Plumbing Flashcards
1
Q
Water mains are this big in diameter
A
4 to 12 inches
2
Q
Smaller pipes (half inch to three-quarter inch) run from city mains into buildings at how many psi
A
40 to 70 psi
3
Q
Where was lead piping used up until the 1950s
A
Between the street main and house
4
Q
Copper piping’s life expectancy is indefinite, unless
A
It is in harsh water or soil (20 years)
5
Q
What is galvanized?
A
Zinc coated
6
Q
Is galvanized steel used as service pipe
A
No, but there may be galvanized, steel fittings used
7
Q
Service piping materials
A
PB (polybutylene)
PE (polyethylene)
PEX (cross linked polyethylene)
PVC (polyvinyl chloride)
CPVC (chlorinated PVC)
8
Q
Water accumulating in the basement or a wet spot on the lawn indicates
A
Supply leak
9
Q
Supply leaks may be caused by
A
Building settlement
Excavation
Connections
Valves
10
Q
What piping does the homeowner own
A
Everything within the property line
11
Q
Poor water pressure in house could be caused by
A
Closed or obstructed valve in the street or a blockage
12
Q
What happens when a city water main is undersized
A
Every home in the neighbourhood will have low pressure.
13
Q
Why might an older home have low pressure
A
A single supply line used to split to feed two houses which might not be adequate anymore
14
Q
How much bigger is a three-quarter inch pipe half inch pipe
A
More than twice as big
(pi x (r)2= square inches
15
Q
Where municipal pressure is above 80 psi what is required
A
A pressure regulator
16
Q
What sits right after a pressure regulator?
A
A pressure relief valve with a discharge pipe to a drain
17
Q
Why might a service pipe freeze?
A
Some extend above grade before entering house. They might be too close to grade as well.
18
Q
Water from Wells is pumped into a
A
Pressure tank (storage tank)
19
Q
Older well pumps are these
A
Reciprocating or piston type lift pumps
20
Q
Newer well pumps are these
A
Centrifugal
21
Q
Shallow well pumps use these.
A
Reciprocating or centrifugal (single pipe jet pump)
22
Q
Deep well pumps use these
A
Centrifugal (two line jet, or submersible)
23
Q
Amount of well water depends on
A
Amount of water and well and recovery rate
24
Q
What is a storage (pressure) tank for
A
Provides an air cushion so the pump doesn’t have to come on every time a faucet is opened
25
With no pressure tank, what would happen
Water pressure would vary quickly and cycle on and off frequently
26
Can you compress water?
No
27
Modern tanks have these to prevent air from being dissolved into water
Diaphragm or a bladder
28
What does waterlogged mean?
Air in tank is absorbed into water. (tank is nearly full.)
29
What can a waterlogged pressure tank result in?
Short cycling of the pump
30
What are some common reasons for a pump short cycling?
Foot valve leaking
Pressure tank waterlogged
Pump has lost its prime
Pressure switch is faulty
31
What is a foot valve?
At the bottom of the well
32
What is a sign of a well running close to dry
The water may be dirty
33
What is done to minimize corrosion on tanks
Insulated
34
Are main shut off valves tested during the home inspection and why
No. They often leak when operated
35
Describe a stop and waste valve
Has a bleed valve downstream of valve for draining water out of supply pipes for repairs.
36
Should a stop and waste valves be used where valve may become submerged? And why?
Should not be used where valve may become submerged. Waste creates a potential for a cross connection.
37
What is a potential cause for poor water, pressure with older galvanized steel supply pipes
Rust. Which chokes diameter
38
Rust happens soonest on what pipes
Pipes carrying hot water, horizontal pipes, and at threaded (thinner) sections
39
What does brownish colour in the water specially, after days of inactivity indicate
Rust
40
Copper piping has soldered connections. Are the walls thinner or thicker than galvanized steel?
Thinner
41
PEX and PB pipe use these fittings
Mechanical (crimp and compression)
42
If plastic pipes freeze, are they more or less likely to burst and split than copper
Less
43
This type of piping has a history of failed fittings
PB
44
This type of piping is not as flexible as PB or PEX and fittings are solvent welded (glued) rather than press on
CPVC
45
PE and PVC are only suitable for these
Waste underground service pipes, or cold water systems
46
What is water flow defined as
Gallons per minute (size and shape of faucet opening and pressure)
47
City water supplies pressure
40 to 70 psi
48
Normal pressure loss in homes is caused by
Elevation and friction (larger pipes lose less pressure)
49
How many psi to move 1 foot vertically
2.31 psi
50
What is the implication of sludge build up in the water heater?
