Plumbing is a system of pipes, valves, fittings, and other equipment used for the distribution of water, gas, and other fluids throughout a building or structure.  These systems are essential for the delivery of clean water, the removal of waste and sewage, and the safe and efficient distribution of heat and gas.  They may include fixtures such as sinks, toilets, bathtubs, showers, and water heaters, as well as pipes and valves that transport water and gas.  Proper installation and maintenance of plumbing systems are important to prevent leaks, water damage, and other potential hazards.  Plumbers are professionals who specialize in the installation, repair, and maintenance of plumbing systems.

• See Article  -  Plumbing Glossary
• Tags: Mechanical Pipe Pipe Fitting Valve Plumbing Engineering Glossary

Plumbing Engineering Index

• Plumbing Systems
• Plumbing Engineering Standards
• Plumbing Abbreviations

Plumbing Systems

• Water Supply System  -  A water system that collects, distributes, stores, and treats water for consumption.
  
  • Pottable Water  -  Denotes whether water is suitable for human consumption.
  • Single-main  -  A single main supplies both sides of the street.
  • Double-main  -  There is a main on each side of the street.  Each main supplies domestic and fire water for it's side of the street.

• Sanitary Drainage System  -  A collection system of underground piping for waste water, that flows to pumping stations where it is processed to clean water.
  
  • Gravity  -  A drainage system that uses a natural slope or constructed slope to take away the sewage.
  • Low Pressure  -  An underground collection system consisting of an interceptor tank and a chamber unit, which houses a small, submersible pump.  The tank treats the waste water before transporting under pressure to a wastewater plant.
  • Vacuum  -  The drainage system is under negative pressure that allows piping to run vertically up walls and across ceilings.

• Venting and Drainage System  -  Used to divert gasses produced by wastewater from buildings to the outside.  There should be enough water in the drainage system to prevent the gasses from excaping to the vents.
  
  • Pipe  -  The pipes flow in a downward gravity direction to ensure the plumbing has proper flow.
  • Trap  -  Also called P traps, a U-shaped pipes used to prevent backflow.
  • Vent  -  The vent runs from the roof to the drain pipe and releases air into the plumbing piping to ensure smooth drainage.

• Stormwater Drainage System  -  A network of structures, underground piping, and channels, that recieve stormwater, then carry it away to ponds, streams, rivers, and lakes.
  • Roof  -  Water accumulated from the roof travels down a pipe system to grade or a stormwater drainage system.
  • Surface  -  Paved or unpaved area accumulated water can be drained of to ponds, storm drains, and ect.
  • Subsoil  -  Water that soaks into the ground and drained off by a drainage system.

• Gas Piping System  -  Natural gas and propane gas are the most common gasses used and can include boilers, HVAC, and stoves.
• Exterior Piping System  -  These systems normally use plastic pipe and can include hot tubs, sprinkler systems, swimming pools, and other outdoor activities.

Plumbing Engineering standards

ASME Standards

• ASME B16.1 - Gray Iron Pipe Flanges and Flanged Fittings: Classes 25, 125, and 250
• ASME B16.5 - Pipe Flanges and Flanged Fittings: NPS 1/2 through NPS 24 Metric/Inch Standard
• ASME B16.24 - Cast Copper Alloy Pipe Flanges and Flanged Fittings: Classes 150, 300, 600, 900, 1500, and 2500
• ASME B16.36 - Orifice Flanges
• ASME B16.42 - Ductile Iron Pipe Flanges and Flanged Fittings: Classes 150 and 300
• ASME B16.47 - Large Diameter Steel Flanges, NPS 26 Through NPS 60

ASTM Standards

• ASTM A105 / A105M - Specification for Carbon Steel Forgings for Piping Applications

AWWA Standards

• AWWA C115 - Standard for Flanged Ductile Iron Pipe with Ductile-Iron or Gray-Iron Threaded Flanges

ISO Standards

• ISO 5251 - Stainless steel butt-welding fittings

MSS Standards

• MSS SP-9 - Spot Facing for Bronze, Iron and Steel Flanges
• MSS SP-25 - Standard Marking Systems for Valves, Fittings, Flanges, and Unions
• MSS SP-44 - Steel Pipeline Flanges
• MSS SP-106 - Cast Copper Alloy Flanges and Flanged Fittings Class 125,150, and 300