Plumbing

Question 1

Auger

Answer 1

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.

Question 2

Copper piping

Answer 2

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.

Question 3

CPVC

Answer 3

Chlorinated poly-vinyl
chloride pipe, a type of plastic.
CPVC can be used in both hot
and cold potable water piping.

Question 4

Drain

Answer 4

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.

Question 5

Faucet screen

Answer 5

A small metal
screen used to catch small
debris in the water system,
found in the faucet arm nozzle.

Question 6

Faucet

Answer 6

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.

Question 7

Flapper

Answer 7

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.

Question 8

Float valve

Answer 8

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.

Question 9

Galvanized steel (piping)

Answer 9

A type
of steel water piping, coated with
a zinc compound. The zinc acts as
a sacrificial metal, slowing down
the corrosion process.

Question 10

Hose

Answer 10

A flexible rubber or plastic
tube for carrying water. Garden
hoses have special fittings to
connect to the hose bibb and
attachments.

Question 11

Hose bibb

Answer 11

External or internal
valved water fitting to which a
water hose is connected. It is also
called a spigot or faucet

Question 12

Low-flow

Answer 12

A water fixture that
produces a lower water flow at
the outlet.

Question 13

Main drainpipe

Answer 13

The piping
where the dwelling’s drain
piping system enters the septic
system or underground
drainpipe.

Question 14

Overflow

Answer 14

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.

Question 15

P-trap

Answer 15

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)

Question 16

PEX (piping)

Answer 16

A newer type of
flexible tubing, used to replace
the potable water piping in a
dwelling or building.

Question 17

Pilot light

Answer 17

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.

Question 18

Pipe threads

Answer 18

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.

Question 19

Plunger

Answer 19

A cupped, suction
device on a handle that is used
to clear a clogged drain.

Question 20

Pressure tank

Answer 20

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.

Question 21

Reset button (garbage disposal)

Answer 21

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.

Question 22

Septic system

Answer 22

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.

Question 23

Septic tank

Answer 23

An underground
tank wherein sewage is broken
down in an anaerobic bacterial
process.

Question 24

Sewer connection

Answer 24

The place
where a dwelling sanitary sewer
system connects to the city or
municipality sewer system.

Question 25

Shutoff valve

Answer 25

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.

Question 26

Sump pump

Answer 26

A pump used to remove water from a collection pit.

Question 27

Tank

Answer 27

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.

Question 28

Tankless water heater

Answer 28

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.

Question 29

Vent stack

Answer 29

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.

Question 30

Wastewater

Answer 30

Any water that is used in a process or sewer system becomes wastewater or graywater and must be treated before reuse.

Question 31

Water heater

Answer 31

An appliance used to raise the water temperature in a water system.

Question 32

Water supply

Answer 32

The potable water supplied to a residence or commercial building.

Question 33

Well pump

Answer 33

A pump used to pull water from an underground natural water supply.

Question 34

Problem: Faucet drips from the spout

Answer 34

Solution: Replace washer

Question 35

Problem: Faucet leaks from handle

Answer 35

Solution: Replace worn/damage O-ring, Replace worn packing.

Question 36

Problem: Faucet has a loose handle

Answer 36

Solution: tight handle screw

Question 37

Problem: Faucets leaks from collar

Answer 37

Solution: Replace worn O-ring

Question 38

Problem: Faucet leaks around base

Answer 38

Solution: Replace disk assembly. Replace inlet seals

Question 39

Problem: Flow from spout reduced

Answer 39

Solution: Clean aerator. Replace aerator

Question 40

Problem: Water under the sink

Answer 40

Solution: Tighten faucet-set lock nuts under the sink. Replace the gasket. Replace worn faucet. Replace supply tubes.

Question 41

Problem: Aerator leaks

Answer 41

Solution: Replace washer in aerator. Replace aerator

Question 42

Problem: Water leaks from the faucet set.

Answer 42

Solution: Tighten lock nuts under faucet set. Replace faucet set

Question 43

Problem: Water leaks from trap fittings.

Answer 43

Solution: Tighten slip nuts on trap assembly

Question 44

Problem: Water leaks from dishwasher hose.

Answer 44

Solution: Tighten or replace hose clamp. Trim or replace hose.

Question 45

Problem: Water leaks from sink strainer

Answer 45

Solution: Tighten lock nuts or retainer screw. Replace plumber’s putty or worn parts.

Question 46

Problem: Water leaking from supply tubes or fittings.

Answer 46

Solution: Tighten connection at the supply valve and/or faucet. Replace supply tubes.

Question 47

Problem: Drain is blocked/sluggish

Answer 47

Solution: Remove clog with plunger or auger. Disassemble and clean drain fittings. Use auger to remove clogs behind the wall.

Question 48

Problem: Toilet bowl overflows.

Answer 48

Solution: Use plunger or auger to clear blockage.

Question 49

Problem: Toilet does not flush

Answer 49

Solution: Tighten or replace the toilet handle. Adjust or replace the lift chain. Replace the flush mechanism.

Question 50

Problem: Toilet bowl drains slowly.

Answer 50

Solution: Remove clog. Raise the water level in the tank.

Question 51

Problem: Water runs continuously

Answer 51

Solution: Lower the water level in tank. Adjust/replace lift chain. Repair/replace fill valve. Repair/replace flush valve. Replace valve seat assembly.

Question 52

Problem: Water under the tank

Answer 52

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.

Question 53

Problem: Seat loose

Answer 53

Solution: Tighten loose bolts. Replace seat.

Question 54

Problem: No hot water.

Answer 54

Solution: Relight pilot light.

Question 55

Problem: Pilot light does not stay lit.

Answer 55

Solution: Tighten connection on thermocouple. Replace thermocouple.

Question 56

Problem: Not enough hot water.

Answer 56

Solution: Stagger household use. Raise temperature. Insulate tank and exposed hot-water line.

Question 57

Problem: Water too hot

Answer 57

Solution: Lower the temperature. Have control unit inspected by a professional.

Question 58

Problem: Relief valve leaks

Answer 58

Solution: Test and/or replace relief valve.

Question 59

Problem: Drain valve leaks..

Answer 59

Solution: Replace drain valve

Question 60

Problem: Water heater makes a rumbling noise.

Answer 60

Solution: Drain sediment from tank.

Question 61

Problem: Hot water is dirty.

Answer 61

Solution: Drain sediment from tank.

Question 62

Problem: Water in tank is rusty.

Answer 62

Solution: Replace the anode rod.

Question 63

Problem: No hot water.

Answer 63

Solution: Reset tripped breaker. Test/replace upper thermostat.

Question 64

Problem: Not enough hot water.

Answer 64

Solution: Stagger household use. Raise temperature. Insulate tank and exposed hot-water line. Test/replace lower thermostat.

Question 65

Problem: Water too hot.

Answer 65

Solution: Lower temperature. Test/replace thermostats.

Question 66

Problem: Circuit breaker trip repeatedly.

Answer 66

Solution: Call an electrician.

Question 67

Problem: Water leaks near elements.

Answer 67

Solution: Tighten loose element. Replace faulty gasket.

Question 68

Problem: Water heater tank leaks

Answer 68

Solution: Replace the water heater.