Plumbing Terms Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What does Back Siphonage refer to?

The back flow of used contaminated water into a water supply pipe (correct)

The flow of clean water into a contaminated source

A method to filter water

The pressure equalization in plumbing systems

What is meant by a Battery of Fixture?

A single plumbing fixture

Two or more adjacent fixtures discharging into a common pipe (correct)

A system for conserving water

Any group of unrelated plumbing items

What is a Blind Flange?

A flange that allows water to pass through

A type of valve used in plumbing systems

An adjustable fitting for piping

A flange that closes the end of a pipe with no passage opening (correct)

What does the term Branch Interval refer to?

The height corresponding to one story for horizontal branches to connect to a stack Signup and view all the answers

What is a Circuit Vent?

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

What defines a Combination Waste and Vent System?

A system that combines waste and air circulation in one pipe Signup and view all the answers

What is a Cross Connection?

A physical connection between two separate piping systems with differing water safety Signup and view all the answers

What is a Common Vent?

A vent connected to multiple traps from separate fixtures Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of a relief vent in a plumbing system?

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

Which term refers to a secondary pipe in plumbing?

Lateral Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of a Dead End in plumbing?

An extended portion of a pipe closed at one end causing stagnation Signup and view all the answers

What defines a horizontal pipe?

Any pipe or fitting that makes an angle of more than 45 degrees with the vertical Signup and view all the answers

What does the term Developed Length refer to?

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

How is the Diameter of a pipe typically defined?

As the nominal internal diameter for most pipes Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of a re-vent pipe in a plumbing system?

To connect directly with an individual waste or group of wasters Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes a Dry Vent?

A vent that does not carry any liquid waste Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes a main sewer?

A sewer line or system directly controlled by public authority Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of plumbing fixtures?

To serve as receptacles or devices for liquid waste or water Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of an Effective Opening in plumbing?

To determine the minimum cross-sectional area of discharge Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes Fixture Units?

A quantity expressing load effects on the plumbing system Signup and view all the answers

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

The lowest portion of the inside of any pipe or conduit that is not vertical Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following components is part of a plumbing system?

Plumbing fixtures, pipes, and connections within property lines Signup and view all the answers

What role does a Flush Valve serve?

To control the flow of water from the tank to the fixture Signup and view all the answers

What function does a Group Vent perform?

It serves multiple traps simultaneously Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of a public sewer?

To provide equal rights of connection to all abutters Signup and view all the answers

What type of sewage does a sanitary sewer primarily receive?

Sanitary sewage and industrial wastes Signup and view all the answers

What is a Siamese connection used for?

Jointly connecting fire lines to hydrants Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes a stack vent?

An extension of a soil or waste stack above the highest drain Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of a trap in a plumbing system?

To create a liquid seal preventing backflow of air Signup and view all the answers

What is a subsoil drain specifically designed to do?

Receive and convey sub-surface or seepage water Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'stack group' refer to in plumbing?

The location of fixtures in relation to the stack Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated by an open return bend in plumbing?

It typically involves a 180° bend in pipe Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of a trap seal?

The maximum vertical depth of liquid that a trap retains Signup and view all the answers

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

To provide air circulation in the drainage system 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 components make up the water supply system of a building?

Water service pipe, distributing pipes, and control valves Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of a wet vent?

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

Study Notes

Back Siphonage

Occurs when contaminated water flows back into a water supply pipe due to negative pressure.

Battery of Fixtures

A group of 2 or more similar fixtures that discharge into a common horizontal waste pipe.

Bib

Synonymous with faucet, cock, tap, plug.

Blind Flange

A flange that closes the end of a pipe without an opening for water passage.

Blow Off

A controlled outlet on a pipeline used to discharge water.

Branch

Any part of a piping system that's not the main riser.

Branch Interval

Length of a soil or waste stack, usually a storey height, but no less than 2.40 meters. Horizontal branches are connected to the stack within this interval.

Branch Vent

A vent connecting individual vents to a vent stack.

Calking

Plugging an opening with materials like oakum, lead, that are pounded into place.

Circuit Vent

A branch vent serving 2 or more traps, extending from the last fixture connection of a horizontal branch to the vent stack.

Continuous Vent

A vertical vent that continues from the drain to which it connects.

Combination Fixtures

Fixtures that combine a sink and tray, or 2-3 compartment sinks or trays in one unit.

Combination Waste and Vent System

A specially designed system where waste piping embodies horizontal wet venting of sinks or floor drains through a common waste and vent pipe.

Common Vent

A drain from 2-3 fixtures connected to a single trap. Also called a dual vent.

Cross Connection

A physical connection between 2 separate piping systems, one containing potable (drinkable) water and the other of unknown safety. Allows water to flow from one system to the other, depending on pressure differences.

Dead End

An extended portion of a pipe closed at one end, allowing water or air stagnation.

Developed Length

Length along the center of the pipe and fittings.

Diameter

The nominal internal diameter (ID) of a pipe, except for brass and copper tubes which use the outside diameter (OD).

Drainage System

Includes all piping on public or private premises that conveys sewage, rainwater, or other liquid waste to a legal disposal point.

Dry Vent

A vent that doesn't carry water or waterborne wastes.

Effective Opening

The minimum cross-sectional area at the point of water supply discharge, expressed in terms of a circle's diameter.