Poor pressure. tank should be flushed annually
51
Can water softeners effect pressure
Yes, if not properly maintained
52
What are the implications of adding more plumbing fixtures?
Without enlarging or adding pipes, it can affect pressure
53
Will pipes leak the first time they freeze
No. They can swell up and leak the next time.
54
What might be the problem of pipes being installed in garage or crawlspaces
The spaces will be unheated and pipes may freeze
55
What could be a problem with remodelling a house in regards to pipes
Cutting off airflow around pipes could lead to freezing
56
If a basement still needs to be finished, why must cold water piping above ceiling be insulated?
To avoid condensation
57
What is the cause of Noisey pipes?
Not properly secured (stuff in newspaper or foam insulation)
58
What is water hammer also called
Hydrostatic shock
59
What is water hammer?
Noisy pipes when valves are shut off quickly
60
What is waterhammer caused by?
Large pressure at valve, low pressure, upstream the pipe. A small vacuum is created against the valve as water moves away from it. Result in cavitation as water is pulled back against valve again. Continues back-and-forth until shock waves diminish.
61
What can water hammer cause?
Damaged pipe connections and result in leakage
62
Does water hammer happen as valves are closed or opened
Closed
63
What fixes water hammer?
Air Chambers installed
64
Copper piping should not be supported with these
Steel hangers due to corrosion risks
(or touch heating ducts)
65
What should copper pipe be supported by?
Brass or copper hangers, not on nails or steel
66
Leak problems with polybutylene
Failure of plastic (acetal) fittings
67
Polybutylene crimp fittings should be this type
Copper. Older aluminum rings have been problematic.
68
Polybutylene insert fittings should be copper. What fittings cause leaks
Older polyacetyl (plastic)
69
These fittings work well, with polybutylene and copper piping
Compression grip fittings
70
What is cross connection?
Where waste water may enter in and contaminate supply water
71
What is cross connection avoided by?
Raising faucets above top of basin, and using overflows, anti siphon devices
72
Bidets have these to solve their cross connection issues
Vacuum breakers
73
If water supply is shut off and hoses left in a pail, cross connection can happen. What helps prevent this?
Backflow preventers (ie atmospheric vacuum)
74
Hot water combination heating systems are connected to a what? And with what safety device
Boiler. Backflow preventers stop cross connections.
75
These are not acceptable, hot water piping
Rubber hoses, plastic piping, PVC, PE
76
Are isolating valves operated by home inspectors
No. Due to leakage risks.
77
Three types of water heaters
1. Storage type.
2. Tankless
3. Indirect. (Boiler that heats house) - combination
78
Water heaters can heat the house through these
Fan coil units
Radiant heating
79
Describe conventional water heaters
Stored in a tank, heated by a burner or element
80
Fastest rate of recovery for water heater, fuel sources
1. Oil
2. Gas
3. Electric
81
Why do we want water heater to stay hot?
To prevent bacteria like legionnaires disease from growing in hot water
82
Dishwashers require up to 140°F so these are installed for other fixtures
Tempering valves to add cold water for other fixtures
83
Most oil and gas water heaters have to be vented into these
Chimneys with adequate draft
84
Are aluminum vents permitted for water heaters
No
85
Vent sections should be installed like this
Short, screwed together, and slope up quarter inch per foot minimum
86
Vents should extend how high above roof
2 feet above roof, and 2 feet above anything within 10 feet
87
Vents should extend at least how high above draft hood
5 feet above draft hood. Exhaust gases, spilling out at the draft hood or burner is dangerous.
88
Some modern gas water heaters have these that discharge through house walls (venting)
Induced draft fans in high temperature plastic venting
89
Should gas or oil water heaters be in sleeping areas?
No
90
Gas fired. Water heaters should be this high above floor level in garage
18 inches
91
Do water heater elements operate at the same time
No
92
How large should the temperature pressure relief valves be
As large as the tank fitting and the tube, and should never be threaded, capped or plugged
93
Alternative to relief valve
High temperature shut off
94
Life expectancy of water heaters
8 to 12 years
95
Describe tankless water heaters
Gas or propane fired with a burner, heat, exchanger, venting, controls
96
These water heaters are most efficient
Tankless
97
Where are tankless water heaters vented?
Through side wall of house or through roof, venting with specialized kits
98
Can tankless water heaters be mounted on the exteriors of houses
In modern climates yes
99
Do tankless water heaters require more or less gas than a tank type heater
More. A direct switch from storage tank to tankless will often not work, unless connected to a high-pressure system.
