Insider’s guide to UV lights and COVID-19

HVAC and UV lights

At Baker Plumbing, we are always trying to find the best and most effective approaches to solve the problems presented to us by our clients. Today we were asked to address the problem of bacteria within an HVAC system. As a professional HVAC contractor in Calgary, we immediately suggested the use of a UV light source inserted directly into the supply air of the HVAC system. You can watch a quick 1 minute video of it here :

BAKER and UV light install

UV light sources have long been used by the medical profession as a solution to eliminating infectious diseases and their sources. Learn more about UV below> NYC and UV Lights

Ultraviolet (UV) is a form of electromagnetic radiation with wavelength from 10 nm (with a corresponding frequency of approximately 30 PHz) to 400 nm (750 THz), shorter than that of visible light but longer than X-rays. UV radiation is present in sunlight, and constitutes about 10% of the total electromagnetic radiation output from the Sun. It is also produced by electric arcs and specialized lights, such as mercury-vapor lamps, tanning lamps, and black lights. Although long-wavelength ultraviolet is not considered an ionizing radiation because its photons lack the energy to ionize atoms, it can cause chemical reactions and causes many substances to glow or fluoresce. Consequently, the chemical and biological effects of UV are greater than simple heating effects, and many practical applications of UV radiation derive from its interactions with organic molecules.

Short-wave ultraviolet light damages DNA and sterilizes surfaces with which it comes into contact. For humans, suntan and sunburn are familiar effects of exposure of the skin to UV light, along with an increased risk of skin cancer. The amount of UV light produced by the Sun means that the Earth would not be able to sustain life on dry land if most of that light were not filtered out by the atmosphere.[1] More energetic, shorter-wavelength “extreme” UV below 121 nm ionizes air so strongly that it is absorbed before it reaches the ground.[2] However, ultraviolet light (specifically, UVB) is also responsible for the formation of vitamin D in most land vertebrates, including humans.[3] The UV spectrum thus has effects both beneficial and harmful to life.

The lower wavelength limit of human vision is conventionally taken as 400 nm, so ultraviolet rays are invisible to humans, although some people can perceive light at slightly shorter wavelengths than this. Insects, birds, and some mammals can see near-UV

Sanitary compliance[edit]

A person wearing full protective gear, glowing in ultraviolet light

After a training exercise involving fake body fluids, a healthcare worker’s personal protective equipment is checked with ultraviolet light to find invisible drops of fluids. These fluids could contain deadly viruses or other contamination.

Ultraviolet light helps detect organic material deposits that remain on surfaces where periodic cleaning and sanitizing may have failed. It is used in the hotel industry, manufacturing, and other industries where levels of cleanliness or contamination are inspected.[83][84][85][86]

Perennial news features for many television news organizations involve an investigative reporter using a similar device to reveal unsanitary conditions in hotels, public toilets, hand rails, and such.[87][88]

Sterilization and disinfection[edit]

A low-pressure mercury vapor discharge tube floods the inside of a hood with shortwave UV light when not in use, sterilizing microbiological contaminants from irradiated surfaces.

Ultraviolet lamps are used to sterilize workspaces and tools used in biology laboratories and medical facilities. Commercially available low-pressure mercury-vapor lamps emit about 86% of their radiation at 254 nanometers (nm), with 265 nm being the peak germicidal effectiveness curve. UV at these germicidal wavelengths damage a microorganism’s DNA/RNA so that it cannot reproduce, making it harmless, (even though the organism may not be killed).[97] Since microorganisms can be shielded from ultraviolet rays in small cracks and other shaded areas, these lamps are used only as a supplement to other sterilization techniques.

UV-C LEDs are relatively new to the commercial market and are gaining in popularity.[failed verification][98] Due to their monochromatic nature (± 5 nm)[failed verification] these LEDs can target a specific wavelength needed for disinfection. This is especially important knowing that pathogens vary in their sensitivity to specific UV wavelengths. LEDs are mercury free, instant on/off, and have unlimited cycling throughout the day.[99]

Disinfection using UV radiation is commonly used in wastewater treatment applications and is finding an increased usage in municipal drinking water treatment. Many bottlers of spring water use UV disinfection equipment to sterilize their water. Solar water disinfection[100] has been researched for cheaply treating contaminated water using natural sunlight. The UV-A irradiation and increased water temperature kill organisms in the water.

Ultraviolet radiation is used in several food processes to kill unwanted microorganisms. UV can be used to pasteurize fruit juices by flowing the juice over a high-intensity ultraviolet source.[101] The effectiveness of such a process depends on the UV absorbance of the juice.

Pulsed light (PL) is a technique of killing microorganisms on surfaces using pulses of an intense broad spectrum, rich in UV-C between 200 and 280 nm. Pulsed light works with xenon flash lamps that can produce flashes several times per second. Disinfection robots use pulsed UV[102]

Additional resources see links below:

UV disinfection equipment to sterilize

Folk Remedies for Improving your Life using only Hydro Jetting

YOUR LOCAL DRAIN CLEANER 

BAKER JETTING THOSE DRAIN LINES

As Spring arrives and the urge to clean arises, it the time to clean those drains. Your plumbing system is much like your arteries, they need to clear of obstructions to in order for proper flow and use. At Baker Plumbing, your local drainage contractor which means we clean drains locally, we have all the necessary equipment to do the job right the first time.

