Ag Mechanics, Ag Structures, Ag Powers, and Ag Technology AMI … · 2020. 3. 24. · Ag Mechanics, Ag Structures, Ag Powers, and Ag Technology AMI’s Days 11-15 If you are working

Ag Mechanics, Ag Structures, Ag Powers, and Ag Technology AMI’s

Days 11-15

If you are working on a mechanical/structural project at home/work/or with family

that pertains to one of the above subject areas, you can take pictures of the

project throughout the process and email them to me and I will take this for a

grade.

All others, complete the assignments attached and email the answers to me.

Instructions:

Days 11-15: Define the vocabulary words at the first of the packet and answer the

questions at the end of the packet.

Email all answers or pictures to me

[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

Introducing Electricity andElectrical Safety

IMAGINE OUR WORLD without electricity.

There would be no iPods, cell

phones, computers, video games,

televisions, or numerous other devices

we often take for granted. Generating

electricity, distributing it, and

harnessing it for multiple uses is critical for our society. This

unit looks at the basics of electricity and electrical safety.

Objective:

� Explain the basics of electricity and electrical safety.

Key Terms:

�

Electricity andElectrical Safety

Electricity is the flow of electrons in a

conductor. The electrons must have a path

to and from their source. This path is called

a circuit. Different kinds of electrical

devices are used as parts of the circuit. These

devices perform a variety of functions, such

as turning the electricity off and on and pro-

viding electricity to lights or appliances.

E-unit: Introducing Electricity and Electrical Safety

Page 1 � www.MyCAERT.com

Copyright © by CAERT, Inc. — Reproduction by subscription only. 090033

alternatingcurrent (AC)

amperage

circuit

circuit breaker

conductors

current

direct current(DC)

electricity

fuse

GFCI (ground-fault circuitinterrupter)

insulators

kilowatts

National ElectricalCode (NEC)

ohms

overcurrent

phase

resistance

service entrance

service panel

single-phase

static

three-phase

voltage

voltage drop

watts

FIGURE 1. Electricity is the flow of electrons.

TYPES OF ELECTRICITY

Two kinds of electricity are static and current. Static is made of electrons that do not

move. An example is the shock received between two people who touch after walking on

woolen carpet in cold weather. Current is made of moving electrons. This is the type used in

our work and daily lives. Current electricity may be in the form of direct current or alternating

current. Direct current (DC) flows in only one direction. DC is usually generated by bat-

tery-base electrical systems and used in the electrical systems of internal combustion engines

or in flashlight batteries. Alternating current (AC) reverses the direction of flow many times

each second. AC is the type used in homes and factories.

ELECTRICAL SERVICE

Electrical service begins with a power source,

which is usually a large generating plant with a sys-

tem of lines to get the electricity to the user. A gener-

ator may be used in case of a power outage, when a

loss of power may result in the loss of life, crops, etc.

Conductors and Insulators

The materials needed to provide service include

conductors and insulators. Conductors are materi-

als that transmit electricity. They are wires that are




FIGURE 2. Copper wires (conductors) are enclosed

in plastic (an insulator).

EXPLORING OUR WORLD…

SCIENCE CONNECTION: Electricity Facts

The source of electricity is atoms. Every atom has at least one electron that travels around

the nucleus of the atom at great speed. When electrons are forced to flow from atom to atom,

they create electricity.

Most electricity is generated in large power plants using coal, oil, natural gas, nuclear energy,

or hydropower. Increasingly electricity is being produced with geothermal energy, wind power,

biomass, and solar energy. The various energy sources provide the power to turn turbines inside

generators. The shafts of the spinning turbines turn electromagnets that are surrounded by

heavy coils of copper wire. In the process, a magnetic field is created, which causes the elec-

trons in the copper wire to jump from atom to atom.

The electricity generated in the power plants is distributed through high-power transmission

lines on tall towers. The electrical current must often travel long distances to get where it is

needed. As it travels, it loses some of its strength. Transformers along the way restore lost

power.

Electricity travels at a fast 186,000 miles per second.

generally made of copper or aluminum. Conductors are used to connect a source to devices

using electricity. Other materials, known as insulators, which are not good conductors of

electricity, are used to confine electricity to the path from its source to the device being pow-

ered. Common insulators are rubber, plastic, and glass.