100
Tankless water heaters can clog with this
Scale. So annual descaling is recommended.
101
Tankless water heaters take more or less time to get hot water to faucets
More. Circulating loops help this.
102
Time to get hot water to faucet also depends on this
Climate. Colder climate to take longer with lower inlet temperature
103
Tankless water heater burners are triggered by
Sensors that detect flow of water, so water, saving showerheads might not trigger burners
104
Waste systems are divided into what two types
Blackwater = toilets
Gray water = bathing, washing
105
What’s the difference between new and old neighbourhoods for waste systems?
Old neighbourhoods have storm/sanitary sewer systems. Both go to treatment facility new developments, only treat the sanitary sewer and leave storm runoff.
106
Why is a basement flood of storms sewers less likely in newer homes?
New developments have separate sanitary storm runoff’s
107
What prevents basement back up from storms?
One way valves in flood drains, (or on mains) but backup could still happen bathroom fixtures
108
For separate sewers where should floor drains and downspouts go to
Floor drains go to sanitary sewer
Gutters/downspouts go into storm sewer
109
Why are sewer lines susceptible to be obstructed by roots or soil?
Lines from house to street are often clay in older homes
110
Can you add as many fixtures to your house as you want?
No. There are a limited number of fixtures that can discharge into drain pipes.
111
What are heavy solids in septic tanks called
Sludge
112
What are lighter solids called in septic tanks
Scum
113
What is fluid in between the lighter solids and heavy solids septic tank called
Effluent
114
What is effluent?
Shit water
115
Within septic tanks, majority of solids are broken down into gases and liquids due to
Aerobic and anaerobic bacterial action
116
What are the other names for septic field tile beds?
Leaching bed
Disposal field
Soil absorption field
Drainfield
117
Describe a septic field tile bed
Netwerk of perforated/open jointed pipes in trenches below ground to discharge effluent
118
These accelerate decomposition of solids in septic tanks
Agitators and aerators
119
What can be used to allow for smaller septic field tile beds
Special sand
120
A supply well, and tile bed should be kept how far away from each other
100 feet
121
Well, and septic tank should be kept how far away from each other
50 feet
122
Septic systems should be inspected and pumped how often
Inspected annually and pump every 2 to 4 years
123
Septic tank tile beds life expectancy
25 to 30 years
124
Why should bleaches and strong detergents be avoided with septic systems?
They kill bacteria in the tank
125
Can some septic systems connect to sewer systems
Yes
126
What does DWV stand for?
Dream, waste and vent piping.
Carry solid, liquid and gas waste out of building
127
This piping is good for venting, but poor for waste pipes
Galvanized steel (rust)
128
This piping works well for branch drain lines, stacks and vent piping where non-combustible is needed
Copper
129
This type of piping is most common. (May be noisy.)
Plastic. May be ABS or PVC.
Wrapping it with insulation helps
130
This piping employs a bell and spigot connection with oakum pack into joint and lead caulking
Cast iron
131
This piping has hubless pipe, joined with neoprene sleeves clamped over the joint
Cast iron
132
This type of piping was used due to resistance to corrosion and it’s workability. Prone to leaks.
Lead
133
What is the issue with just having a minimum waste pipe slope?
With house settlement slope can be lost and lead to leakage
134
What is a traps main purpose?
To prevent sewer odours from coming back through fixture drain
135
What are the different types of traps?
P traps
S traps
Drum traps
136
Which kind of trap is least susceptible to syphoning and obstructions
P traps
137
Do toilets require traps and why
No. Water and toilet bowl is a natural trap.
138
What helps prevent water from evaporating from the floor drain trap?
Primers
139
What is a primer for a trap?
Clear plastic to connected to laundry, tub faucet, etc. that allows some water into trap
140
What should be recommended if an S trap has syphoning problems?
Replace with a P-trap
141
These traps are not recommended for plumbing fixtures in homes
Bell traps
Drum traps
Crown vented traps
142
What is done when a house is winterized with supply?
Supply pipes are drained. Waste pipe traps can freeze use antifreeze.
143
Can you have two traps for one line
No. May produce chronic blockages.
144
Where should floor drains be and what should they have?
Provided at the lowest level of a basement with a grate over top
145
Venting performs what three functions
1. Allows air in front of the water flowing through the waste pipe to be pushed out of the way.
2. Allows air back into waste piping after water has gone by.
3. Allow sewer gases to escape outside through a vent stack.
146
If a system is not properly vented, what will happen
Water will syphon out of the trap
147
The space between two traps forms, a vacuum when drained and water in the traps can be syphoned out. What prevents this?
