Glossary of Terms

An Auger Machine is used to resolve drainage problems in sewer and drain lines.

Because most stoppages are caused by solids accumulating within the line, the Auger Machine has proved to be the most sensible approach.

The machine uses a cable housed within a drum. Usually controlled with a foot pedal, the drum spins when the motor is engaged. As the drum turns, the cable is fed into the drain or sewer. When the cable end is fitted with the correct attachment, the drain or sewer can be cleaned as sewage, mineral, fat and other accumulations are alleviated.

Note : Although, with augering, most drainage problems are resolved, there may be cases where other remedies may be necessary.

Kitchen sink drains may require water jetting. However, failure to auger the drain first could lead to back wash situations. More specifically, should a hard blockage exist, water from the water jet is likely to back up into the drain of approach or other connected drains.

If kitchen sink stoppages are fairly common in your household or place of business, water jetting may provide a long term solution and result in better value.

Should the sewer or drain be defective (collapsed, perforated, separated, etc.), augering the line can produce a temporary solution at best and other remedies will be necessary.

A Back Water Valve is often confused with a Backflow Preventer. However similar in purpose, a Back Water Valve is used in sanitary sewer applications whereas a Backflow Preventer is used to protect potable water.

The Back Water Valve (BWV) is designed to prevent sewage from reversing its intended flow. BWV’s are most commonly found in lift station systems to prevent the backflow of sewage during mechanical failures. However, their use is becoming increasingly popular in new homes.

Imagine the sewer main backing up and causing hundreds of gallons of sewage to back up into your home. Unfortunately, this is not as uncommon as it may seem.

There are many types of BWV’s available. Some may require more maintenance than others. Regardless, all require periodic maintenance which has led their undesirability. That aside, many homeowners would have rather dealt with the maintenance of a BWV opposed to the catastrophe they sustained.

Backflow preventers are mechanical safety devices designed to prevent water from flowing opposite its intended course.

Backflow preventers come in a variety of shapes and sizes and are used in many different applications. The most common application is found in residential irrigation systems. In this application, the backflow preventer is used to prevent contaminated water (water contaminated by fertilizers, animal droppings, etc.) that may gather around sprinkler heads from being siphoned into the potable water supply.

Many municipalities require that backflow prevention devices be installed just beyond the water meter. This requirement helps protect the municipal water source as a whole. The backflow preventer installed at the water meter doesn’t protect the homeowner, but rather all of his neighbors. When everyone has a backflow preventer, it is comforting to know that our chances of becoming ill due to the actions of our neighbors are greatly reduced.

Most manufacturers specify that the device be tested annually by a properly trained and licensed tester. Please see Backflow Testing in our Services section.

Note: When a backflow preventer is installed between the meter and the main water supply of the dwelling, the system becomes a “closed” system. Please see the Thermal Expansion section for more information.

Many manufacturers recommend that their Backflow Preventer be tested annually. Many municipalities are requiring such frequent testing by a Certified Backflow Tester regardless of manufacturer’s recommendations.

AAA AUGER requires each of our shops to have such certified personnel. In addition to proper certification, our testing equipment is calibrated annually to assure proper diagnosis.

After all, a backflow preventer is useless if not functioning properly and could be the difference between life and death.

Ball valves are used to control the flow of either air, gas, water or other fluids. Fitted with a ported ball, flow is controlled as the port is aligned with or diverted from the inlet and outlet of the valve body. Usually controlled by a liner handle, the valve typically requires a single-quarter turn to become either fully opened or fully closed.

Bituminized Fiber Pipe (aka Orangeburg) was first introduced in the mid 1800’s. Due to its light weight and ease of use, it became very popular for use in sewer lines. Although preferred by many installers, its light construction proved problematic.

Although uncommon, there are still some functioning sewers made from bituminized fiber pipe. Drainage problems often occur when the pipe collapses. When this happens, complete replacement of the line is often the only sanitary solution.

The Building Drain is the drain line in which all other drains lines are connected and ties directly to the sewer line.

Have you ever purchased a bottle of water? Chances are that you could have purchased the same amount of gasoline for less. For the last several years, there has been significant debate regarding the safety of bottled water. Specifically, some claim that tap water may be safer for consumption.

