Plumbing Basics and Terminology

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary definition of back siphonage?

The back flow of clean water into a plumbing fixture.

The contamination of potable water by a physical connection.

The discharge of water from a controlled outlet on a pipeline.

The back flow of used contaminated water into a water supply pipe due to negative pressure. (correct)

Which term describes a closure for the end of a pipe?

Branch Interval

Calking

Circuit Vent

Blind Flange (correct)

What distinguishes a branch vent from a continuous vent?

A branch vent connects one or more individual vents to a vent stack or stack vent. (correct)

A branch vent connects to multiple fixtures while a continuous vent connects to a single drain.

A branch vent can be horizontal while a continuous vent is always vertical.

A branch vent discharges waste while a continuous vent does not.

What defines a combination waste and vent system?

It allows horizontal wet venting of sinks or floor drains via a common waste and vent pipe. Signup and view all the answers

What does a branch interval refer to?

The height corresponding to a storey but not less than 2.40 meters connecting horizontal branches. Signup and view all the answers

What type of connection does a cross connection represent?

A physical connection between potable and non-potable water systems. Signup and view all the answers

Which fixture is synonymous with a faucet?

Bib Signup and view all the answers

What does calking involve?

Sealing an opening using materials like oakum or lead. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of a dead end in plumbing systems?

To permit stagnation of water or air Signup and view all the answers

Which statement correctly describes developed length?

The length along the center of the pipe and fitting Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'fixture unit flow rate' refer to?

The total discharge flow in gallons per minute of a fixture divided by 7.5 gallons Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a flushometer valve?

To discharge a predetermined quantity of water for flushing Signup and view all the answers

What does 'effective opening' refer to in plumbing?

The minimum cross-sectional area at the point of water supply discharge Signup and view all the answers

Which component is responsible for maintaining the water level inside a tank?

Flood level device Signup and view all the answers

How is the diameter of a pipe generally defined, except for brass and copper tubes?

Nominal internal diameter Signup and view all the answers

What is a group vent in plumbing systems?

A branch vent that serves two or more traps Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of a vent stack in a drainage system?

To provide circulation of air. Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of a Horizontal Pipe?

A pipe or fitting making an angle of more than 45 degrees with the vertical. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of plumbing?

To convey and supply water and dispose of waste safely Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes a vent system?

It is installed to protect trap seals from siphoning and back pressure. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes a waste pipe?

A pipe that conveys liquid waste free of fecal matter. Signup and view all the answers

What does the water supply system in a building include?

Water service pipe, distributing pipes, and appurtenances. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes a Main Sewer?

It is a sewer line directly controlled by public authority. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'Riser' refer to in plumbing?

A vertical water supply pipe carrying water to fixtures. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of a Relief Vent?

To provide circulation of air between the drainage and vent systems. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of a wet vent?

To receive the discharge from wastes other than water closets. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'Looped Vent' mean?

A type of vent that loops back and connects with a stack vent. Signup and view all the answers

What is included in a Plumbing System?

Water supply distribution pipes, fixtures, and vent pipes. Signup and view all the answers

What does Rough-In refer to in plumbing?

The basic installation of piping and supports before fixtures are installed. Signup and view all the answers

What is a Local Vent Pipe?

A pipe that removes air from the area around a fixture. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term

To convey waste from water closet and fixtures Signup and view all the answers

Which ancient Roman word is the origin of the term 'Plumber'?

Plumbarius Signup and view all the answers

What does the acronym DWV represent in drainage installation?

Drainage, Waste, and Ventilation Signup and view all the answers

What does an air gap in a water supply system refer to?

The vertical distance between the water outlet and the flood level rim Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of 'back flow' in plumbing?

The unwanted flow of contaminants into potable water supply Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Plumbing Definition

Plumbing is the art and science of installing pipes, fixtures, and other apparatus to convey and supply water in buildings.
It also handles disposal and discharge of wastewater, gases, and substances outside buildings, ensuring health and sanitation.

Plumber

A plumber is skilled in sanitation, derived from the Roman word "Plumbarius."
"Plumbarius" referred to individuals working in the sanitary field in ancient Rome.
"Plumbum" refers to lead, a metal used in Roman plumbing due to its malleability and resistance to acid.