A vent or AAV downstream of the trap that allows air in
148
All fixtures should be vented with the exception of
Some floor drains
149
These fixtures don’t need a separate vent
Any fixture within 5 feet of the main stack because the main stack acts as it’s vent
150
A vent should extend through the roof when fixtures are
More than 5 feet from the main stack
151
Water heater Vents may connect to a main stack above all the fixtures in the house. True or false
True
152
Syphoning or a gurgling sound when water is drained indicates
Venting problems
153
Sewer odour at fixture indicates
A trap or venting problem
154
These are mechanical devices that simulate vents
Air admittance valves
155
How do air admittance valves work?
They allow air to be drawn in under negative pressure to prevent siphoning, but prevent air escaping under positive pressure
156
Air admittance valves may be approved, but these are not
Automatic air vents
157
Vent pipes should extend at least how high up through the roof
6 inches
158
When a vent extends through a roof that is used as a deck, it should extend how high above
7 feet!
159
Vents should never terminate where
In an attic
160
Vents should terminate how far away from doors or windows
3 feet above any door window within 10 feet
161
Vents should be how far away from walls
12 inches
162
Very long exposed vents may be subject to this
Frost closure in the winter (should be minimum 3 inches in diameter to lower risk)
163
What are wet vents
Vents that also serve as drains
164
Vents that run along the outside of a house are more susceptible to
Frost enclosure
165
These are used where gravity cannot carry waste away
Sewage ejector’s (solid waste pumps) (shit flingers)
166
Discharge lines should be equipped with what in what order
A union (connection fitting)
The check valve (prevents sewage from moving backwards)
Shut off valve
167
What are sump pumps
These are used to lift storm water from a little spot into a storm sewer, or other discharge point
168
Where are sump pumps located?
Located in a sump pit below basement floor level
169
Sump pumps have what material tubs
Plastic or concrete
170
Can foundation drainage tiles, and downspouts discharge into sump
Yes
171
What is a basin?
Personal washing. “ lavatories”
172
Sinks should have these to stop larger objects
Crossbar, strainer, or stopper
173
Should sinks, have overflows
No. But they may have them for in between to side-by-side sinks
174
What are gap fittings?
Fitting that projects 3 inches above sink that prevents backflow from dishwasher. Dishwasher has an integral backflow preventer.
175
When an air gap device is not required, where should drain hose be secured?
Underside of countertop, creating a high loop to prevent backflow
176
Leakage through a faucet means
Deteriorated washer
177
Leakage around handle means
Deteriorated packing
178
Modern faucets use these internal mechanisms to control water flow
A cartridge, ceramic disc, or ball valve
179
These will keep desired temperatures when other faucets are used at the same time
Temperature or pressure sensitive mixing valves
180
How are outdoor faucets kept from freezing in the winter with the shut off’s?
Water is shut off by another valve in the building interior during the winter with the outside valve left open for water to escape. Inside shut off may have bleed valve.
181
Describe frost proof hose bibs
Have long stem that penetrates through building wall and are sloped
182
Some jurisdictions require these for outdoor faucets
Backflow preventer’s
183
Most toilets are made of
Vitreous China
184
What is the cause of a toilet running continuously and the ramifications
Leakage from tank into bowl.
Condensation problems and a great deal of wasted water
185
Where is leakage usually on bathtub enclosures
Between the tub and tile enclosure
186
Where drywall is used behind the tub tile, what is used?
Water, resistant type (green drywall) or cement board
187
Where is a weak spot for water in bath tub enclosures?
Between the tile and tub
188
Will caulking deteriorate over time
Yes.
189
Shower stalls have these to catch leakage
Lead (traditional) or neoprene (modern) pan around bottom of stall, which extends up at 6 inches on all sides to catch leakage
190
What is a whirlpool bath?
Conventional bathtub with circulating pump and supply Jets and return intake
191
In some cases what might need to be done for a whirlpool bath
Floor may need to be strengthened to carry the load
192
Whirlpool baths should have this for servicing
Service door to the pump
193
Bathroom fans should provide how many air exchanges per hour
12. Air changes per hour.
Replace air every five minutes
194
Do kitchen fans have a filter
Yes
195
Do kitchen fans discharge into chimneys
No
196
What are the implications in the kitchen fan is too powerful
May cause furnaces to Backdraft
197
These run from branch lines to fixtures
Individual risers (supply tubes)
198
How do supply pipes help maintain constant pressure
By decreasing in diameter as they get farther from trunk lines
199
Should hot and cold water pipes run together
They should be kept at least 6 inches apart so they don’t transfer heat or cold
200
What is soldering copper also called
Sweat fitting
201
These pipes are allowed as drain pipes, but not as supply
PVC
CPVC is accepted by some codes
202
This kind of pipe is used for tank and branch distribution
Rigid piping
203
This kind of piping is main water line that feeds into manifold with supply lines to fixtures
Pex
204
Why does PEX save water and energy?
