ND Journeyman Plumber flashcards

33 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Permit requirement

Most plumbing installations, alterations, and replacements require a permit issued by the local authority having jurisdiction before work begins.

Rough-in inspection

An inspection performed after piping is installed but before it is covered by walls, floors, or ceilings, allowing the inspector to verify code compliance.

DWV air test

A drainage test using compressed air at about 5 psi held for 15 minutes with no pressure drop, used where a water test is impractical.

Developed length

The total measured length of a pipe run along its centerline, including the equivalent lengths added for fittings, valves, and bends.

Fixture unit

A unit expressing the probable load a fixture places on the drainage or water supply system, used to size pipes from code tables.

Vent termination height

A vent must extend at least 6 inches above the roof surface and be kept a minimum distance from windows, doors, and air intakes.

Water closet clearance

A water closet needs at least 15 inches from its centerline to a side wall and 21 inches of clear space in front of the bowl.

Trap seal depth

The vertical depth of water in a trap that blocks sewer gas, normally between 2 and 4 inches and maintained by the trap design.

Air gap

The unobstructed vertical distance between a water supply outlet and the flood-level rim of a fixture, giving the highest backflow protection.

TPR discharge pipe

A full-size, gravity-drained pipe from a water heater relief valve that terminates safely and is never capped, reduced, or trapped.

Flushometer pressure

A flushometer valve typically requires a minimum of 15 psi static pressure at the fixture to operate and flush properly.

Trap primer

A device or connection that adds water to a floor drain trap to replace evaporation and keep the trap seal intact.

Maximum system pressure

Distribution systems are limited to about 80 psi; above that, a pressure-reducing valve is installed to protect fixtures and piping.

Thermal expansion tank

A tank installed on a closed water system to absorb the increased volume created when water is heated in the water heater.

Copper tube types

Type L copper is commonly used for underground and general service, while Type M is thinner and used for interior above-ground lines.

RPZ assembly

A reduced-pressure-zone backflow preventer used for high-hazard cross-connections; it must be tested and maintained on a regular schedule.

Hot water side

In standard practice hot water is supplied on the left side of a fixture and cold on the right, viewed facing the fixture.

Main shutoff valve

A valve at the service entry that stops all water to the building, used for emergencies and repairs; each fixture branch also has a valve.

Drain slope rule

Drains 2 inches and smaller slope at 1/4 inch per foot; larger drains commonly slope at 1/8 inch per foot to maintain scouring velocity.

Building drain

The lowest piping inside the building that receives soil and waste and conveys it to the building sewer outside the foundation.

Trap arm length

The distance from a fixture trap to its vent, limited by pipe size, such as 8 feet for a 2-inch trap arm.

Wet vent

A vent that also carries waste from fixtures on the same floor, sized according to the vent tables and not permitted for all fixtures.

Cleanout placement

Cleanouts are required at the base of stacks, at the building drain, at sharp direction changes, and at intervals along long horizontal runs.

Backwater valve

A valve installed on a drain to prevent sewage from backing up into a building when the public sewer surcharges or floods.

Stack vent

The extension of a soil or waste stack above the highest fixture connection, providing air to the drainage system and terminating outside.

Confined space testing

Before entering a sewer or vault, test for oxygen, combustible gas, and hydrogen sulfide and keep a standby person outside.

Basin wrench

A long-handled wrench with a pivoting jaw used to reach and turn faucet mounting nuts in the tight space behind a sink.

Gas leak detection

Gas leaks are found with a soap-and-water solution or an electronic detector; an open flame must never be used for testing.

Hot work fire watch

When soldering or brazing, remove combustibles, use a heat shield, and keep a fire extinguisher ready during and after the work.

Pipe wrench use

A pipe wrench grips round pipe with serrated jaws; turning force is applied in the direction that tightens the jaw onto the pipe.

Hose bibb vacuum breaker

A device attached to an outdoor hose connection to prevent backflow of contaminated water into the potable supply when a hose is submerged.

Deburring tool

A tool used to ream the cut end of copper or plastic pipe, removing burrs that would restrict flow and create turbulence.

Manometer

An instrument that measures low gas or air pressure, used to verify test pressure and to check gas appliance operating pressure.