Drainage System

Waste is classified into Solid Waste (from water closets) and Liquid Waste (from fixtures).
Two types of drainage pipes are Soil Pipes (for water closet waste) and Waste Pipes (for waste from other fixtures).
Soil Pipes can accept both water closet and fixture waste.
The Drainage Installation (DWV) stands for:
- D - Drainage of solid waste
- W - Waste from fixtures
- V - Ventilation of the piping system

Plumbing Terms

Air Gap: An unobstructed vertical distance between a water supply source and a receptacle, preventing backflow.
Backflow: The flow of water or substances from an unintended source into a potable water supply.
Back Siphonage: The backflow of contaminated water from a fixture into a water supply pipe due to negative pressure.
Battery of Fixture: A group of two or more similar fixtures discharging into a common horizontal waste pipe.
Bib: Synonymous with faucet, cock, tap, plug, etc.
Blind Flange: A flange closing a pipe end without an opening for water passage.
Blow Off: A controlled outlet for water discharge from a pipeline.
Branch: Any part of the piping system other than the main riser.
Branch Interval: The length of a soil or waste stack between floor connections.
Branch Vent: A vent connecting individual vents to a vent stack.
Calking: Plugging an opening with materials like oakum or lead.
Circuit Vent: A branch vent serving two or more traps, extending from the last fixture connection to the vent stack.
Continuous Vent: A vertical vent that is a continuation of the drain to which it connects.
Combination Fixture: A fixture combining a sink and tray or multiple compartment sinks in one vent.
Combination Waste and Vent System: A system with horizontal wet venting for sinks or drains using a common waste and vent pipe.
Common Vent: A drain from two or three fixtures connected to a single trap; also called a dual vent.
Cross Connection: A physical connection between two separate piping systems, potentially allowing water flow between them.
Dead End: An extended closed portion of a pipe where water or air can stagnate.
Developed Length: The length along the center of a pipe and fitting.
Diameter: The nominal internal diameter (ID) of a pipe, except for brass and copper, where it refers to the outside diameter (OD).
Drainage System: Includes all piping within a property that conveys sewage, rainwater, or other liquid waste.
Dry Vent: A vent that does not carry water or waste.
Effective Opening: The minimum cross-sectional area at the point of water supply discharge, measured as a circle's diameter.
Existing Work: Installed and approved plumbing prior to additions or alterations.
Fixture Branch: A pipe connecting several fixtures.
Fixture Drain: The drain from the trap of a fixture.
Fixture Supply: A water supply pipe connecting a fixture to the fixture branch.
Fixture Units: A quantity expressing the load on a plumbing system based on different fixture types.
Fixture Unit Flow Rate: The total discharge flow in gallons per minute of a simple fixture divided by 7.5 gallons.
Flood Level: A device inside a tank maintaining the water level.
Ferrule: A metallic sleeve joined to a pipe opening, used for cleaning or examining the interior.
Flush Valve: A device at the bottom of a tank for flushing water closets.
Flushometer Valve: A device discharging a specific water quantity for flushing.
Grade: The slope of a pipe, expressed as a fraction of an inch per foot.
Group Vent: A branch vent serving two or more traps.
Horizontal Pipe: Any pipe or fitting exceeding a 45-degree angle with vertical.
Invert: The lowest portion of a non-vertical pipe or conduit.
Liquid Waste: Discharge from fixtures or appliances without fecal matter.
Local Vent Pipe: A pipe on the fixture side of a trap, removing vapor or foul air from a room.
Looped Vent: Similar to a circuit vent but connects with a stack vent instead.
Lateral: A secondary pipe in plumbing; a common sewer in sewage.
Main: The principal artery of a continuous piping system.
Main Sewer: A sewer line directly controlled by public authority.
Main Vent: The principal artery of the venting system.
Plumbing Fixtures: Installed receptacles, devices, or appliances supplied with water or discharging liquid or waste into a drainage system.
Plumbing System: Includes water supply, distribution pipes, fixtures, traps, soil, waste, vent pipes, house drain, house sewer, and related connections.
Relief Vent: A vent providing circulation of air between drainage and vent systems.
Re-Vent Pipe: A vent connecting directly to a waste or group of wastes and extending to the main or branch vent pipe.
Riser: A vertical water supply pipe carrying water to branches or fixtures.
Rough-In: The installation of all parts of the plumbing system before fixture installation, including drainage, water supply, vent piping, and supports.
Trap Seal: The maximum vertical depth of liquid retained by a trap.
Vent Stack: A vertical pipe providing air circulation in the drainage system.
Vent System: Pipes providing air flow within the plumbing system to protect trap seals.
Vertical Pipe: A pipe installed vertically or at an angle less than 45 degrees with the vertical.
Waste Pipe: A pipe conveying liquid waste free of fecal matter.
Water Distributing Pipe: Conveys water from the water service pipe to fixtures and outlets.
Water Service Pipe: The pipe connecting the water main or source to the building.
Water Supply System: Includes the water service pipe, distributing pipes, connecting pipes, fittings, control valves, and appurtenances.
Wet Vent: A vent receiving waste discharge from fixtures other than water closets.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the fundamentals of plumbing, including definitions, the role of a plumber, and aspects of drainage systems. Explore the art and science involved in installing pipes and fixtures for water supply and waste management in buildings.