Because it doesn’t rely on large pipes, so it delivers hot water quickly
205
Shut off valve at main is also called
Curb valve
206
Inside the house where the main emerges is called
Inlet
207
Where are metres located?
Before the main branches off, because they measure total consumption
208
What should inspectors determine on the observable service piping?
Location, size, composition, and condition
209
Houses with less than this inner diameter of water supply piping will have reduced flow when operating several fixtures at once
Three-quarter inch inner diameter
210
House Main will likely be these metals
Iron or brass (magnet can distinguish) copper, lead
211
Badly deteriorated pipes may have these
Pinhole leaks on their length
212
What will dilute copper in water do in pipes
Accelerate galvanic action (corrosion) inside steel pipes, and hasten their ends
213
How can you recognize lead pipes?
Scrape them with a hard edge. Lead is soft so they will scrape and show silver and gray.
214
How can you tell if they are lead pipes at joints?
Lead pipes balloon (bulge) gently and bulged joints will be near foundation or metre
215
How to check water pressure
Check with the gauge on an outside faucet (40 to 80 psi is normal)
216
Where should regulators be and what should they have?
On the house side of shut off valve with a sand screen
217
How should you test water flow?
Two cold faucets, and a toilet at the same time
And two hot water, faucets and shower at the same time
218
Water heater, life expectancies
10 to 15 years
219
Why should you check every faucet?
Even a small section of constricted, pipe can affect flow to fixtures
220
What should a homeowner do to repair a major flow restriction?
It may be necessary to replace all galvanized piping, but start with exposed horizontal water piping
221
Can connections with dielectric unions corrode
Yes, overtime with dilute copper in the water, but unions slow that down
222
Where can you find supply risers and shut off valves?
Cabinets under sinks, and lavatories
223
Where should you look in older homes for piping?
Access panels on back sides of tubs water walls where pipes are grouped
224
Horizontal supports for copper and CPVC and PEX
Copper= 6’
CPVC= 3’
PEX= 32”
225
What is corrosion of galvanized pipe from dilute copper in water called
Electrolysis
226
When dissimilar metal water pipes are bonded, what is required and why
Copper jumper wire should be clamped pipe on both sides of dielectric union to ensure a continuous ground because it has a rubber bushing inside
227
What can hard (acidic) water do inside of copper pipes
Pit and produce pinhole leaks and blue and green deposits
228
Problem too much solder copper joints
Can weaken connection
229
Why did polybutylene fittings deteriorate
Due to adverse reactions with oxidants (ie chorine)
230
Why is CPVC good for hard water?
Because it won’t corrode from chemicals in the water
231
Why is PVC not used as supply pipe?
Because it releases carcinogens
232
This piping is used for radiant heating
PEX
233
Inspect crimped fittings that join these
Manifold nipples, and adaptors to fixtures
234
Why should PEX be covered quickly after installation?
It can break down when exposed to direct sunlight (within 30 to 90 days)
235
Why can’t PEX be directly connected to gas or oil fired water heaters, and why should it be kept away from other sources of heat
I can melt when exposed to flames
236
Most freeze resistant outdoor faucets have these the screw to the faucet spout
Anti-siphon devices
237
Underground lawn water, sprinkler systems should have these on every water supply line
Antisiphon devices (vacuum breakers)
238
Vacuum breakers on sprinkler systems must be where
At least 6 inches above the highest sprinkler head on the system
239
UV rays degrade PVC plastic so this should be done to PVC sprinkler piping
Paint
240
Should an inspector operate every plumbing fixture
Yes
241
Inadequate flow and rust stains on fixtures indicate
Galvanized piping needs replacing
242
If supply that comes from a well pulses what is the cause?
Pressure tank maybe waterlogged
243
Blue/green deposits indicate
Hard acidic water dissolving inside copper pipes
244
These prevent water hammering
Fixture supply pipes terminating in air Chambers or antiknock coils
245
If water from spigot takes a long time to get hot, what might be the cause?
