Water Systems and Equipment Flashcards

Vocabulary-style flashcards covering water softeners, filtration, disinfection, backflow prevention, wells, and water heaters based on lecture notes.

Hard Water Minerals

Common minerals such as calcium and magnesium that cause water hardness.

Hard Water Effects

Manifests as soap not dissolving completely, less effective cleaning, and the presence of soap scum.

Hard Water Plumbing Issues

Mineral buildup in pipes and water heaters, reduced pipe diameter, blockage, and increased tank corrosion.

Water Softener Mechanism

A process where polystyrene beads remove calcium and magnesium and replace them with sodium from the brine tank.

Brine Tank

A component in a water softener that provides salt water used during backwash to recharge the resin beads.

Water Softener Inspection Checklist

Includes checking the bypass valve position, air gap at the discharge tube, brine tank cleanliness, and ensuring salt is not caked or solidified.

Water Softener Backwash Termination

Must terminate by an air gap into a receptor such as a sink, standpipe, or floor drain.

Bonding Jumper Wire

An electrical requirement used between metal pipes when a water softener interrupts the electrical grounding and bonding of metal water piping.

Residential Water Filtration Technologies

The three most common types are activated carbon, mechanical filtration, and reverse osmosis (RO).

Activated Carbon Filter

Removes contaminants including chlorine, asbestos, lead, mercury, and VOCs.

Mechanical Filter

Specifically designed to remove sediment, dirt, and particulates.

Reverse Osmosis (RO)

A filtration method where water is forced through a semi-permeable membrane.

Point-of-Use vs. Point-of-Entry Filter

Point-of-use treats water at a single fixture (e.g., under a sink), while point-of-entry treats water entering the entire house.

Chlorination

The most common water disinfection method, capable of killing bacteria, worms, and some viruses.

Ultraviolet (UV) Light

A common water disinfection method used alongside or as an alternative to chlorination.

Backflow Prevention Methods

The two methods are an air gap and a mechanical backflow preventer.

Air Gap

The most effective backflow prevention method; it should be at least twice the diameter of the supply opening.

Hose Connection Vacuum Breaker

The backflow prevention device commonly installed on a hose bibb.

Pressure Vacuum Breaker

Used on lawn irrigation systems to protect against backsiphonage only; installed $6-12\,\text{inches}$ above the highest outlet.

Toilet Anti-Siphon Fill Valve

Must be located at least $1\,\text{inch}$ above the overflow pipe.

Well System Inspection Scope

Private wells are considered out of scope for a standard home inspection.

Well Head Clearance

The head should be about $12-18\,\text{inches}$ above grade.

Well Separation Distances

Minimum recommended distance of $50\,\text{feet}$ from a septic system and $100\,\text{feet}$ from petroleum storage tanks.

Pitless Adapter

The fitting connecting the vertical well drop pipe to the horizontal water service pipe.

Well Pump Service Life

Typically averages approximately $10-15\,\text{years}$.

Pressure Tank Air Setting

Recommended to be about $2\,\text{psi}$ below the pressure switch cut-in pressure.

Pressure Switch Differential

The recommended difference between cut-in and cut-out pressures is approximately $20\,\text{psi}$.

Water Heater Capacity

Typical whole-house capacity ranges from $40-50\,\text{gallons}$.

Anode Rod

A sacrificial metal made of aluminum, zinc, tin, or magnesium that corrodes to protect the tank from corrosion.

Water Heater Sediment Buildup

Often identified by bubbling or percolating sounds coming from the bottom of the tank.

Electric Water Heater Elements

Common wattages are $3{,}500\,\text{watts}$ and $4{,}500\,\text{watts}$; the lower heating element typically fails first.

FVIR (Flammable Vapor Ignition Resistant)

A safety feature required for most water heaters manufactured after July 1, 2003.

TPR Valve Settings

Temperature and Pressure Relief valves set to open at $150\,\text{psi}$ or $210^{\circ}\text{F}$.

TPR Valve Discharge Pipe

Standard outlet size is $\frac{3}{4}\,\text{inch}$; acceptable materials include copper, CPVC, and PEX, but not PVC.

TPR Sensing Element

Should be located within the first $6\,\text{inches}$ of the tank top.