Plumbing Systems Maintenance

Table of Contents

Chapter 1: Introduction to Plumbing

Topics: Codes and standards; Stacks; Traps; Connection methods; Sewer system; Venting system; Plumbing fixtures; Water supply and distribution

Learning Objectives:

• Describe a basic plumbing system.
• Name the parts of a DWV system and explain their functions.
• Explain the purpose of the different elements in an industrial cold water supply and distribution system.
• Describe a basic system for industrial hot water supply and distribution.
• Describe three basic systems for boosting in coming water pressure.

Chapter 2: Plumbing Fixtures

Topics: Water closets; Leaks and stoppages; Urinals; Lavatories; Trim and faucets; Sinks; Showers; Drinking fountains

Learning Objectives:

• Describe six lavatory categories and compare the different flushing systems used in water closets and urinals.
• Explain the operation of different types of faucets.
• Give examples of industrial showers, sinks, and drinking fountains.

Chapter 3: Sanitary Drainage Systems

Topics: Materials used; Fittings and joints; Piping; Subdrains; Floor drains; Leaks; Stoppages; Indirect wastes; Cleanouts

Learning Objectives:

• State the function of sanitary drainage systems and describe the materials, fittings, and joints used in them.
• Discuss the installation and connection of the piping components of a sanitary drainage system.
• Explain the purpose of floor drains and cleanouts, and where they are needed.
• Tell how to repair leaks and clear stoppages in sanitary piping.

Chapter 4: Vent Systems

Topics: Pipe materials, fittings, and joints; Piping; Fixture trap vents; Types of vents; Vent terminals

Learning Objectives:

• List the components of a vent system and explain their functions.
• Discuss the materials used for vent pipes, fittings, and joints.
• Explain the importance of air pressure and water flow in DWV systems.
• Discuss the requirements for the installation of piping in a vent system.
• Describe several types of vent system and their applications.

Chapter 5: Storm Water Drainage

Topics: Materials; Fittings and joints; Piping; Subdrain system; Site drainage system; Roof drains; Expansion and contraction; Subsoil drainage

Learning Objectives:

• Explain the function and installation of the elements in storm water and site drainage systems.
• Name the materials, fittings, and joints used in storm water and site drainage systems.
• Describe how the piping components of storm water and site drainage systems should be installed.
• Compare six different roof drains and give details of their installation.

Chapter 6: Potable Water Distribution

Topics: Materials, fittings, and joints; Pressure and velocity; Hydraulic shock; Limiting flow and pressure; Pressure-boosting systems; Contamination

Learning Objectives:

• Tell how the separate components of a potable water distribution system work together in its operation.
• List the materials suitable for use in a potable water system, the fittings used with them, and the factors to be considered in selecting them.
• Discuss the effects of water pressure and flow in a potable system.
• Give installation details for piping and valves in a potable eater system.
• Explain how a potable water system can be contaminated and how contamination can be prevented.

Chapter 7: Hot Water Distribution

Topics: Materials, fittings, and joints; Water heaters; Safety requirements; Circulation; Temperature; Expansion and contraction

Learning Objectives:

• Explain the selection of materials and the installation of components for a hot water system.
• Describe the operation and application of different water heaters.
• Explain the safety requirements for hot water tanks and heaters.
• Describe a hot water circulation system, tell when it must be installed, and explain the advantages of strip heaters.
• Tell how water temperature affects the equipment and layout of a hot water distribution system.

Chapter 8: Valves

Topics: Gate, globe, check, quarter-turn, plug, ball, and butterfly valves; Materials; Applications

Learning Objectives:

• Compare the function and applications of plumbing system valves.
• Tell how the main types of valves end connections.
• Compare the different types of valve end connections.
• Name the factors to be considered in the selection of materials for valves.

Chapter 9: Piping Assembly Procedures

Topics: Cast iron soil piping; Brass, steel piping; Wrenches; Copper tubing; Plastic piping

Learning Objectives:

• List three joints used in iron piping and tell how to make them.
• Explain how to assemble screwed and flanged joints in brass and steel piping.
• Give example of the proper use of different pipe wrenches and vises.
• Tell how to assemble copper tubing with soldered, compression, and flared joints.
• Review the procedures for making joints in PVC and CPVC piping.

Chapter 10: Maintaining Plumbing Systems

Topics: Maintaining fixtures, water heaters, and waste systems; Opening clogged drains; Maintaining valves; Insulation; Leak repair

Learning Objectives:

• Name the chief points involved in the care and correct use of hand tools.
• Describe how to open the clogs and repair leaks in plumbing fixtures.
• Compare maintenance procedures for different types of valves.
• Tell how to clear stoppages and repair leaks in the drainage system.
• Explain the maintenance of water heaters, pumps, and pipe installation.

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