A review of premise plumbing systems: from design and key performance domains to challenges and future research pathways for full-scale integration

Premise plumbing systems (PPS) are essential for delivering safe, efficient, and sustainable water services in buildings. However, current design practices rely on outdated assumptions, including static demand curves and prescriptive codes, which contribute to oversizing, stagnation, water quality degradation, and energy-health trade-offs. This review offers the first integrated synthesis of recent advances across five interrelated domains: (i) hydraulic design, (ii) water conservation, (iii) water quality, (iv) energy efficiency, and (v) socio-economic factors. Each domain influences PPS performance but is often treated in isolation. Drawing on empirical evidence, international standards, and emerging modelling frameworks, the paper frames PPS design as the alignment of hydraulic, thermal, water quality (including microbial and chemical), and economic processes across the system life cycle. It identifies persistent barriers such as fragmented workforce training, economic constraints, and misaligned conservation strategies, while also highlighting emerging enablers, including digitalization, policy support, and industrialized construction. Future research priorities are outlined for dynamic sizing, water quality risk modelling, and life-cycle cost analysis. This review provides a roadmap for transforming PPS into adaptive, health-protective systems aligned with global sustainability targets.