With carbon filtration systems, you can have it all; clean and filtered water at a fraction of the cost of bottled water. Filtration systems vary. Some are easier to install than others. There are two main types of filtration systems, one threads onto the faucet in place of the aerator and the other is designed for under the sink installation with a counter mounted tap. This installation of this system may require professional assistance.

AAA AUGER specializes in the installation of water treatment and safety equipment. Night or day, don’t hesitate to call upon us for assistance.

Cast iron sewer lines are very common. Today, when severe ground movement is likely, cast iron remains the material of choice. Although cast iron pipe, when installed properly, will provide a water tight seal; its propensity to rust and corrode often lead to many problems. Portions of the pipe may collapse allowing dirt to enter the line. Often, the pipe becomes perforated resulting in leaks. This provides water for thirsty roots.

When corrosion compromises a cast iron line, there are several options for repair. Unfortunately, although only a small portion of the line may leak, the condition of the pipe may be too weak to allow water tight repair. This may require complete replacement of the line. Furthermore, replacement of the line is often the best long term and economical solution.

A Closet Auger is used to remedy toilet bowl stoppages. Usually available with a 3′ or 6′ cable, the closet auger is inserted into the base of the trap of toilet bowl. Once positioned correctly, the cable is fed into the trap to push through any obstructions.

Corrosion Erosion is a term often used to describe the internal erosion of pipe.

In potable water copper lines, corrosion erosion is most prevalent at directional joints. Moreover, when copper systems are installed without properly reaming the ends of the pipe, thus causing turbulence within the pipe, corrosion erosion is probable.

Often, when cut into a cross-section (like illustrated above), the direction at which the water flowed can be easily identified.

Cross contamination occurs when any non-potable or hazardous liquid comes in contact with our fresh water supply.

Some examples include sewage or hazardous material dumped into a lake, pond or reservoir. This is an example of direct cross contamination; when the contaminant comes directly in contact with the fresh water.

The prevention of direct cross contamination is fairly obvious. As with the above example, we simply should not dump sewage or hazardous material into our fresh water. However, cross contamination occurs in many lesser known situations. Please see Backflow Prevention for more details.

A cutter blade is used at the end of a sewer or drain cable to cut out roots within a sewer or drain line. With a properly sized cutter blade and a properly sized clean out, the interior wall of the pipe can be thoroughly scraped restoring optimal drainage as sewage, detergent, oil and/or fat accumulation is alleviated.

Dissimilar metal corrosion, often referred to as “electrolysis”, is a condition that occurs when metals of dissimilar composition are joined and come into contact with an electrolyte. Water is a weak electrolyte. Hence, when two dissimilar metals are joined and come into contact with water (or other electrolytes), corrosion occurs at an accelerated rate. The “less noble” metal, or metal with higher reactivity, will corrode before the other.

Corrosion occurs when the metal with the lesser galvanic reactivity (more noble) attracts ions from the less noble metal. This chemical reaction produces electrical current in the same manner as an automotive battery. However, the current created in the water heater is negligible.

DWV is an abbreviation to specify use for drain, waste and vent applications.

The commonly used, although mistakenly, term for Dissimilar Metal Corrosion.

Expansion tanks, appropriately named, are the required solution for closed potable water systems. When properly installed, the expansion tank acts as an overflow bladder and will safely contain the expanded volume of water. It is imperative that the proper expansion tank is installed based upon the capacity of the water heater tank. Furthermore, the expansion tank is required to be pressurized to match the static water pressure of the supply.

The garbage disposal was invented in the late 1920’s by John W. Hamme and was later marketed (1938) by his newly founded company, InSinkErator. Since its inception, its use has been heavily scrutinized and, at times, prohibited (as late as 2007, although repealed) by municipal sewage treatment plants.

Proponents have argued that garbage disposals responsibly divert solids from landfills to effluent disposal systems. Furthermore, with proper treatment, the increased food solids prove beneficial adding organic carbon which promotes bacterial composition.

The garbage disposal has become very popular in the United States. In new homes, it is a standard amenity. When used properly, the garbage disposal can provide years of service.

If your disposal is causing you problems, please visit our Garbage Disposal Tips or contact us for assistance.

AAA AUGER stocks disposals on our trucks so night or day, we can fix you up.

