Deadleg
National Calculation Methodology (NCM) modelling guide (for buildings other than dwellings in England) 2013 edition, published by the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG), defines the ‘HWS (Hot Water Service) deadleg length’ as the: ‘Length of the draw-off pipe to the outlet in the space (only used for zones where the water is drawn off). Used to determine the additional volume of water to be heated because the cold water in the deadleg has to be drawn off before hot water is obtained. Assumes that HWS circulation maintains hot water up to the boundary of the zone, or that the pipe runs from circulation or storage vessel within the zone.’
Climate Emergency Design Guide: How new buildings can meet UK climate change targets, published by the London Energy Transformation Initiative (LETI) in January 2020, defines dead leg as: ‘The length of pipe to the outlet in a hot water system. When the outlet is not in use the hot water in this pipe loses its heat so when next used there is a time delay before fully hot water is again available at the outlet. This represents an inefficiency of the heat system.’
Legionnaires' Disease - Operation and Maintenance Log Book (BG 58/2015), written by Reginald Brown and Salim Deramchi, and published by BSRIA in May 2015, defines dead leg as: ‘A length of pipe that leads to a closed end and does not form part of a circuit. Common examples of dead legs in hot and cold water services systems are pipes leading to a tap.’
Pressurisation of Closed Heating and Cooling Systems (BG82 2022), by Rob Clemson, published by BSRIA in October 2022, defines a dead leg as: ‘Any length, or configuration of pipework where the system water (or mains water) does not flow under normal operating conditions.’
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
The Home Energy Model and its wrappers
From SAP to HEM, EPC for MEES and FHS assessment wrappers.
Future Homes Standard Essentials launched
Future Homes Hub launches new campaign to help the homebuilding sector prepare for the implementation of new building standards.
Building Safety recap February, 2026
Our regular run-down of key building safety related events of the month.
Planning reform: draft NPPF and industry responses.
Last chance to comment on proposed changes to the NPPF.
A Regency palace of colour and sensation. Book review.
Delayed, derailed and devalued
How the UK’s planning crisis is undermining British manufacturing.
How much does it cost to build a house?
A brief run down of key considerations from a London based practice.
The need for a National construction careers campaign
Highlighted by CIOB to cut unemployment, reduce skills gap and deliver on housing and infrastructure ambitions.
AI-Driven automation; reducing time, enhancing compliance
Sustainability; not just compliance but rethinking design, material selection, and the supply chains to support them.
Climate Resilience and Adaptation In the Built Environment
New CIOB Technical Information Sheet by Colin Booth, Professor of Smart and Sustainable Infrastructure.
Turning Enquiries into Profitable Construction Projects
Founder of Develop Coaching and author of Building Your Future; Greg Wilkes shares his insights.
IHBC Signpost: Poetry from concrete
Scotland’s fascinating historic concrete and brutalist architecture with the Engine Shed.
Demonstrating that apprenticeships work for business, people and Scotland’s economy.
Scottish parents prioritise construction and apprenticeships
CIOB data released for Scottish Apprenticeship Week shows construction as top potential career path.
From a Green to a White Paper and the proposal of a General Safety Requirement for construction products.
Creativity, conservation and craft at Barley Studio. Book review.
The challenge as PFI agreements come to an end
How construction deals with inherited assets built under long-term contracts.
Skills plan for engineering and building services
Comprehensive industry report highlights persistent skills challenges across the sector.
Choosing the right design team for a D&B Contract
An architect explains the nature and needs of working within this common procurement route.
Statement from the Interim Chief Construction Advisor
Thouria Istephan; Architect and inquiry panel member outlines ongoing work, priorities and next steps.
Comments
[edit] To make a comment about this article, click 'Add a comment' above. Separate your comments from any existing comments by inserting a horizontal line.