Sri Lanka NVQ L3 Plumber key terms

Items worn or used by a worker to reduce exposure to hazards, such as safety boots, helmets, gloves, eye protection and hearing protection. In plumbing work it is the last line of defence after hazards are removed or controlled.

The ranked order of risk-control measures: eliminate the hazard, substitute it, use engineering controls, apply administrative controls, then rely on PPE. It guides how a plumber decides the most effective way to reduce a site risk.

A written method of breaking a task into steps, identifying the hazards of each step and stating the controls before work begins. It is often combined with a permit for hot work or work at height.

A formal written authorisation required before starting high-risk activities such as hot work, confined space entry or isolation of services. It records the precautions taken, the time limits and who authorised and closed the job.

Entering an enclosed or partly enclosed space such as a septic tank, sump or large drain, where hazardous gas, low oxygen or flooding may occur. Entry requires testing the atmosphere, ventilation, a standby person and a rescue plan.

A procedure for isolating energy sources such as electricity, water pressure or gas before maintenance, using locks and warning tags so equipment cannot be started or energised by another person during the work.

Lifting, carrying, pushing or pulling loads by hand. Correct technique, team lifting and mechanical aids reduce the risk of back and limb injuries when moving pipes, cylinders, fixtures and equipment on plumbing sites.

A document supplied with a hazardous product that lists its hazards, safe handling, storage, first aid and emergency measures. Plumbers consult it for solvents, adhesives, sealants, fluxes and cleaning chemicals used on site.

A hand or power tool that cuts pipe square to its axis. Wheel-type cutters are used on copper and plastic, while hacksaws or reciprocating saws suit other materials; a square cut is essential for sound joints and threads.

A tool that removes the internal burr left after cutting metal pipe. Deburring restores full bore, prevents turbulence and protects washers and valves, and is required before threading or making a soldered or compression joint.

A bench or tripod-mounted clamping device that holds pipe firmly while it is cut, reamed or threaded. Correct clamping prevents rotation and damage, and protects the worker from injury during these operations.

A tool holding a die that cuts external screw threads on steel pipe. Threads must match the standard taper and be lubricated and cleaned so the joint seals with jointing compound or tape.

A thin white tape wound onto male pipe threads to lubricate the joint and fill minor gaps, giving a leak-free seal. It is applied in the direction of thread rotation and is not a substitute for a correctly cut thread.

A paste applied to threaded or mating pipe surfaces to seal joints against leakage. The correct type must suit the pipe material and the conveyed fluid, and excess compound must not enter the bore.

A chemical paste or liquid applied to cleaned metal surfaces before soldering or brazing. It removes oxide and helps the filler metal flow, producing a sound joint; residues must be wiped off because they corrode pipe.

A soldered or brazed joint in which molten filler is drawn by capillary action into the small gap between the pipe and fitting. It requires clean surfaces, correct clearance, flux and even heating around the fitting.

An adhesive used for plastic pipe joints such as uPVC and cPVC. It softens the surfaces so they fuse; the pipe and fitting must be clean, dry and primed, and the joint must be held still while it sets.

A mechanical joint in which a nut tightens an olive or ferrule onto the pipe to form a seal. It needs a clean square pipe end and correct insertion depth, and is common where soldering is impractical.

A valve installed to shut off flow to a section of pipework, fixture or appliance so that maintenance or repair can be carried out safely without draining the whole system.

The ratio between a drawing measurement and the real size of the object, shown on plumbing drawings so distances and pipe runs can be read correctly. A scale bar allows measurements to be checked after printing or copying.

A drawing that shows a building or installation as seen from above, giving the horizontal layout of rooms, fixtures and pipe routes. It is usually read together with elevations and detail drawings.

A three-dimensional style of drawing showing pipework in a single view with pipe sizes, directions and fittings labelled. Plumbers use it to plan fabricated assemblies and to understand how runs connect between floors.

A schematic drawing showing the vertical arrangement of stacks, branches, fixtures and vents in a building, floor by floor. It is not to scale and is used to understand drainage and venting relationships rather than exact positions.

A document listing the materials, pipe lengths, fittings and fixtures required for a job, with quantities. It is prepared from drawings and specifications and supports ordering, costing and progress checking.

The written requirements for a plumbing installation, stating materials, standards, workmanship and testing methods. Where a drawing and the specification conflict, the specification is normally read alongside it before work starts.

Marking the position of pipe routes, fixtures, brackets and openings on the building before installation, using drawings and reference lines. Accurate setting out prevents clashes and keeps gradients and clearances correct.

A fixed reference point, level or line from which heights and positions are measured on site. All setting out for fixtures and pipework should be taken from the same datum to keep the installation consistent.

A tool containing liquid-filled vials with bubbles that indicate whether a surface is horizontal or vertical. Plumbers use it to set pipe gradients, align fixtures and check that brackets and stacks are plumb.

The downward slope given to drainage pipe so that waste flows by gravity at a self-cleansing velocity. Too little slope causes blockages, while too much slope leaves solids behind.

A schedule of pipe lengths and fittings prepared before fabrication, taken from drawings and site measurements. It reduces waste, supports accurate assembly and helps the installer check materials against the specification.

A joint in which two flanged pipe ends are bolted together with a gasket between them. It allows large pipes, valves and equipment to be assembled, dismantled and maintained without cutting the pipe.

A test in which a pipe system is filled and pressurised above its working pressure, then inspected for leaks and pressure loss. It confirms joint integrity before the installation is covered or put into service.

A trapped pocket of air in a pipe or appliance that restricts or stops water flow, often causing spluttering taps or poor hot water delivery. It is removed by venting or purging the affected section.

A banging noise and pressure surge caused when water flow stops suddenly, for example at a fast-closing tap or valve. It can damage joints and fittings and is reduced by correct pipe sizing, clipping and arrestors.

A bracket or clamp that fixes pipe to a wall, ceiling or structure at specified intervals. Correct spacing supports the pipe, controls expansion and movement, and reduces noise and vibration in the system.

The depth of water held in a trap that prevents sewer gas and odours from entering a building. It must be maintained by correct trap design and by venting so that siphonage does not empty the trap.

A fitting, commonly P-shaped or bottle-shaped, that retains water to form a barrier against foul air from the drainage system. It is fitted to fixtures such as sinks, basins and floor drains.

The main vertical drainage pipe that carries soil from water closets and connects to the drain below. It must be correctly sized, vented and supported to prevent blockage and pressure problems in the system.

A pipe that admits air into the drainage system and releases foul air above roof level. It protects trap seals by equalising pressure and is essential to the correct operation of soil and waste stacks.

A vertical pipe that carries waste water and soil from fixtures down to the drain. It is distinguished from the supply riser and is supported, vented and graded as part of the above-ground drainage system.

Clearing a blocked drain or waste pipe by pushing flexible rods or a drain auger through it. Correct access points and protective equipment are needed, and the cause of the blockage should be identified afterwards.

The process of finding the source of a water leak using observation, tracing, pressure testing or moisture checks. Early detection limits water damage and allows repair before the defect spreads.

A systematic method of identifying why a plumbing system or appliance is not working, by gathering symptoms, testing components and eliminating causes before carrying out the repair.

A written instruction authorising a specific job, stating the location, the work required, materials and completion requirements. It provides a record for communication, costing and follow-up after the repair.

The formal transfer of a completed installation to the client or main contractor, including checks, test records, operating instructions and outstanding items. It confirms that the work meets the specification before acceptance.