster and you get erosion, noise and water hammer. Pump suction lines sit at the low end.
Do it exactly
Estimate with the rule, then check it against the calculator that models it properly.
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