Now it’s time for some C-words – of the plumbing variety!

Read on for a glossary covering all of the industry terms you’re likely to hear your plumber use.

Carbonising – in a pump, where a reduction of hydrocarbons results in the formation of carbon residue that will interfere with the movement of a mechanical seal – often called coking

Cartridge – typically refers to a valve cartridge – it is a single-piece unit that replaces the use of separate seats, stems and seals for water flow

Casing – a tubular structure intended to be watertight – it is installed in the drilled hole to maintain the well opening and prevent ground water from entering

Catch basin – large underground container with a grate on top for collection of storm water – it catches debris and prevent steams and lakes being contaminated

Cathode – a negatively charged electrode

Cation – a positively charged ion in an electrolyte solution, which is attracted to the cathode by a difference in electrical potential

Cavitation – the vacuum created when the discharge of the pump exceeds the replacement in the suction line

Chain wrench – an adjustable wrench, in which a chain is used for gripping

Chamfer – bevelled end

Check stop – shut-off valve used with tub/shower faucet that is activated by turning a slotted stem with a screwdriver – also known as a screwdriver stop or a service stop

Check valve – a type of back flow preventer installed in a pipe that allows water to flow in one direction

Circuit vent – plumbing drainage system vertical vent, which is run from the last two traps on a horizontal drain line to the main vent stack of a building drainage system

Cistern – rainwater storage tank, often underground

Clevis – a U-shaped piece of metal with holes in the ends, through which a pin is run to attached to pipes

Closed system – a system where the incoming cold water supply has a device that will not allow water to expand when heated

Conduit – tube that houses electrical wiring

Cowl – a short fitting used to join two pieces of pipe

Crocus cloth – finer than sandpaper grit on a cloth backing

Cross-connection – any connection that may allow wastewater to enter the supply system

Crown-vented trap – an air admittance valve attached to a drainpipe, protected by a valve, designed to equalise pressure in the drain line and to protect the trap seal

Crows foot – a PVC tee with twin outlets at right angles off the main

If you missed our earlier plumbing glossary instalments, you can read the A-words here and the B-words here.

For the second instalment of our plumbing glossary, we’re covering the letter B.

Read on to learn exactly what your plumber is talking about when she or he utters the following lingo.

Back pressure – pressure that resists the flow of fluid in a piping system

Back siphonage – negative pressure that causes back flow

Back vent – plumbing fixture’s separate vent in a building drainage system

Back wash – the process of cleaning a filter by reversing the flow of water through it – the dirt is sent to the waste disposal

Back flow – when water from one system backs into any part of the main distribution system

Back flow preventer – a device that stops back flow – required for sprinkler systems and handheld showers

Backjet – Whirlpool jets located on the fixture wall behind a reclining bather

Backwater valve – sewer line valve that prevents sewage flowing back into the house

Baffle – an object placed in an appliance to change the direction of the flow of air and gases

Ball check valve – a valve that uses a ball to seal against a seat to stop flow in one direction

Ball joint – spherical assembly allowing pivot rotation for many bathroom and shower accessories

Ball passage – refers to the size of the ball that can pass through the trapway of a toilet – it also relates to the trapway size

Ballcock – the fill valve that controls the flow of water from the water supply line into a gravity-operated toilet tank

Barlow’s formula – an equation which shows the relationship of internal pressure to allowable stress, nominal thickness and diameter

Barrier-free – relating to handicap access – e.g. a shower enclosure with minimal bottom track and opening to ease wheelchair access

Base – a substance that releases hydroxyl ion when dissolved in water

Basin wrench – a wrench with a long handle and jaws mounted on a swivel to reach nuts to fasten faucets on a previously installed tank

Batch feed – type of garbage disposer in which waste is fed into unit one load at a time, then activated by placing a stopper into the drain opening

Bernoulli’s law – the principle that a stream of liquid or gas exerts less sideways pressure while in motion than at rest

BHP – brake horse power – the amount of horsepower being consumed by a pump as measured on a dynamometer

Blowbag – a drain-cleaning device consisting of a rubber bladder with a hose fitting on one end and a nozzle on the other – the device attaches to a water hose and is inserted into a clogged drainpipe – as the water is introduced, it expands to grip the pipe and releases pulsating bursts of water through the nozzle, forcing water through the pip to clear an obstruction

Blowdown – partial venting or draining, under pressure of the water side of a boiler to reduce or remove unwanted contaminants

Brackish water – water containing bacteria between 1, 000 and 15, 000 ppm of dissolved solids

Butterfly valve – a serviceable valve that allows water to flow through it when open and stops the flow when closed

BX cable – metallic sheathed cable containing A/C electrical wiring – typically used when wiring would otherwise be exposed

Did you miss the first instalment of our plumbing glossary? You can read it here.

