Cistern:Another name for a vessel that is used to store water. Example, both the tank on the WC and the cold-water storage vessel fitted in the loft are called cisterns. Drain-cock:The lowest tap in an appliance such as radiator or a boiler or any system, from which water can be drained. A way to drain a system is by placing a hosepipe on the drain-cock and place the other opposite end of the in the garden or an outside drain and turn on the tap.Fused Connection Unit:Made to allow a join between a highly rated cable and a low rated cable or flex. A fuse is used that will fail to stop the small cable overloading, causing major heat and fire.Alignment:The term for setting one part on or against another, such as a socket on a wall, with the help of a measure and spirit level in order to obtain a good line and fit. Battersea Plumbers carry out this action.Rising Main:This cold water pipe runs from the water company’s stop-cock to supply water (under pressure) to the kitchen tap and also cold water storage cylinder in a loft. It should be the first valve to be shut off in an emergency.PTFE Tape:Very soft stretchy plastic material used on threaded fittings to help provide a seal. This tape is wound around the thread before the joint is tightened up so that the tape fills the ‘V’ sections of the thread. Many professional plumbers prefer the old method called ‘wiping the thread’ using a mastic made from putty, and finished off by winding over a thread of hemp fibre. A Battersea Plumber uses this type of tape.Airlock:The term ‘airlock’ refers to a trapped pocket of air in pipework which stops the water supply to a tap. The possible cure is to take a length of garden hose, place it over the blocked tap and the kitchen cold water tap and turn them both on to clear.
