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Engineering Utilities 2
Module 3 – Common Plumbing Terminologies
Prepared by:
Engr. Kurt Harvey D. Banayo
BSCE Instructor
1
Definition of Terms
Air Gap – is the unobstructed
vertical distance through the free
atmosphere between the lower
opening from any pipe or faucet
supplying water to a tank,
plumbing fixture, or other device
and the flood level rim of the 1
receptacle.
𝐸𝑁𝐺𝑅. 𝐾𝐻𝐵 2
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Definition of Terms
Back Flow – is the flow of water,
or other liquid mixture, or
substances into the distributing
pipes of a potable supply of water
from any source, other than its
intended source.
𝐸𝑁𝐺𝑅. 𝐾𝐻𝐵 3
Definition of Terms
Back Siphonage – refers to the back flow of used contaminated or
polluted water from a plumbing fixture or vessel into a water supply
pipe due to a negative pressure in such a pipe.
Back Pressure Flow – refers to the back flow of used contaminated or
polluted water from a plumbing fixture or vessel into a water supply
pipe due to a positive pressure in such a pipe. 2
𝐸𝑁𝐺𝑅. 𝐾𝐻𝐵 4
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Definition of Terms
Battery of Fixture – refers to any group of two or more similar
adjacent fixtures which discharges into a common horizontal waste
pipe or soil branch.
𝐸𝑁𝐺𝑅. 𝐾𝐻𝐵 5
Definition of Terms
Bib – is synonymous with faucet,
tap, plug etc., the word faucet is
preferred.
3
𝐸𝑁𝐺𝑅. 𝐾𝐻𝐵 6
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Definition of Terms
Blind Flange – is a flange that
closes the end of a pipe. There is
no opening for the passage of
water.
𝐸𝑁𝐺𝑅. 𝐾𝐻𝐵 7
Definition of Terms
Blow Off – is a safety device to
control sudden increases in
pressure. A gas blowoff line is
provided as a safety measure in
case of a surge in pressure.
Periodically, the valve controlling 4
the gas blowoff line is opened to
permit the gas pressure within
the line to blow out the
accumulated liquids.
𝐸𝑁𝐺𝑅. 𝐾𝐻𝐵 8
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Definition of Terms
Branch – is any part of piping
system other than the main riser
or stack.
Branch Vent – is a vent
connecting one or more
individual vents with a vent stack
or stack vent.
𝐸𝑁𝐺𝑅. 𝐾𝐻𝐵 9
Definition of Terms
Branch Interval – is the length
of a soil or waste stack
corresponding in general to a
storey height but in no case less
than 2.40 meters within which
the horizontal branches from one 5
floor or storey of a building are
connected to the stack.
𝐸𝑁𝐺𝑅. 𝐾𝐻𝐵 10
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Definition of Terms
Calking – is plugging an opening
with oakum, lead or other
materials, that are pounded into
the place or opening.
𝐸𝑁𝐺𝑅. 𝐾𝐻𝐵 11
Definition of Terms
Circuit Vent – is a branch vent
that serves two to no more than
eight traps, and extends from the
front of the last fixture connection
of a horizontal branch to the vent
stack. 6
𝐸𝑁𝐺𝑅. 𝐾𝐻𝐵 12
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Definition of Terms
Continuous Vent – is a vertical vent that is a continuation of the drain
to which the vent connects.
𝐸𝑁𝐺𝑅. 𝐾𝐻𝐵 13
Definition of Terms
Combination Fixtures – is a fixture combining one sink and tray or a two
or three compartment sink or tray in one vent.
𝐸𝑁𝐺𝑅. 𝐾𝐻𝐵 14
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Definition of Terms
Combination Waste and Vent
System – is a specially designed
system of waste piping embodying the
horizontal wet venting of one or more
sinks or floor drains by means of a
common waste and vent pipe
adequately sized to provide free
movement of air above the flow line of
the drain.
𝐸𝑁𝐺𝑅. 𝐾𝐻𝐵 15
Definition of Terms
Common Vent – is a drain
from two or three fixtures
connected to a single vent. It
is also called a dual vent. 8
𝐸𝑁𝐺𝑅. 𝐾𝐻𝐵 16
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Definition of Terms
Cross connection - is a point in
a plumbing system where the
potable (drinking) water supply is
connected to a non-potable
source. Pollutants or
contaminants can enter the
drinking water system through
uncontrolled cross connections
when back flow occurs.