Path of Electricity

Service is provided to homes, businesses, and

other small users of electricity by three wires.

Two of the wires are “hot,” each carrying 120

volts. The other wire is “neutral,” providing the

return path for electricity. These wires are con-

nected to a service entrance, which is where

the electricity enters a building.

A meter at the service entrance measures the

electricity being used. The service entrance is

grounded with a wire connected to a ground rod

driven several feet into the earth. It is needed to

provide a return path to the ground and to carry

stray electrical current out of the system.

A service panel follows the meter. It

houses the circuit breakers for the system and is

used to distribute the power to individual cir-

cuits throughout the system. When a circuit uses

too much electricity, an overcurrent causes a cir-

cuit breaker to trip, shutting down the power to

that circuit. An overcurrent exists when the

current flow in a circuit exceeds the amperage

rating of the circuit’s conductors,

load(s), or other device(s). The

excessive heat caused by an

overcurrent may burn or damage

a conductor’s insulation and cause

a fire. A circuit breaker is a

heat-sensitive switch, which auto-

matically trips when the electric-

ity demand is so great that it

causes the temperature in the

conductor to get too hot. In some

cases, a system uses a fuse rather

than a circuit breaker. Fuses have

metal links that melt when the

current flow is too great. The size




FIGURE 3. Wires deliver electricity to homes and

businesses.

FIGURE 4. The service panel houses circuit breakers.

of circuit breaker or fuse is determined by the size of wire

used, which in turn is determined by the anticipated load

of a circuit.

A GFCI (ground-fault circuit interrupter) is type of

breaker that is extremely sensitive to circuit imbalances. It

is designed to protect people who are using electrical

devices near damp areas, such as in bathrooms, in kitchens,

outside, etc.

Circuits

Circuits are formed by wires, appliances, and other

devices. Two wires are necessary to have a flow of current.

One wire, known as the “hot” conductor, carries the elec-

trical current from the source to the device, while the other

wire, known as the “neutral” conductor, provides a return

of the electrical current. Circuits with two wires are known

as 120-volt circuits, and those with three wires as 240-volt

circuits. Lighting and appliances use 120-volt circuits,

whereas equipment and appliances with greater demand,

such as clothes dryers, electric ranges, and heaters or air-

conditioners, use 240-volt circuits.

Electrical Wiring Guidelines

Guidelines for electrical wiring have been established by the National Electrical Code

(NEC) to ensure the safe use of electricity. They provide numerous rules for safe electrical

installations. Local governments may also have codes that apply to the installation of wires, to

appliances, and to other uses of electricity.

TERMINOLOGY

Various terms are important in understanding electricity. Some of those terms follow.

Voltage is the pressure in a circuit that causes the electrons or current to flow. It is some-

times called electromotive force (EMF). A volt is the unit by which electrical pressure is mea-

sured with a voltmeter. When electricity must be carried a long distance through wires, there

will be a decrease in voltage, referred to as voltage drop. Voltage drop occurs because of

resistance in the conductors.

Amperage is the amount of electrical current flowing past a point in a circuit. Amperage is

measured with an ammeter.

Watts are a measure of electrical power. Electrical power is work being done by current

(amperage) under pressure (voltage) in getting the electrons through the resistance of wires

and machines back to the generator. Units of 1,000 watts are called kilowatts. The relation-

ship between watts (P), amps (I), and volts (E) is P = I × E.




FIGURE 5. A GFCI is extremely sensitive to

circuit imbalances.

Resistance is the tendency of the wire to resist the flow of electrons or current throughthe wire. Within a circuit, electrical resistance is dependent upon size, length, and the materialof the conductor. Smaller diameter wire will have more resistance than larger. The longer thewire in the circuit, the more resistance. Finally, compared with other metals, silver, copper,and aluminum offer the least resistance to the flow of an electrical current. Resistance is mea-sured in ohms. The relationship of ohms (R), volts (E), and amps (I) is E = I × R.