Us plumbers do like to use a bit of industry lingo – but we don’t want to keep you out of the loop.

Over the next few weeks, we’ll be releasing a series of glossaries explaining exactly what we’re talking about.

So, let’s start with plumbing jargon beginning with the letter A!

A Valve – a manual gas shut-off valve

ABS – Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene – a stiff, plastic pipe  and fittings used for drain, waste and vent lines

Absolute pressure – the result of atmospheric pressure added to gauge pressure

Absorption field – leech field engineered to receive septic tank sewage

Adjusting link – adjustable strap/bar, which forms a connection between the lift rod of a faucet and the ball lever of the drain

Aerator – a device screwed into a faucet spout, which mixes air into running water to control flow and reduce splashing

Air chamber – vertical, air-filled pipe or spring coil set above the water line to absorb pressure when water is turned off at the faucet

Air gap – air-filled space, which allows contaminated water to discharge freely without coming back into the water supply

Air lock – a blockage in liquid flow

Air volume control – maintains air charge in a standard water tank

Alkalinity – the measure of elements in water, which determine its alkaline conditions

Americast – a patented process, which uses a porcelain surface, an enamelling grade steel material and a structural composite backing bonded together to create a sink that is durable like cast iron but considerably lighter

Angle seat wrench – valve seat wrench with a 90 degree bend

Angle stop – a shut-off valve between water pipes and a faucet, usually used in an emergency repair

Angular discharge tube – discharge tube that changes direction of water flow to 90 degrees

Anode rod – a rod within a heater, which is composed of one or more metals and protects the tank from corrosion

Anti-clog suction – a whirlpool water recirculating system, which prevent clogging but doesn’t restrict water flow

Anti-siphon – prevents backflow of water into a system

Apron – the skirting of a bathtub that covers the rough-in area from the floor to the top of the appliance

Aquastat – thermostat that is submerged in water

Aquifier – a zone below the earth’s surface that is capable of yielding a significant volume of water – its upper level is called the water table

Arrow head – heavy duty auger cable trip

Auger – flexible rod with a curved end used to access a toilet’s built-in trap and remove clogs

For the past 90 minutes, you’ve sat on the edge of your sofa seat, gripping the coarse fabric as your knuckles turned white. Screams have been shrieked and blood has been poured, and now the credits roll up your television screen to the backdrop of an unsettlingly shrill music score.

Fumbling for the remote, you turn the DVD player off, turn the lights on and let out a long sigh of relief. It’s bedtime and you can finally put the horror behind you.

Don’t speak too soon.

As you lay in bed, the walls release a quiet but angry growl.

Your eyes shoot open. You try to search the surroundings but the darkness makes a mockery of your stifled sight.

You tell yourself not to be ridiculous – this is Wandsworth, not Amityville – and you shut your eyes and nestle into your pillow once again.

Sleep slowly reels you in.

You’re on the cusp of a deep slumber when, all of a sudden, a fatal, thundering clunk startles you into consciousness.

You sit up, bolt-straight in your bed, and look around in frantic paranoia. You hear scurrying sounds beneath the floorboards as shadows loom across the room, trying to grab you.

And then, the temperature drains from the room in one deathly swoop.

As goose bumps spread across your body and your teeth chatter uncontrollably, you jump out of bed, grab your coat and make a run for it.

You vow never to stay home alone again, especially not after watching a scary movie, and definitely not on Halloween.

Sometimes you just need a plumber, not an exorcist.

Pipes that go bump in the night are usually a result of stunted water flow rather than devious ghouls.

