Chapter
31
Plumbing Systems
Objectives
• Cite codes that govern the installation of plumbing
systems.
• List necessary plumbing tools and explain how to
use them.
• Describe the different types of materials used in
plumbing systems.
• Name and recognize devices and fixtures that are
part of the plumbing system.
A. Weyerhaeuser
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Objectives (Cont.)
• Read plumbing prints.
• Explain the proper design and installation of
plumbing systems.
• Demonstrate a basic understanding of well and
pump systems.
• Cite safety measures that plumbers must observe.
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Plumbing
• Includes piping and
fixtures that supply water
for drinking, bathing, and
laundry
• Includes drainage pipes
for wastewater that lead
to municipal sewer or
local septic system
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Rough Plumbing
• Plumbers must cut holes
and notches in building
frame to install rough
plumbing
• Notched framing
members should be
reinforced with metal
strapping
A. Weyerhaeuser
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Plumbing Regulations
• Covered by several
agencies
• International Code
Council sponsors
International Plumbing
Code
• Some states have
plumbing codes
• Plumbers must be
familiar with local codes
A. Weyerhaeuser
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Two Separate Systems
• Water supply system
distributes water under
pressure throughout
structure
• Drainage, waste, and
venting (DWV) system
carries away solid waste
and wastewater
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Tools
• One of plumber’s most
used tools is wrench
• Some tools designed to
perform tasks specific to
plumbing
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–
–
Power auger
Chain cutter
Reamer
Pipe wrench
Ridge Tool Company;
Reed Manufacturing Co.
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Measuring Tools
• Important tools are used
for measuring and
producing accurate lines,
circles, and other
markings
– Tapes, squares, levels
– Transits, plumb bobs, chalk
lines
– Compasses and dividers
Ridge Tool Company
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Cutting Tools
• Include saws, files,
chisels, snips, and pipe
cutters
• Boring tools are used for
making holes in wood
framing members
• Reaming and threading
tools are used on metal
pipe
Reed Manufacturing Co.; Ridge Tool Company
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Torches
• Used to solder copper
pipe and fittings
• May be attached to
handheld propane tank or
much larger tank
• Three fuel choices
– Acetylene
– Propane
– MAPP
Forney Industries, Inc.
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Plumbing Supplies
•
•
•
•
•
Pipe and tubing for supply lines
Large-diameter pipe to drain away wastewater
Valves and faucets for controlling water supply
Washers and O-rings
Tape, compounds, and putties to help seal connections
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Copper Tubing
• Available as rigid, straight
lengths or in flexible coils
• Comes in variety of
diameters and seven
different weights
• Can be cut with pipe
cutter or hacksaw
• Joined using
compression fittings or
sweat solder
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Plastic Pipe
• Used for both supply and
drainage systems
• Available in lengths that
can be cut with handsaw
or tubing cutters
• Joined with special
fittings or by using special
adhesive
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Steel Pipe
• Galvanized pipe used in
water supply plumbing
• Has coating of zinc to
retard rusting
• Black pipe is painted
rather than galvanized
• Will rust more quickly
when in constant contact
with water
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Valves
• Devices that control flow
of water in water supply
system
• Gate valves control water
with flat disk that slides
up and down
• Compression valves can
stop or restrict water flow
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Faucets
• Compression or washerless valves
• Permit controlled flow of
water
• Usually deliver water to
fixtures such as sinks, or
to appliances
Kunkle Valve Co. Inc.
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Safety Note
• When pipes are drained or installed, airborne
microorganisms might enter system
• After system recharged, it should be disinfected
– Run diluted solution of chlorine laundry bleach through
system
– Use caution in handling chlorine bleach
– Wear rubber gloves and safety glasses
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Fixtures
• Water-using devices,
such as sinks, bathtubs,
bidets, toilets, or showers
• Receive water from
supply system
• Have means for
delivering wastewater to
DWV system
American Standard
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Sealing Plumbing Systems
• Some supplies and
materials seal plumbing
system against leaks
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–
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Slip-joint washers
O-rings
Teflon® tape
Pipe compound
Plumber’s putty
Wax ring
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Reading Prints
• Plans may not include
pipe drawings
• Plumber may need to
develop sketches
– Riser diagrams
– Plan view sketches
– Isometric sketches
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Symbols for Plumbing
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Pipe and Fitting Symbols
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Installing Plumbing
• Usually done by plumbing
subcontractor
• Most plumbing is
concealed within building
frame
• Some fixtures must be
placed before studs
• Rough-in is first phase of
plumbing installation
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Connecting Copper Pipe
• Sweat soldering copper
pipe is relatively easy
• It must be carefully done
to avoid leaks
• You will need
–
–
–
–
Gas torch
Lead-free solder
Paste soldering flux
Steel wool or brush
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Bending Copper Tubing
• Flexible copper tubing
can be easily bent to
change its direction
• Use tubing spring to
avoid crimping
• Flare fittings used with
copper tubing require no
soldering
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Installing Plastic Supply Pipe
• PVC is suited for cold
water only
• CPVC can be used for
hot and cold water
• Fittings slide over outside
of pipe
• They are secured with
quick-curing solvent
cement
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Safety Note
• Solvent-cement is highly
flammable
• Keep it away from flame
• Fumes can cause lung
damage
• Provide adequate
ventilation during use
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Installing Galvanized Pipe
• Check lengths to ensure
accuracy
• Make sure threads are
clean
• Apply pipe compound or
Teflon® tape
• Screw on fittings finger
tight
• Tighten with pipe wrench
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Fixing Sink Drain Problems
• P-traps are most frequent
site of clogging and
leaking in DWV system
• Are always full of water
• Keep container handy to
catch spills when
disconnecting from drain
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Wells
• Wells require pumps and
pressure tanks to
maintain water supply
• Drilled wells are used
where great depths are
needed
• Bored wells are made
with earth augers
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Pumps and Pressure Tanks
• Submersible pump may
be installed in well
• Aboveground pump may
be placed near well or in
building
• Pressure tank stores
reserve of water to meet
continuing needs
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Construction Careers
Plumbers
• Install and repair many
types of piping systems
• Work for building
contractors or are selfemployed
• Complete on-job training
and apprenticeships
• Must be licensed
Monkeybusinessimages/iStock/Thinkstock
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