Direct current (DC) flows in one direction in a circuit. It is often used in automobiles andtractors. Nearly all the electrical current produced for home and farm use in the United Statesis 60-cycle alternating current (AC). The direction of flow of AC is reversed by a generator 120times per second. Each pair of reversals or one back-and-forth motion is called a cycle. Thus,there are 60 cycles per second.

Phase is a timed source of electricity through a conductor. Single-phase is current fromone source with three wires: one hot, one neutral, and one ground. Three-phase is actuallythree single phases combined. The three are combined to give equally spaced peak voltages.Three hot wires and a fourth neutral wire or just three hot wires may by used, depending onthe system design.

SAFETY PRACTICES

Electricity is a very safe and economical source of power. However, injury and loss of life

can occur quickly when electricity is improperly used. Property can be destroyed by electrical

failures and fires. Some electrical safety practices are listed here.

� Avoid damp working areas. Never handle electrical equipment with wet hands or whilestanding in a wet or damp place.

� Protect each circuit. Be certain that each circuit is protected with either a circuit breakeror a fuse of proper amperage.

� Ground each circuit properly. Each circuit must have a ground (neutral) wire and agrounding wire to be properly grounded.

� Use ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs). To protect the operator who works out-side or in damp locations, make sure the electrical source is protected by a ground-faultcircuit interrupter.

� Ground electrical equipment. All 120-volt electrical equipment should be equipped witha three-prong grounding-type plug or be double insulated. Never cut off a groundingprong just to make the connection work.

� Disconnect the main switch. Before making any repairs on an electrical circuit, alwaysmake certain the current has been disconnected to that circuit at the circuit breaker.

� Correct the source of trouble. Before resetting a circuit breaker or replacing a blown fuse,correct the cause of the trouble. Repair or replace any equipment that gives a shock whenit is used.

� Purchase safe equipment. Select portable electrical equipment that is grounded with athree-prong plug or is double insulated. Look for the “UL” label, indicating that theequipment has been tested and approved by Underwriters Laboratories, Inc.




� Review the local electrical code.When rewiring a building, fol-low the local electrical code.

� Seek professional help instead ofusing trial-and-error methodswhen electrical devices do notfunction properly.

� Avoid plumbing hazards. Do notlocate switches or light fixturesnear plumbing fixtures.

� Inspect and repair cords periodi-cally. Inspect all extension cordsand electrical appliance cords periodically for exposed wires, faulty plugs, poor insulation,and loose connections. Correct all hazards found on electrical cords.

� Open circuits with switches. Never pull a plug from an outlet while the equipment is inoperation. This creates an arc and will eventually foul the plug or the outlet, which cancause electrical shock or a possible fire.

� Never make temporary repairs. Make sure all repairs are as good as new. When splicingwires, be sure all strands are twisted together, the connections are strong, and the splice isfully insulated.

� Use electrical cords safely. Donot hang electrical cords on nailsor run them under rugs oraround pipes. Avoid using exten-sion cords as permanent wiringinstallations.

� Do not overload circuits. Whennew equipment is installed,make sure it is protected by a cir-cuit of proper amperage rating.

� Unplug electrical tools. Do notleave a tool plugged in when it isnot in use, unless it is designedfor continuous operation.

Summary:

� Electricity is the flow of electrons in a conductor. The path through which elec-trons flow is called a circuit. Two kinds of electricity are static and current. Currentelectricity may be in the form of direct current or alternating current.

Electrical service begins with a power source, which is usually a large generatingplant with a system of lines to get the electricity to the user. Materials needed to




FIGURE 6. Electricity warning signs.

What ’s Your Profile?

Check out: www.mycaert.com/career-profiles/cp-elec-tech.pdf

Looking for something a little ?Explore your !

differentoptions

Interested in the information presented in this E-unit?You might make a great

!Electrician / Electronics

Technician

Visit: www.mycaert.com/career-profiles

provide service include conductors and insulators. Service is provided to users ofelectricity by three wires. A meter at the service entrance measures the electricitybeing used. A service panel houses the circuit breakers for the system and distrib-utes power to individual circuits throughout the system.

Various terms are important in understanding electricity. Some of those terms arevoltage, amperage, watts, resistance, ohms, and phase.

