THE PLUMBER’S GLOSSARY H-M

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Heat Loss Calculation

To calculate the heat loss within a room, you need to add together the losses (in BTUs) from all walls, windows, doors and ceilings. The final figure will tell you how much energy is needed in order to maintain the desired room temperature, consistently.

HOPPER HEAD

A 'hopper head', also known as a rainwater hopper, is positioned at the very top of a drainpipe and its purpose is to allow maximum water flow at times of heavy rainfall. Drainpipes are normally only about a third full when diverting water away, but the hopper head allows them to reach their capacity.

Jointing Compound

Pipe jointing compound is used on threaded pipe, to help create a seal. It works as both a lubricant and a sealant for threaded joints.

JUNIOR HACKSAW

Also known as a small hand saw, is designed for small jobs and can saw through a variety of materials - wood, metal, or plastic. The saw blades are held in place by using transverse locking pins positioned at each end of the frame, and then tensioned.

Legionella Bacteria

Legionella bacteria, commonly found in water, multiply when temperatures are between 20-45°C and nutrients are available. Potentially fatal, Legionnaires' disease is a type of pneumonia contracted by inhaling airborne water droplets containing viable Legionella bacteria.

LOW CARBON STEEL (LCS)

Low carbon steels consist primarily of ferrite. Ferrite is the softest phase of steel which is largely responsible for the higher machinability of low carbon steel relative to other carbon and alloyed steels. Low carbon steel grades are easily weldable and is widely used within the plumbing and heating industry.

Kkettling

IIMPERVIOUS

Also known as ‘central heating inhibitor’ is a chemical liquid used to protect a central heating system, it prevents sludge from forming and allows the boiler, radiators, and storage tank to work properly, keeping it working efficiently to prolong its lifespan.

Immersion Heater Spanner

An immersion heater spanner, also known as an immersion heater wrench, is a large, ring headed spanner designed to fit around an immersion heater element in a hot water cylinder.

This is a term used for the noise a boiler makes when there is something inside of the boiler obstructing or slowing down the flow of processes. The noise can sound like a mix of whistling, popping and bubbling. Usually heard while the appliance is running.

KINETIC

Kinetic energy is a property of a moving particle or object and depends on both its motion and mass. The kinetic energy of an object is the energy that it possesses due to its motion. Heat is a total of kinetic energy of atoms, ions or molecules.

Mmagnetite

The term ‘magnetite’ describes the dissolved metal held in the water of a heating or hot water system. A ‘black sludge’ is formed and can often be found in radiator water, particularly in the lower parts of heating systems, such as the basement or ground floor.

Manometer

A manometer is an instrument used to measure and indicate pressure. Plumbers use it to measure the pressure in pipes, as low pressure may identify an undesirable leak.

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