WI Plumber key terms

Gear worn to protect a worker from job-site hazards, such as safety glasses, gloves, hard hats, respirators, and hearing protection. Employers must require it wherever hazards are present and enforce its use.

A method that keeps soil from collapsing into an excavation, such as sloping, benching, shoring, or a trench box. It is required when workers enter trenches at the depths set by safety rules.

An area with limited entry or exit that is not built for continuous occupancy and may hold hazardous air. Entry may require air testing, ventilation, an attendant, and a written permit.

Air supplied to a fuel-burning appliance so gas or oil burns completely. Too little air can cause carbon monoxide and poor draft, so code sets opening sizes and allowable sources.

Water that is safe for drinking, cooking, and bathing because it meets health standards. Plumbing systems must protect it from contamination through approved materials, testing, and backflow control.

Any actual or potential link between the potable water system and a source of contamination or pollution. Cross-connections must be removed or protected by an approved backflow preventer.

The unwanted reversal of water flow in a piping system, which can pull contaminants into potable lines. It results from backpressure or backsiphonage and is controlled with air gaps and backflow preventers.

The unobstructed vertical distance between a water supply outlet and the flood level rim of the receiving fixture. It is the most reliable backflow protection and must meet a minimum distance.

A testable assembly with two check valves and a relief valve that discharges if pressure reverses. It protects high-hazard connections and must be tested on the schedule the code requires.

A device that admits air into piping to stop backsiphonage when pressure drops. Atmospheric and pressure types are chosen for hose connections and fixtures based on the hazard level.

The pipe that carries potable water from the water main or private well to the building. It ends at the meter or at the first fitting inside the building, depending on local rules.

A device that lowers incoming water pressure to a safe, usable level for the building. It protects fixtures and appliances from excess pressure and often requires a thermal expansion tank downstream.

A tank with a trapped air charge that absorbs the extra volume of water as it heats in a closed system. It limits pressure rise and protects the water heater and piping.

A number assigned to a plumbing fixture that represents its probable drainage load or water demand. Fixture units are used to size drains, vents, and water supply piping.

The water held in the curved dip of a trap that blocks sewer gas from entering the building. It must be kept at the required depth and protected from siphonage and evaporation.

A U-shaped trap with a water seal located directly below or near a fixture drain. Its outlet arm turns upward to connect to the drain and vent system.

A vertical pipe that supplies air to a drainage system and carries sewer gas outdoors above the roof. It protects trap seals from pressure changes caused by draining fixtures.

A pipe that serves as a drain for one fixture and as a vent for another. Wet venting is permitted only within the size, length, and arrangement limits set by code.

A one-way valve that opens to admit air when a fixture drains and closes to keep sewer gas inside the system. It may replace certain vent connections where code allows.

The lowest pipe inside a building that receives soil and waste from fixture drains. It runs to the building wall and connects to the building sewer.

The pipe outside the building foundation that carries sewage from the building drain to the public sewer or private disposal system. It is usually the property owner's responsibility.

An accessible opening with a removable cap that lets a plumber clear a blockage in a drain or sewer line. Code requires them at certain locations, distances, and changes in direction.

A tank that slows wastewater so fats, oils, and grease float and are trapped before flow reaches the sewer. It must be correctly sized and pumped out on a regular schedule.

A pump and basin that lift wastewater from a low point, such as a basement, up to a gravity drain or sewer. Unlike a sump pump, it is built to handle solids.

The downward pitch of a drain pipe, stated as inches of fall per foot of run. Correct slope keeps solids moving while limiting standing water and allowing proper venting.

A drain set into a floor that collects surface water and spills and connects to the drainage system through a trap. Its trap seal often needs protection from evaporation.

A device or connection that adds a small amount of water to a trap to replace what evaporates. It keeps the seal intact for floor drains that rarely receive water.

A safety valve on a water heater that opens when temperature or pressure gets too high. It must be piped to a safe discharge point and never capped or plugged.

A device that controls or directs water at a fixture, such as a faucet, flush valve, or shower valve. It must be listed and installed to prevent backflow and scalding.

A fixture designed and installed so people with disabilities can use it, meeting reach, clearance, and height rules. Examples include lowered lavatories and flush controls within reach range.

Describes plumbing materials that meet the low-lead limit set by federal and state law for pipe, solder, and fittings. Lead-free solder and flux are required on potable water systems.

Official approval from the local authority to install or alter plumbing work. It triggers required inspections and must be obtained before work starts, except for listed minor repairs.

A licensed plumber who has met experience and testing requirements and may run a plumbing business, obtain permits, and supervise plumbing work in Wisconsin.

A licensed plumber who may perform plumbing work under a master plumber's supervision but cannot contract for work or hold the plumbing business license.

The Wisconsin administrative code chapter covering design, installation, and maintenance of plumbing systems. It is enforced by the Department of Safety and Professional Services and local authorities.

The stage when pipes are installed in walls and floors before fixtures and finishes are put in. A rough-in inspection must pass before the work is covered.

A pressure test that fills a piping system with water to check for leaks before it is covered or placed in service. Test pressures and durations follow code requirements.