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.
Main: The central conduit of the supply or drainage system to which all the branches connect. Known as the Main Vent within the vent system.
Manifold: A fitting that links multiple branches to the main line; functions as a distribution point.
Mapp Gas: A colorless, flammable gas produced by combining liquefied petroleum gas with Methylacetylene-Propadiene. It's a stable, non-toxic fuel utilized in brazing and soldering.
MCL: Maximum Contaminant Level – The highest permissible level of a contaminant in water as stipulated by federal law.
Metal Fatigue: The breaking of metal due to excessive bending, flexing, or expansion/contraction beyond its endurance threshold.
Nipple: A short section of pipe inserted between couplings or other fittings.
No-Hub Connector: A connector designed for no-hub iron pipes, comprising a rubber sleeve and a stainless steel band secured by hose clamps. A variant includes a neoprene sleeve with adjustable steel bands, used for joining dissimilar materials like connecting new plastic pipes to existing cast-iron drainpipes.
Non-Ferrous: Does not contain iron.
Oakum: Loosely woven hemp rope soaked in oil or a waterproofing agent, employed to seal joints in bell and spigot pipes and fittings.
Overflow Hood: In a bathtub drain, the decorative covering hiding the overflow.
Overflow Tube: The vertical tube within a toilet tank that guides water into the bowl in case of ballcock malfunction, averting potential water damage due to tank overflow. A continuous running alerts the user to an overflow issue. In most toilets, the overflow tube also integrates a refill tube that directs water from the ballcock to the bowl through the overflow tube after a siphon break.
O-Ring: A circular rubber washer, as opposed to a flat one. Used in valve stems to create a watertight seal.
OD: Abbreviation for "outside diameter." Measures the external width of a pipe.
PB: Abbreviation for polybutylene. A flexible plastic tubing commonly utilized to supply water to bathroom fixtures.
PE: Abbreviation for polyethylene. A flexible plastic supply line.
PEX: Abbreviation for cross-linked polyethylene. A flexible plastic supply line that exhibits greater strength than PE. Commonly used for water supply lines in bathrooms.
Plumber’s Putty: A malleable putty resembling dough, utilized to seal joints between fixture surfaces and metal components, such as drains.
Plumbing Snake: A slender, pliable length of spiral-wound metal inserted into a drain and rotated to dislodge clogs within pipes.
Plunger: A rubber suction cup, typically around 6 inches in diameter, affixed to a wooden dowel handle. Employed to dislodge drain obstructions. Also referred to as a "plumber’s helper."
Pop-Up Drain: A drain assembly operated via remote control. Also known as a "trip lever drain" for bathtubs.
Potable: Refers to water that is suitable for consumption.
Pressure Balance Valve: A shower valve that monitors pressure fluctuations to sustain equilibrium between hot and cold water, thereby maintaining a consistent temperature.
Pressure Head: The measure of pressure in a plumbing system. It denotes the vertical force exerted by water at a depth of one foot.
PVC: Initials for polyvinyl-chloride. A rigid white plastic pipe commonly employed for bathroom drain, waste, and vent pipes.
Reducer: A fitting enabling the connection of pipes with varying diameters.
Relief Valve: A valve designed to open and alleviate excess pressure and/or temperature within a system.
Return: A plumbing fitting characterized by a 180-degree bend.
Riser: A vertical supply line pipe ascending from one level to another; also denotes the short vertical pipes transporting water from the branch to the fixture.
Scald Guard: A valve engineered to prevent drastic shifts in water temperature through pressure balancing technology. It adjusts behind the shower handle in response to changes in hot or cold water pressure, ensuring a stable water temperature for a safe bathing experience.
Scale: A thin layer, often composed of calcium or other minerals, that forms on the interior surfaces of tanks or components and can impede heat transfer.
Sediment: Refers to the material settling at the bottom of a water tank. Also known as lime.
Septic Tank: A container utilized to retain household wastewater, allowing solid materials to settle before the liquid is dispersed. Septic tanks are employed when a sewage line is unavailable for transporting waste to a treatment facility.
Service Partner Plan (SPP): The Horizon Services Service Partner Plan (SPP) offers a reliable way to secure priority service during emergencies, ensuring esteemed customers receive the attention they deserve. Benefits encompass prioritized assistance for plumbing, heating, and air conditioning needs (routine or urgent), a 15% discount on repair services, and no additional fees for overtime or emergency calls.
Shutoff Valve: Valves situated under sinks and toilets designed to halt water supply in the event of a malfunction or maintenance. Also referred to as Angle Stop, Straight Stop, or Supply Stop.
Siphoning: The phenomenon of suction or pulling that transpires within a toilet's trapway as it gets filled with outgoing water and waste.
Sleeve: A pipe passing through a wall, used to facilitate the insertion of another pipe.
Soft Water: Water that has undergone treatment to minimize its mineral content.
Solder: A fused metal alloy used to create a joint between metal components. Also refers to the process of melting solder to establish the joint.
Soil Pipe: A pipe responsible for conveying waste from toilets.
Sweep: A pipe bend fitting utilized in drainage systems to ensure the smooth passage of waste.
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.
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