Plumbing Terms! Ultimate Glossary! Trivia Quiz

Caulking, calking, or cogging refers to the process of sealing an opening by filling it with a material like oakum, lead, or any other suitable substance. This method is commonly used in construction or plumbing to prevent leakage or to create a watertight seal. By pounding the material into the annular space, the opening is effectively sealed, ensuring that no air or water can pass through.

The correct answer is "building supply pipe." This term refers to the first section of water supply piping in a building after the water meter. It is responsible for carrying water from the main water supply into the building's plumbing system.

An angle valve is a type of valve that has the inlet and outlet openings positioned at a 90-degree angle to each other. This design allows for easy installation in tight spaces or areas where pipes need to change direction. Angle valves are commonly used in plumbing systems to control the flow of water or other fluids.

Backflow refers to the flow of water or waste water in pipes in the opposite direction from what is intended. This can occur when there is a change in pressure within the plumbing system, causing the water to flow back into the supply lines. Backflow can be a serious issue as it can contaminate the clean water supply with pollutants or bacteria from the wastewater. To prevent backflow, devices such as backflow preventers are installed in plumbing systems to ensure that water only flows in the intended direction.

A bidet is a type of fixture that is specifically designed for cleaning the external genitals and posterior parts of the body. It is commonly used in bathrooms as an alternative to toilet paper for personal hygiene. The bidet typically consists of a basin or bowl that is filled with water, and it is used by sitting or straddling over it. This fixture provides a gentle and thorough cleansing, promoting cleanliness and comfort.

A branch refers to any part of the piping system other than the main, riser, or stack. It is a secondary line that connects to the main line and leads to various fixtures or appliances. Branches are used to distribute water or gas to specific areas or fixtures within a building. They can be horizontal or vertical and are typically smaller in diameter compared to the main line.

A bell or hub is the end portion of a pipe that is enlarged for a short distance to receive the end of another pipe of the same diameter. This is done to create a joint between the two pipes.

A battery of fixtures refers to any group of two or more similar adjacent fixtures that discharge into a common horizontal waste or soil branch. This means that multiple fixtures, such as sinks or toilets, are connected to the same pipe for waste disposal.

An air gap refers to the unobstructed vertical distance between the outlet of a faucet and the flood level rim of the fixture or receptacle. It is a physical separation that prevents backflow, which is the undesirable reversal of the flow of water or other substances. The air gap ensures that there is no direct connection between the water supply and potentially contaminated water, thus protecting the water supply from contamination.

The branch interval refers to the vertical length of soil or waste stack that connects the horizontal branches from one storey or floor of a building or structure. It is required to be at least eight feet in height, which is equivalent to a storey height. This interval allows for the proper connection and flow of waste or sewage from different levels of the building into the main stack.

The term "bibb" is synonymous with faucet, cock, plug, tap, or spigot. It is a commonly used term to refer to a valve or faucet that controls the flow of water. This term is often used in plumbing and is understood by professionals in the field.

Back siphonage refers to the flow of contaminated or polluted water from a plumbing fixture into a potable water system. This can occur when there is a negative pressure in the system, causing the water to flow backwards. Back siphonage can contaminate the drinking water supply, making it unsafe for consumption. To prevent back siphonage, backflow prevention devices such as backwater valves are used to ensure that water only flows in one direction. A ball valve is a type of valve that controls the flow of water by using a ball to open or close the passageway.

A backwater valve is a device installed in piping to prevent the reverse flow of storm or sewage into the drainage system or their branches. It acts as a one-way gate, allowing the flow of wastewater out of the system but preventing any backflow from entering. This is important to prevent contamination and flooding in the drainage system, especially during heavy rainfall or flooding events.

Back pressure refers to a situation where the pressure within the sanitary drainage system or vent piping system exceeds the atmospheric pressure. This can occur when there is a blockage or restriction in the system, causing the pressure to build up. Back pressure can lead to various issues such as leaks, bursts, or even damage to the system. It is important to address and fix any back pressure problems to ensure the proper functioning of the drainage system.

The correct answer is building/house drain. The building/house drain refers to the lowest horizontal piping of a plumbing system that receives the discharge from soil waste and other drainage pipes inside a building and conveys it to the building sewer/house sewer. This is an essential component of the plumbing system as it ensures the proper removal of waste and drainage from the building to the sewer system.

The building/house sewer is the part of the drainage system that connects to the end of the building drain and carries the waste and water from the building to a public sewer, private sewer, individual sewage disposal system, or another suitable point of disposal. It is responsible for conveying the discharge from the building's plumbing fixtures to the appropriate location for disposal.

An air break refers to the physical separation between a waste pipe and an indirect receptor or device that is indirectly connected. This separation ensures that there is a gap of air between the waste pipe and the receptor, preventing any backflow or contamination from occurring. It acts as a protective barrier to maintain the integrity and safety of the plumbing system.