Building Water Systems Part II

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms, design concerns, backflow prevention assemblies, and distribution system types from Building Water Systems Part II.

Domestic Cold Water Supply

Piping and fittings which supply cold water usually from community systems to the building, distributing it to fixtures such as sinks, water closets, etc.; also known as the water distribution system.

Water Service or House Service

The pipe connecting the house side of the water meter that runs to a point entering the house.

Water Meter

A device used to measure the amount of water used by the consumer.

Distribution Main

The pipeline coming from the community systems which acts as source for household use.

Risers

Pipes connecting to the ground floor pipelines which supply the preceding floor in a house or building.

Fixture Branches

A supply pipe which runs from the mains or riser to the fixture it connects to.

Valves and Controls

Devices used to control or regulate the flow of water.

Storage Tanks

Tanks that act as a reservoir of water.

Connection to Street Water Main

The connection piping arrangement from the street water main using a service clamp or S saddle clamp, corporation cock or corporation stop, straight coupling, gooseneck connection, gate valve or curb stop, and concrete pipe valve box.

Water Connection Detail

An assembly detailing the meter stop, water meter, and gate valve situated between the street side and building side.

Water Velocity

The speed of the water flow, for which different plumbing materials are set with specific velocity capacities.

Cavitation

A phenomenon caused by a drastic pressure drop inside pipes, fittings, pumps, or valves where vaporized air bubbles form and implode as pressure normalizes, causing noise, wall erosion, and pinhole leaks.

Cross-connections

The mixing of other substances in the domestic supply line due to unlawful connections, which must be prevented using code-approved devices or assemblies.

Airgap

A minimum clearance required by code to prevent backflow contamination in the water distribution system.

Atmospheric Vacuum Breaker (AVB)

A device that prevents backflow of non-potable water into the drinking system, consisting of an air inlet, a check seat or body, and a checking member.

Double Check Valve Backflow Prevention Assembly (DC)

A closed system consisting of two check valves acting independently (internally or externally loaded), four properly located test cocks, and two shut-off valves.

Pressure Vacuum Breaker Backflow Prevention Assembly (PVB)

A backflow prevention assembly consisting of an internally loaded check valve, an air inlet valve, two properly located test cocks, and two shut-off valves.

Reduced Pressure Principle Backflow Prevention Assembly (RP)

A backflow prevention assembly consisting of two internally loaded, independently acting check valves, a differential relief valve, four properly located test cocks, and two isolation gate valves.

Water Hammer

A banging or thumping sound that rattles pipes caused by the sudden shutting off of a valve and abrupt stoppage of water flow, mitigated by air chambers and water hammer arrestors.

Thermal Expansion

Physical changes occurring in pipes regardless of material when in contact with hot substances, compensated for by expansion bends or expansion joints.

Pipe Insulation

Material used to prevent heat loss in hot pipes during temperature drops and prevent condensation on cold water pipes.

Leaks

Plumbing issues caused by long-term wear and tear of piping materials that waste water and money while damaging nearby surfaces such as floors, ceilings, and electrical systems.

Upfeed Distribution System

A distribution system where water is fed upwards from a lower level to an upper level within a building using normal water pressure from the public main.

Downfeed Distribution System

Also known as an overhead feed system, a system where water is supplied from a main source at an elevated level (roof or tank) and distributed downwards using gravity.

Air Pressured Water Distribution System

A system relying on compressed air inside an air-tight water chamber, a compact pumping unit, and valves to distribute water, capable of serving tall buildings with $10$ or more floor levels.