Elements of Plumbing and Water Supply

Flashcards covering the fundamentals of plumbing, water properties, quality problems, treatment processes, and common plumbing fixtures.

Plumbing

The art and technique of installing pipes, fixtures, and other apparatuses in buildings for bringing in the supply of liquids and removing them, including water-carried wastes hazardous to health and sanitation.

Plumbing System

Includes all components that work together to supply clean water into a building and safely remove wastewater and stormwater to a point of disposal.

Water Supply & Distribution System

The component of a plumbing system that carries water from the source, street main, or pump to the building and various points of use.

Plumbing Fixtures

Receptacles that receive supplied water and allow occupants to use it, later discharging the waste into the drainage system.

Drainage System

The piping network within a building that conveys wastewater, sewage, and stormwater from fixtures to a point of disposal.

Ventilation

A system that allows air to enter the plumbing system and releases sewer gases to the outside.

Apprentice Plumber

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

Journeyman Plumber

A plumber who has served an 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 under Republic Act 1378, having passed the PRC examinations and registered with the Board of Master Plumbing.

High Specific Heat

A property of water allowing it to absorb or release a large amount of heat with very little change in its own temperature.

Anomalous Expansion

The property of water where it is densest at $4^\text{ }\text{°C}$ and expands upon cooling below that temperature, making ice less dense than liquid water.

Acidity

A water quality problem caused by acid rain or industrial discharge, leading to pipe corrosion and skin irritation, with an ideal pH range of $6.5$ to $8.5$.

Hardness

The presence of dissolved calcium ($Ca^{2+}$) and magnesium ($Mg^{2+}$) salts in water, causing scale buildup and reduced soap efficiency.

Turbidity

The cloudiness of water caused by suspended particles such as clay, silt, and organic matter, which can harbor microorganisms.

Sedimentation

A purification process where heavier suspended particles settle at the bottom of a tank by gravity.

Coagulation-Flocculation

A process where chemicals are added to water to destabilize tiny particles, forming larger flocs for easier removal.

Aeration

The introduction of air into water to remove dissolved gases like $CO_2$ and $H_2S$ and improve taste and odor.

Chlorination

The addition of chlorine to water to disinfect it by killing harmful bacteria and pathogens.

Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD)

The sole water utility providing safe, reliable, and affordable water to seven Local Government Units in Metro Cebu.

Buhisan Dam

The primary source of surface water for the Metropolitan Cebu Water District.

Siphon Washdown

The least expensive but noisiest water closet design; it has a small amount of standing water and is susceptible to fouling.

Siphon Jet

A water closet bowl with a submerged jet that muffles operation and a large amount of standing water to prevent fouling.

Siphon Vortex

A water closet bowl that uses diagonal holes to create a swirling action; it is considered the most quiet, efficient, and sanitary type.

Flushometer

An exposed valve for flushing urinals or water closets activated by direct pressure ($10$ to $20\text{ }\text{psi}$) without a tank.

Bidet

Also known as a Sitz Bath, this fixture is used for washing the middle part of the body, especially the genitals.

Drainage Fixture Unit (DFU)

A value representing the relative discharge of a plumbing fixture through the trap.

Water Supply Fixture Unit (WSFU)

A value representing the probable demand of a plumbing fixture for water supply.

Grease Trap

A plumbing trap used for separating grease and oil from wastewater before it enters the drainage system.