Services Flashcards
A large house cannot be connected to the drains. List the options available to dispose of soil and rainwater drainage.
Septic Tank
On-Site Treatment of Soil Water
Cess Pit
Grey water Irrigation
Rainwater Harvesting
Describe a septic tank to me?
A septic tank generally consists of a tank (or sometimes more than one tank) connected to an inlet soil water pipe at one end and a drain field at the other.
Soil water enters the first chamber of the tank, allowing solids to settle and scum to float.
The settled solids are anaerobically digested, reducing the volume of solids. The liquid component flows through the dividing wall into the second chamber, where further settlement takes place, with the excess liquid then draining in a relatively clear condition from the outlet into the drain field.
Requires regular maintenance to remove solids that cannot be anaerobically digested.
In order to install a septic tank you have to satisfy your building inspector that your ground is porous enough to handle the free draining liquids and that you won’t be contaminating any water courses.
Describe On-Site Treatment of Soil Water to Me?
A treatment plant attempts to do rather more than a humble septic tank in that it cleans the foul waste to a much higher standard.
What they do is extract the nutrients from human waste for plant food and then process the water to a standard, which allows it to be recycled for toilet flushing.
A packaged treatment plant is usually much the same size as a septic tank, but they require a supply of electricity and demand an annual service as well.
Describe a Cess Pit to me?
A cesspit doesn’t have any outlets and instead it relies on frequent emptying by tanker.
This is likely to happen several times a year and so it becomes an expensive way of disposing of your foul waste.
Because there is nowhere for the liquids to run off into, the tank size is generally much larger than you would use with a treatment plant and this makes the installation costs at least as high as a septic tank.
Describe Grey Water Irrigation to me?
Grey water is water from sinks, washing machines and showers that has not been contaminated by human waste.
Grey water plumbing separates the waste pipes from sinks, washing machines and showers from the toilet waste.
Grey water drains direct water to a holding tank which is similar to a septic tank, this water is then used for purposes such as watering plants, lawns and gardens.
Utilizing this recycling process cuts down on the use of potable water for outside irrigation and lawn watering.
Describe Rainwater Harvesting to me?
Rainwater captured in large underground tank and pumped up to smaller header tank where it can service the toilets and washing machines.
What do the acronyms VRF/VRV and VAV stand for and what is the difference between the two.
Variable refrigerant volume/Variable refrigerant flow:
Made up of internal units (ceiling cassettes or perimeter units) capable of cooling and heating on an individual basis and a large external condenser unit. Refrigerant flows between the condenser and the cassettes which draw through air and either heat or cool it as appropriate.
Variable Air Volume:
A comfort cooling system that can satisfy the individual cooling requirements of multiple zones. This is achieved by supplying air at a constant temperature from central plant to one or more terminal unit in each zone. The unit regulates the amount of air entering the space using thermostatically controlled damper depending on the temp of the space. For example the volume of air will be high to the south facing zone of an office on a sunny day to offset heat gain from the windows. Can contain a heating element within the units but usually used in conjunction with a perimeter heating system.
What are the 3 fire alarm system categories?
M – Manual system.
P to P2 – Protects the property.
L to L5 – Protects Life.
Describe an M Fire alarm System?
Relies on the occupants of the building discovering the fire and raising the alarm. Manual call points etc.
Describe the P Fire alarm Systems?
P – Automatic detection only. Intent is to protect the property by raising the alarm quickly and getting the fire brigade to the building as soon as possible to minimise damage.
P1 – Automatic detection throughout the building except maybe low risk cupboards etc.
P2 – Automatic detection in areas of high risk/value.
Describe the L Fire alarm Systems?
L – Automatic detection and manual call points.
L1 – Automatic fire detection to safeguard life, with sensors throughout the building apart from minor exceptions. This system, also covering roof spaces and voids, will provide early warning to building occupants and would be particularly suitable for care homes etc.
L2 – Automated detection which is designed to protect life. Sensors are placed in high risk areas (e.g. kitchens), escape routes and rooms adjoining escape routes. Suitable for mid-sized premises where occupants are sleeping in the building and need to be alerted so that they can escape the fire.
L3 – Life protection alarm system where detectors are placed on the escape routes and in adjacent rooms, aimed to ensure the escape route is as clear as possible for occupants to be alerted and exit the building safely.
L4 – A category L4 alarm system offers detection for the escape route. Detectors might also be placed elsewhere in the building, but the priority is to keep the escape route clear.
L5 – This category is where custom solutions are required, generally when the building or application doesn’t fit into any of the other categories. The system might fit into L5 if there are specialist fire hazards present e.g. in a factory situation.
What is the “first fix” stage of a construction project both electrically and mechanically?
Electrically - the first fix will be the installation of containment routes and back boxes etc, and the pulling through of cables leaving ends ready for final connection.
Mechanically – the first fix will be pipe and duct work that needs concealing, whether in boxing or voids, leaving tail ends ready for extending and final connection.
What is the “second fix” stage of a construction project both electrically and mechanically?
Electrically – the second fix typically includes the making of cable connections and the closing up of face plate/ light switches, the installation of light fittings and sensors.
Mechanically – the second fix typically includes the mounting of radiators on to walls and the extending of pipe work, the installation of ventilation grilles in ceilings, the fixing of sprinkler heads
List the elements of a domestic heating and hot water system?
Water tank.
Expansion tank
Hot taps
Taps
Hot water cylinder.
Radiator.
Pump.
Boiler
