MASONRY

AND
CONCRETE WORKS

“PLUMBING SYSTEM IN
RELATION TO MASONRY”
&
“PLUMBING TERMS”

PATEÑO, WINDELYN B. MR. MANOLITO A. NACUA

BSCE-III INSTRUCTOR
Plumbing system in relation to masonry;
CONSTRUCTION
Plumbing, system of pipes and fixtures installed in a building for the distribution and use of potable
(drinkable) water and the removal of waterborne wastes. It is usually distinguished from water and sewage
systems that serve a group of buildings or a city.
One of the problems of every civilization in which the population has been centralized in cities and towns
has been the development of adequate plumbing systems. In certain parts of Europe the complex aqueducts
built by the Romans to supply their cities with potable water can still be seen. However, the early systems
built for the disposal of human wastes were less elaborate. Human wastes were often transported from the
cities in carts or buckets or else discharged into an open, water-filled system of ditches that led from the city
to a lake or stream.
Improvement in plumbing systems was very slow. Virtually no progress was made from the time of the
Romans until the 19th century. The relatively primitive sanitation facilities were inadequate for the large,
crowded population centres that sprang up during the Industrial Revolution, and outbreaks of typhoid
fever and dysentery were often spread by the consumptionof water contaminated with human wastes.
Eventually these epidemics were curbed by the development of separate, underground water and sewage
systems, which eliminated open sewage ditches. In addition, plumbing fixtures were designed to handle
potable water and water-borne wastes within buildings.
The term plumbing fixture embraces not only showers, bathtubs, lavatory basins, and toilets but also such
devices as washing machines, garbage-disposal units, hot-water heaters, dishwashers, and drinking
fountains.
The water-carrying pipes and other materials used in a plumbing system must be strong, noncorrosive, and
durable enough to equal or exceed the expected life of the building in which they are installed. Toilets,
urinals, and lavatories usually are made of stable porcelain or vitreous china, although they sometimes are
made of glazed cast iron, steel, or stainless steel. Ordinary water pipes usually are made of steel, copper,
brass, plastic, or other nontoxic material; and the most common materials for sewage pipes are cast iron,
steel, copper, and asbestos cement.
Methods of water distribution vary. For towns and cities, municipally or privately owned water companies
treat and purify water collected from wells, lakes, rivers, and ponds and distribute it to individual buildings. In
rural areas water is commonly obtained directly from individual wells.

In most cities, water is forced through the distribution system by pumps, although, in rare instances, when
the source of water is located in mountains or hills above a city, the pressuregenerated by gravity is
sufficient to distribute water throughout the system. In other cases, water is pumped from the collection and
purification facilities into elevated storage tanks and then allowed to flow throughout the system by gravity.
But in most municipalities water is pumped directly through the system; elevated storage tanks may also be
provided to serve as pressure-stabilization devices and as an auxiliary source in the event of pump failure or
of a catastrophe, such as fire, that might require more water than the pumps or the water source are able to
supply.
The pressure developed in the water-supply system and the friction generated by the water moving through
the pipes are the two factors that limit both the height to which water can be distributed and the maximum
flow rate available at any point in the system.
A building’s system for waste disposal has two parts: the drainage system and the venting system. The
drainage portion comprises pipes leading from various fixture drains to the central main, which is connected
to the municipal or private sewage system. The venting system consists of pipes leading from an air inlet
(usually on the building’s roof) to various points within the drainage system; it protects the sanitary traps
from siphoning or blowing by equalizing the pressure inside and outside the drainage system.
Sanitary fixture traps provide a water seal between the sewer pipes and the rooms in which plumbing
fixtures are installed. The most commonly used sanitary trap is a U bend, or dip, installed in the
drainpipe adjacent to the outlet of each fixture. A portion of the waste water discharged by the fixture is
retained in the U, forming a seal that separates the fixture from the open drainpipes.
PLUMBING TERMS

GET EDUCATED ON PLUMBING TERMS AND DEFINITIONS

So you’ve heard mechanics, construction workers, architects, and plumbers throw around terms that sound like a foreign
language, and it’s made you feel slightly inadequate. (We’ve all been there so don’t feel alone).
We’re here to educate you on the finer terms and definitions used in the world of plumbing. You may wonder why you need to
know these things; but it will come in handy when your drainage system crumbles, or your mains explodes and your home gets
soaked, and you’re left scratching your wet head.
So, we’ll keep it simple because plumbing can get quite complicated and detailed. Here are a few terms to give you a better
understanding of the important water system that keeps your household running.

PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE

This is a safety valve that limits the pressure and temperate inside a vessel (such as the geyser) or water pipe. The water
pressure and temperature can be really high, so the relief valve allows water to be released at an atmospheric setting, while the
temperature can be adjusted according to the owner’s preference. This is the part that prevents the water in your tap bursting
forth and peeling the enamel off your bath, and it prevents you from a serious scalding.

GREY WATER

Also known as recycled water, this is basically water that has been treated by removing all impurities and solids. Largely used
for irrigation, flushing toilets, sustainable landscaping and sometimes for drinking, reclaimed water is required to meet a wide
range of commercial and industrial regulations before it can be used for these purposes.

BASKET STRAINER

This is an object that you may know very well, however, in plumbing terms it would confuse anyone. This is simply the strainer
that you put in the sink drain to catch any debris. This allows you to remove large debris that could get stuck in your pipes,
causing blocked drains.

UPVC

Known as ‘ Unplasticised Polyvinyl Chloride’, UPVC is effectively a rigid plastic pipe that is used to transfer waste water. This
particular plastic is a big deal in the world of plumbing and needs to meet a variety of plumbing codes. It’s clear that plumbing
codes are a pretty serious and with good reason. Codes apply to new techniques and innovations. They keep plumbing
practises in line, ensuring all methods of installations, maintenance and repairs are done by the book.

FLUX

An extremely important part of plumbing. It’s a paste that is used in the pipe-making industry. Used to solder the metal joints of
pipe together, flux effectively prevents oxidation; this is when oxygen steals electrons from the iron of the pipe, causing the pipe
to corrode, and the oxygen in the water to deplete. You see? Plumbing is not just about toilets and basin pipes. There’s a
science involved in the practise.

HARD WATER

An oxymoron – unless of course you’re performing a belly flop in a pool. Hard water refers to the dissolution of calcium and
magnesium in water. This can cause your water to start leaving marks on your surfaces, such as scale on your shower and tap
heads, murky glassware, and rings around the bath. You can always purchase water softener to remedy this, if you’re uncertain
of how to apply the product, chat to your local plumbing expert who will advise you accordingly.

BACKFLOW PREVENTION

A critical part of any plumbing system, whether it’s in a residential, commercial or industrial setting. Backflow prevention stops
black water from mixing with fresh water. If the water pressure in your pipes begin to fall, the black water from the toilet, bath
and kitchen sink won’t be washed through the pipes fast enough. This will then flow backwards and mix with the fresh incoming
water, causing contamination and serious health problems.
Apprentice plumber: An entry-level plumber, learning the trade. State requirements may include a high school diploma
or GED, an aptitude test and that the applicant is 18 year of age or older. Apprentices may work with a journeyman, under
the supervision of a master plumber.

Auger: A flexible metal rod, usually made of spring material, with a cutting or clearing device on one end. It is used to
clear clogs in drains. Closet augers, also called toilet auger, have a tubular guide to permit entry through the toilet trap
design. Larger, longer augers are used to clean underground drain lines and may be motor driven.

Copper piping: Water line made of copper or a copper alloy. Copper pipe is usually rigid; tubing is flexible. Copper will
not rust and has a long life cycle, but it can corrode, especially at solder joints, which could cause leakage. It is primarily
used for potable (drinkable) water.

CPVC: Chlorinated poly-vinyl chloride pipe, a type of plastic. CPVC can be used in both hot and cold potable water piping.

Discharge drain: A drain that discharges water into a drain system or into the ground through a channel. French drains
are one example of a discharge drain.

Drain: The opening to a piping system that is used to remove wastewater from a fixture or system and transport it
elsewhere for treatment or reuse. Most drains are open, but floor drains may have a protective grate over them.

Energy Star: An international standard for energy efficiency that originated in the United States. Electrical appliance must
conform to certain standards in order to qualify. Dishwashers and washing machines are two of the appliances that can be
Energy Star Rated.

Faucet screen: A small metal screen used to catch small debris in the water system, found in the faucet arm nozzle.
Water hoses for washing machines may also have a screen to prevent debris from damaging the water valves.