Gate valves are used to control water flow. Fitted with an internal stem, water flow is controlled as the stem seats into or raises from within the valve body. Usually controlled by a circular or oval shaped handle, the gate valve requires multiple turns to become fully opened or closed.

Lift stations are typically made of pumps, valves and metering equipment placed within a sump to move water or waste water from a low elevation to a high elevation.

Sewage and waste water systems typically use gravity to transport waste from homes and places of business to water treatment facilities. For areas with varying elevations, lift stations are common.

Since its inception, PVC (DWV) pipe has been the most widely used material for sewer lines. PVC is lightweight, easy to use and resilient. When properly installed, PVC will provide unprecedented years of use and is impervious to root penetration.

Defects found in PVC sewer lines are usually attributed to poor planning or poor workmanship. Applications where ground movement is frequent or severe, PVC may not be suitable and cast iron may be required. Common problems found in PVC applications are typically due to poor installation.

A properly installed PVC sewer line begins with the excavation of a gradually sloped trench. Once excavated, the slope of the trench is corrected using cushion sand or fine sandy loam that is tamped and compacted. The pvc pipe is then installed sloping no less than 1/16th of an inch per linear foot (slope rates differ based upon the size of the pipe). Failure to properly bed the pipe can result in low spots in the pipe itself also known as “bellies”. These low spots will allow sewage to collect and may create drainage problems.

PVC pipe is joined through a chemical process known as solvent welding. A properly installed PVC joint consists of a precisely measured portion of pipe (the pipe is measured to butt flush into the hub of the joint) squarely cut and properly de-burred, and a fitting of similar construction both of which have been properly cleaned with primer and cemented. Any single step, not properly exercised, may cause problems.

Poor craftsmanship can result in weak joints that may separate. An improperly bedded sewer line may cause undue stress on fittings causing them to break. PVC pipe that has not been cut squarely will result in a weak joint which is more susceptible to failure. Furthermore, if the pipe fails to butt flush into the hub, it may create a void where solids can accumulate. It is not uncommon for these poorly constructed joints to break or splinter should a sewer cable catch the edge of the pipe exposed by the void.

Roots should not be an issue in a properly installed PVC sewer line. Stoppages are mainly attributed to abuse or unusual situations. Should stoppages occur frequently, the line should be inspected for defects.

Whenever pressures are discovered to be over 80 psi, a Pressure Reducing Valve (P.R.V.) or similar mechanical regulator should be installed. The regulator will ensure that, beyond the point of installation, the water pressure will never exceed the safe limit.

Note: A Pressure Reducing Valve may negatively affect the performance of an irrigation system. Installing the regulator beyond the irrigation system’s tie into the water supply will prevent such problems. Also, when installing a P.R.V., the system becomes a “closed” system. Please see the Thermal Expansion section for more information.

Shutting off the water with a ball valve stop only requires the handle to be turned 90 degrees, or a quarter turn.

Reduced Pressure Zone Valves (RPZ Valves) are a type of backflow preventer commonly found on fountain drink machines.

In the late 1970’s, most recognized plumbing codes mandated that all sanitary sewer systems be installed with two directional clean outs (double sweep). Clean-outs that have been properly installed use a transitional combination fitting that will allow the entry of a cutter blade with the same diameter as the drain line itself. With the correct cutter blade, the interior wall of the drain line can be completely scraped and cleaned as years of sewage, mineral, and soap binder deposits are removed. Once the line is cleaned, the line has optimal drainage potential.

AAA AUGER guarantees, for a time certain, the cleaning and clearing of all sanitary sewer lines that are free of defects.

Many sanitary sewer systems built prior to 1979 were not equipped with clean-outs. Without a ground level access, the approach to drainage problems differs substantially and is usually less effective. Drain lines without clean-outs are usually accessed through the drain vent on the roof. Aside from the obvious safety hazards this access imposes, the value of the job should be considered. An average vent stack on a single story home prior to 1979 measures approximately 14′. When the vent is accessed, a minimum of 14′ of cable is lost before the cable can even enter the actual drain. Many vents contain an offset that creates additional curves in the vent that make the access to the drain difficult and sometimes impassable with cutter heads. When a cutter head cannot be used on the end of the cable, the drain cannot be properly cleaned. Most buildings do not provide access to the roof, therefore a ladder must be used. Because safety is our number one focus and federal regulations have become stricter, the costs incurred to provide this type of service have increased significantly. When the charges for clean-out installation are weighed against the charges for a vent service, it becomes easy to see both the immediate and long term value by installing the clean-outs.