𝐸𝑁𝐺𝑅. 𝐾𝐻𝐵 17
Definition of Terms
Dead End – is the extended
portion of a pipe that is closed at
one end permitting the
stagnation of water or air therein. 9
𝐸𝑁𝐺𝑅. 𝐾𝐻𝐵 18
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Definition of Terms
Developed Length – is the
length along the center of the
pipe and fitting.
𝐸𝑁𝐺𝑅. 𝐾𝐻𝐵 19
Definition of Terms
Diameter – refers to the twice the radius of a pipe.
10
𝐸𝑁𝐺𝑅. 𝐾𝐻𝐵 20
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Definition of Terms
Drainage System – includes
all piping within the public or
private premises that
conveys sewage, rainwater,
or other liquid waste, to a
legal point of disposal. It
does not include the mains of
public sewer system private
or public sewerage treatment
or disposal plant.
𝐸𝑁𝐺𝑅. 𝐾𝐻𝐵 21
Definition of Terms
Dry Vent – is a vent that does not carry water or water borne wastes.
11
𝐸𝑁𝐺𝑅. 𝐾𝐻𝐵 22
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Definition of Terms
Effective Opening – is
the minimum cross
sectional area at the point
of water supply discharge,
measured or expressed in
terms of diameter of a
circle.
𝐸𝑁𝐺𝑅. 𝐾𝐻𝐵 23
Definition of Terms
Existing Work – shall
apply to that portion of a
plumbing system that has
been installed and
approved prior to the
contemplated addition, 12
alteration or correction.
𝐸𝑁𝐺𝑅. 𝐾𝐻𝐵 24
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Definition of Terms
Fixture Branch – is a pipe connecting several fixtures.
Fixture Drain – is the drain from the trap of a fixture to the
junction of that drain with any other drain pipe.
𝐸𝑁𝐺𝑅. 𝐾𝐻𝐵 25
Definition of Terms
Fixture Supply – is a
water supply pipe
connecting the fixture with
the fixture branch. 13
𝐸𝑁𝐺𝑅. 𝐾𝐻𝐵 26
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Definition of Terms
Fixture Units – is a quantity
in terms of which the load
producing effects on the
plumbing system of different
kinds of plumbing fixtures
are expressed on some
arbitrarily chosen scale.
𝐸𝑁𝐺𝑅. 𝐾𝐻𝐵 27
Definition of Terms
Fixture Unit Flow Rate – is the total discharge flow in gallons per
minute of a sample fixture divided by 7.5 gallons that provides the
flow rate of that particular plumbing fixture as a unit of flow.
Fixtures are rated as multiples of this unit of flow.
One cubic foot of water is roughly 7.48 gallons.
14
30.48 𝑐𝑚 1 𝑚𝐿 1𝐿 1 𝑔𝑎𝑙
1 𝑓𝑡 = 7.48 𝑔𝑎𝑙
1 𝑓𝑡 1 𝑐𝑚 1000 𝑚𝐿 3.785 𝐿
𝐸𝑁𝐺𝑅. 𝐾𝐻𝐵 28
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Definition of Terms
Flood Level – is a device located inside the tank for the purpose of
maintaining water level for effective flushing of the water closet.
Flood Level is composed of
three components:
1. Filler Valve
2. Filler Float
3. Overflow Tube
𝐸𝑁𝐺𝑅. 𝐾𝐻𝐵 29
Definition of Terms
Ferrule – a metallic sleeve
called or otherwise joined to
an opening in pipe into which
a plug is screwed that can be
removed for the purpose of
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cleaning or examining the
interior of a pipe.
𝐸𝑁𝐺𝑅. 𝐾𝐻𝐵 30
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Definition of Terms
Flush Valve – is a device located at the bottom of the tank for
flushing water closets and similar fixtures.
𝐸𝑁𝐺𝑅. 𝐾𝐻𝐵 31
Definition of Terms
Flushometer Valve – is a
device which discharges a
predetermined quantity of
water to the fixture for
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flushing purposes activated
by direct water pressure.
