1 Domestic Cold Water Systems Overview

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to Lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What process describes water molecules moving apart to form vapor?

  • Precipitation
  • Infiltration
  • Condensation
  • Evaporation (correct)

Which of the following materials is commonly used for modern water pipes as opposed to cast iron?

  • HDPE (High Density Polyethylene)
  • MDPE (Medium Density Polyethylene) (correct)
  • Copper
  • PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)

What is the primary purpose of WRAS-approved fittings?

  • To connect different types of pipes
  • To ensure legal compliance with water regulations (correct)
  • To enhance the aesthetic quality of plumbing
  • To reduce water pressure

What is the correct order of the water cycle phases mentioned?

<p>Evaporation, Condensation, Precipitation (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is NOT a type of surface water identified?

<p>Aquifers (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of a screw down ferrule in a water distribution system?

<p>To allow valve operation with a ferrule key (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What kind of environmental issue is addressed by the Water Regulations?

<p>Contamination of water supplies (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the diameter of the main pipe typically reduced to in a domestic distribution system?

<p>25mm (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes boreholes from traditional wells?

<p>Boreholes are smaller and easier to maintain. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of water is permanent hard water primarily composed of?

<p>Calcium sulfates. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main characteristic of soft water?

<p>It is free from calcium carbonates and sulfates. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What effect does heating temporary hard water to 65°C have?

<p>It removes carbon dioxide and calcium carbonate. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is plumbosolvency?

<p>The ability of water to dissolve minerals. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated by a pH value below 7 in water?

<p>The water is acidic and can damage pipe work. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of water is typically not provided by a water undertaker?

<p>Water from private wells. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a potential issue caused by acidic soft water?

<p>Electrolytic corrosion of plumbing systems. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the Water Regulation Advisory Scheme (WRAS)?

<p>To replace individual bye laws with national laws (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of pipe is commonly used in modern domestic cold water distribution systems?

<p>MDPE pipe (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is involved in the process of precipitation in the water cycle?

<p>Condensing water molecules (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which environmental concern do the Water Regulations specifically address?

<p>Contamination of water supplies (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In a mains distribution system, what is the smallest diameter pipe typically found serving individual houses?

<p>20mm (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does a screw down ferrule connector allow in a water distribution system?

<p>Open or close the valve with a key (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the sequence of water distribution from the trunk main to smaller pipes?

<p>600mm, 100mm, 63mm, 50mm, 32mm, 25mm (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following types of surface water is NOT mentioned as part of the cold water distribution system?

<p>Oceans (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What defines temporary hard water?

<p>Water that contains calcium carbonates and can be softened by heating (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of water is considered free from calcium carbonates and sulfates?

<p>Soft water (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of underground water source can be described as a modern equivalent to wells?

<p>Boreholes (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens to calcium carbonate in water when it is heated to 65°C?

<p>It precipitates out as a solid (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following correctly describes plumbosolvency?

<p>The ability of water to absorb minerals (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of permanent hard water?

<p>It contains calcium sulphates (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does a pH value above 7 indicate about water?

<p>The water is alkaline (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What can be a consequence for individuals drawing water directly from a well with low pH?

<p>Frequent replacements of their domestic hot water cylinders (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Private Water Supply

Water supplied by a private source, often underground, and not subject to water regulations.

Borehole

A deep, drilled hole in the ground that extracts water from underground aquifers.

Spring

A naturally occurring source of water that flows to the surface.

Plumbo Solvency

The ability of water to dissolve minerals, particularly calcium and magnesium.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Temporary Hard Water

Water containing dissolved calcium carbonates, which can be removed by heating.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Permanent Hard Water

Water containing calcium sulfates, which cannot be removed by boiling.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Soft Water

Water that is free from calcium carbonates and sulfates. This water lathers easily with soap and can be naturally soft or produced by a water softener.