Injury and loss of life can occur quickly when electricity is improperly used. Prop-erty can be destroyed by electrical failures and fires.

Checking Your Knowledge:

� 1. What is electricity?

2. How do direct and alternating current compare?

3. How does electricity get from the power source to the user?

4. What are the meanings of voltage, amperage, watts, resistance, ohms, and phase?

5. What are some electrical safety practices?

Expanding Your Knowledge:

� Conduct an electrical safety check in your home. Look for overloaded outlets, oldcords, and similar hazards. Take steps to correct the problems.

Web Links:

� Basic Electricity

http://www.reprise.com/host/electricity/

Electricity Explained

http://www.eia.doe.gov/energyexplained/index.cfm?page=electricity_home

Fundamentals of Electricity

http://cipco.apogee.net/foe/fbbi.asp

Electricity

http://www.ndt-ed.org/EducationResources/HighSchool/Electricity/hs_elec_index.htm

Electrical Safety

http://ehs.okstate.edu/modules/electric/index.htm

Agricultural Career Profiles

http://www.mycaert.com/career-profiles




Maintaining and RepairingPlumbing Systems

HAVE YOU EXPERIENCED a clogged drain or toilet in

your home? If you have, you are probably aware

of the inconvenience it presents. Knowing how to

unclog drains and make other repairs to plumbing

systems can be useful. This unit explains how to

maintain your plumbing system and how to make

repairs when needed.

Objective:

� Explain how to repair and maintain plumbing

systems.

Key Terms:

�

Plumbing Systems: Repair and Maintenance

A good plumbing system is more than a convenience. It is a necessity that aids in disease

prevention. When working properly, a plumbing system often goes unnoticed and unappreci-

ated. When problems do occur, however, it can be very frustrating. A few minutes spent regu-

larly on maintenance will help prevent plumbing problems.

DRAIN PROBLEMS

A clogged sink or toilet drain is one of the most common plumbing problems, but fortu-

nately it is easy to cure.

E-unit: Maintaining and Repairing Plumbing Systems



bowl

cartridge faucet

ceramic disc faucet

closet auger

drain snake

float

flush tank

heat tape

plunger

rotating ball faucet

seat dressing tool

tank ball stopper

water ram

wax ring

Clogged Drains

To avoid clogged drains, keep grease, food particles, hair, and other unnecessary solids from

entering drains. Drain stoppage is usually the result of gradual build-up over time. Use of the

prepared drain cleaners on a regular schedule, especially at the kitchen sinks, is helpful to pre-

vent clogged drains. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations and usage directions. It is

also helpful to regularly lift out the pop-up part of the sink drain and to clean it thoroughly.

Many sink traps have a clean-out plug. If a clean-out plug is present, remove it from time to

time to clean out the trap.




Cleanout plug

Rotate reel as you unroll,

and push forward.

Cleaning a clogged sewer line

involves several steps.

After removing the trap cleanout plug, use a

hanger or drain snake to clear out the trap.

Cleanout

Plug

Put a pail under the trap

and remove the cleanout plug.

If the trap has no cleanout plug,

remove the trap for cleaning.

Use a plunger to remove a clog.

Upstroke

creates a

vacuum

Back and forth

movement loosens

clog.

Clog

Block the

overflow

Rag

Plunger

Downstroke

pushes water

down

When using a chemical drain cleaner, wear gloves,

keep your face away from the drain, and ventilate well.

Rags in

overflow ventChemical cleaner

Rubber Glove

FIGURE 1. Solving clogged drain problems.

When all sinks and toilets seem to have a drain problem, the sewer line is probably clogged.

The clean-out plug in the sewer line should be loosened enough to allow water and waste to

flow into a catching container. Remove the clean-out plug, and insert a drain snake. A drain

snake is a flat steel flexible tape or coiled spring that is uncoiled and pushed forward into the

drain to break through the blockage.

