Pumps and Hot Water Supply

Pump

A device that moves liquids or gases by mechanical action. Used mainly in the plumbing system to boost water pressure.

Reciprocating Pumps

Operates with a to and fro motion. Uses positive displacement and is manual or powered.

Centrifugal Pumps

Impeller rotates inside boosting waster pressure. It needs electricity and pump casing must be full of water to operate.

Submersible Pumps

A special kind of centrifugal pump. It is submerged underwater, pushes water to the surface from underneath and can also be used in pumping water out in flooded basements.

Jet Pumps

Pump is connected to long pipes underground. Also uses an impeller, which rotates creating a vacuum pressure.

Jet Pumps

It is mounted above ground, non-submersible, and can be used in shallow wells and deep wells.

Shallow Well

Average depth of 15 meters / 50 ft.

Deep Well

Can go around 100 ft to 1000 ft deep.

Primed

It means the pump should be filled with water before operating.

Water Distribution System

Is a collection of the piping network and plumbing devices that acts as the medium for water to travel to tthe different fixtures in a building.

Corporation Cock

A valve screwed into the street water main to apply the house service connection.

Gooseneck

The part of the pipe curved like the neck of a goose, usually flexible. Also, the lead connection between a service pipe and water main.

Curb Stop / Curb Cock

A control valve for the water supply of a building, usually placed between the sidewalk and the street curb; used to shut off the water supply in case of emergency or should the water supply of the building be discontinued.

Water Meter

A mechanical device used to measure the volume of water passing through a pipe.

Meter Stop

A valve placed at the street side of the water meter and serves as a controlling device for the building installation.

Meter Manifold

A pre‑assembled or modular valve-and-connection block used to mount, isolate, control, and service water or pressure meters safely and efficiently.

Meter Manifold

Main Line

The main pipe in a water distribution system which supplies water to the various parts of the property.

Risers

Any vertical pipe supplying water to fixtures especially those on the upper floors of a building.

Fixture Branches

A cluster of fixtures that are close to each other.

Fixture Supply

A small water pipe, usually 1/2” in diameter, that branches out from the main distribution line and supplies water to the fixtures.

1”

Water closet (flush valve) residential water supply pipe size.

3/4” to 1”

Main supply line for small residential water supply pipe size.

1-1/4” above

Main supply line for commercial / multi-unit water supply pipe size.

1/2”

Washing machine water supply pipe size.

Valves

Devices used in the plumbing system to control and regulate the flow of water.

Water Hammer

A phenomenon wherein the pipes vibrate, creating noise, due to the sudden change of pressure inside the pipe when a faucet or valve is turned off quickly.

Air Chambers / Arrestors

Are vertical pipes that regulate pressure and prevent water from forming waves in the supply pipes.

Direct Upfeed

Water comes directly from the public / main water supply and is pushed upward through the building by the available pressure.

Pneumatic Upfeed

Water is stored in a ground-level tank, then compressed air / pressure tank forces the water upward to fixtures.

Downfeed / Overhead

Water is pumped to a roof / overhead tank first, then flows downward by gravity to the fixtures.

Decentralized

Each fixture or small group of fixtures has its own water heater.

Centralized

One main water heater supplies hot water to multiple fixtures through a distribution piping system.

Instantaneous

Single and multi-point.

Instantaneous

Heats water only when hot water is needed. No storage tank.

Semi-instantaneous

Has a small storage tank and heats water quickly when needed.

Semi-instantaneous

Also known as tank-type. It is similar to instantaneous with the key difference having a small storage of hot water on the ready.

Water Heaters

A large tank with a heating element for heating and storing of water.

Gas Water Heater

Powered by gas. Heating element is similar to gas stoves and ranges.

Electric Water Heater

Powered by electricity. Heating element is similar to the semi-instantaneous type.

Solar Split

Solar collector is separate from the storage tank. The tank can be installed elsewhere, often inside or at ground level.

Close-coupled

Solar collector and storage tank are mounted together, usually on the roof.

Thermostat

Device for controlling and regulating temperature in water heaters.

Circulating Pump

Installed on water heater, returning unused hot water back to the water heater. It is designed to provide hot water on demand.

Mixer Valves / Faucets

Has 2 inlets (for hot and cold water intake) and 1 outlet for temperature-controlled water output.

Decentralized System

For buildings with very few plumbing fixtures (houses / residences).

Centralized System

For large buildings with many more fixtures that need hot water 24/7 (hotels / resorts).

Escutcheon

A decorative or protective plate that covers the opening around a pipe, valve, or plumbing fixture, giving it a clean finished appearance.