piece of equipment which may require connection to a plumbing system
backflow
flowing back or reversal of the normal direction of the flow
backflow preventer
a device used to prevent backflow due to back pressure or back siphonage
backing
a layer of material that forms, protects and strengthens the supports for plumbing fixtures and equipment
backwater valve
check valve designed for use in a gravity drainage system, permitting flow in only one direction
benchmark
predetermined elevation used as a reference point
check valve
valve that permits flow in only one direction
cleanout
access provided in drainage and venting systems to provide for cleaning and inspection services
cross connection
a connection between a potable water source to a non-potable water source
developed length
length along the centre line of the pipe and fitting
Diameter Index Safety System (DISS)
index system used for medical gases which defines the properties of the access points (diameter and configuration) allowing only specific connection devices to connect to corresponding gas access point
dielectric protection
a method isolating dissimilar metals to prevent electrolysis (ion transfer) and galvanic corrosion
drainage system
assembly of pipes, fittings, fixtures, traps and appurtenances that is used to convey sewage, clear-water waste or storm water to a public sewer or a private sewage disposal system, but does not include subsoil drainage pipes
embedded components
components of a plumbing system that are encased in concrete or other materials
expansion tank
device used to accept expansion of water in a closed system
fire monitoring system
a system that assists locating fire hazard in a building and alerting first responders
fire separation / fire stopping
construction assembly that acts as a barrier against the spread of fire and smoke
fixture
receptacle, appliance, apparatus or other device that discharges sewage or clear-water waste, includes a floor drain
fixture unit – drainage systems
unit of measure based on the rate of discharge, time of operation and frequency of use of a fixture that expresses the hydraulic load that is imposed by that fixture on the drainage system
fixture unit – water distribution systems
unit of measure based on the rate of supply, time of operation and frequency of use of a fixture or outlet that expresses the hydraulic load that is imposed by that fixture or outlet on the water supply system
flashing
component made of rubber, sheet metal or lead used to seal around exterior pipe penetrations
flex connector
device used to isolate vibration and allow for expansion and movement of appliances, equipment and piping
heat tracing
an electrical resistance cable, hydronic or steam piping that prevents the freezing of systems
maintenance hole
an opening to a confined space to allow access to underground piping for inspection, maintenance and system upgrades (formerly known as a manhole)
offset
a piping that connects the ends of two pipes that are parallel or perpendicular
pitless adaptor
fitting that allows the connection and removal of a pump without the use of tools or entering a confined space
plumbing system
drainage system, a venting system and a water system or parts thereof
potable
safe for human consumption
potable water fire protection systems
any fire protection system connected to potable water piping downstream of the building control valve
private sewage treatment system
privately owned plant for the treatment and disposal of sewage (such as a septic tank with an absorption field)
private water supply system
assembly of pipes, fittings, valves, equipment and appurtenances that supplies water from a private source to a water distribution system
purge
to pass inert gas inside of pipe to displace oxygen or flammable gas and prevent oxidation during brazing and welding operations and gas piping modification
roof drain
fitting or device that is installed in the roof to permit storm water to discharge into a leader
rough-in
placement of pipes to allow for future installation of fixtures and equipment
sanitary sewer
sewer that conducts sewage
sensory inspection
inspection using one or more of the following: sight, taste, touch, smell, auditory
sewage
any liquid water other than clear-water waste or storm water
sleeve
a component used to create a penetration through walls, floors and ceilings prior to the installation of piping
soil-or-waste pipe
pipe in a sanitary drainage system
sounding
a method of detecting cracks in cast iron pipe and fitting
storm sewer
sewer that conveys storm water
swing joint
piping arrangement to allow for movement without putting strain on piping
thrust blocks
a formed concrete block used to prevent movement of a fitting at a change of direction in a buried piping system
torque arrestor
device installed on a pipe in a well casing which prevents the pipe from spinning
trap
fitting or device that is designed to hold a liquid seal that will prevent the passage of gas but will not materially affect the flow of a liquid
tube
measured by inside diameter
tubing
measured by OD and wall thickness
vent piping
pipe that is part of a venting system
venting system
assembly of pipes and fittings that connects a drainage system with outside air for circulation of air and the protection of trap seals in the drainage system
water distribution system
assembly of pipes, fittings, valves and appurtenances that conveys water from the water service pipe or private water supply system to water supply outlets, fixtures, appliances and devices
water heater
device for heating water for plumbing services
water service pipe
pipe that conveys water from a public water main or private water source to the inside of a building up to and including the main isolation valve
water system
private water supply system, a water service pipe, a water distribution system or parts thereof