Stack

A stack is the vertical main of a system of soil, waste, or vent piping. -- American Standard National Plumbing Code (ASA A40.8-1955)

The Closet Auger

Probably one of the most useful tools in the UT's arsenal is the closet auger. This is a pretty good video that demonstrates how to use the closet auger.

Cross-Connection

Cross-connection is when there is a possibility of sewage or other contaminates of entering the water supply. This is an important concept for a UT to know.

Check out this article, it has good information:


Prevalence of Cross-Connections in Household Plumbing Systems

Courtesy of: www.watts.com

Backflow

Here is an interesting article relating to backflow. As a UT, backflow prevention is an often misunderstood concept that we really need to understand to fulfill our roles as protectors of the health of the force.

Stop Backflow News

Courtesy of: www.watts.com

Rough Plumbing

This is an interesting video that has some good information:

Plastic Pipe Installation and Technical Manual

Below is a link to a Plastic Pipe Installation and Technical Manual.

http://www.charlottepipe.com/Documents/PL_Tech_Man/ABS_PVC_pipe_fittings-TM.pdf

From Charlotte Pipe and Foundary Company. This is a real insteresting and handy thing to have around.

Copper Tubing

Here is a link from the Copper Development Association. http://www.copper.org/applications/plumbing/techref/cth/tables/cthindex_table.htm

This has some interesting specifications about copper tubing.

How To Solder Copper Pipe

This is a handy video about this lost art. Something every UT needs to know.

Design Requirements for Air Admittance Valve

Attached is the Design Criteria for Studor air admittane valves. These valves can be very handy when installing plumbing.

Design Criteria

Vent Pipe Problem

Here is an interesting video that talks about some vent problems that you might encounter.

Macerator

Here is a link that talks about macerators. If you have to install a toilet in a basement or in a place where there is no slope, you should use a macerator.

What is a macerator?

Faucets Acorn to American Standard

Here is a catalog that shows exploded views and part numbers for faucet manufacturers Acorn through American Standard. These are used to show how faucets go together and what parts to order.

Faucet Repair

Check Valve

Below is a graphic of a check valve. The check valve is important to use if you want to keep pressure in a system. A check valve will prevent liquid from flowing back into pumps or tanks. The easy thing about a check valve is that it has an arrow on it hat shows the direction of flow. I have found check valves installed backwards.

A Few Plumbing Jokes

1. A lawyer in California needed a leak fixed and called the plumber; who after about 45 minutes was done and all cleaned up.

“That will be $75″ said the plumber.

The lawyer objected saying “I’m a lawyer, and I don’t even get that much an hour!

“The plumber responded: “I didn’t either, when I was a lawyer”.

2. Did you hear that someone broke into our local police station and stole the toilet?
Right now the cops have nothing to go on…

3. “A plumber is the only guy I know who can take a leak…
…and fix it also!”

4. A plumber arrived at his next job only to find his client was going out. Worried about the clients Rotweiler the man asks if he could come back later.

Noticing the plumber’s insecurity the client says, “Don’t worry about the dog he won’t hurt you, but whatever you do don’t talk to the parrot!”. Heeding the client’s warning he walks into the house and into the kitchen.

Feeling more confident about the Rotweiler he starts working on the sink. Barely after starting he notices the parrot sitting by the Rotweiler, all of a sudden the parrot bursts out with a bunch of insult’s. Almost half way through the job the plumber starts to get angry, he starts to tell the bird to shut up.All of a sudden the bird becomes silent, then very quietly the bird says, “Sick him Rex.”

5. A plumber was called to woman’s apartment in San Diego to repair a leaking pipe. When he arrived he was pleased to discover that the woman was quite a luscious, well-stacked dish.

During the course of the afternoon, the two became extremely friendly. About 6:30 p.m. the phone rang, disturbing the bedroom shenanigans.”That was my husband,” she said, putting down the phone. “He’s on his way home, but is going back to the office around 8 p.m.. Come back then, dear, and we can take up where we left off.”

The union plumber looked at the woman in disbelief. “What? On my own time?”

6. I bet you have never seen a plumber bite his nails.

7. A good flush beats a full house every time!

Shamelessly borrowed from www.plumbing.1800anytime.com

Tips for Using a Sink Auger

How to unclog a sink; like a professional plumber.

Tips for Using a Sink Auger

Basic Plumbing Tips for Beginners

For Beginning plumbers...what you need to know.

Basic Plumbing Tips for Beginners

Wet Vent

A wet vent is a vent which receives the discharge from wastes other than water closets. -- American Standard National Plumbing Code (ASA A40.8-1955)

Water-Supply System

The water-supply system of a building or premises consists of the water-service pipe, the water-distributing pipes and the necessary connecting pipes, fittings, control valves, and all appurtenances in or adjacent to the building or premises. -- American Standard National Plumbing Code (ASA A40.8-1955)

Water-Service Pipe

The water-service pipe is the pipe from the water main or other source of water supply to the building served. -- American Standard National Plumbing Code (ASA A40.8-1955)

Water-Distributing Pipe

A water-distributing pipe in a building or premises is a pipe which conveys water from the water-service pipe to the plumbing fixtures and other water outlets. -- American Standard National Plumbing Code (ASA A40.8-1955)