Faucet: A sink fixture that controls water flow. Most sink faucets have a mixing valve that allows the user to modify the
temperature of the water by changing the ratio of hot to cold. Faucets may come with either two handles, one for hot and
one for cold, or with a single lever handle that changes the mix ratio.

Flapper: The hinged, movable part of a type of shut off valve that prevents or shuts off flow. A common type of flapper is
found at the bottom of a toilet water tank. It is raised to start the flush cycle and closes when the tank is empty, allowing it
to refill.

Float valve: A type of control valve that shuts off water at a predetermined level or capacity. A float valve controls the
water in a toilet tank. One form of operation has a hollow ball, mounted by a connecting rod to the valve. As the ball rises
with the water level, the valve closes until water flow is completely stopped.

Galvanized steel (piping): A type of steel water piping, coated with a zinc compound. The zinc acts as a sacrificial metal,
slowing down the corrosion process.

Garbage disposal: An appliance attached to the drain system, usually under the kitchen sink, that chops up food waste,
allowing easier flow through the drain system.

GPM: Gallons per minute. Usually used when describing how many gallons of water a fixture uses to operate.

Hose: A flexible rubber or plastic tube for carrying water. Garden hoses have special fittings to connect to the hose bibb
and attachments.

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Hose bibb: External or internal valved water fitting to which a water hose is connected. It is also called a spigot or faucet.
Internal hose bibbs are found in the laundry area for washing machine hook up.
Journeyman: A plumber who has completed apprenticeship requirements. Ongoing training is still required, although
more responsibility is given to the journeyman. Normally the journeyman must hold that license for 4 to 5 years before
progressing to the master level.

Licensed, insured and bonded: Three business certifications that a plumbing service should have to do business.
Licensed means that the plumber has passed regulatory requirements of the governing body. Insured means that the
plumber has obtained insurance to cover employee injuries and damages on the jobsite. Bonded means that the plumber
has obtained additional insurance through an outside agency in case of extenuating circumstances, like the company
going out of business or an employee theft on the jobsite. Certain jobs, such as work being done for a government or
state agency, require bonds.

Low-flow: A water fixture that produces a lower water flow at the outlet.

Main drainpipe: The piping where the dwelling’s drain piping system enters the septic system or underground drainpipe.

Master plumber: A plumber who has completed both the apprenticeship and journeyman phase. A master plumber
usually has ten to fifteen years of experience and must pass a state plumbing exam, including tests on plumbing codes
and practices. The master plumber is responsible for business operations, planning and bidding on plumbing jobs.

Outdoor faucet: A hose bibb located outside the home or building. The connection threads will usually be designed to
accept hose fittings.

Overflow: A type of drain used to prevent overfilling of a fixture. For example, the small hole near the top of the bathroom
sink connects to the sink drain, preventing the basin from flooding onto the floor.

P-trap: A sink drainpipe designed in the shape of a “P.” It runs from the sink and down through the floor to the main drain
piping. The shape is designed to trap a small quantity of water in the pipe, preventing sewer odors from entering the
dwelling. An S-trap is similar, but exits the room through the wall instead of the floor.

PEX (piping): A newer type of flexible tubing, used to replace the potable water piping in a dwelling or building. PEX
tubing uses hose barb connections and compression rings, thus it requires less labor to install. It installs easily around
corners, omitting the need for the elbow fittings needed when installing copper or galvanized piping.

pH: Potential of hydrogen. Measurement used to determine acidity or alkalinity in a given substance.

Pilot light: A small gas flame used to ignite a larger burner when a gas valve is turned on. If the pilot is always lit, it is
called a standing pilot. On demand pilots are ignited by a sparking device when needed.

Pipe threads: A spiral flute cut into the end of a pipe, allowing pipes to be coupled to fixture or pipe couplings. Pipe
threads should have Teflon pipe tape, pipe thread compound or a combination of both applied to the threads to prevent
leakage under pressure.

Plumber: A technician that specializes in plumbing installation and repairs. Plumbers are usually licensed by the state or
other governing authority, have been educated in various aspects of the plumbing industry and are qualified to make
repairs or handle new installations. Plumbers may work on all types of plumbing or may specialize in certain areas, such
as residential, commercial or industrial plumbing. They should be licensed, bonded and insured.

Plunger: A cupped, suction device on a handle that is used to clear a clogged drain.

