A plumbing system carries clean water and removes waste from buildings. This is an essential service that improves the quality of life of people around the world. It also protects communities from diseases caused by water contamination.
It is commonly believed that mastery in any skilled trade requires 10,000 hours of practice. Accomplished musicians, professional athletes and even skillful marksmen will testify to this fact.
Pipes
Whether delivering freshwater to your sinks and faucets or transporting waste water out of your home, pipes are essential for a functional plumbing system. However, a lot of people don’t know that there are several different types of pipes used in plumbing.
Choosing the right pipe material can make or break your plumbing project. It’s important to consider your specific application and the quality of your water (acidic waters may corrode certain pipes), as well as your budget, since some pipes are more expensive than others.
For example, PVC piping is inexpensive and durable and works well for most hot and cold water lines. You also have the option of CPVC, which is treated with chlorine and can resist higher temperatures than standard PVC.
Fittings
Pipe fittings are used to connect pipe lengths, change directions, and offset pipes around obstacles. They come in a wide variety of materials and sizes. The type of pipe fittings you need will depend on what system you’re working with.
Couplings are used to repair leakages in broken pipes or sections of piping. They are available in a number of different types, including regular couplings and slip couplings.
Nipples are a special type of fitting that connects two female-threaded pipe segments. They feature a male end and a nut that create a strong seal. They’re also known as “push-to-connect” or click-to-connect fittings. A reducing bushing is a sleeve with threads on both its inner and outer circumferences that reduces the size of a pipe. It’s similar to a close nipple, but it takes up less space.
Valves
Valves are a crucial part of the plumbing system and help to control water flow and pressure. There are several different types of valves used in plumbing, and the right one depends on your application. The main types of valves are gate, ball, butterfly, and check valves.
Gate valves are a common type of valve that is found in plumbing applications. They have an internal gate that can be raised or lowered by a knob on the apex of the valve. These are generally used to restrict the flow of water in plumbing applications. There are different varieties of this type of valve including Z-style, angle types, and Y-style. They are also categorized by their opening methods, which include Liner, lug, and wafer. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Materials
Pipes come in a variety of materials, and each has its pros and cons. The type of material used for plumbing pipes determines how long they last and how well they protect water quality.
Copper is a popular choice among plumbers and homeowners alike, as it is durable and prevents chemical contaminants from contaminating the water supply. However, copper is expensive and requires soldering to join it to other pipe parts. It is also prone to corrosion in areas with hard water.
PVC is a less expensive alternative to copper, and it’s also easy to install and resistant to high water pressure. It has a smooth inner surface that speeds up draining and helps avoid blockages. The plastic is also safe for underground use.
Regulations
The three principal regulations that plumbers keep foremost in mind when they work are related to preventing backflow, standards in best practice pipework installation, and guidelines around the use of thermostatic mixing valves (TMVs). These rules are important to safeguard homeowners from unnecessary water wastage and potential health issues.
Openings in walls, floors and ceilings for the passage of pipes shall be sealed. Pipes shall be secured in place by a suitable method such as but not limited to caulking, blocks or rodding. Expansion joints should be provided where the change in diameter of a piping system is greater than two pipe sizes.
Local building codes and permit requirements can vary widely. Contact Victoria to discuss the requirements in your jurisdiction. The 2024 edition of the NSPC is currently under development through ICC’s open and honest code development process, with public comment hearings and online government consensus votes through cdpACCESS.Star Plus Plumbing