Supply pipes may be running through an unheated section
246
What might be the cause of a popping sound
Support straps may be too tight. They expand from heated water, snag, and release.
247
What is needed if adjusting water heater thermostat doesn’t work.
Anode rods may need replacing
248
Every fixture supply riser should have
An angle stop (shut off valve)
249
Whistling, sound or water running after tank is full=
Adjust fill valve
250
Most dishwashers have these inside the unit
Integral heating elements that boost temperatures
251
Why do electric water heaters last longer?
Because their elements are immersed in water, whereas others apply flame to the bottom of the tank. Expanding and contracting wears on the tank.
252
What should you ask the homeowner for?
Installation records of water heater
253
How can hard water shorten the lifespan of a water heater?
Minerals can build up on anode rods
254
What are the implications of sediment buildup on the bottom of gas and oil fired burners
Insulate between the flame, which reduces efficiency, and can lead to leaks because it overheats the bottom of the tank. Homeowner should drain the tank.
255
Where does a TPR sit in a tank
a sensor probe extends into the top 6 inches of water
256
Where should a TPR valve not be mounted
Above the tank or installed in either the hot water outlet pipe or cold water inlet pipe
257
Leaking TPR valve can be resolved by
Adding a water expansion tank
258
What are some purposes of water expansion tanks?
Absorb increased volume created by thermal expansion
Help maintain, balanced pressure throughout the entire system
259
Why should the TPR valve opening and discharge pipe slope downward?
So they don’t fill with standing water
260
Leaking TPR valve may be defective, or it may be a result of
Minor spikes in tank pressure as when barometric pressures are low
261
TPR discharge piping should be minimum what in inner diameter? And what should copper be?
Three-quarter inch minimum inner diameter
Copper should be replaced
262
Which water heaters need flu pipes to vent gas
Oil and gas water heaters. Electric do not.
263
How should you test the water heater?
Open the hot water faucet. Burner should ignite in five minutes.
264
If a flue pipe terminates in a masonry chimney, there should be no gaps anywhere. What should be done if dark water, stains or creosote on the outside of flue pipe are noticed.
Chimney may need a cap
265
Does flue piping always have to slope upwards for gas to rise naturally
No. It may have an exhaust fan.
266
If a single wall metal flue pipe is used, what is needed
Minimum 6 inch between flue pipe and wood framing
Or upgrade to double wall type B piping
267
Where a metal flue pipe exits an exterior wall, what is needed
Double wall, insulated adaptor (“thimble”)
268
When a new water heater is installed, what should be done with the old flue draft diverter?
Should be removed
269
After a burner fires for a few minutes, hold your hand 4 to 6 inches away from the draft diverter. If you feel hot exhaust, what might be the issue?
The flu may be blocked or there may be negative house pressure
270
Most common cause of backdrafting, in older homes
Water heater in laundry room with exhaust fan and/or a clothes dryer
271
What can a rusted out bottom of the water heater cause
Backdrafting buy water vapor, not being painted and collecting near the water heater and being drawn into burner
272
Scorch marks on bottom of gas-fired water heater=
Flame rollout
273
Most common cause of flame rollout
Missing access cover
274
What are dip tubes?
Different length inlet tubes for water heaters
275
Describe dip tubes function
Cold water tube, empties near the bottom of the tank so as water is heated, it rises in the tank to exit through a shorter dip tube near the top of the tank
276
If the dip tubes are reversed
Reduces efficiency. Test by feeling tubes at entry.
277
What problems do insulating blankets on water heaters cause
Retain moisture and cause rust. Covering the top of a water heater can obstruct the flow of air into the draft diverter and blocks flue venting.
278
Why are rigid inlet, and outlet pipes not ideal
Flex water piping will resist, breaking in an earthquake. Rigid cannot.
279
Pipe insulation will melt if too close to
Flue pipes or diverter
280
Tankless water heaters may have separate intake and exhaust pipes, whereas some will have
A single concentric direct vent pipe (pipe within a pipe) to supply fresh air and exhaust combustion gas
281
As trap arms leave, individual fixtures, they empty into
Branch drains, or a soil stack (main drain)
282
Faecal matter and urine going to:
Waste water, but not soil goes into :
Soil pipes and soil stacks
Waste pipes
283
Trap arm exit into a T fitting who is bottom leg and upper leg are these
Bottom leg is a branch drain
Upper leg is a branch vent
284
How big should vents be?
