Plumbing Overview: Tools, Materials, Hazards, and Efficiency Measures

1. Plumbing Overview WEATHERIZATION INSTALLER/TECHNICIAN FUNDAMENTALS WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM STANDARDIZED CURRICULUM – July 2012

2. Learning Objectives PLUMBING OVERVIEW By attending this session, participants will be able to: • Recognize common plumbing tools and materials, their characteristics and uses, and fittings. • Discuss common hazards and how to resolve them. • Install faucet aerators, pipe insulation, and tank wrap. • Recognize asbestos. • List potential water heater replacement types. • Cite applicable building codes.

3. Basic Plumbing Toolkit PLUMBING OVERVIEW Photo courtesy of Popular Mechanics

4. Common Plumbing Materials PLUMBING OVERVIEW Graphic courtesy of watersystemsz.com

5. Cast Iron Pipe PLUMBING OVERVIEW • Commonly used for main waste drain • Very strong • Difficult to cut • Fitting Method: Banded neoprene couplings Banded neoprene fitting, also called a no-hub cast iron pipe fitting. Images courtesy of About.com – Home Repair

6. PVC and CPVC PLUMBING OVERVIEW Drains, waste, and venting Hot and cold water supply Images courtesy of About.com – Home Repair

7. Chromed Piping PLUMBING OVERVIEW Chromed brass pipe Chromed copper pipe Exposed drains and traps Water supply Images courtesy of About.com – Home Repair

8. Galvanized Iron Pipe PLUMBING OVERVIEW Was commonly used for supply and drain lines in older homes Threaded fittings are prepared with plumber’s tape Image courtesy of all-about-pipe.com Image courtesy of 411plumbing.com Image courtesy of About.com – Home Repair

9. Copper Pipe PLUMBING OVERVIEW Used for water supply Soldering joints Image courtesy of familyhandyman.com Images courtesy of About.com – Home Repair

10. PEX Piping PLUMBING OVERVIEW Piping, fittings and crimping tools Plumbing manifold Image courtesy of pexsupply.com Crimpers Image courtesy of jobsitebuildiq.com Image courtesy of extremehowto.com Image courtesy of mobilehomerepair.com

11. Black Iron Pipe PLUMBING OVERVIEW Black Iron Pipe Black iron pipe is commonly used for gas supply lines. Image courtesy of About.com – Home Repair Image courtesy of checkthishouse.com Gas supply lines should have drip legs to collect condensation. Image courtesy of preferredhomerepair.com

12. Health and Safety PLUMBING OVERVIEW Photo courtesy of WV GOEO Note: The health and safety of workers and the long-term integrity of the client’s home should be the main concerns. Factors to consider include: • Insufficient clearance • Significant plumbing leaks • Structural problems • Standing water or open sewage • Vermin • Major obstructions • Electrical hazards

13. Plumbing-related Energy Efficiency Measures PLUMBING OVERVIEW Common efficiency measures related to plumbing include: • Wrapping hot water heater tanks with insulation. • Adding pipe insulation to hot water pipes. • Water heater replacement. • Adjusting the set temperature. • Repairing leaky hot water taps. • Installing low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators. After checking the temperature at the faucet, the auditor may adjust the water heater set temperature. Photo courtesy of US Department of Energy

14. TYPICAL WEATHERIZATION MEASURES Photos courtesy of the US Department of Energy

15. Insulate the Pipes PLUMBING OVERVIEW Insulation too close to flame Pipe is exposed at elbow Cut pipe insulation at an angle to cover elbows Don’t insulate too close to the flame on gas water heaters Photos courtesy of the US Department of Energy

16. Asbestos Pipe Wrap PLUMBING OVERVIEW Removal and disposal of asbestos materials requires special training and credentials. Check state requirements. If asbestos pipe wrap is discovered on the job site, notify the crew leader for direction. Image courtesy of theaurorahomeinspector.com

17. Replacement PLUMBING OVERVIEW Replacement can be based on: • Audit • Water Heater Guide on WAPTAC • Health & Safety Can replace existing water heater in eligible households with: • Standard tank water heaters • Whole Home Tankless • Heat Pump Water Heaters • Solar Water Heaters Images courtesy of www.energystar.gov

18. Hot Water Use PLUMBING OVERVIEW Cut down on hot water use by repairing leaks and installing low-flow fixtures. Dishwasher 10% 14% Sink Filling 6% Faucet Flow Clothes Washer 14% 20% Bath Filling Showers 37% Source: 2008 Buildings Energy Databook. US DOE

19. Repair Leaky Hot Water Tap PLUMBING OVERVIEW * Savings based on $0.11/kWh

20. Low-Flow Fixtures PLUMBING OVERVIEW Reduce Hot Water Consumption • Showers: Replace faucets with flow of ≥ 3 gpm • Lavatory faucets: Install faucet aerators if none exist • Kitchen faucets: Install faucet aerators if none exist Image courtesy of askmehelpdesk.com

21. Faucet Aerators PLUMBING OVERVIEW Faucet aerators: • Can reduce hot water use. • Go together as shown here. Image courtesy of askmehelpdesk.com

22. Summary PLUMBING OVERVIEW • Common plumbing materials include galvanized pipe, PVC/CPVC, copper, black iron pipe, cast iron, and PEX. • Many low-cost measures – faucet aerators, pipe insulation and tank wrap – take almost no time to install and save the clients money. • Asbestos should not be disturbed. • Water heater replacements may include storage tank, on-demand, solar, and heat pump water heaters. • NFPA 54 provides gas fitting guidelines. The UPC addresses plumbing.