PPM: Parts per million. Used as a measurement of concentration.

Pressure gauge: A measuring device used to determine the pressure in a piping system.

Pressure tank: Part of a well pump assembly that reserves water for use. The tank contains a bladder that puts pressure
on the water in the tank. When a faucet or spigot is opened, the pressure forces the water through the piping. Through
gauges and switches, the tank monitors the water pressure and starts the pump when pressure lowers to a predetermined
level. When the valve is closed, the pump continues until the water has reached the upper pressure limit.

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PSI: Pounds per square inch. Used as a measurement of pressure inside a given object.

Rain barrel: A tank or container used to collect rainwater or roof runoff water for various uses.

Reset button (garbage disposal): A button on the bottom of the garbage disposal used to reset an overload device on
the disposal. The overload trips when the disposal becomes locked up, preventing motor damage and potential fire
hazards.

Sanitary sewer system: The system of drain piping that carries wastewater from the dwelling’s sinks, tubs and toilets to
the city or municipality sewer system.

Septic field: The system of pipes that discharge bacterially treated wastewater from the septic tank and discharges it into
the soil for natural decontamination.

Septic system: The complete system of sewage removal, including the septic field, septic tank and associated piping.
There is no connection to a municipality or commercial sewer system.

Septic tank: An underground tank wherein sewage is broken down in an anaerobic bacterial process. Usually composed
of two chambers, the septic tank receives the wastewater from the dwelling in the first chamber, which allows the solids to
settle to the bottom. The liquid component of the wastewater flows into the second chamber, where further settling takes
place. Water then flows into the piping of the septic field, where it is absorbed into the ground and naturally filtered and
cleaned.

Sewer connection: The place where a dwelling sanitary sewer system connects to the city or municipality sewer system.

Shutoff valve: Any piping valve that stops the flow of water in the pipe. Water meter shutoff valves are located
underground in a cabinet and use a quarter turn valve rotation. Shutoff valves in the home are usually found under the
sink or beside the toilet to shut off water supplied to those fixtures and faucets. They are usually a gate valve that requires
several turns to fully close.

Sink basin: The bowl of the sink. Many kitchen sink basins are comprised of two connected basins to allow for washing
and rinsing. Bathroom sink basins will include an overflow drain in their design, molded onto the underside of the basin.

Sink plunger: A type of small plunger that fits over a sink drain, used to unstop clogs.

Solar water heater: A water heating system that uses piping that is coiled through heat collectors on the roof. An energy
saving device, solar water heaters use the sun for all or part of the water heating process and can be tied into a
conventional water heater for backup.

Spigot: A common term for a hose bibb.

Storm water sewer system: A drainage system, separated from the main sewer system, that collects rain and runoff
water and transports it to a natural water source. This water contains no sewage and does not need to be treated.

Sump pump: A pump used to remove water from a collection pit.

Tank: A water holding container that reserves a portion of the water supply for future, anticipated use. Toilet tanks hold
water for the flush cycle. Water heater tanks reserve heated water for future use.

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Tankless water heater: A newer style of water heater that does not contain a holding tank. Water is heated on demand
after the unit detects water flow. These units are usually heated by natural gas burners.
Toilet plunger: A plunger with a flexible end, shaped to be inserted into the drain at the bottom of the bowl. This
increases efficiency.

Touchless faucet: A faucet that does not require the user to turn handles to use. The valve is electrically operated and is
controlled by a motion sensor or photo eye.

Vent stack: Also called vent pipes. These pipes permit equalization of the pressure in the drain system with the
atmospheric pressure. This prevents vacuum conditions that can interfere with the natural flow of the drain piping. The
pressure on both sides of drain traps is equalized, assisting in proper flow.

Wastewater: Any water that is used in a process or sewer system becomes wastewater or graywater and must be treated
before reuse.

Water heater gauge: Gauges used to indicate either the temperature or the pressure of water in a water heater, or both.

Water heater: An appliance used to raise the water temperature in a water system.

Water meter: A gauge used to measure the amount of water flow in a system, measured in gallons.

Water pressure: The amount of force, measured in pounds per square inch, that a water system produces.

Water softener: An appliance designed to remove hardness chemicals, such as calcium, from the potable water supply.

Water supply: The potable water supplied to a residence or commercial building.

Well pump: A pump used to pull water from an underground natural water supply.