If the sewer line is clear and the drain problem is confined to one sink, check the sink stop-

per (pop-up valve) for hair or another blockage. Most stoppers are removed simply by twisting

counter-clockwise and lifting. If this does not clear the drain, stuff rags in the overflow vent,

add 2 or 3 inches of water to the sink, and use a plunger with up and down motion over the

drain hole. A plunger, sometimes called the “plumber’s friend,” is a cup-shaped rubber cone

attached to a wooden handle. If after using the plunger the drain is still blocked, it is time to

use a chemical drain cleaner. Scoop excess water from the sink, and then pour the chemical

cleaner directly into the drain. After waiting a few minutes, turn on the hot water to test the

drain. If the drain is not cleared, remove the sink trap. Catch the drain water in a bucket. Force

a straightened coat hanger (with a small hook on the end) through the trap.

Clogged Toilet Drains

For clogged toilet drains, try the plunger to force water through the drain under pressure.

In most cases, the pressure will be enough to remove the blockage and return the drain to nor-

mal. Another option, a water ram, uses air pressure to force the blockage through the pipe. A

third option, a closet auger, is a flexible coiled steel wire with an enlarged end that is hand

pushed or cranked into the obstruction and then pulled back, bringing the blockage into the

toilet bowl. If none of these techniques work, the last resort is removing the toilet from the




EXPLORING OUR WORLD…

SCIENCE CONNECTION: Chemical Drain Cleaners

The chemical drain cleaners on store shelves rely on strong chemical reactions to clear

drains. They work by taking or giving electrons to the clog and generate heat in the process. The

three main categories of drain cleaners are caustic, oxidizing, and acid.

Caustic drain cleaners may contain lye and caustic potash. They are alkaline chemicals and

have hydroxide ions (OH-). They give electrons to the clogging material. In effect, they turn

grease into a soap-like substance that is more easily dissolved.

Oxidizing drain cleaners contain substances such as bleach, peroxides, and nitrates. They

cause the organic material within the clog to lose electrons or become oxidized. Oxidizing drain

cleaners also release heat and gas to help clear the blockage.

Acid drain cleaners are rarely found in stores. They contain high concentrations of sulfuric

acid or hydrochloric acid. Therefore, they cause an increase of hydrogen (H+) ions in a solution

and attract electrons from the clog. The reaction produces heat that melts congealed grease.

Chemical drain cleaners have some drawbacks. If used improperly, they may soften PVC

pipes and damage older, metal pipes. They are extremely toxic. They release noxious fumes.

They may also harm septic systems by killing beneficial bacteria.

floor and turning it upside down to remove the blockage. When the toilet is re-installed, use a

new preformed wax ring to seal the stool to the drain flange.

WATER HEATERS AND BATHROOM STOOLS

Maintenance of the water heater and the bathroom stool are commonly overlooked jobs.

Basic maintenance can help result in a trouble-free long life.




This type plunger

exerts more force.

Most clogged toilet drains can be

opened by using a plunger.

The closet auger is a flexible steel cable

that can be cranked into the blockage.

Pulling back on the closet auger may bring

blockage into the toilet bowl.

Water Ram

This water ram uses compressed air

to open clogged drains.

Toilet

Bolts

Floor

Preformed

wax ring

If all else fails to unclog a toilet, drain it, unbolt it,

and turn it upside down to remove the obstruction.

When replacing the stool, use a new wax ring

seal where the bowl and soil pipe meet.

FIGURE 2. Unclogging bathroom stools.

Water Heater Maintenance

Every 3 to 4 months, the water

heater should be drained of any

accumulated sediment along with 3

to 5 gallons of water. Be sure to

shut off gas and water valves to the

water heater before you start drain-

ing water. Also, most water heaters

have a pressure relief valve that

should be opened periodically to see

that it is working. If this valve does

not shut off completely, a new

washer is probably needed.

Bathroom Stool

Maintenance

The bathroom stool is another

fixture that should be checked peri-

odically. A flush toilet has two

major parts: the flush tank and

bowl. The flush tank is the upper

unit of the stool that holds a reser-

voir of water for flushing. The

bowl is the lower portion of the

stool that is attached to the drain

flange. Lift off the lid of the flush

tank. Noise in the tank is a good

indication that there is a leak. If

water is going into the top of the

overflow pipe, adjust the float. The

float controls the water level in the

flush tank. Bending the float arm

down will result in a lower water

level in the flush tank.