𝐸𝑁𝐺𝑅. 𝐾𝐻𝐵 32
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Definition of Terms
Group Vent – is
a branch vent that
performs its
function for two or
more traps.
𝐸𝑁𝐺𝑅. 𝐾𝐻𝐵 33
Definition of Terms
Horizontal Pipe – is any pipe or fitting which makes an angle of more
than 45 degrees with the vertical.
17
𝐸𝑁𝐺𝑅. 𝐾𝐻𝐵 34
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Definition of Terms
Invert – is the lowest portion of the inside of any pipe or conduit that is
not vertical.
𝐸𝑁𝐺𝑅. 𝐾𝐻𝐵 35
Definition of Terms
Liquid Waste – is the
discharge from any
fixture, appliance or
appurtenance in
connection with a
plumbing system which
does not receive fecal 18
matter.
𝐸𝑁𝐺𝑅. 𝐾𝐻𝐵 36
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Definition of Terms
Looped Vent – is the
same as Circuit Vent
except that it loops back
and connects with a
stack vent instead of a
vent stack.
𝐸𝑁𝐺𝑅. 𝐾𝐻𝐵 37
Definition of Terms
The vent stack usually runs
parallel with the soil/waste
stack and may either extend up
through the roof or connect to a
stack vent.
The stack vent performs a
similar function to the vent 19
stack with the biggest
difference being the stack
vent is a direct extension of the
waste/soil stack and must
reach outside air. 𝐸𝑁𝐺𝑅. 𝐾𝐻𝐵 38
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Definition of Terms
Main – is the principal artery of the system to which branches may be
connected.
Main Sewer – is a sewer line or system
directly controlled by public authority.
Main Vent – is
the principal
artery of the
venting system
to which vent
branches may
be connected.
𝐸𝑁𝐺𝑅. 𝐾𝐻𝐵 39
Definition of Terms
Plumbing Fixtures – are
installed receptacles, devices or
appliances which are supplied
with water, or which receives or
discharges liquid borne waste,
with or without discharge into 20
drainage system which maybe
directly or indirectly connected.
𝐸𝑁𝐺𝑅. 𝐾𝐻𝐵 40
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Definition of Terms
Plumbing System – includes
the water supply distribution
pipes, plumbing fixtures, and
traps, soil, waste and vent
pipes, house drain and house
sewer including their respective
connections, devices and
appurtenances within the
property lines of premises, and
water treating or water using
equipment.
𝐸𝑁𝐺𝑅. 𝐾𝐻𝐵 41
Definition of Terms
Re-Vent Pipe – (sometimes
called individual vent) is that
part of the vent pipeline which
connects directly with an
individual waste or group of
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wastes underneath or back of
the fixture, and extend either to
the main or branch vent pipe.
𝐸𝑁𝐺𝑅. 𝐾𝐻𝐵 42
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Definition of Terms
Riser – is a water supply pipe
which extend vertically one full
storey or more to convey water
to branches or fixtures.
𝐸𝑁𝐺𝑅. 𝐾𝐻𝐵 43
Definition of Terms
Rough-in – is the installation of
all parts of the plumbing system
which can be completed prior to
the installation of fixtures. This
includes drainage, water
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supply, vent piping and the
necessary fixture supports.
𝐸𝑁𝐺𝑅. 𝐾𝐻𝐵 44
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Definition of Terms
Public Sewer –
is a common
sewer directly
controlled by
public authorities
where all
abutters have
equal rights of
connection.
𝐸𝑁𝐺𝑅. 𝐾𝐻𝐵 45
Definition of Terms
Sanitary Sewage – is the sewage
containing human excrement and
liquid household waste. It is also
called domestic sewage.
Sanitary Sewer – is a sewer
intended to receive sanitary
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sewage with or without industrial
wastes and without the admixture
of surface water, storm water or
drainage.
𝐸𝑁𝐺𝑅. 𝐾𝐻𝐵 46
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Definition of Terms
Secondary Branch – is any
branch in a building drain other
than the primary branch.
Sewerage of Sewage Work –
is a comprehensive term
including all construction or
collection, transportation,
pumping, treatment and final
disposition of sewerage.
