Plumbing science Flashcards
What is the primary purpose of plumbing in buildings?
To supply clean water and remove waste.
True or False: Plumbing systems only involve water supply.
False
Fill in the blank: The UK plumbing system is regulated by the _______.
Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations
What is a common material used for plumbing pipes in the UK?
Copper
What does the term ‘drainage’ refer to in plumbing?
The removal of wastewater from a building.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is NOT a type of plumbing system? A) Sanitary B) Stormwater C) Electrical
C) Electrical
What is the function of a water heater in a plumbing system?
To heat water for domestic use.
True or False: The term ‘backflow’ refers to water flowing in the opposite direction.
True
What is the purpose of a plumbing trap?
To prevent sewer gases from entering the building.
Fill in the blank: The _______ is responsible for ensuring that plumbing work is done safely and up to standard.
Local authority
What is a common cause of water leaks in plumbing?
Corroded pipes
Multiple Choice: Which of the following components is used to control water flow? A) Faucet B) Drain C) Vent
A) Faucet
What is the role of a plumber?
To install and repair piping systems.
True or False: PVC pipes are commonly used for hot water supply.
False
Fill in the blank: The _______ provides pressure to push water through the plumbing system.
Water pump
What is the standard pressure for residential water supply in the UK?
1 to 3 bar
Multiple Choice: Which type of valve is used to stop water flow? A) Check valve B) Gate valve C) Ball valve
B) Gate valve
What is an overflow pipe used for?
To prevent water from spilling over the tank.
True or False: All plumbing work in the UK must be carried out by a qualified professional.
True
Fill in the blank: _______ is the process of removing blockages from pipes.
Drain cleaning
What is the purpose of a plumbing vent?
To allow air into the drainage system to prevent vacuum.
What is the main regulatory body for plumbing standards in the UK?
British Standards Institution (BSI)
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is a common plumbing tool? A) Wrench B) Hammer C) Screwdriver
A) Wrench
What does the term ‘hydraulic’ refer to in plumbing?
The use of liquid to transmit power.
True or False: Water softeners are used to remove minerals from hard water.
True
What is the function of a stopcock?
To control the flow of water in the system.
Fill in the blank: The _______ is a system of pipes that carries waste away from the home.
Sewage system
What is the primary purpose of plumbing in a building?
To supply water and remove waste.
True or False: A plumbing system is only responsible for water supply.
False
What does the term ‘drainage’ refer to in plumbing?
The removal of wastewater and sewage from a building.
Fill in the blank: The main pipe that carries water into a building is called the _______.
service pipe
What is cross-connection in plumbing?
A point where the potable water supply is connected to a non-potable source.
Which pipe material is commonly used for water supply lines?
Copper
What is the function of a trap in plumbing?
To prevent sewer gases from entering a building.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is NOT a type of plumbing system? A) Sanitary B) Storm C) Electrical D) Water Supply
C) Electrical
What is the purpose of a vent stack?
To allow air to enter the plumbing system and prevent vacuum conditions.
True or False: PVC pipes can be used for hot water applications.
False
What is a backflow preventer?
A device that prevents contaminated water from flowing back into the clean water supply.
Fill in the blank: The _______ is responsible for distributing hot water in a building.
hot water system
What is the standard height for a kitchen sink installation?
Approximately 36 inches.
Multiple Choice: What is the minimum slope for a horizontal drain pipe? A) 1/4 inch per foot B) 1/8 inch per foot C) 1/2 inch per foot D) No slope required
A) 1/4 inch per foot
What type of valve is used to control water flow in a plumbing system?
Gate valve
True or False: It is acceptable to use a hose to siphon water from a pool into the plumbing system.
False
What is the primary purpose of a pressure reducing valve?
To reduce the incoming water pressure to a safe level for the plumbing system.
Fill in the blank: The _______ is the part of the plumbing system that carries away wastewater.
drainage system
What is the purpose of insulation on hot water pipes?
To reduce heat loss and improve energy efficiency.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is a common cause of water hammer? A) Air in pipes B) Low water pressure C) Leaky faucets D) Clogged drains
A) Air in pipes
What is a standpipe in plumbing?
A vertical pipe used to provide drainage from fixtures.
True or False: The diameter of drain pipes is typically larger than that of supply pipes.
True
What does the term ‘fixture unit’ refer to?
A measure of the probable discharge into the drainage system from various plumbing fixtures.
Fill in the blank: A _______ is used to connect two pipes of different diameters.
reducer
What type of pump is commonly used for moving wastewater?
Sump pump
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is used to prevent freezing in exposed pipes? A) Heat tape B) Insulation C) Both A and B D) None of the above
C) Both A and B
What is the function of a water meter?
To measure the amount of water used by a building.
True or False: Plumbing codes are the same in every country.
False
What is the purpose of a cleanout in a plumbing system?
To provide access for cleaning and inspection of the drainage system.
Fill in the blank: The _______ is the part of the plumbing system that provides water to fixtures.
water supply system
What is the primary purpose of a thermostatic mixing valve?
To control the temperature of water supplied to fixtures.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is a type of valve used for controlling flow? A) Ball valve B) Check valve C) Pressure relief valve D) All of the above
D) All of the above
What is the main benefit of using PEX piping?