Signup and view all the flashcards

pH Scale

A scale from 0 to 14 that measures the acidity or alkalinity of water. Values below 7 indicate acidity, and values above 7 indicate alkalinity.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Evaporation

The process where liquid water turns into vapor. Think of a puddle drying up on a sunny day.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Precipitation

The process where water vapor in the air cools and condenses into liquid water, forming clouds and eventually falling as rain, snow, or hail.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Condensation

The process where water vapor in the air cools and turns back into liquid water droplets, forming clouds.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Reservoir

A large natural body of water, usually freshwater, that is contained within a basin. It's often a source of drinking water.

Signup and view all the flashcards

River

A naturally flowing channel of water, usually freshwater, that flows to a larger body of water like a lake or ocean.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Trunk Main

A large pipe that carries water to many homes and businesses. It's the main source of water for a community.

Signup and view all the flashcards

MDPE Pipe (Medium Density Polyethylene)

Type of pipe made from a strong, flexible plastic material commonly used for water supply lines. It's known for being resistant to corrosion and easy to connect.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Screwdown Ferrule Connector

A fitting used to connect pipes that consists of a threaded sleeve that tightens onto the pipe. It's often used to connect a valve or other fitting to the pipe.

Signup and view all the flashcards

MDPE Pipe

A type of pipe made from a strong, flexible plastic material commonly used for water supply lines. It's known for being resistant to corrosion and easy to connect.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Cold Water Distribution

A system of pipes that deliver water from the main source to individual buildings. It can involve different sizes of pipes and connections.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Water Regulations (WRAS)

The water regulations that define legal requirements for water supply systems in the UK, focusing on water quality, efficiency, and safety.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Study Notes

Cold Water Systems

  • The presentation is about domestic cold water systems, including the rainwater cycle, water distribution, and regulations.
  • Learners will be able to understand the rainwater cycle and where different sources of water come from.
  • Learners will be able to explain how water is routed to a domestic house.
  • Learners will be able to identify each pipe and connection on a typical incoming main to a property.
  • Learners will be introduced to soft and hard water and the factors that make them different.
  • The presentation also covers the water regulations (1999) and the Water Regulations Advisory Scheme (WRAS).
  • WRAS approved fittings comply with UK regulations and are a quality product, corrosion-resistant within their environment.
  • The Water Regulations replaced individual bye-laws to give a national law for England and Wales.
  • These regulations apply to waste, undue consumption, misuse, contamination, and erroneous measurement of water.
  • The rainwater cycle involves evaporation from oceans, lakes, and streams, condensation, transpiration from plants, precipitation, and groundwater/surface runoff.
  • The presentation details the different types of surface water, including lakes, rivers, streams, and reservoirs.
  • A typical mains distribution system involves a trunk main, water treatment plant, and water mains that distribute water to houses and buildings.
  • The pipes in the systems are typically now made from medium-density polyethylene (MDPE) pipe, instead of cast iron.
  • Communication pipes are owned and maintained by water undertakers.
  • Service pipes are owned and maintained by house owners.
  • Underground water sources (wells, boreholes, and springs) are not typically covered by the Water Regulations.
  • Boreholes are smaller, less intrusive, and easier to maintain than wells.
  • Springs are naturally occurring sources of water that force water to the surface.
  • Water hardness is classified as soft, semi-hard, or hard, based on mineral content.
  • The ability of water to absorb minerals is called plumbo solvency.
  • Permanent hard water contains calcium sulphates, and its hardness cannot be removed by boiling.
  • Temporary hard water contains calcium carbonates, and its hardness can be removed by heating to 65°C.
  • Soft water is free from calcium carbonates and sulphates, and it is easy to lather with soap.
  • The pH scale indicates whether water is acidic or alkaline. A pH below 7 indicates acidic water which can be corrosive.
  • Plumbers must be aware of water type and quality, as these factors can affect appliances.
  • Plumbers have a responsibility to maintain the quality of water supplied by the water undertaker, avoiding contamination.
  • A 600mm main is divided into smaller pipes, ultimately resulting in a 25mm pipe serving a particular area.
  • 20mm MDPE pipes may be used to serve individual houses.
  • Pipes are often connected using fittings.
  • Screwdown ferrule connectors or service unions connect water to individual buildings.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Quiz Team

Related Documents

More Like This

Use Quizgecko on...
Browser
Browser