Modern Plumbing Chapter Components Leveling Instruments CHAPTER 3 The earliest American-made surveyor’s level in the Smithsonian collection was made by Benjamin Rittenhouse about 1785. The level was owned by the chief surveyor of the Potowmack Canal Company, George Gilpin, and probably used during the construction of canals designed to improve navigation on the Potomac River. Builder’s Level The builder’s level, or surveyor’s level, mounts on a tripod and is used to check level and measure angles on the horizontal plane. It can be swung 360° to the left or right, but does not move from the horizontal position. The builder’s level is very useful when installing sewer and septic tank lines. Since it can locate distant points that are level, it may also be used to measure the elevation difference between two distant points. The parts of a builder’s level are labeled in Figure 3-1. The instrument is mounted to the base plate, which attaches to the tripod. Turning the leveling screws adjusts the horizontal level of the Objectives This unit introduces the builder’s level and the laser level. Plumbers use these two precision instruments to transfer heights accurately over long distances. After studying this chapter, you will be able to: • Explain the operation of the builder’s level and the laser level. • Use leveling instruments to find levels and properly slope drainage pipe. Technical Terms Builder’s level Base plate Leveling screws Horizontal motion screw Horizontal motion tangent screw Eyepiece Eyepiece focus Telescope Telescope focus knob Telescope level Horizontal circle vernier Stadia rod When a leveling job becomes too large for a level, straightedge, chalk line, or square, a different instrument must be used to maintain accuracy. Optical leveling instruments are designed for leveling over long distances. They operate on the principle that a line of sight is always straight it does not dip, sag, or curve. If the line of sight is level, all points along the line are the same height. Measurements can then be made relative to the line of sight. Builder’s level: Also called surveyor’s level, this tool mounts on a tripod and is used to check level and measure angles on the horizontal plane. Base plate: Foundation on which the builder’s level is mounted. Leveling screws: Used for adjusting the horizontal level of the builder’s level. 63 Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Stainless steel is durable and has a good surface finish. These are two characteristics necessary in plumbing fixtures. Stainless steel is a nickel-steel alloy that has a silver, satin-like finish. No addi- tional coating is required to produce a sanitary, easily cleaned surface. Unlike enameled surfaces, stainless steel does not chip. However, because of the difficulty in forming stainless steel, it is primarily used to make simpler fixtures (such as kitchen sinks). Plastics are the most recent material to be used for plumbing fixtures. Versatile and relatively low cost, they can be shaped to form nearly any fixture. One-piece construction, including fixtures and adjoining walls for bathtubs and showers, is possible using fiberglass-reinforced plastic. Acrylic plastic sheets with marbleized colors are also used in lavatories. Plastic fixtures are attractive and superior to marble fixtures because the plastic does not absorb water. Building codes require that all dwelling units be equipped with toilet facilities that include a water closet, lavatory, and bathtub or shower. In 1829, the Tremont Hotel in Boston was the first US hotel to have indoor plumbing. Lavatories and Sinks Lavatories are designed to be installed in bath- rooms and other locations for washing hands and faces. Sinks are designed for use during food preparation and dishwashing. The size and shape of lavatories differ from sinks because of the differences in their uses. However, the installation procedures required are similar. Lavatories and sinks fall into five basic categories: • One-piece molded type, Figure 13-1. • Ledge type, Figure 13-2. • Self-rimming type, Figure 13-3. Water-Saving Fixtures, Faucets, and Appliances A study conducted by the American Water Works Association found that more than 25% of residential water use is for flushing toilets. Toilets installed prior to 1980 consumed 4.5 gallons to 7 gallons of water per flush (gpf). From 1980–1994, toilets sold in the United States were required to flush with not more than 3.5 gpf. Beginning in 1994, the standard became 1.6 gpf. As a result, some that fit into each category are currently in use in the United States. Every 5.0 gpf toilet that is replaced by a 1.6 gpf unit saves nearly 25,000 gallons of water per year. In recent years, even more efficient toilets have been introduced that require 1.28 gpf. Dual- flush toilets reduce this amount to as little as 0.8 gpf for a liquid-only flush and 1.0 gpf–1.6 gpf for a flush including solids. Older clothes washers consume more than 20% of residential water use. Installation of new high-efficiency models not only reduces water consumption but also reduces the amount of energy required to heat water. The same can be said for high-efficiency dishwashers. ENERGY STAR® rated appliances provide the consumer with information about both water and energy consumption. Showerheads and bathroom and kitchen faucet flow rates are also being controlled in an effort to reduce both water and energy consump- tion. Showerheads are limited to 2.5 gallons per minute (gpm). Kitchen and bathroom faucets may not consume more than 2.2 and 1.5 gpm respectively. Unfortunately, nearly 14% of water consumed per household is due to leaks and toilet valves that stick, allowing the toilet to run continuously. What can you do to promote water conservation? Stainless steel: Material that is durable and has a good surface finish that does not chip. Primarily used to make simpler fixtures (such as kitchen sinks). Plastics: Material that is versatile and can be shaped to form nearly any fixture. Lavatory: A fixture designed for washing hands and faces. Sink: A fixture designed for use during food prepa- ration and dishwashing. 180 Section 2 Plumbing Systems Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Provide background information and help build an appreciation for the development of plumbing and the plumbing trade. This feature will help you gain greater perspective and understand the importance of plumbing to our health and safety. History Briefs List of important technical terms introduced in the chapter. The terms in this list appear in bold-italic type when they first appear in the chapter. Technical Terms Relate chapter content to environmental issues and potential solutions. Green Notes Call attention to plumbing code requirements. Where possible, these notes relate directly to the content of the chapter. Since plumbing codes may vary from one locale to another, Code Notes do not cite a particular code. Instead, they suggest the type of requirements that may be found in the locally applicable code. It is essential that you refer to your local code to determine the requirements in your area. Code Notes Provides definitions of the important technical terms introduced on the page. It reinforces the terminology plumbers will encounter on the job. Running Glossary Provide an overview of the chapter content and explain what should be understood upon completion of the chapter. Objectives vi Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.