John Lansing
@pipedreaming.bsky.social
Plumbing, building codes, engineering design guides, water and nutrient cycle, architecture, embodied carbon, development, cities, and the international variations of them all
Yes!
The standard commercial bathroom in the UK features a water closet with a tank concealed under a removable shelf.
January 14, 2026 at 7:57 PM
Yes!
The shower valves in Europe are usually exposed and can be easily replaced without undertaking anything resembling a construction project.
How to replace a bar mixer shower… Easy DIY Job #plumbing #asmr #diy
YouTube video by M J Tiff Plumbing
m.youtube.com
January 14, 2026 at 6:35 AM
The shower valves in Europe are usually exposed and can be easily replaced without undertaking anything resembling a construction project.
I screenshotted this map right in the middle of a cool animation and I missed Japan in the process. Sorry everyone!
January 12, 2026 at 9:16 PM
I screenshotted this map right in the middle of a cool animation and I missed Japan in the process. Sorry everyone!
There are unfortunately dozens if not hundreds more methods, rules, and requirements that look all too similar to this map making buildings here more expensive, with worse quality/performance, owing to asymmetric literature review and a broader parochial approach to building code development.
Very rarely in the building codes/ standards world will you see a map with this stark of a contrast.
January 12, 2026 at 6:42 PM
There are unfortunately dozens if not hundreds more methods, rules, and requirements that look all too similar to this map making buildings here more expensive, with worse quality/performance, owing to asymmetric literature review and a broader parochial approach to building code development.
@uytaelee.bsky.social videos are always fascinating to watch and incredibly well crafted. The Elevator Report referenced throughout can be found here and is a very accessible read: admin.centerforbuilding.org/wp-content/u...
admin.centerforbuilding.org
January 12, 2026 at 6:31 PM
@uytaelee.bsky.social videos are always fascinating to watch and incredibly well crafted. The Elevator Report referenced throughout can be found here and is a very accessible read: admin.centerforbuilding.org/wp-content/u...
I suspect the AI slop was attempting to redraw this image (incorrect terminology shown here but no technical issues asides from the super small lavatory drain).
January 11, 2026 at 10:34 PM
I suspect the AI slop was attempting to redraw this image (incorrect terminology shown here but no technical issues asides from the super small lavatory drain).
It also looks like the HW supply is mixing with CW at the WC? 🤦🏻♂️
January 11, 2026 at 10:30 PM
It also looks like the HW supply is mixing with CW at the WC? 🤦🏻♂️
The sanitary drainage is even worse. There are 3 drainage connections to the tub, 2 installed downstream of the trap and the drainage from the lavatory is draining towards the tub (or the fitting is backwards). There’s a tiny 2 inch connection to the WC into the 1/4 bend. Zero drawing perspective.
January 11, 2026 at 10:29 PM
The sanitary drainage is even worse. There are 3 drainage connections to the tub, 2 installed downstream of the trap and the drainage from the lavatory is draining towards the tub (or the fitting is backwards). There’s a tiny 2 inch connection to the WC into the 1/4 bend. Zero drawing perspective.
Let’s start with the water supply. The hot water from the lavatory is running to the shower thru the tub faucet supply while the HW/CW supplying the shower doesn’t go anywhere.
January 11, 2026 at 10:29 PM
Let’s start with the water supply. The hot water from the lavatory is running to the shower thru the tub faucet supply while the HW/CW supplying the shower doesn’t go anywhere.
The Portland Loos require sewer and water supply connections. They also can’t get installed without non-standard modifications in order to comply with the NYC plumbing code, which drives up the cost. 🫠
January 11, 2026 at 8:30 AM
The Portland Loos require sewer and water supply connections. They also can’t get installed without non-standard modifications in order to comply with the NYC plumbing code, which drives up the cost. 🫠
I wonder how these compare cost-wise. They’re essentially the same thing but way nicer looking with some added tech for access control and maintenance (sewage holding tank and water supply tank needs to be serviced in both).
If you're not familiar with Throne, they look kind of like this stock photo. You need a phone to get in, and I think you have 10 minutes.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Throne_...
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Throne_...
January 11, 2026 at 8:24 AM
I wonder how these compare cost-wise. They’re essentially the same thing but way nicer looking with some added tech for access control and maintenance (sewage holding tank and water supply tank needs to be serviced in both).
I agree, they don’t look great at all but it does get the job done and they’re very common already.
January 11, 2026 at 8:19 AM
I agree, they don’t look great at all but it does get the job done and they’re very common already.
These have water supply and sewer connections and it would be tough to hit the <$170k/restroom budget with those.
January 11, 2026 at 8:17 AM
These have water supply and sewer connections and it would be tough to hit the <$170k/restroom budget with those.
That will get around this weird 1881 plumbing code requirement that still exists in NYC for some reason and has been strictly enforced even on public restrooms.
For context, one of the major plumbing code issues that needed to get resolved for the NYC modification was the local requirement for a massive 4 inch vent for the sanitary drainage piping through the roof. This requirement was introduced in 1881 to prevent snow from blocking the opening.
January 11, 2026 at 8:00 AM
That will get around this weird 1881 plumbing code requirement that still exists in NYC for some reason and has been strictly enforced even on public restrooms.
Something like this, which can be fitted with an accessible ramp.
January 11, 2026 at 7:56 AM
Something like this, which can be fitted with an accessible ramp.
Absolutely. Circulation systems are essential for larger buildings or homes where the water heating system is supplying water to multiple bathrooms. For 1 to 2 bathroom dwellings with centrally located plumbing fixtures, the installation in the images is the most efficient approach.
January 10, 2026 at 8:42 PM
Absolutely. Circulation systems are essential for larger buildings or homes where the water heating system is supplying water to multiple bathrooms. For 1 to 2 bathroom dwellings with centrally located plumbing fixtures, the installation in the images is the most efficient approach.
The best solution is a small, high temperature tank (140°F/60°C) with a distribution mixing valve at the tank, which is located near the bathroom (short distance to fixtures).
January 9, 2026 at 11:48 PM
The best solution is a small, high temperature tank (140°F/60°C) with a distribution mixing valve at the tank, which is located near the bathroom (short distance to fixtures).
One reason why you hear less about scalding in the US and Canada compared to the UK is because water heaters are factory set at 120°F (49°C), despite the legionella risk.
January 9, 2026 at 11:36 PM
One reason why you hear less about scalding in the US and Canada compared to the UK is because water heaters are factory set at 120°F (49°C), despite the legionella risk.