Water Supply Systems Basics

Questions and Answers

What defines an air gap in a water supply system?

The distance between the water supply pipe and the tank's overflow level.

The unobstructed vertical distance to the flood level rim of a receptacle. (correct)

The space between a faucet and the drinking water source.

The distance between two fixtures discharging into a common pipe.

Which statement best describes back siphonage?

A method of cleaning fixtures by circulating water.

The backflow of contaminated water due to negative pressure. (correct)

An automatic system that prevents backflow.

The forward flow of water from a tank to a fixture.

What is a blind flange used for?

To create an access point for maintenance on the pipeline.

To close the end of a pipe with no passage for water. (correct)

To connect two pipes together securely.

To allow for variable flow adjustment in a pipeline.

What is the purpose of a branch vent?

To connect one or more fixtures with a vent stack. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes a battery of fixtures?

It is a group of fixtures discharging into a common horizontal waste pipe. Signup and view all the answers

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

Plugging an opening with materials like oakum or lead. Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by the 'branch interval' in plumbing?

The length of a stack corresponding to floor height. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best defines combination fixtures?

Fixtures combining multiple sinks or compartments in one unit. Signup and view all the answers

What defines a combination waste and vent system?

A system using one common waste and vent pipe for multiple fixtures. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of a dry vent?

To provide air circulation above drain lines. Signup and view all the answers

What is a cross connection in plumbing?

A connection between potable water and a non-potable source. Signup and view all the answers

What is defined as the effective opening in plumbing?

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

Which of the following describes a dead end in plumbing?

A closed portion of a pipe that causes stagnation. Signup and view all the answers

How is the diameter of a pipe determined?

By referring to the nominal internal diameter for most pipes. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes a fixture unit in plumbing?

It is a uniform measure used to express the load effects of fixtures. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of a flush valve?

To regulate the flushing mechanism in water closets. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'develop length' refer to in plumbing terminology?

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

What is the role of a fixture supply pipe?

To provide water supply from the fixture branch to the fixture. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Water Supply and Plumbing Terms

Air Gap: Unobstructed vertical distance between the lowest opening of a water supply pipe and the flood level rim of the receptacle, preventing contamination.
Backflow: Unintentional flow of water or other substances into potable water supply pipes, compromising water safety.
Back Siphonage: Contaminated water backing up into a water supply due to negative pressure within the supply pipe.
Battery of Fixture: Group of two or more plumbing fixtures discharging into a common waste pipe or soil branch.
Bibb: Another term for faucet; "faucet" is the preferred term.
Blind Flange: A flange that seals the end of a pipe, blocking any passage of water.
Blow Off: Controlled outlet on a pipeline used for discharging water.
Branch: Any segment of plumbing piping that isn’t the main riser or stack.
Branch Interval: Length of a soil or waste stack, generally one story high (minimum 2.4m), which connects horizontal branches from one floor.
Branch Vent: Vent that connects one or more individual fixtures to a vent stack.
Calking: Sealing an opening with materials like oakum or lead, packed tightly into the space.
Circuit Vent: A branch vent extending from the front of the last fixture connection to the vent stack, serving multiple traps.
Continuous Vent: Vertical vent that continues from a drain to which it is connected.
Combination Fixtures: Fixture that integrates a sink or multiple compartments into one venting system.
Combination Waste and Vent System: Waste piping system using horizontal wet venting for sinks or floor drains via a common waste and vent pipe.
Common Vent: A drain shared by two or three fixtures connected to a single trap, also known as a dual vent.
Cross Connection: Physical link between two distinct piping systems, one containing potable water and the other potentially unsafe, allowing flow depending on pressure differentials.
Dead End: Pipe section closed at one end, causing potential stagnation of water or air.
Develop Length: Length measured along the center of a pipe and its fittings.
Diameter: Refers to the nominal internal diameter of a pipe, with brass and copper tubes defined by their outside diameter.
Drainage System: All piping within a property designed to transport liquid waste to approved disposal points, excluding public sewer systems.
Dry Vent: Vent that does not carry water or waste.
Effective Opening: Minimum cross-sectional area at a supply discharge point, expressed as the diameter of an equivalent circle, applicable to air gaps.
Existing Work: Refers to plumbing system components installed and approved before modifications are considered.
Fixture Branch: Pipe that connects multiple fixtures to the drainage system.
Fixture Drain: Drainage path from a fixture's trap to where it meets another drainpipe.
Fixture Supply: Water supply line connecting a fixture to the fixture branch.
Fixture Unit: Scale unit expressing the load impact of various plumbing fixtures on a system.
Fixture Unit Flow Rate: Total discharge flow of a fixture in gallons per minute (GPM), standardized by dividing by 7.5 gallons.
Flood Level: Device within a tank used to maintain an effective water level for flushing toilets.
Ferrule: Metallic sleeve attached to a pipe's opening, facilitating access for cleaning or inspection.
Flush Valve: Device located at a tank's bottom that manages flushing for water closets and similar fixtures.

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Description

This quiz covers key concepts related to water supply systems, including air gaps, backflow, and back siphonage. Test your understanding of how these factors ensure safe and effective water delivery in plumbing. Perfect for students studying plumbing or water resource management.