LEcture 3 - Plumbing Trade

PLUMBER

one who works or engages in the business of installing in buildings the pipes fixtures and other apparatus for bringing in the water supply and removing liquid and waterborne wastes.

Apprentice Plumber

a beginner at the trade who usually serves for 3 to 5 years as helper to a journeyman.

Journeyman Plumber

has served his apprenticeship and is competent to perform the tasks of installing and repairing plumbing.

Master Plumber

- a person technically and legally qualified and licensed to practice the profession of master plumbing without limitations in accordance with Republic Act 1378, having passed the examinations conducted by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), has received a certificate of registration from the board of master plumbing and possesses the current license to practice. (Section 214.5 NPC 200)

WRENCHES

used to hold or turn pipes or circular bars. This wrench has serrated jaws, one of which is pivoted on the handle to create a strong gripping action on the work.

STRAIGHT PIPE WRENCH

- a classic plumbing tool recognizable by its distinctive toothed jaw. It is used for gripping and turning threaded pipes and fittings. To use it, place the wrench’s jaw on the pipe or fitting and turn it in the direction you want to tighten or loosen. Pipe wrenches come in various sizes to accommodate different pipe diameters.

ADJUSTABLE WRENCH

Also known as a crescent wrench, an adjustable wrench is versatile and used for a wide range of plumbing tasks. To use it, adjust the wrench to fit the size of the nut or bolt you’re working with, then turn it in the desired direction. It’s handy for tightening nuts on faucets and other fixtures.

BASIN WRENCH

A basin wrench is designed for working in tight spaces, particularly under sinks and behind toilets. It has a long, slender handle with a swiveling jaw that grips the nuts holding faucets in place. Use it to reach and tighten or loosen these nuts without disassembling the entire fixture.

STRAP WRENCH

ideal for working with smooth or polished pipes and fixtures, such as chrome or plastic. They have a flexible strap that wraps around the pipe, providing a firm grip without damaging the surface. Simply wrap the strap around the pipe and use the handle to tighten or loosen.

PLUMBING SNAKE

also known as a drain snake, is a flexible tool used by plumbers to unclog drains and pipes. It is a long, thin metal rod that is inserted into the drain or pipe and then manually rotated to break up and remove obstructions. A snake is designed to pull out clogs.

PLIERS

used for gripping something round like a pipe or rod

SLIP-JOINT PLIERS

adjustable jaws that can be adjusted to grip different sizes of nuts and bolts. They are also useful for gripping pipes and fixtures when plumbing repairs need to be made.

NEEDLE-NOSE PLIERS

designed with long, slender jaws that can reach into tight spaces and access hard-to-reach areas. They are often used to grab hold of nuts and bolts in awkward positions or tight spaces.

TONGUE-AND-GROOVE PLIERS

designed to grip a variety of shapes and sizes of nuts and bolts. They have an adjustable head that can be adjusted to fit different shapes and sizes.

PLUMBER’S TAPE

also known as thread-sealing tape or PTFE tape, is a thin, flexible film that is used to seal threaded joints in plumbing systems. It is made from polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and can be wrapped around threads on pipes and fittings to help create a watertight seal. Plumber’s tape has excellent chemical and temperature resistance properties making it suitable for use in hot and cold-water systems.

AUGERS

tools used by plumbers to clear clogs in drains and pipes. They consist of a long, flexible cable with a spiral tip or head at one end that is designed to cut through roots, grease, and other debris that can cause clogs. The ___ is inserted into the drain or toilet and then fed down until it reaches the blockage. It then cuts through the obstruction so it can be removed from the pipe or drain. _________ are also used to unclog underground pipes such as sewer lines.

TUBE CUTTER (COPPER PIPE CUTTER)

A small, hand-held tool with a circular cutting blade. It typically has an adjustable screw mechanism that tightens the cutter around the pipe. Specifically designed for cutting copper, brass, aluminum, and thin-walled pipes. It is commonly used in plumbing and HVAC work. Rotates around the pipe as you tighten the blade, creating a clean and even cut.

PLASTIC PIPE CUTTER (PVC CUTTER)

Resembles a pair of scissors or pruning shears with a sharp blade. It often has a ratcheting mechanism to increase leverage. Designed for cutting plastic pipes such as PVC, CPVC, PEX, and ABS. It is commonly used in plumbing and irrigation systems. The blade slices through the plastic pipe with a single or ratcheted motion.

STEEL PIPE CUTTER

Similar to the tube cutter but larger and more robust. It has stronger cutting wheels designed to cut through steel and other heavy-duty materials. For cutting thicker and stronger pipes made of steel, stainless steel, and other metals.

HACKSAW

- A hand saw with a fine-toothed blade, often used as a general-purpose cutting tool. While not a dedicated pipe cutter, a hacksaw can be used to cut various types of pipes, including metal and plastic, especially in situations where a specialized pipe cutter is unavailable. Manually sawing back and forth through the pipe.

14 TPI

✓ Best For: Cutting thicker materials such as steel pipes, metal bars, and heavy-duty materials.

✓ Cut Characteristics: Coarser cut, faster cutting, but rougher edges.

18 TPI

✓ Best For: General-purpose cutting, suitable for cutting metals like aluminum, brass, and softer steels.

✓ Cut Characteristics: Good balance between speed and smoothness.

24 TPI

✓ Best For: Cutting thinner materials, such as thin-walled pipes, sheet metal, and plastic.

✓ Cut Characteristics: Finer cut, slower cutting, but smoother edges.

32 TPI

✓ Best For: Cutting very thin materials like thin metal sheets, small- diameter tubing, or PVC pipes.

✓ Cut Characteristics: Very fine cut, slow cutting, but very smooth edges with minimal burrs.

ROTARY PIPE CUTTER (HEAVY-DUTY)

A large, heavy tool often used in industrial settings. It uses multiple cutting wheels and applies pressure evenly around the pipe. Designed for cutting larger pipes, particularly in professional or industrial applications. The tool clamps around the pipe and is rotated until the wheels cut through the pipe.