Existing Work

Refers to any portion of a plumbing system installed and approved before contemplated additions, alterations, or corrections.

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 used to express the load produced on a plumbing system by different kinds of fixtures, on an arbitrary scale.

Fixture Unit Flow Rate

The total discharge flow in gallons per minute of a simple fixture divided by 7.5 gallons. It provides the flow rate of a particular plumbing fixture as a unit of flow. Fixtures are rated as multiples of this unit.

Flood Level

A device inside a tank to maintain the water level.

Ferrule

A metallic sleeve joined to a pipe opening for a plug to be screwed in. Removable for cleaning or examining the inside of the pipe.

Flush Valve

A device at the bottom of a tank for flushing water closets and similar fixtures.

Flushometer Valve

A device that discharges a predetermined water volume to a fixture for flushing purposes, activated by direct water pressure.

Grade

The slope or fall of a pipe, expressed as a fraction of an inch per foot length.

Group Vent

A branch vent serving 2 or more traps.

Horizontal Pipe

Any pipe or fitting angled more than 45 degrees from vertical.

Invert

The lowest portion of the inside of a non-vertical pipe or conduit.

Liquid Waste

Discharge from any fixture, appliance, or appurtenance in a plumbing system that doesn't receive fecal matter.

Local Vent Pipe

A pipe on the fixture side of the trap to remove vapor or foul air from a room or fixture.

Looped Vent

Similar to a circuit vent, but it loops back and connects with a stack vent instead of a vent stack.

Lateral

In plumbing, a secondary pipe. In sewage, a common sewer with no tributary sewers.

Main

The principal artery of a continuous piping system, to which branches are connected.

Main Sewer

A sewer line or system directly controlled by public authorities.

Main Vent

The principal artery of a venting system to which vent branches connect.

Plumbing Fixtures

Installed receptacles, devices, or appliances that supply water, receive or discharge liquid or liquid-borne waste, directly or indirectly connected to a drainage system.

Plumbing System

Includes the water supply distribution pipes, plumbing fixtures and traps, soil, waste, and vent pipes, house drain and house sewers, their connections, devices, appurtenances within a property's lines, and water treating or water using equipment.

Relief Vent

Provides air circulation between a drainage and vent system.

Re-vent Pipe

A re-vent pipe (individual vent) connects directly with an individual waste or group of wastes under or behind a fixture. It extends to a main or branch vent pipe.

Riser

A water supply pipe extending vertically at least one full storey. Conveys water to branches or fixtures.

Rough-In

Installing all parts of a plumbing system that can be completed before fixture installation. Includes drainage, water supply, vent piping, and fixture supports.

Return Bend

An open return bend, usually with inside threads, but also applied to a 180-degree bend in a pipe.

Public Sewer

A common sewer directly controlled by public authorities.

Sanitary Sewage

Sewage containing human excrement and liquid household waste. Also called domestic sewage.

Sanitary Sewer

A sewer designed to receive sanitary sewage, possibly with industrial waste, but without surface water, storm water, or drainage.

Secondary Branch

Any branch in a building drain that's not the primary branch.

Sewerage or Sewage Work

All aspects of sewage collection, transportation, pumping, treatment, and final disposition.

Siamese Connection

A Y connection used on fire lines to connect 2 hose lines to a hydrant or nozzle.

Standpipe

A vertical pipe used for water storage, often under pressure.

Side Vent

A vent connected to a drain pipe through a fitting at an angle of no more than 45 degrees to vertical.

Soil Pipe

Conveys the discharge of water closets or similar fixtures, with or without other fixture discharges, to a building drain or building sewer.

Stack

The vertical main of a soil, waste, or vent pipe system.

Stack Group

The location of fixtures relative to the stack, which helps determine vent fittings needs to minimize waste.

Stack Vent

An extension of a soil or waste stack above the highest horizontal drain connected to the stack. Sometimes called a waste vent or soil vent.

Stack Venting

Venting a fixture or fixtures through the soil or waste stack.

Subsoil Drain

Underground drain pipes that receive only sub-surface or seepage water.

Sump

A pit or receptacle at a low point where liquid waste drains.

Trap

A fitting or device designed to create a liquid seal that prevents air back passage without affecting sewage flow.

Trap Seal

The maximum vertical depth of liquid retained by a trap, measured between the crown weir and the top of the trap's dip.

Vent Stack

A vertical pipe installed to circulate air in a drainage system.

Vent System

Pipes installed to provide air flow or circulation within a plumbing system to protect trap seals from siphoning and back pressure.

Vertical Pipe

A pipe installed vertically or at an angle of no more than 45 degrees from vertical.

Waste Pipe

Carries liquid waste from fixtures that are free of fecal matter.

Water Distributing Pipe

A pipe that conveys water from the water service pipe to plumbing fixtures and other outlets.

Water Service Pipe

The pipe from the water main or other source to the served building.

Water Supply System

Consists of the water service pipe, water distributing pipes, connecting pipes, fittings, control valves, and appurtenances within the building or premises.

Wet Vent

A vent that receives discharge from wastes other than water closets.

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Description

Test your knowledge on essential plumbing terminology with this quiz. From back siphonage to circuit vents, you'll explore a range of concepts used in plumbing systems. Perfect for students or anyone interested in plumbing terminology.