Master Plumbing Review Flashcards

Plumbing History

  • Plumbing: The art of installing pipes and fixtures to facilitate the movement and removal of liquids, including potentially hazardous substances.

  • Plumber: Skilled sanitation worker.

  • Plumbarius: Ancient Roman workers in sanitation, derived from Latin "Plumbum", meaning "lead".

Historical Timeline

  • Goth Invasion: Caused the collapse of the Roman Empire, disrupting plumbing advancements.

  • Dark Ages (400-1400 A.D): Deterioration of Roman culture; rampant diseases due to unsanitary conditions.

  • Renaissance Period: Began gradual improvements in plumbing.

  • 17th Century: Introduction of plumbing apprenticeship laws in England.

  • 18th Century: France introduced public water service systems.

  • 1800: U.S. started focusing more on plumbing, importing water closets.

  • Post-Civil War: Significant improvements in plumbing methods and devices; plumbing became a necessity.

  • 1900: Rapid progress in plumbing with scientific methods.

  • 1910: Marked significant advancements in plumbing systems and treatments.

Sewage Disposal Systems

Types

  1. Public Sewage Disposal System: Includes treatment plants conveying raw sewage to disposal areas.

    • Sewage: Wastewater containing animal/vegetable matter.

    • Sewer: Pipe for carrying sewage and wastewater.

  2. Types of Public Sewers:

    • Combination Sewer: Carries both storm and sanitary wastes.

    • Storm Sewer: For stormwater only.

    • Sanitary Sewer: For sanitary sewage.

Primary Types

  1. Intercepting Sewer: Collects sewage with substantial size.

  2. Tributary Sewer: Smaller pipes feeding into intercepting sewers.

Additional Components

  • Sewage Ejectors: Pumps for discharging waste below sewer level.

  • Sump: Tank for receiving sewage, emptied mechanically.

  • Manhole: Access point for maintenance, typically every 75-150m in sewers.

Municipal Sewage Treatment Methods

  1. Activated Sludge Process

    • Steps include coarse screening, grit removal, aeration tanks, chemical treatment, filtration, and drying processes.

  2. Trickling Filter Process: Biomass treatment using media for aeration and drainage.

  • Biochemical Oxygen Demand (B.O.D): Measure of oxygen needed for bacterial decomposition of sewage.

Solid Waste Treatment Methods

  1. Incineration: Effective reduction of waste by 90-95%.

  2. Sanitary Landfills: Managed sites for waste disposal; include area, trench, and ramp methods.

Private Sewage Disposal Systems

Types

  1. Cesspool: A lined pit for temporary sewage storage.

  2. Privy: Outhouse for excrement collection.

  3. Septic Tank: Watertight receptacle for sewage treatment.

Purification Units

Goals

  • Remove small particles and reduce harmful compounds.

Types

  1. Seepage Pit: For septic tank effluent discharge.

  2. Filter Trench: More efficient; utilizes gravel for treatment.

  3. Distribution Field: Tube system for effluent from septic tanks.

Factors in House Sewers

House Sewer & Drain

  • House Sewer: Extends to public sewer junctions or discharge points.

  • House Drain: Receives internal wastewater from facility fixtures.

Soil & Material Considerations

  • Choose installation type based on soil type (stable vs unstable).

Plumbing Fixtures and Components

Types of Fixtures

  • Water Closet: For human waste.

  • Lavatory: For handwashing.

Plumbing System Structure

  • Includes water supply lines, drainage systems, vent pipes, and appurtenances.

Properties of Pipes

  • Malleability: Ability to deform without breaking.

  • Corrosion Resistance: Ability to resist rust and chemical actions.

Pipe Materials

  1. Vitrified Clay: For drains and sewers.

  2. Cast Iron: Used in drainage, classified as SV and XV types.

  3. Copper: Commonly used for pipes; available in types K, L, and M.

  4. PVC: Used extensively in plumbing applications.

Pipe Joints and Connections

Methods

  1. Cement Joints: For vitrified clay, requires clean bell/spigot ends.

  2. Mechanical Seal Joints: Speed seal mechanism for efficient connections.

  3. Screw Threads: Common for steel and wrought iron installations.

Classification of Plumbing Professionals

  • Master Plumber: Fully licensed and qualified.

  • Foreman: Reliable leader among plumbing workers.

  • Journeyman: Skilled worker with plumbing knowledge.

  • Apprentice: Learner under supervision.

Key Definitions

  • Plumbing System: Comprehensive network of pipes, fixtures, and fittings managing water supply and waste discharge.