The tank ball stopper is a rubber plug that seals the flush tank to hold the water. If you

suspect the stopper is allowing water to leak through the flush outlet valve into the bowl, add a

few drops of food coloring to the flush tank. In an hour or so, if the water in the toilet bowl

has become colored, the stopper ball should be replaced.

Be sure to check the outside of the flush tank and bowl for leaks. Clean the inside of the

flush tank and use a disinfectant-type bowl cleaner regularly in the bowl. Also check at the base

of the bowl for leaks that would mean that the wax ring needs to be replaced.




Hot wateroutlet

Pressurerelief valve

Cold waterinlet

Sediment should be removed from the water

heater every 3 or 4 months by draining 3 to 5 gallons

of water from the heater. Check the water heater

pressure relief valve periodically for proper operation.

FIGURE 3. Water heater maintenance.

Septic System Maintenance

If you have a septic tank, it should be inspected every year or two. The length of time

between cleanouts depends on the size of the tank, the flow of sewage to it, and the ability of

the leach field to carry away sewage. Typically septic tanks need to be emptied once every 2 to

5 years. Commercial compounds are available to help bacteria and yeast break down the waste

in the septic system.

FAUCET REPAIRS

Making simple plumbing repairs

yourself (e.g., fixing dripping faucets and

leaking pipes) can help you save money

and avoid delays. Faucets are the washer

type or the washer-less type. When fixing

faucets, identifying the faucet type and

brand will aid in the purchase of replace-

ment parts.

Washer-Type Faucets

Start by shutting off the water supply

to the leaking faucet. For a washer-type




Flush tank Food coloring

Over-flowtube

Float

Tank ballstopper

Flushoutlet valve

Bowl

Outletvalve seat

Flush tankstopper ball

Inlet valve Float arm

If food coloring added to the flush tank

moves to the toilet bowl, the tank stopper

ball probably needs to be cleaned or

replaced.

If water runs into the flush tank continuously,

check the inlet valve washer, tank stopper ball,

and the outlet valve seat.

Adjust the float arm to prevent overflow.

Clean the tank stopper ball and outlet valve seat.

If the stopper ball needs to be replaced, simply unscrew

it and put on a new one.

FIGURE 4. Bathroom stool parts: identification and maintenance.

FIGURE 5. Learning how to make simple faucet repairs yourself can

save money.

faucet, remove the faucet handle. To prevent scratching, wrap the packing nut with tape. After

removing the packing nut, lift or turn out the valve stem assembly. Check the condition of the

rubber washer at the lower end of the stem. A worn or damaged washer is the most common

cause of a dripping faucet. Loosen the screw holding the old washer and put on a new washer.

Be sure to match the washer size and design to the type of faucet you have. Examine the condi-

tion of the valve seat. Some faucets have a replaceable valve seat, which is usually removed

with an Allen wrench. If a non-replaceable seat is rough or chipped, it should be “dressed” or

smoothed. A seat dressing tool grinds a new smooth valve seat. Check the condition of the

packing around the valve stem. If the packing looks damaged or the faucet has been leaking

around the stem, replace the packing. After replacing the packing, reassemble the faucet.

Cartridge Faucets

The new washer-less faucets tend to be more trouble-free. Replacement parts are expensive.

Therefore, in some cases, a new faucet may be the best option. The cartridge faucet uses a

rotating cylinder with holes and ports to control water flow. As the handle moves back and forth

and side to side, water flows only when a hole in the cylinder aligns with a port in the inlet of the

faucet. Worn seals and O-rings cause leaks. When a leak develops, replace the rotating cylinder.

Rotating Ball Faucets

The rotating ball faucet works similar to the rotating cylinder, except it uses a ball

instead of a cylinder. Some leak repair kits contain only the springs and neoprene valve seats,

but the better kits include the cam and cam washer. If the rotating ball is obviously worn or

scratched, replace it.

Ceramic Disk Faucets

The ceramic disc faucet uses one stationary disc and another disc that moves with the

handle. When holes in the two discs line up, water flows. By moving the handle from side to

side, the top disc is rotated to control the mixing of hot and cold water. Lifting the handle

raises the top disc, causing an increase in water flow. Leaks can usually be fixed by lifting out

the cylinder and cleaning the neoprene seals and the cylinder openings. A Scotch Brite pad is

used to clean the cylinder openings. If the cleaning does not stop the leak, replace the cylinder.

