Plumbing Terms and Definitions

12 Questions

What is the term for a physical separation that may be a low inlet into the indirect waste receptor from the fixture, appliance, or device indirectly connected?

Airbreak

What does the term 'Readily Accessible' mean in the context of fixtures, connections, appliances, or equipment?

Direct access without necessity of removing any panel, door or similar obstruction

What is the definition of Backflow in the context of potable water supply?

The flow of water or other liquids, mixtures or substances into the distributing pipes of a potable supply of water from any source other than from its intended source

What is an Air Gap in the context of drainage?

The unobstructed vertical distance through the free atmosphere between the lowest opening from any pipe and the flood level rim of the receptor

What type of Backflow occurs due to an increased reverse pressure above the supply pressure?

Backpressure Backflow

What is an Approved Testing Agency?

An organization primarily established for the testing to approve standards

What is the primary function of a backflow preventer?

To prevent flow of liquid from returning to the source of supply

What is the purpose of a backwater valve?

To prevent reverse flow in a drainage system

What is a bell or hub in a plumbing pipe?

A short section of enlarged pipe used to receive another pipe

What is the purpose of a branch vent?

To connect one or more individual vertical back vents with the vent stack or stack vent

What is a brazed joint?

A joint obtained by joining metal parts with alloys that melt at temperatures higher than 499 degrees centigrade

What is a blow-off in a plumbing system?

A controlled outlet of a pipeline to discharge liquid or detritus

Study Notes

Plumbing Terms

ABS stands for Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene.
"Accessible" means having access to a fixture, connection, appliance, or equipment, possibly requiring removal of an access panel, door, or similar obstruction.

Accessibility

"Readily Accessible" means direct access without removing any panel, door, or similar obstruction.

Airbreak and Air Gap

An "Airbreak" is a physical separation between a fixture, appliance, or device and an indirect waste receptor.
An "Air Gap, Drainage" is the unobstructed vertical distance between the lowest opening from a pipe, plumbing fixture, appliance, or appurtenance conveying waste to the flood-level rim of the receptor.
An "Air Gap, Water Distribution" is the unobstructed vertical distance between the lowest opening from a pipe or faucet conveying potable water to the flood-level rim of a tank, vat, or fixture.

Backflow and Prevention

"Backflow" is the flow of water or other liquids, mixtures, or substances into the distributing pipes of a potable supply of water from any source other than its intended source.
A "Backflow Connection" is a condition or arrangement where reverse flow can occur.
"Backpressure Backflow" occurs due to an increased reverse pressure above the supply pressure, possibly caused by pumps, boilers, gravity, or other sources of pressure.
A "Backflow Preventer" is a device or means to prevent the flow of liquid from returning to the source of supply, also called a "Vacuum Breaker".

Valves and Fittings

A "Ball Cock" is a valve opened and closed by the fall and rise of an attached ball floating on the surface of the liquid.
A "Ball Joint" is a type of pipe connection in which a ball-shaped end is held in a cup-like shell, allowing movement in every direction.

Pipes and Joints

A "Bell or Hub" is a portion of a pipe that is enlarged to receive the end of another pipe of the same diameter for making a caulked or push-on joint.
A "Bending Pin" or "Iron" is a tool for straightening or bending lead pipe.
A "Blank Flange" is a pipe flange that is not drilled for bolt holes.
A "Blind Flange" is a flange that closes the end of a pipe, with no opening for the passage of liquid or gas.