Module 4 - Construction of a gravity fed system

III.4. TAPSTAND
All the tapstands must be equipped with regulation valve (stop cock valves). This device allows
regulating the pressure available at the tap, and thus to ensure an optimal operation of the
network. If regulations valves are installed, an open/close valve must be also installed, to
isolate the tapstand in case of work (pressure regulator does not allow closing completely the
water flow)
Tapstands are generally constructed in reinforced concrete:
• 10cm depth excavation
• Use of galvanized pipes with tap (s) and valve (see figure 13C and 14C),
• Construction of a toe (underground concrete foundation wall preventing the infiltration
of water below the slab) and small protection wall (10cm of thickness and 30cm height);
a drainage ditch as long as necessary; it is also important to built a 20 to 30 cm toe at
the end of drainage ditch, to prevent water infiltration under the ditch.
• Lay down the dry stones for foundation (leave a 5cm depth hole for the tapstand body),
• Construction of tapstand body, use of 6mm steel bar (horizontal) and 8mm (vertical),
use wooden planck for the formwork,
• Slab construction, it is important to have a good slope in the direction of the drainage
ditch (approximately 2% slope); use 8mm or 6mm (mesh of 15cm) steel bar. To prevent
the concrete from eroding too quickly, install a flat stone below the tap where the
water hit the slab, or use a flat piece of wood like on the figure of fig.15,
• Valve box construction,
• Construction of a fence to prevent animals from accessing to the tapstand. The fence
can be made out of wood, bamboo or even with shrubs.
The details of a 1 tap tapstand construction with are given in figure 13 and those of 2 taps
tapstand in figure 14.
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