Plumbing Flashcards
Auger
A flexible metal rod,
usually made of spring material,
with a cutting or clearing device
on one end. It is used to clear
clogs in drains.
Copper piping
Water line made
of copper or a copper alloy.
Copper pipe is usually rigid.
Copper will not rust and has a
long life cycle, but it can corrode,
especially at solder joints, which
could cause leakage.
CPVC
Chlorinated poly-vinyl
chloride pipe, a type of plastic.
CPVC can be used in both hot
and cold potable water piping.
Drain
The opening to a piping
system that is used to remove
wastewater from a fixture or
system and transport it
elsewhere for treatment or
reuse.
Faucet screen
A small metal
screen used to catch small
debris in the water system,
found in the faucet arm nozzle.
Faucet
A sink fixture that
controls water flow. Faucets
may come with either two
handles, one for hot and one
for cold, or with a single lever
handle that changes the mix
ratio.
Flapper
The hinged, movable
part of a type of shut off valve
that prevents or shuts off flow. A
common type of flapper is found
at the bottom of a toilet water
tank. It is raised to start the flush
cycle and closes when the tank is
empty, allowing it to refill.
Float valve
A type of control
valve that shuts off water at a
predetermined level or capacity.
A float valve controls the water in
a toilet tank.
Galvanized steel (piping)
A type
of steel water piping, coated with
a zinc compound. The zinc acts as
a sacrificial metal, slowing down
the corrosion process.
Hose
A flexible rubber or plastic
tube for carrying water. Garden
hoses have special fittings to
connect to the hose bibb and
attachments.
Hose bibb
External or internal
valved water fitting to which a
water hose is connected. It is also
called a spigot or faucet
Low-flow
A water fixture that
produces a lower water flow at
the outlet.
Main drainpipe
The piping
where the dwelling’s drain
piping system enters the septic
system or underground
drainpipe.
Overflow
A type of drain used to
prevent overfilling of a fixture. For
example, the small hole near the top
of the bathroom sink connects to
the sink drain, preventing the basin
from flooding onto the floor.
P-trap
A sink drain pipe designed in
the shape of a “P.” It runs from the
sink and down through the floor to
the main drain piping. The shape is
designed to trap a small quantity of
water in the pipe, preventing sewer
odors from entering the dwelling.
(Picture to right)
PEX (piping)
A newer type of
flexible tubing, used to replace
the potable water piping in a
dwelling or building.
Pilot light
A small gas flame
used to ignite a larger burner
when a gas valve is turned on.
If the pilot is always lit, it is
called a standing pilot. On-demand pilots are ignited by a
sparking device when needed.
Pipe threads
A spiral flute cut
into the end of a pipe, allowing
pipes to be coupled to fixture
or pipe couplings. Pipe threads
should have Teflon pipe tape,
pipe thread compound or a
combination of both applied to
the threads to prevent leakage
under pressure.
Plunger
A cupped, suction
device on a handle that is used
to clear a clogged drain.
Pressure tank
Part of a well pump assembly
that reserves water for use. The tank
contains a bladder that puts pressure on the
water in the tank. When a faucet or spigot is
opened, the pressure forces the water
through the piping. Through gauges and
switches, the tank monitors the water
pressure and starts the pump when pressure
lowers to a predetermined level. When the
valve is closed, the pump continues until the
water has reached the upper pressure limit.
Reset button (garbage disposal)
A button
on the bottom of the garbage disposal used
to reset an overload device on the disposal.
The overload trips when the disposal
becomes locked up, preventing motor
damage and potential fire hazards.
Septic system
The complete
system of sewage removal,
including the septic field,
septic tank and associated
piping. There is no connection
to a municipality or
commercial sewer system.
Septic tank
An underground
tank wherein sewage is broken
down in an anaerobic bacterial
process.
Sewer connection
The place
where a dwelling sanitary sewer
system connects to the city or
municipality sewer system.
Shutoff valve
Any piping valve
that stops the flow of water in
the pipe. Shutoff valves in the
home are usually found under
the sink or beside the toilet to
shut off water supplied to those
fixtures and faucets. They are
usually a gate valve that requires
several turns to fully close.
Sump pump
A pump used to
remove water from a
collection pit.
Tank
A water holding
container that reserves a
portion of the water supply for
future, anticipated use. Toilet
tanks hold water for the flush
cycle. Water heater tanks
reserve heated water for
future use.
