How Water Moves Through Buildings

Water moves in, on, and through buildings in four ways, which we’ll discuss in order of the quantities involved; this order helps us set water management priorities.

1. Bulk water—rain, runoff, and other flows—is driven primarily by gravity but also by wind and pressure differences. Bulk water on the exterior of a building is managed by moving water down, off, and away from the building. Inside, we manage bulk water by preventing plumbing leaks and condensation.