The phenomena is called water hammer, and it occurs when normal water flow is stopped and shock waves enter the pipes suddenly. A powerful surge can cause serious damage to pipes, so if you hear these noises, have a plumber check your water arrester for any ailments.

As for chilling cold spots in your home, ineffective central heating is more likely to be the culprit as opposed to a wandering ghost.

In most circumstances, central heating has been installed after a property was built and added to over time. As a result, some parts of the system may not be working in perfect tandem with others, leaving certain areas or floors in your home feeling colder.

The best-case scenario is that the radiators will need a simple bleeding or the boiler pressure will need adjusting. However, if this doesn’t work, you’ll need to ask your plumber for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan – maybe then, you can finally say goodbye to those demons for good.

This Friday, ghosts and ghouls will roam the streets of London as the sun sets to give way to All Hallows’ Eve.

Don’t hide behind your closed front door; leave the chocolate eyeballs on the porch for the trick or treaters and venture out to some of the city’s scariest Halloween events.

Chills in the Chapel: Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho

Union Chapel, Compton Terrace, London, N1 2UN

Friday 31^st October – Saturday 1^st November

Film £22.50, Ball £5

Spend the spookiest night of the year in a Gothic-revival chapel with Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho. The screening will be set off by creepy cocktails and fancy dress, and if the shower scene doesn’t finish you off, you can stay on for The Bates Motel Ball.

Wicked

Apollo Victoria Theatre, 17 Wilton Road, Westminster, London, SW1V 1LG

All year round

Tickets start from £45

Discover how the Wicked Witch of the West came to be such a malevolent evil, thanks to this powerful musical stage adaptation, which has been captivating audiences for over ten years. You’ll never watch The Wizard of Oz in the same way again.

Horse-drawn Halloween Rides through Richmond Park

Richmond Park, Kings Road, London, TW10 5HS

Thursday 30^th October – Saturday 1^st November

£48 per person

Meet your horse-drawn carriage at Sheen Gate before exploring Richmond Park in the dark, huddled up under a warm blanket with a cup of sloe-gin. The guide has all the eeriest tales to tell; you’ll hear about the ghosts that haunt the park, where congregations of witches gathered to cast spells and a gory Victorian murder, which was only solved in 2010.

Necropolis

Waterloo Station, London, SE1 8SW

Thursday 30^th October – Saturday 1^st November

£15, or £8-£12 in advance

In the 1850s, London’s heaving population combined with dire medical conditions led to more dead bodies than the city had graves for. Corpses were stored under the streets and stations before being carted off to Surrey on the Necropolis Railway, and the Necropolis station still remains in the caverns beneath Waterloo station today. This immersive tour will give even the most toughened horror fan shivers.

Mexico’s Day of the Dead Festival

Bargehouse, OXO Tower Wharf, Bargehouse Street, London, SE1 9PH

Thursday 30^th October – Saturday 2^nd November

Free

For over 3,000 years, Mexicans have been devoting the Dia de los Muertos to remember and pray for their loved ones who have passed. This year, the Embassy of Mexico has brought this celebration to London, and there will be art exhibitions, a tribute to those lost in World War 1, daily screenings of the 1984 cult classic Under the Volcano and Jose Cuervo tequila masterclasses. Children can paint sugar skulls, make a skeleton, create masks and learn about papel picado in a series of fun workshops.

Almost two million¹ people are unemployed in the UK – and yet employers are still struggling to find employees.

In the plumbing industry this is particularly prevalent.

Plumbing is a trade that has survived the recessions and technological advancements alike, whilst other industries have struggled. Take the magazine industry as an example – the recession hit and people gave up on buying the non-essentials, the internet took over and there was no longer a need to buy a magazine when you could read the information for free online. As a result, publishers have had to switch up their strategies and plunge themselves into the digital world.

For plumbers, this hasn’t been the case because our physical presence is always in demand, whether that’s in a residential emergency situation, or if our skills are needed to make a commercial building run more efficiently energy-wise.

As an employer, we can only afford to send qualified and experienced plumbers out on a job – after all, it’s our reputation on the line. Unlike the media industries, which cite they have too many qualified applicants for any given role, hiring is an incredibly laboured process for us because there are simply not enough professional plumbers out there.

