C-2 Plumbing Appliances Introduction
A plumbing appliance can be defined as a device supplied with water and/or a drainage system with an external power supply. Plumbing appliances, such as dishwashers, clothes washers and ice makers, are found in homes, apartments, restaurants, hotels and countless other environments.
Learning Objectives
After completing the chapters in this section, you should be able to:
- Describe types of plumbing appliances.
- Describe the operation of plumbing appliances.
- Use manufacturers’ documentation.
- Install plumbing appliances.
Terminology
The following terms will be used throughout this section. A complete list of terms for this section can be found in the Glossary.
- backflow preventer: A plumbing device designed to prevent contaminated water from flowing back into the clean water supply. (Section C-2.1)
- backsiphonage: When dirty water flows backward into clean water pipes by accident. This can happen if water pressure drops, like when a water main breaks or a lot of water is used at once. It can let harmful stuff, like bacteria or chemicals, get into the drinking water supply. (Section C-2.2)
- beer cabinets: A refrigeration unit used to store and cool beer, sometimes equipped with a glass rinser for preparing glasses before pouring. (Section C-2.1)
- booster heater: A device that raises water temperature, often used in high-temperature dishwashers to ensure proper sanitization. (Section C-2.1)
- clothes washer: (Washing Machine); A household appliance that washes laundry using water, detergent, and an internal agitation mechanism. (Section C-2.1)
- dielectric union: A specialized plumbing fitting that prevents galvanic corrosion between different metal pipes. (Section C-2.2)
- dishwasher: An electrical and mechanical appliance that cleans dishes by spraying them with hot water and detergent, followed by rinsing and drying cycles. (Section C-2.1)
- dishwasher drain hose: A flexible tube that connects a dishwasher to a drainage system to remove wastewater. (Section C-2.2)
- drain pan: A shallow tray placed beneath a water heater to collect and direct water from leaks or pressure relief discharge. (Section C-2.2)
- electric emersion elements: A heating element inside a water heater that converts electrical energy into heat to warm water. (Section C-2.2)
- flanged drain: A type of sink drain connection where a flat, circular rim (flange) helps secure the drain to the sink. (Section C-2.2)
- garbage disposal: (Garburator); A device installed under a kitchen sink that uses a motorized grinder to break down food waste into a slurry that can be washed down the drain. (Section C-2.1)
- ice maker: A device that automatically produces ice cubes, commonly found in refrigerators or as standalone units. (Section C-2.1)
- master mixing valve: A device that blends hot and cold water to deliver tempered water at a safe temperature to fixtures. (Section C-2.2)
- reverse osmosis: A water purification process that removes contaminants by forcing water through a semipermeable membrane. (Section C-2.1)
- seismic restraint kit: A set of straps and brackets used to secure a water heater to a structural component to prevent movement during an earthquake. (Section C-2.2)
- solenoid valve: An electrically controlled valve that regulates the flow of liquids or gases in appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers. (Section C-2.1)
- steam shower: A self-contained shower unit with an integrated steam generator for steam bathing. (Section C-2.1)
- stop valve: A shutoff valve used to control the flow of water to an appliance, such as a dishwasher or clothes washer. (Section C-2.2)
- storage tank water heater: A water heater that continuously stores and heats a supply of water in a cylindrical tank. (Section C-2.1)
- tankless water heater: (Also called on-demand water heaters); A water heating system that heats water on demand without storing it in a tank. (Section C-2.1)
- thermal expansion: A small tank installed in a water heating system to absorb excess pressure caused by thermal expansion of water. (Section C-2.2)
- thermostat: A device that controls the temperature of a water heater by regulating the activation of heating elements. (Section C-2.2)
- threaded flange: A type of drain flange with threads that allow for a secure connection to plumbing fittings. (Section C-2.2)
- ultraviolet (UV) sterilizers: A water purification device that uses UV light to kill bacteria and viruses. (Section C-2.1)
- vacuum relief valve: A valve that prevents a water heater tank from collapsing due to negative pressure caused by backsiphonage. (Section C-2.2)
- water hammer arrestor: A device installed on water supply lines to absorb shock and prevent noise caused by the sudden closing of valves. (Section C-2.2)
- whirlpool tub: A bathtub equipped with jets that mix air and water to create a massaging effect. (Section C-2.1)