Tankless water heater
A newer
style of water heater that does not
contain a holding tank. Water is
heated on demand after the unit
detects water flow. These units are
usually heated by natural gas
burners.
Vent stack
Also called vent pipes.
These pipes permit equalization of
the pressure in the drain system
with the atmospheric pressure. This
prevents vacuum conditions that can
interfere with the natural flow of the
drain piping. The pressure on both
sides of drain traps is equalized,
assisting in proper flow.
Wastewater
Any water that is
used in a process or sewer
system becomes wastewater
or graywater and must be
treated before reuse.
Water heater
An appliance
used to raise the water
temperature in a water
system.
Water supply
The potable
water supplied to a residence
or commercial building.
Well pump
A pump used to
pull water from an
underground natural water
supply.
Problem: Faucet drips from the spout
Solution: Replace washer
Problem: Faucet leaks from handle
Solution: Replace worn/damage O-ring, Replace worn packing.
Problem: Faucet has a loose handle
Solution: tight handle screw
Problem: Faucets leaks from collar
Solution: Replace worn O-ring
Problem: Faucet leaks around base
Solution: Replace disk assembly. Replace inlet seals
Problem: Flow from spout reduced
Solution: Clean aerator. Replace aerator
Problem: Water under the sink
Solution: Tighten faucet-set lock nuts under the sink. Replace the gasket. Replace worn faucet. Replace supply tubes.
Problem: Aerator leaks
Solution: Replace washer in aerator. Replace aerator
Problem: Water leaks from the faucet set.
Solution: Tighten lock nuts under faucet set. Replace faucet set
Problem: Water leaks from trap fittings.
Solution: Tighten slip nuts on trap assembly
Problem: Water leaks from dishwasher hose.
Solution: Tighten or replace hose clamp. Trim or replace hose.
Problem: Water leaks from sink strainer
Solution: Tighten lock nuts or retainer screw. Replace plumber’s putty or worn parts.
Problem: Water leaking from supply tubes or fittings.
Solution: Tighten connection at the supply valve and/or faucet. Replace supply tubes.
Problem: Drain is blocked/sluggish
Solution: Remove clog with plunger or auger. Disassemble and clean drain fittings. Use auger to remove clogs behind the wall.
Problem: Toilet bowl overflows.
Solution: Use plunger or auger to clear blockage.
Problem: Toilet does not flush
Solution: Tighten or replace the toilet handle. Adjust or replace the lift chain. Replace the flush mechanism.
Problem: Toilet bowl drains slowly.
Solution: Remove clog. Raise the water level in the tank.
Problem: Water runs continuously
Solution: Lower the water level in tank. Adjust/replace lift chain. Repair/replace fill valve. Repair/replace flush valve. Replace valve seat assembly.
Problem: Water under the tank
Solution: Tighten tank hold-down bolts. Lower the water level in tank. Replace float valve. Replace fill valve. Insulate tank to prevent condensation. Tighten nuts on the supply hose. Replace leaking supply hose.
Problem: Seat loose
Solution: Tighten loose bolts. Replace seat.
Problem: No hot water.
Solution: Relight pilot light.
Problem: Pilot light does not stay lit.
Solution: Tighten connection on thermocouple. Replace thermocouple.
Problem: Not enough hot water.
Solution: Stagger household use. Raise temperature. Insulate tank and exposed hot-water line.
Problem: Water too hot
Solution: Lower the temperature. Have control unit inspected by a professional.
Problem: Relief valve leaks
Solution: Test and/or replace relief valve.
Problem: Drain valve leaks..
Solution: Replace drain valve
Problem: Water heater makes a rumbling noise.
Solution: Drain sediment from tank.
Problem: Hot water is dirty.
Solution: Drain sediment from tank.
Problem: Water in tank is rusty.
Solution: Replace the anode rod.
Problem: No hot water.
Solution: Reset tripped breaker. Test/replace upper thermostat.
Problem: Not enough hot water.
Solution: Stagger household use. Raise temperature. Insulate tank and exposed hot-water line. Test/replace lower thermostat.
Problem: Water too hot.
Solution: Lower temperature. Test/replace thermostats.
Problem: Circuit breaker trip repeatedly.
Solution: Call an electrician.
Problem: Water leaks near elements.
Solution: Tighten loose element. Replace faulty gasket.
Problem: Water heater tank leaks
Solution: Replace the water heater.