If the leak is in the water supply, replace the fitting or the section of pipe with the leak. This

can best be accomplished by using a coupling and a union.

FROZEN PIPES

To prevent water pipes from freezing, wrap them with insulation and/or heat tape. Heat

tape is a tape that when plugged in uses electrical resistance to create heat. In extremely cold

weather, allowing faucets to drip can prevent frozen water pipes. If water pipes freeze, they

may expand and burst. Before heating the pipe, open water faucets in the area of the frozen

pipe. The open faucets will provide an escape route for steam that may form inside from rapid




heating of the pipe. A propane torch may be the fastest method for thawing iron or copper

pipe. When using a torch, move it constantly back and forth, and remove the flame every cou-

ple of minutes or so to let the pipe cool. Also, be sure to start by heating the end of the pipe

nearest the faucet instead of starting at the middle of the pipe.

Other methods of thawing pipes include wrapping pipes with rags and pouring on boiling

water, warming pipes with heat lamps, and heating pipes with electrical resistance from an arc

welder. Note that both the welder and the torch methods for thawing pipes may only be used

on iron and copper pipes.

If the frozen pipe is a drain rather than a supply pipe, it can be thawed easily by running hot

water into the drain. If this does not work after several minutes, pour in a mixture of chemical

drain cleaner and cold water.

Summary:

� Clogged sink or toilet drains are the most common plumbing problems. When allsinks and toilets have a drain problem, the sewer line is probably clogged. If thedrain problem is confined to one sink or toilet, clear the blockage.




Noncombustible sheet—

to protect wall

Start near open outlet and

work back to inlet to allow

hot water or steam to escape.

Boiling water

Wrap rags

around pipe.

Insulation

Electric

heat tape

Pipes can be thawed with a torch.

Thawing pipes with boiling water.

Wrapping pipes with insulation and/or

an electric heat tape can prevent frozen pipes.

Pipes can be thawed with a heat lamp.

Heat lamp

FIGURE 6. Thawing frozen pipes.

Every 3 to 4 months, the water heater should be drained of any accumulated sedi-ment. Most water heaters have a pressure relief valve that should be opened period-ically. In addition, the bathroom stool should be checked periodically. A flush toilethas two major parts: the flush tank and bowl. If you have a septic tank, it should beinspected every year or two.

Fixing dripping faucets and leaking pipes yourself can save money and avoid delays.Faucets are either washer type or washer-less type.

To prevent water pipes from freezing, wrap them with insulation and/or heat tape.Thaw the ice by warming pipes with a propane torch, boiling water, heat lamps, andelectrical resistance from an arc welder.

Checking Your Knowledge:

� 1. How are sinks unclogged?

2. How are toilets unclogged?

3. How are water heaters maintained?

4. How are dripping faucets repaired?

5. How should frozen pipes be thawed?

Expanding Your Knowledge:

� Check your home plumbing system for leaky faucets and clogged drains. Has thewater heater been maintained? Are pipes vulnerable to freezing temperatures due tolack of insulation? Follow up by correcting problems.

Web Links:

� Repair Leaky Faucets

http://www.friendlyplumber.com/plumbing101/leaky_faucets_by_type.html

How to Unclog Drains, Toilets, and Sewers

http://plumbing.hardwarestore.com/learning/how-to-unclog-drains-toilets-and-sewers.aspx

Unclogging a Sink Drain

http://www.easy2diy.com/cm/easy/diy_ht_3d_index.asp?page_id=35749924&parent1=Category&child1=Plumbing&parent2=Brand

Maintaining a Water Heater

http://allheaterguide.com/

Agricultural Career Profiles

http://www.mycaert.com/career-profiles




Documents

Ag Mechanics, Ag Structures, Ag Powers, and Ag Technology AMI … · 2020. 3. 24. · Ag Mechanics, Ag Structures, Ag Powers, and Ag Technology AMI’s Days 11-15 If you are working