Plumbing Flashcards
How does water flow into the home to fixtures/appliances?
potable water from public comes through the water service pipe into the home and is distributed through the water distribution pipes which begins at the main water shutoff valve
grey water
waste water from sinks, tubs, and showers used to flush toilets or irrigate landscaping
What components of a home’s plumbing system are NOT in scope of a home inspection
washing machines & their connections, sewage disposal systems, fire suppression/fire sprinkler
3/4 bathroom
bathroom w/ sink, toilet & shower (no bathtub)
aerator
device that controls air into water stream, found on sinks and lavatory faucets
air admittance valve (AAV)
air pressure operated one way valve used in place of an atmospheric plumbing vent; device different from check vent which contains spring loaded gasket
backpressure
occurs when the pressure at a point outside the water supply system is greater than the water supply system pressure (uncommon)
backsiphonage
occurs when there’s negative pressure in the water supply system pipes and contaminants are possibly sucked into the water supply system pipes.
-Occurs because of sudden loss of water pressure combined with rapid drainage of water supply sys. pipes.
backwater walve
device installed in building drain pipe to prevent flow of sewage from public sewer into the house.
-Recommended when plumbing fixtures in house are located below nearest upstream manhole cover of the public sewer.
water hammer
thumping/banging noise caused by sudden stopping of water flow.
-can damage pipes/fixtures.
water hammer arrestor
device that absorbs the hydraulic shock caused by sudden stopping of water flow, usually installed near clothes washing machine/dishwasher water supply connetions.
Pipes installed through holes and notches should be…
-be protected against puncture from nails/screws by installing steel shield plates if edge of hole/notch is closer than 1 1/2” to the edge of the member. Shield plate should extend 2” above bottom plate and below top plate.
-large enough to allow pipes to move w/ hole at least 1/2” larger than the pipe diameter to avoid rubbing/clicking/squeaking against framing materials.
Pipes installed through foundation walls or installed under a footing should be protected against breaking by…
breaking by a relieving arch or enclosing the pipe in a sleeve. Sleeve should be 2 sizes larger than pipe.
What could be the cause of inadequate functional flow at plumbing fixtures?
-blocked aerator or blocked flow restrictor
-pipes reduced internal diameter b/c of rust, dirt, etc.
-occasionally could be inadequate pipe size (H.I. not req’d to determine if correct)
water service pipe must be a minimum of?
3/4” inch
what is copper tubing used for?
water service and distribution.
used since 1930s, widespread use in 1950’s as main water distribution (until PEX tubing now)
Copper tubing comes in three types that are commonly used in houses. Type __ has the thickest walls and is identified with ______ markings. Type __ has thinner walls than Type K and is identified with blue markings. Type __ has the thinnest walls and is identified with ___ markings.
K, green
L
M, red
Copper tubing should be supported horizontally at least every ________ and vertically every ________.
6 feet; 10 feet
*should be protected against punctures, corrosion, breaking/freezing
Identify where copper tubing Types K, L, and M can be installed? What connections are used with copper tubing?
Types K and L - installed above or below ground, embedded in or installed under concrete/masonry. can be used for natural gas or fuel oil (no fuel in some jurisdictions).
Type M - installed above or below ground. but MAY NOT BE embedded or installed under concrete/masonry
copper to copper using soldered copper fits, threaded fits or push-connect fits. Need dielectric fits to avoid galvanic corrosion.
galvanic corrosion
when 2 metals meet in the presence of water. weakens the materials causing potential leak
(“occurs when electrons flow between dissimilar metals in presence of an electrolyte.”)
max water pressure
80 psi (pounds per square inch)
What’s PVC used for?
DWV, water service, & irrigation.
PVC for cold water ONLY - 100 degree max temp.
What’s CPVC and what is it used for?
Chlorinated polyvinyl chloride - thermoplastic pipe usually cream color (sometimes w/ yellow stripe or colored grey) w/ max temp of 180 degrees
water distro. & water service pipe
Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride pipe should be supported horizontally every _____ and vertically every _____. Midstory guide for pipes _____ or smaller. These type of pipe should be connected using ________.
3 feet; 10 feet
2 inches
solvent cement (glue)
*protected against punctures, breaking, freezing. Vulnerable to cracking when water freezes inside.
What material pipe can be used for water heater pressure relief valve?
copper or CPVC.
CPVC pipe is usually connected using…
solvent-cemented fitting, push-connect or threaded fitting if connected to other CPVC.
to copper or PEX using push-connect fitting or threaded adapter fitting.
to galvanized steel using threaded adapter fitting
Issues with CPVC are usually caused by?
improper installation (using wrong or incorrect amount of solvent cement, improper support)
freezing
*no reported SYSTEMIC prob’s
What is galvanized steel pipe used for?
water service (uncommon), water distro, DWV
dull gray color or black steel pipe; 1860s-1960s most common.
no longer used in homes except to repair/replace existing galv. steel
Explain the issues with galvanized steel pipe?
rusts from the inside out (weakens then leaks). Inside surface traps particles and rust in the water.
reduced functional flow due to reduction in inside of pipe. water may have rust color.
Galvanized steel pipe should be supported horizontally every ______ and vertically every _______.
12 feet; 15 feet
protected against breaking and freezing.
Galvanized steel pipe fittings are:
threaded fittings connected to other galv. steel.
threaded adapter fitting to CPVC and PEX.
using dielectric fitting or brass fitting if connected to copper tubing.