Flexibility and resistance to corrosion.
True or False: Plumbing fixtures must be installed according to local building codes.
True
What does the term ‘hydrostatic pressure’ refer to?
The pressure exerted by a fluid at rest due to its weight.
Fill in the blank: The _______ is a device that helps to remove air from the plumbing system.
air vent
What is the maximum distance a trap can be from a fixture?
Typically 4 to 6 feet.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is NOT a type of plumbing fitting? A) Elbow B) Tee C) Coupling D) Radiator
D) Radiator
What is the purpose of a water softener?
To remove minerals that cause hard water.
True or False: All plumbing systems require a venting system.
True
What does the term ‘flow rate’ refer to?
The volume of water that flows through a pipe per unit of time.
Fill in the blank: A _______ is used to prevent backflow in sprinkler systems.
backflow preventer
What is the function of a sump pit?
To collect excess water and prevent flooding.
Multiple Choice: Which type of pipe is commonly used for drain, waste, and vent (DWV) systems? A) Copper B) PVC C) PEX D) Steel
B) PVC
What is the purpose of a pressure gauge in plumbing?
To measure the pressure of water in a system.
True or False: Soldering is a common method for joining copper pipes.
True
What is the purpose of a hose bib?
To provide an outdoor water supply.
Fill in the blank: The _______ is the part of the plumbing system that collects wastewater from fixtures.
drainage system
What does the term ‘head’ refer to in plumbing?
The height of water above a reference point, affecting pressure.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is a common plumbing tool? A) Wrench B) Hammer C) Screwdriver D) All of the above
D) All of the above
What is the main purpose of a sediment trap?
To prevent sediment from entering the plumbing system.
True or False: Galvanized steel pipes are commonly used for water supply lines.
True
What is the function of a toilet tank?
To store water for flushing the toilet.
Fill in the blank: The _______ is the part of the plumbing system that carries fresh water to fixtures.
supply line
What is the standard diameter of a residential drain pipe?
Typically 4 inches.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is a common cause of leaks in plumbing? A) Loose fittings B) Corrosion C) High water pressure D) All of the above
D) All of the above
What is the purpose of a thermostatic valve?
To maintain a consistent water temperature.
True or False: It is acceptable to dispose of grease down the kitchen sink.
False
What does the term ‘static pressure’ refer to?
The pressure in a plumbing system when no water is flowing.
Fill in the blank: The _______ is the part of the plumbing system that delivers water to the faucet.
supply line
What is the purpose of a water hammer arrestor?
To absorb shock waves in the plumbing system caused by sudden flow changes.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is a type of plumbing fixture? A) Sink B) Toilet C) Shower D) All of the above
D) All of the above
What is the primary function of a drain field?
To treat and disperse wastewater from a septic system.
True or False: All plumbing work must comply with local building codes.
True
What is the purpose of a pressure relief valve?
To prevent excessive pressure buildup in a plumbing system.
Fill in the blank: A _______ is a device used to measure water flow.
flow meter
What is the function of a ballcock in a toilet?
To control the water level in the tank.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is a benefit of PEX piping? A) Cost-effective B) Resistant to scale and chlorine C) Flexible D) All of the above
D) All of the above
What is the purpose of a drain trap?
To retain a small amount of water to block sewer gases.
True or False: Copper pipes can corrode over time.
True
What does the term ‘seepage’ refer to in plumbing?
The gradual movement of water through soil or porous material.
Fill in the blank: A _______ is used to connect two pieces of pipe together.
coupling
What is a common symptom of a clogged drain?
Slow drainage or backups.
Multiple Choice: What is the typical lifespan of a well-installed plumbing system? A) 10 years B) 20 years C) 50 years D) 100 years
C) 50 years
What is the purpose of a vent pipe in plumbing?
To allow air to enter the system and prevent vacuum conditions.
True or False: All plumbing fixtures must be properly vented.
True
What is the main purpose of a water heater?
To heat water for domestic use.
Fill in the blank: The _______ is the part of the plumbing system that handles stormwater.
storm drainage system
What is the function of a check valve?
To allow flow in one direction only.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is a common plumbing material? A) Copper B) PVC C) PEX D) All of the above
D) All of the above
What is a common cause of low water pressure in a plumbing system?
Clogged pipes or fixtures.
True or False: Plumbing work can be performed without a permit in some areas.
True
What is the purpose of a water filtration system?
To remove impurities from drinking water.
Fill in the blank: The _______ is the part of the plumbing system that carries away sewage.
sewer line
What is the main difference between a septic system and a sewer system?
A septic system treats wastewater on-site, while a sewer system transports it to a treatment facility.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is a sign of a plumbing leak? A) Water stains B) Increased water bill C) Mold growth D) All of the above
D) All of the above
What is the purpose of a drain snake?
To remove clogs from drain pipes.
True or False: Regular maintenance of plumbing systems can prevent major issues.
True
What is the primary function of a toilet bowl?
To hold water for flushing waste.
Fill in the blank: The _______ is a measure of the resistance to flow in a pipe.
friction loss