A lack of vocational training within the education system was part of the problem for many years. In 2014, essential trades such as plumbing are still not on the national curriculum, but there are more courses available for school leavers – and more and more people are signing up for them.

The latest research by Edge and City & Guilds suggests that parents may be the driving force behind this, as mothers and fathers believe that their children are more likely to secure a job if they train to be a plumber than if they study for any number of degree courses at university, including maths, law and English².

Apprenticeship schemes are also receiving a lot of publicity at the moment and can really pay off for a motivated young person, as they’ll gain first-hand experience, a wage and a qualification.

However, the same study by Edge and City & Guilds did find that only 16% of parents hope their children will complete an apprenticeship compared with a total of 45% who hope their children will pursue a degree.

Perhaps this is to do with the perceived amount of money a tradesperson can earn. Plumbers earn a salary of around £35,000³ and set their own hours and rates. By comparison, a marketing manager will earn around £40,000⁴ a year for a 40-hour week. This is the reality that many people are not aware of.

Jan Hodges, chief executive of Edge, which promotes vocational training, said: ‘There is a disconnect between what parents know about employability and what they feel is the best for their children in terms of academic achievement.

We need to continue in our mission to champion technical, practical and vocational learning’.

We fully support this type of campaigning because we know that the country would be in a very messy state without the hard work that plumbers carry out – the amount of over spilling toilets alone is a thought that terrifies us. Through the continued enhancement of education and better utilisation of peoples’ talents, we hope that the skills gap within the plumbing industry will be something we can finally lay to rest very soon.

1 BBC, 2014. Economy tracker: Unemployment. [Online] Available at: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/10604117.

^{2 Telgraph, 2014. Plumbing courses ‘beat law degrees in race for jobs’. [Online] Available at: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/further-education/11221393/Plumbing-courses-beat-law-degrees-in-race-for-jobs.html.}

^{3 National Careers Service, 2014. Plumber. [Online] Available at: https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/advice/planning/jobprofiles/Pages/plumber.aspx.}

^{4 National Careers Service, 2014. Marketing manager. [Online] Available at: https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/advice/planning/jobprofiles/Pages/marketingmanager.aspx.}

Biomass is biological material derived from living, or recently living organisms. In the context of biomass for energy, this usually refers to plant-based substance, but can also include animal and vegetable matter.

The history

Biomass, in its simplest form, has been used to generate energy for thousands of years.

After learning how to control fire, early humans burned plants to keep warm and cook food, but with passing years, gas and electricity became the standard methods.

In 1812¹, a gas company in London demonstrated the first commercial use of biomass by heating it in an oxygen-free environment to produce liquid oil.

By the year 2000, a total of 10.5% of all energy consumption was biomass.

The science

In terms of chemical composition, biomass is carbon based. It is composed of a mixture of organic molecules containing hydrogen, including atoms of oxygen, nitrogen and small quantities of other atoms such as alkali and heavy metals.

The carbon used in biomass is absorbed by plants in the form of carbon dioxide (CO₂) by plant life using energy from the sun. If the plants are eaten by animals, they are converted into animal biomass, but if the plant matter is not eaten, it is either broke down by micro-organisms or burned.

If broken down, the carbon is released back into the atmosphere as CO₂ or as methane. If burned, it is returned to the atmosphere as CO₂.

This has happened for as long as there have been plants on the planet and is part of what is known as the carbon cycle.

The pros of biomass as fuel

• Renewable energy source
• Widely available and naturally distributed
• Helps eliminate waste
• Cleaner than fossil fuels
• Can be domestically produced for independent living

The cons of biomass as fuel

• Some CO₂ and methane gases are released during the process
• On a commercial scale, lots of land is needed to produce it, which could lead to deforestation
• May compete with food production
• Requires water to grow

The future of biomass

Renewable energy sources are in great demand and biomass factories are in operation today. However, the area is still in development and green chemists are working on ways to increase scalability whilst limiting environmental damage.

^{1 Centre for Energy, 2014. Biomass timeline. [Online] Available at: http://www.centreforenergy.com/AboutEnergy/Biomass/History.asp. [Accessed 24th October 2014].}

With fireworks night close on the approach, are you concerned about the wellbeing of your pets?