𝐸𝑁𝐺𝑅. 𝐾𝐻𝐵 47
Definition of Terms
Siamese Connection – is a Y
connection used on fire lines so
that two lines of hose maybe
connected to a hydrant or to the
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same nozzle.
𝐸𝑁𝐺𝑅. 𝐾𝐻𝐵 48
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Definition of Terms
Standpipe – is a vertical pipe
usually used for the storage of
water, frequently under
pressure.
𝐸𝑁𝐺𝑅. 𝐾𝐻𝐵 49
Definition of Terms
Side Vent – is a vent connecting to the
drain pipe through a fitting at an angle
not greater than 45 degrees to the
vertical. 25
𝐸𝑁𝐺𝑅. 𝐾𝐻𝐵 50
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Definition of Terms
Soil Pipe – is any pipe that conveys the discharge of water
closets or fixture having similar functions, with or without the
discharge from other fixtures, to the building drains (house
drain) or building sewer (house sewer).
𝐸𝑁𝐺𝑅. 𝐾𝐻𝐵 51
Definition of Terms
Stack – is the vertical main of a
system of soil, waste or vent
pipe.
26
𝐸𝑁𝐺𝑅. 𝐾𝐻𝐵 52
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Definition of Terms
Stack Vent – is the extension of
a soil or waste stack above the
highest horizontal drain
connected to the stack. It is
sometimes called waste vent or
soil vent.
Stack Venting – is a method of
venting a fixture or fixtures
through the soil or waste stack.
𝐸𝑁𝐺𝑅. 𝐾𝐻𝐵 53
Definition of Terms
Subsoil Drain – are
underground drain pipes that
receive subsurface or seepage
water only and convey it to a 27
place of disposal.
𝐸𝑁𝐺𝑅. 𝐾𝐻𝐵 54
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Definition of Terms
Sump – a pit or receptacle at a
low point to which the liquid
waste are drained.
𝐸𝑁𝐺𝑅. 𝐾𝐻𝐵 55
Definition of Terms
Trap – is a fitting or device so
designed as to provide when
properly vented a liquid seal
that will prevent the back
passage of air without materially 28
affecting the flow of sewage
through it.
𝐸𝑁𝐺𝑅. 𝐾𝐻𝐵 56
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Definition of Terms
Trap Seal – is the maximum
vertical depth of liquid that trap
will retain, measured between
the crown weir and top of the
dip of the trap.
𝐸𝑁𝐺𝑅. 𝐾𝐻𝐵 57
Definition of Terms
Vent Stack – is a vertical pipe
installed primarily for the
purpose of providing circulation
of air to different parts of the 29
drainage system.
𝐸𝑁𝐺𝑅. 𝐾𝐻𝐵 58
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Definition of Terms
Vent System – is a pipe or
pipes installed to provide a flow
or circulation of air within the
plumbing system to protect trap
seals siphoning and back
pressure.
𝐸𝑁𝐺𝑅. 𝐾𝐻𝐵 59
Definition of Terms
Vertical Pipe – is a pipe
installed in a vertical position or
at an angle of not more than 45
degrees with the vertical.
30
𝐸𝑁𝐺𝑅. 𝐾𝐻𝐵 60
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Definition of Terms
Waste Pipe – is a pipe that
conveys liquid waste from
fixture that is free of fecal
matter.
𝐸𝑁𝐺𝑅. 𝐾𝐻𝐵 61
Definition of Terms
Water Distribution Pipe– is a
pipe that conveys water from
the water service pipe to the
plumbing fixtures and other
water outlets.
Water Service Pipe– is a pipe 31
from the water main or other
source of water supply to the
building served.
𝐸𝑁𝐺𝑅. 𝐾𝐻𝐵 62
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Definition of Terms
Water Supply System –
consists of the water service
pipe, the water distribution pipe,
and the necessary connecting
pipes, fittings, control valves,
and all appurtenances in or
adjacent to the building or
premises.
𝐸𝑁𝐺𝑅. 𝐾𝐻𝐵 63
Definition of Terms
Wet Vent – is a vent that
receives the discharge from
wastes other than the water
closet.
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𝐸𝑁𝐺𝑅. 𝐾𝐻𝐵 64
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Thank you! :)
-El Professor
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