Same size as their companion drains because they must admit enough air to offset that displaced by falling water
285
DVW pipes are mostly
PVC or ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene)
286
These are most often used to join DWV pipes
No-hub couplings (hubless connecters)
287
Drain pipes slope down:
Vent pipes slope up :
Drain: 1/4” per foot
Vent: 1/8” per foot
288
What are the implications of larger diameter drain pipes emptying into smaller ones
Blockage risks
289
What are the waste pipes in between the building and main sewer called?
Sewer lateral’s
290
What is the likely cause of a draining fixture causing a gurgling sound in an adjacent fixture or flushing one fixture causing water to suck out of another fixtures trap?
Clogged, undersized or missing vents
291
Waist and drainage systems should be
Airtight
292
PVC and ABS have specified adhesives, so take a note of
Different colours
293
Can damaged DWV pipes be repaired
No. They should be replaced to ensure that they are airtight.
294
Where should discharge piping of a sewer ejector terminate?
Above the waste piping and flow downward to prevent pressurization of waste piping
295
This gas is sewer, gas
Methane
296
Are flex waste lines permitted
No. Only smooth piping is suitable for draining.
297
waste outflow pipes (drain pipes) must be this level
Lower than flood level of attached trap
298
Clothes washer drains (standpipes) must have
Trap 6 to 18 inches above floor
Vertical pipe 18 to 42 inches above the trap
Piping should be larger than the washer drain
299
What should you recommend and what should you ask for in regards to private wells
Water quality tested and water testing reports
300
These can be a very big problem with private Wells, and there is no short term solution
Chemical pollutants in the aquifer
301
What is an aquifer
Subterranean rock layers, where the ground water collects
302
Why is simply tasting a glass of water not sufficient for testing private Wells?
Mini pollutants are odourless and colorless, especially when diluted in vast aquifer
303
Shallow wells are more prone to this, and you should note this in your report
Water, stinking, tasting bad or is turbid (cloudy)
304
What could be the cause of a toilet sweating?
Hotline accidentally connected
305
Where is the clean out required?
Before line leaves the house
306
What colour is polybutylene and where should you look?
Gray. Look at joints. Plastic joints are a problem.
307
Where are the stacks and soil stacks
Stack is going up
Soil stack is below toilet. Has air moving through as well.
308
What is a Venturi?
Low pressure side on a pump. Has a small opening in suction line.
309
What is an impeller?
High-pressure side of a pump that feeds Venturi
310
Three parts of the pump
Manual regulator, prime port, pressure controller
311
Describe the difference between jet pumps and submersible pumps
Jet pumps have two lines and 3/4 of discharge water is fed back to Venturi
Submersible pumps are more efficient and have one line
312
These types of clamps should support copper
Copper or plastic
313
These pipes are cream, color, and resistant to corrosion
CPVC
314
These pipes are less likely to have water hammer
PEX
CPVC
315
If water comes out of the faucet over this temperature, recommend turning down thermostat
120 Fahrenheit
316
These two things on a dielectric union separate the dissimilar metals
Insulating sleeve and washer
317
Factors that affect supply
Pipe size, smoothness, changes of direction, pressure, height
318
Water flow is measured in
GPM. Gallons per minute.
319
Water pressure is measured in
Psi. Pressure per square inch.
320
Should a home inspector operate shut off valves
No
321
Describe how cast iron can corrode
Hydrogen sulfide gas can oxidize and produce sulphuric acid
322
Negative pressure and gravity in relation to AAV
Negative pressure causes it to open and gravity close is it
323
Anode rods are also called
Sacrificial rods
324
A baffle is also called
Turbulator
325
Document these things about the water heater
Name, capacity, age
326
rumbling noise from water heater indicates
Sediment buildup
327
Should there be vent pipes on every water heater
No. Not on electric.
328
You should not have these vent pipes in attic’s or crawlspaces
Single wall vent pipes
329
Can you have shut off valves before or downstream of TPR valve?
No
330
TPR piping may not be shared with
Condensate drain or other relief valves
331
TPR drain requirements
Must drain by gravity, and not run, uphill, or be trapped
May not drain to crawlspace, and the end should be visible.
Never downsize TPR discharge pipe
Not threaded at the end
332
Can you use PVC on gas water heaters for the flue?
Yes. If it is power vented.
333
When can you not use copper or brass for water heaters?
If there is a lot of hydrogen sulphide in the water
334
Flexible, gas piping should not be longer than or extended through
Longer than 6 feet or extend through walls and floors
335
Is the water softener before or after the water heater?
Before
336
What pressure is desirable for supply?
60 to 80 psi
337
Where should type L and type M copper be?
