Skip to main content

    Trades knowledge base — glossary, calculators, and learning paths

    Keyboard shortcuts: press / or Ctrl/Cmd + K to focus search.

    Active Filters (1)
    Category: Water & Heating Systems
    Saved searches

    45 results found

    Search Results

    45 terms found

    Active Filters (1)
    Category: Water & Heating Systems

    Alkaline Water System

    Water treatment system that raises pH above 7.0 using ionization or mineral addition. Claimed health benefits but requires proper balance.

    Water Quality & Treatment

    Anode Rod

    A sacrificial metal rod in water heaters that attracts corrosive elements, protecting the tank from rust and extending its lifespan.

    Water Heaters

    Backflow Preventer

    A device that prevents contaminated water from flowing back into the clean water supply system.

    Water Supply Systems

    Backwash System

    Automated cleaning process that reverses water flow through filtration media to remove accumulated contaminants and restore filter efficiency.

    Water Quality & Treatment

    Burner Assembly

    The main combustion component in gas water heaters where gas and air mix and burn to heat the water tank.

    Water Heaters
    Professional

    Carbon Filtration System

    Water treatment using activated carbon to remove chlorine, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), taste, and odor through adsorption. Available in granula…

    Water Quality & Treatment

    Chlorine Injection System

    Automated disinfection system that injects controlled amounts of chlorine into water supply for bacterial control. Commonly used for well water treatm…

    Water Quality & Treatment

    Cleanout

    An access point in the drainage system that allows for inspection and cleaning of pipes. Required by code at specific intervals.

    Drainage Systems

    Dip Tube

    A plastic pipe inside the water heater tank that directs incoming cold water to the bottom of the tank, ensuring proper heating circulation.

    Water Heaters
    Difficult

    Distillation System

    Water purification process that boils water and condenses the steam to remove impurities. Produces very pure water but energy-intensive.

    Water Quality & Treatment

    Drain Valve

    A valve at the bottom of the water heater tank used for draining the tank for maintenance, flushing sediment, or replacement.

    Water Heaters
    Easy

    Electric Thermostats

    Temperature control devices in electric water heaters that regulate heating element operation based on water temperature settings.

    Water Heaters
    Moderate

    Expansion Tank

    A small tank connected to the water heater system that accommodates thermal expansion of heated water, protecting the system from pressure damage.

    Water Heaters
    Moderate

    Floor Drain

    A drain installed in floors of basements, garages, and utility rooms to remove water and prevent flooding.

    Drainage Systems

    Gas Control Valve

    The main control mechanism for gas water heaters that regulates gas flow, temperature settings, and safety shutoffs.

    Water Heaters
    Professional

    Heat Pump Water Heater

    An energy-efficient water heater that uses ambient air temperature to heat water, consuming significantly less electricity than conventional units.

    Water Heaters

    Iron Filter System

    Specialized filtration system that removes iron, manganese, and hydrogen sulfide from well water using oxidation and filtration media. Prevents staini…

    Water Quality & Treatment

    Lower Heating Element

    The secondary electric heating element in electric water heaters that maintains water temperature and provides recovery heating.

    Water Heaters
    Moderate

    Ozone Treatment System

    Advanced oxidation process using ozone gas to destroy bacteria, viruses, and organic contaminants. Chemical-free disinfection method.

    Water Quality & Treatment

    P-Trap

    A curved section of pipe that holds water to prevent sewer gases from entering the building. Named for its P-like shape when viewed from the side.

    Drainage Systems

    pH Balancing System

    Water treatment system that adjusts water pH to neutral range (6.5-8.5) using calcite media or chemical injection. Prevents corrosion and improves tas…

    Water Quality & Treatment

    Pilot Light Assembly

    The complete pilot light system including the pilot burner, orifice, and ignition components that provide continuous flame for gas water heaters.

    Water Heaters
    Moderate

    Point-of-Use Filter

    Localized water treatment installed at specific outlets like kitchen sinks or refrigerators. Provides targeted treatment for drinking and cooking wate…

    Water Quality & Treatment

    Reverse Osmosis System

    Water purification technology that removes contaminants by forcing water through a semipermeable membrane under pressure. Removes 95-99% of dissolved …

    Water Quality & Treatment

    S-Trap

    An S-shaped trap similar to a P-trap but oriented vertically. Now prohibited by most plumbing codes due to siphoning issues.

    Drainage Systems

    Scale Prevention System

    Non-chemical system that prevents mineral scale buildup using electromagnetic or template-assisted crystallization technology. Alternative to water so…

    Water Quality & Treatment

    Sediment Filter System

    Pre-filtration system that removes suspended particles, sand, silt, and rust from water using mechanical filtration. Available in various micron ratin…

    Water Quality & Treatment

    Service Line

    The pipe that connects a building to the public water main, typically running from the street to the building.

    Water Supply Systems

    Sump Pump

    A pump installed in the lowest part of a basement to remove accumulated water and prevent flooding.

    Drainage Systems

    Tank Water Heater

    A water heating system that stores heated water in an insulated tank, maintaining temperature until needed. Most common residential type. Tank tempera…

    Water Heaters

    Tankless Water Heater

    An on-demand water heating system that heats water instantly as it flows through the unit, without storing heated water. Tank temperatures: 120-140°F.…

    Water Heaters

    TDS Meter

    Total Dissolved Solids meter that measures the concentration of dissolved substances in water. Indicates overall water quality and filtration effectiv…

    Water Quality & Treatment

    Temperature and Pressure Relief Valve

    A critical safety device that releases water when tank temperature exceeds 210°F or pressure exceeds 150 PSI, preventing dangerous conditions.

    Water Heaters
    Moderate

    Thermocouple

    A safety device in gas water heaters that generates electricity from heat to keep the gas valve open, shutting off gas if the pilot light goes out.

    Water Heaters
    Moderate

    Upper Heating Element

    The primary electric heating element in electric water heaters, typically controlled by a thermostat and responsible for initial water heating.

    Water Heaters
    Moderate

    UV Sterilization System

    Water treatment method using ultraviolet light at 254 nanometers to kill bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms without chemicals. 99.99% effecti…

    Water Quality & Treatment

    Vent Hood

    The component that safely directs combustion gases from gas water heaters to the exterior, preventing dangerous gas accumulation.

    Water Heaters
    Professional

    Water Heater Pan

    A metal pan placed under the water heater to catch minor leaks and direct water to a drain, protecting floors and surrounding areas.

    Water Heaters
    Easy

    Water Main

    The primary water supply pipe that delivers water from the municipal system to individual properties.

    Water Supply Systems

    Water Meter

    A device that measures the volume of water consumed by a property, typically located near the street or property line.

    Water Supply Systems

    Water Pressure

    The force that pushes water through pipes, typically measured in pounds per square inch (PSI). Normal residential pressure is 40-80 PSI.

    Water Supply Systems

    Water Quality Certification

    Third-party verification that water treatment systems meet NSF/ANSI standards for contaminant reduction, structural integrity, and material safety.

    Water Quality & Treatment

    Water Softener System

    Ion exchange system that removes calcium and magnesium minerals from hard water, preventing scale buildup and improving soap effectiveness. Uses resin…

    Water Quality & Treatment

    Water Testing Kit

    Testing equipment for analyzing water quality parameters including pH, hardness, chlorine, bacteria, heavy metals, and other contaminants. Essential f…

    Water Quality & Treatment

    Whole House Filter

    Point-of-entry water treatment system that filters all water entering the home. Provides comprehensive protection for all fixtures and appliances.

    Water Quality & Treatment
    Showing 45 of 45