When clean-outs are installed, the sewer line can be augered in both directions to restore optimal drainage.

The picture demonstrates cleanouts installed to an existing cast iron sewer line.

Sump pumps are used in lift stations to pump water, sewage or waste water from the sump to a higher elevation.

The Temperature and Pressure Valve (T & P) is the water heater’s primary safety apparatus. The T & P valve is designed to release the pressure to prevent an explosion in cases of extreme temperature or pressure within the tank. T & P valves should be tested annually and replaced according to manufacturer specifications.

Water, when heated, expands. The expansion increases its volume. For example, water heated from 90ºF to 140ºF in a 40 gallon water heater will expand by almost one-half gallon. Because water is not compressible, in closed systems, the increased water volume must go somewhere. This thermal expansion increases water pressure. Since pressure seeks the path of least resistance, annoying and potentially dangerous problems can occur. In an “open system” or a system that does not contain the aforementioned valves, the increased volume is able to find its way back into the municipal supply.

Thermal expansion can cause pressure surges, chronic or continuous dripping of temperature and pressure valves (T & P Valve), faucets and/or leaking fill valves in toilets.

More serious problems can also occur due to thermal expansion. When pressures within a water heater surpass the intended operating range, internal parts may fail such as internal flues, fittings or water connections. If a flue way collapses it can lead to the potential release of toxic gases, such as carbon monoxide into living spaces. Thermal expansion can also cause the water heater’s tank to rupture or explode. Minimally, this may require replacing the heater. However, there are many documented incidents that have caused major property damage and fatality.

Plumbing codes require that expansion tanks be used whenever a potable water system contains a Pressure Reducing Valve (PRV), a Backflow Preventer or a double check valve. When water flow is static or not flowing through the system, the aforementioned valves are closed which prevents water from reversing its intended course. This is referred to as a “closed system”.

Although vacuum breakers exist in many different shapes and sizes, the most common example can be seen on outside hose bibs (outdoor faucets). The vacuum breaker simply assures that water cannot flow backward into the system beyond the breaker itself. Inside a vacuum breaker is a poppet valve that is held up by the water pressure within the system which prevents air to enter the device. When the pressure drops, the poppet valve drops and allows air to enter the system which breaks the siphon.

When confronted with a serious drainage problem, AAA AUGER uses state-of-the-art equipment to locate and pinpoint the cause. With a sewer camera, we are able to visually inspect the drainage system within the pipe itself. When defects are discovered, we are able to pinpoint the exact location of the defect with an electronic locator. Once located, AAA AUGER will present all repair options that may be feasible.

Many of our cameras have recording capability allowing us to provide footage for further review.

Please inquire for more details.

Water Closet is the technical term for a toilet.

Water Pressure is created naturally and artificially. Naturally, water pressure is the force exerted under its own weight. With pumps, water pressure can be created artificially.

There are many factors that can affect water pressure either positively or negatively. Increased water pressure usually occurs when a pump from the municipal water source has been upgraded due to increased demand. Often, in growing communities, additional water towers are built which will result in increased pressure.

How high is too high?

Most current plumbing codes specify 80 psi as the maximum pressure at which your potable water system may safely operate. AAA AUGER Service Technicians are trained to provide water pressure tests to every home free of charge. Excessive water pressure can cause many problems to include ruptures in both supply lines and faucet packings (seals, o-rings, etc.) and the bursting of hot water tanks.

How is excessive water pressure addressed?

Whenever pressures are discovered to be over 80 psi, a Pressure Reducing Valve (P.R.V.) or similar mechanical regulator should be installed. The regulator will ensure that, beyond the point of installation, the water pressure will never exceed the safe limit.

Water jetting (hydro-jetting, scour jetting) is a service used to thoroughly clean sewer and drain lines.

Cleaning is achieved by inserting a high pressure water line into the drain which removes grease, oil, sewage, detergent or other accumulations.