L= underground or outside (thicker)
M= inside (thinner)
338
Which is more flexible PEX A or PEX B
PEX A
339
What is a tail piece?
short pipe with a slip joint under the fixture that fits into P-trap by a flange connection
340
Hot should be on this side of the fixture
Left. Unless otherwise marked.
341
What is a toilet also called and what are the three types
Water closet
1. Closed coupled.
2. One piece.
3. Flushometre valve.
342
Dishwasher should be connected with a
Wye fitting to the sink tail piece
343
Dishwashers should have these installed
Airgap device or high loop
344
What does a high loop do
Prevents backflow of water into dishwasher and prevents water from syphoning out of dishwasher. (They may have one pre-installed, but most require another in installation.)
345
Exterior window on exterior wall at bathtub should be safety, glazed, unless
60 inches or higher
346
Shower openings should be minimum this wide
22 inches
347
What are closet bolts made of?
Brass. Resist corrosion.
348
Waste from clothes washers should discharge water through
An air gap for air break into a standpipe or into the laundry tub
349
Plastic bathtubs are made with
Fire resistant chemicals for exposure to plumbers torches
350
Why are concrete laundry trays not permitted?
They do not permit a smooth sanitary surface
351
Where does the exhaust from a gas burner in the dryer vent to?
Same vent as dryer vent. Make sure it’s clean.
352
If a water heater has an exhaust fan, is it high-efficiency?
Not always. It might just be to direct vent outside the wall rather than the roof.
353
What is scale
Mineral deposits in the water
354
What are sacrificial anode made from?
Magnesium or aluminum
355
What does a noble metal mean?
Resistant to corrosion
356
Hot water pipe is attached to (in the tank)
Sacrificial rod
357
Water heaters should not be in
Storage closets, bedrooms, bathrooms, or next to return air Plenum
358
What is an FVIR
Flammable vapor, ignition resistant water heater. flame arrestor plate at the bottom of a water heater. (sealed combustion chamber.)
359
What is a helix?
Slows flue gas is down for a better heat transfer
360
The flue also acts as
A secondary heat exchanger in water heaters
361
This is defined as a confined space
50 ft.³ per thousand BTUs per hour
362
If all the combustion air is taken from the outdoor air, what is required for the water heater?
Openings 12 inches from the top and 12 inches from bottom of enclosure
363
TPR discharges at these rates
210°F and 150 psi (TPR is located at top 6 inches of tank with the hottest water is)
364
What is a watts210 valve
Installed in a gas supply line to the water heater (pressure shut off)
365
1 in.³ of water can turn into how much steam
One cubic foot
366
TPR should have amount of an air gap to the floor
6 inches
367
What is a diffuser?
Connects to the flu at the top of the water heater
368
Water can’t turn to steam until
Exposed to the atmosphere
369
Some disinfectant can react with this piping, causing it to fail
Polybutylene
370
Homeowners could be denied insurance with this piping
Polybutylene
371
This is what makes polybutylene more susceptible to failures
Continuously, circulated, hot water with a circulating pump
Plastic fittings
372
Pipes will say this information on it
Type and max temperature
373
Hot water can cause what that will clog tankless heaters
Calcium carbonate
374
Should you recommend a plumber to work on tankless?
No. They need a specialist.
375
Three elements of exhaust
Sulphur dioxide, carbon monoxide, water vapour
376
Why should exhaust gases not blow on condensing unit?
It could be pulled onto the condensing coil
377
What should be done with mixing valves annually?
Exercise them
378
These can be in place of expansion tanks
Expansion valves
379
Dishwasher should go to the drain not the disposal. Why
Could drain the P-trap
380
How long must a vertical vent be before it hits the transition on the water heater
12 inches
381
Things that can go wrong with supply
Contaminated, low flow, leaks
382
Common materials for service pipes
Copper, galvanized, steel, plastic
383
Gas piping materials
Black steel, copper, plastic, coated Flexsteel
384
Is clogged condensate collection system a problem with power vented or fan assisted water heaters
No
385
Is a pressure limit switch essential for safe operation of gas water heaters
No
386
Can a TPR discharge pipe be copper
Yea
387
Do hot water heaters need an isolating valve on a water outlet
No
388
What is the recovery rate?
Number of gallons that can be heated to 140°F in one hour
389
Gas metre shouldn’t be in these locations
Under drip lines of roofs, or under or near sources of combustion (3 feet from)
390
Is PVC allowed for supply
No
391
Where does the drain from dishwasher terminate to?
Above the trap (upstream of trap, not downstream)
