A/C and Plumbing Systems

Outdoor Compressor

Squeezes refrigerant vapor into a hot, high-pressure gas

Outdoor Condenser Coil

Radiator coil where an outdoor fan blows air across tubing to dump heat outside, condensing refrigerant into a liquid

Expansion Valve

Metering valve that drops refrigerant pressure, causing it to expand and become freezing cold

Indoor Evaporator Coil

Cold tubing coil located inside the furnace plenum where circulating house air passes through/ refrigerant absorbs indoor heat and humidity

Frozen Evaporator Coil

A dirty air filter restricts airflow across the evaporator coil, preventing heat absorption and causing moisture on the coil to freeze into a solid block of ice

Ceiling Fans

Moving air enhances convective and evaporative cooling on human skin, shifting personal comfort, but ceiling fans do NOT lower actual room air temperature

Main Water Shut-Off Valve

Located near the incoming water meter; cuts off all pressurized water to the entire house during a pipe burst emergency

Trunk and Branch Piping

Large 3/4" trunk lines deliver main volume, while 1/2" or 3/8" branch lines feed individual fixtures

Fixture Shut-Off Valves

Located under sinks and toilets so a single fixture can be isolated for repairs w/out shutting off house water

Dip Tube

Internal plastic pipe directing incoming cold water to the bottom of the tank

TPR (Temperature and Pressure Relief) Valve

Safety valve that opens automatically to discharge steam/water if tank pressure or temperature reaches unsafe levels

Standard Water Heater Temperature

120ºF

Sacrifical Anode Rod

Magnesium or zinc rod that corrodes away to protect the steel tank from rusting out

Annual Flushing

Hooking a garden hose to the bottom drain valve once a year flushes out accumulated mineral sediment

P-Trap

U-shaped pipe under fixtures holding a standing water seal that prevents foul, toxic sewer gases from entering living spaces

Evaporated P-Traps

In unused bathrooms, standing water inside the P-trap evaporates over time, letting sewer gas escape into the room (run water for 10 seconds to refill the seal)

Roof Vent Stack

Vertical pipe extending through the roof that supplies atmospheric air to drain lines to prevent vacuum siphons from sucking P-traps dry

Main Cleanout Plug

Accessible 4" Y-fitting on the main basement drain line used to insert a plumber's drain snake to clear major blockages