The loud, unpredictable noises and the bright lights of firework displays can really frighten dogs, cats, rabbits and other animals. So it’s up to owners to help their furry companions feel safe and secure.

Below is our guide to help keep your pets calm during the fireworks season.

Exercise your pet well beforehand

Take your dog on a long walk before the fireworks begin to physically tire them out. Play lots of games and do some obedience training too – this will stimulate your pet’s mind, and if they are physically and mentally tired, they may sleep through the loud noises.

Arrange for quiet accommodation

Ensure your home’s windows and doors are all closed and make a comfortable bed for your pet in the quietest room of the house. The bright lights of fireworks can also be alarming for animals, so closing curtains or blinds is a good idea too.

During the fireworks, stay with your pet and carry on as normal – animals usually look to the leader of the pack to decide how to behave, so if you’re not making a fuss, they’ll be less inclined to.

You may want to block out the noise with music, television, or vacuuming, and you may be able to distract your dog by providing them with a bone to chew on or a Kong to play with.

Don’t give your pet any medications, unless prescribed from your vet

Your vet may prescribe a herbal relaxer or anxiety-reducing medication if your pet is extremely fearful. These will not remove the fear, but they may calm your pet.

Never use medication that has not been recommended by your vet, or a drug prescribed for another pet, as dosages vary per animal and you may be putting your pet in serious danger by doing so.

Dishwashers don’t come cheap, which is why it’s so important to do all we can to keep them in good running order for as long as possible.

Below, we’ve listed some top tips to protect the lifespan of your dishwasher.

1. Check filters

Filters are located inside the dishwasher’s floor and are designed to catch food scraps. Whilst some newer models will have a self-cleaning filter system, it’s still worth checking them manually and discarding any debris, as leftover food can impact your dishwasher’s performance.

Check your manual for the manufacturer’s guidance on how often to do this; it may be after each cycle, once a week or once a month.

2. Clean the sprayer arms

Your dishwasher may have one sprayer arm or two, located on the ceiling or floor of the machine. The holes in sprayer arms are prone clogging from food and detergent, which can cause an uneven distribution of water during a cycle.

Gently clean the sprayer arms, but again, check your manual for instruction on how and when to handle your machine’s specific fittings.

3. Manage rust

Tines, a dish rack feature, hold plates, bowls and cups in place. If tines begin to rust they can leave marks on your dishes or fall off and damage the machine’s pump. This could lead to costly repair work.

DIY shops sell rack repair kits, which you could use if you’ve caught an ailment early, otherwise you may need to buy a replacement rack. Always opt for stainless steel over metal, as the former is less predisposed to rusting.

4. Run a cleansing cycle

Like you may already do with your washing machine, it’s a good idea to do a hot wash once a month to rid your dishwasher of germs and bad odours.

As cleaning agents, lemon juice and vinegar both possess the acidic properties to do a thorough job, although you may prefer the aroma of freshly cut lemons!

If you found this article useful, you may also like to read 6 ways to make your washing machine last longer.

This year’s Battersea Park Fireworks Display is set to be the best yet, with fire dancers performing a choreographed show before rockets, firecrackers and pinwheels fill the sky.

There are plenty of food stalls, glow concessions and a bar to keep you busy too!

Last year, 42,000¹ people attended the hugely popular affair. This year, the event takes place on Saturday 8^thNovember 2014 and you’ll need to book your tickets in advance, as they won’t be sold on the gate.

Ticket prices for 2014

• £6.50 before the 31^st October
• £8 between the 1^st and 7^th November
• £10 on the 8^th November

Booking fees do apply. Children under the age of 10 get in free but will still require a ticket.

Book your tickets here!

Line up

• 6pm: Gates open
• 6.30pm: Pre-show by FlameOz
• 7.30pm: Lighting of the bonfire
• 8pm: Fireworks Display by Jubilee Fireworks

Admittance won’t be allowed after 8pm – so get to the park and have your sparklers lit up early!

^{1 Wandworth Guardian, 2014. [Online] Available at: http://www.wandsworthguardian.co.uk/news/11536234.Tickets_on_sale_for_Battersea_Park_fireworks/?ref=rss&utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter. [Accessed on the 21st October 2014].}