Understanding plumbing terms and definitions is crucial for various reasons, especially when dealing with plumbing systems, installations, repairs, and maintenance. Here are some plumbing terms and definitions to carry through your plumbing career.
ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene): A type of black plastic pipe commonly used in plumbing for drains and vents.
Absorption Field: An engineered area designed to receive septic tank effluent and allow it to seep into the soil.
Adjustable Hot Limit Stop: A feature found in single-control faucets and showers that restricts the hot water output to prevent scalding by limiting how far the handle can be turned towards the hot side.
Aerator: A screen-like attachment screwed onto a faucet outlet that mixes air with flowing water, reducing splashing and conserving water.
Air Admittance Valve: A plumbing device that replaces traditional vent pipes. It allows air to enter the plumbing system, equalizing pressure and preventing water from being siphoned out of fixture traps.
Air Gap: An unobstructed vertical space between the lowest point of a waste line and the flood level of the device it connects to, designed to prevent backflow and contamination.
Auger (or Closet Auger): A flexible rod with a curved end, used by plumbers to remove clogs from a toilet's trap or drain.
Back Pressure: The resistance to fluid flow in a piping system, caused by pressure opposing the direction of flow.
Back Flow: The undesirable reversal of water flow in a plumbing system, where water from one system or source flows back into the main distribution system due to factors like siphoning or pressure imbalances.
Back Flow Preventer: A device designed to prevent the reverse flow of water, especially into a potable (drinkable) water supply. These preventers are required in various situations such as sprinkler systems, handheld showers, pullout faucet spouts, and kitchen sprayers to ensure that contaminated water doesn't flow back into the clean water supply.
Backup: The overflow of a plumbing fixture due to a blockage or stoppage in the drain system, causing water or waste to accumulate and overflow.
Baffle: An object placed within an appliance or pipe to alter the direction, velocity, or flow of air, gases, or liquids. Baffles are used to control the movement of substances within a system.
Balancing Valve: A valve used in water heating systems to regulate water flow and balance the distribution of heat to different areas or fixtures within a building.
Ball Check Valve: A type of valve that uses a spherical ball to create a seal against a seat, preventing the flow of fluid in one direction. This valve design is commonly used to prevent backflow and maintain flow direction.
Ball Joint: An assembly found in shower heads that enables the head to pivot and rotate freely, allowing for adjustable positioning and angle changes to suit the user's preferences.
In summary, plumbing terms and definitions play a pivotal role in effective communication, safe practices, informed decision-making, and proactive maintenance within plumbing systems. This knowledge enhances your ability to navigate the world of plumbing effectively
Comments