CA C-36 Plumbing key terms

The public official or agency that enforces plumbing codes and approves plans, permits, and inspections in a given area. In California this is usually a city or county building department.

California's adopted plumbing code, published as Part 5 of Title 24. It is based on the Uniform Plumbing Code with state amendments and governs plumbing installations statewide.

A model plumbing code published by IAPMO covering design, installation, and inspection of plumbing systems. California's plumbing code is based on it with amendments.

California's Building Standards Code, a set of volumes including plumbing, electrical, mechanical, and energy requirements. Part 5 is the California Plumbing Code; local jurisdictions adopt and amend it.

Written authorization from the AHJ to install, alter, or repair plumbing work. Permits trigger inspections and require the contractor to follow approved plans and code requirements.

An inspection performed after piping and fixtures are installed but before walls, floors, or ceilings are closed. It verifies DWV, water supply, and gas piping before concealment.

Water that is safe for human consumption and meets health standards. Plumbing systems must protect it from contamination through backflow prevention and proper materials.

Any physical link between potable water and a source of contamination or pollution. Cross-connections must be eliminated or protected by an air gap or backflow preventer.

An unobstructed vertical distance between a water supply outlet and the flood-level rim of a receptacle. It is the most reliable form of backflow protection.

A mechanical assembly such as a reduced-pressure principle assembly or double check valve that stops reverse flow. Selection depends on hazard level and local requirements.

The pipe and fittings that deliver water from the public main or private source to the building. It includes the meter, main valve, and service lateral.

A regulator that lowers incoming water pressure to a safe, steady value for the building. It protects fixtures and piping and is often required when street pressure exceeds code limits.

A device containing a trapped air chamber or piston that absorbs pressure surges when valves close quickly. It is installed near quick-closing valves such as solenoid or flush valves.

A tank installed on a closed water system that absorbs the volume increase as water heats. It prevents excessive pressure and protects the water heater and plumbing.

A number expressing the load a fixture imposes on a drainage system, based on its discharge rate and usage. DFU values size building drains, branches, and stacks.

A number expressing the demand a fixture places on the water supply system, accounting for flow rate and probability of simultaneous use. It is used to size piping and meters.

The lowest horizontal piping that receives soil and waste from fixtures inside a building and conveys it to the building sewer, usually at least two feet outside the wall.

The piping that carries sewage from the building drain to the public sewer or private disposal system. It starts outside the building foundation and is typically owned by the property owner.

The water held in a fixture trap that prevents sewer gas from entering a building. Its depth is measured between the trap weir and the dip, typically 2 to 4 inches.

A U-shaped fitting that holds a water seal and connects a fixture to the drainage system. It must be sized to the fixture and protected by a vent.

A vertical pipe that provides air to a drainage system and carries sewer gases to the roof. It protects trap seals from siphonage and backpressure.

A single pipe serving as both a drain and a vent for fixtures, allowed only within specific code limits. It must be sized and arranged so it does not clog or lose its venting function.

A one-way valve that admits air into a drainage system to protect trap seals without a through-roof vent. It must be installed where code allows and remain accessible.

An accessible opening in a drainage system for clearing blockages with a cable or rod. Cleanouts are required at specified intervals, at changes of direction, and at the building drain.

A device that prevents sewage from flowing backward into a building during a sewer surcharge. It is installed on the building drain or sewer and must remain accessible.

A device that separates fats, oils, and grease from kitchen wastewater before it enters the sewer. It must be sized correctly and serviced regularly to prevent blockages.

A toilet fixture that receives human waste and discharges it through a trap to the drainage system. It must be installed with a proper water seal, clearance, and supply connection.

An appliance that heats and stores potable water for domestic use. It includes tank and tankless types and must be installed with a T&P valve, drain pan, and seismic restraint where required.

A safety valve on a water heater that opens if temperature or pressure exceeds set limits. It must be piped to a safe discharge point and never capped or blocked.

California requires water heaters to be anchored to the wall structure with approved straps and blocking to resist earthquakes. Strapping keeps the heater upright and prevents gas line rupture.

The system of pipe, tubing, fittings, and valves that delivers fuel gas from the meter or tank to appliances. It must be sized, tested, and bonded per code.

A fitting installed near a gas appliance that captures dirt and moisture before they reach the burner controls. It is required by fuel gas codes and must be accessible for cleaning.

A flexible gas tubing used in residential and commercial fuel gas systems. It requires approved fittings, bonding, and protection from damage, and must follow manufacturer and code rules.

A heating or cooling system that uses water or another liquid to move heat through pipes to terminal units. Design requires attention to pump head, expansion, air elimination, and balancing.

A pump that moves water through a closed hydronic loop. It is sized for flow and head, and must be installed with isolation valves and air removal provisions.

A three-dimensional-style plumbing drawing showing pipe routes, sizes, and fittings from a fixed viewpoint. It helps installers plan DWV and water layouts before fabrication.

The process of measuring and listing materials, fixtures, and labor from construction drawings. An accurate takeoff supports bidding, ordering, and project scheduling.

A pressure test of piping filled with water to verify joints and connections are leak-free. It is often required before concealment and at specified test pressures.

A workspace with limited entry and exit that is not designed for continuous occupancy and may contain hazardous atmospheres. Entry requires training, atmospheric testing, and a permit.

Protective gear such as safety glasses, gloves, hard hats, and respirators worn to reduce injury and exposure. Employers must provide it and train workers in its use.