For commercial properties one of the most effective tools is the jetter. Capable of blasting dirt and debris with up to 3000 psi, those drains will sparkling inside and out. Most importantly your drains will remain trouble free with regular maintenance, ensuring no downtime during operating hours.

The next time your worried about your drains, give Baker Plumbing a call! We’re your local drain expert.

How does Drain Jetting work?

Drain jetting is a high pressure cleaning method for blocked drains and sewer pipes. It works by pumping water – which is stored in tanks – through a high pressure hose fitted with a jetting nozzle.

How does drain jetting work

This forces powerful streams of water into the pipe, allowing drainage engineers to target blockages and dislodge them with sustained assault.

 

Remove large drain blockages

Drain jetting is most useful when removing larger, stubborn blockages from pipes. Jetting hoses can negotiate tight bends in pipes, so are great for tackling clogs that would be difficult to reach by any other means – drain rods or DIY clearing kits, for instance.

 

Clean your drains in the process

Drain jetting is also an effective preventative measure. The sheer focused power of the jet spray won’t just remove a blockage, it will clean the pipe surface itself, reducing the risk of grime, oils, fats and other waste products gathering and turning back into a blockage.

As you can expect, this also improves the flow, efficiency and performance of your pipes; think of drain jetting as a highly intensive spa treatment for your sewer, refreshing it and restoring it back to peak performance.

 

INFO CREDIT TO:

CROSS CONNECTION CALGARY

In Calgary Backflow Testing is Mandatory!

BAKER AND BACKFLOWS, in action

Purpose

The following is presented to provide a general explanation on the subject of backflow prevention. It is not intended to be used in place of Code requirements and professionals should always utilize the code when making design, installation, and/or maintenance decisions. Definitions of italicized words follow at the end.

Overview

When drinking water piping connects to various plumbing fixtures or water utilizing equipment a cross-connection is created. If improperly protected, contamination can result when a backflow event occurs; allowing contaminates to reverse flow from the fixture/equipment back into the drinking water piping.

What Can Cause a Backflow

Conditions that are likely to create a backflow event are typically common, but unfavorable, hydraulic events that occur within the public or private segments of the water distribution system such as: an owner or worker draining down a house or building to make a plumbing repair; a broken water main or distribution pipe; severe/widespread power outages; fire fighters using large quantities of water to extinguish a fire, or; a water utilizing piece of equipment or process creating pressures greater than those present in water distribution system.

When these unfavorable hydraulic events are occurring, contaminates can be back-siphoned into the drinking water due to negative pressures; or contaminates can back-pressured into the drinking water due to excessive pressure imposed by the water utilizing piece of equipment or process.

Built-in Protection

Modern plumbing fixtures generally have built-in backflow protection. For instance, a faucet spout terminates above the flood rim level of the sink or tub. So if the sink or tub is full of dirty water or worse, backed-up sewage, there is no possible way for backflow because of the air gap created by the elevated spout. Toilet fill valves, clothes washers, dishwashers, and refrigerator/ice makers also employ some type of built-in air gap as their method of protection.

So around the home and office, for the most part, standard plumbing fixtures do not present a hazardous condition. However, additional protections are needed for household items such as: hand held shower heads; hose bibbs; lawn irrigation; and boilers.

Additional Protection Needed

In addition to the few items around the home that require additional protection, there are numerous applications within commercial and industrial processes that require additional protection. In general, these applications cannot utilize the air gap method of protection because the equipment or process requires a direct connection in order to utilize the dynamic pressure and flow that already exists within the water distribution system.

Therefore, directly connected water piping requires a different method of protection; the backflow preventer. A backflow preventeris a “one-way” appurtenance (an assembly of check valves or a vacuum breaker), that only allows water to flow in the desired direction and physically impedes reverse flow.

backflow testing

Types of Backflow Preventers

There are two basic types of backflow preventers: testable and non-testable.

Testable Backflow Preventers

also referred to as Backflow Prevention Assemblies; Backflow Assemblies; Testable Assemblies; or simply, Assemblies. Backflow Prevention Assemblies are generally required on the more hazardous cross connection applications, see below. By federal, state and local requirements as well as the manufacturer’s product listing, annual testing is required to ensure the assembly is good working order. This is due in part because the working components of a backflow assembly have a fairly short life expectancy and/or because sediment and debris can easily block their proper function.

When required testing fails to produce satisfactory results, assemblies must be cleaned and/or rebuilt as needed and retested. Un-repairable or obsolete assemblies must be replaced. See more below, for reporting, permitting, and licensing requirements.

Non-Testable Backflow Preventers

also referred to as Backflow Prevention Devices; Backflow Devices; Non-Testable Devices; or simply Devices. Backflow Prevention Devices are generally required on the less hazardous cross-connection applications, see below. Some devices are required to be replaced every five years; while others are good for the life of the fixture they serve or until they visibly fail (leak externally). See below.

Application of Backflow Preventers

the following is a quick view of applications that require either a testable or non-testable backflow preventer. For a comprehensive look at selection criteria please visit Table 5.1 in the WSSC Water Plumbing and Fuel Gas Code. In fact, take a look at Chapter 5 in its entirety; it is all about Cross-Connection Control.

Testable Applications:

Irrigation, in ground (All Homes & Businesses)
Commercial Boilers
Cooling Towers
Medical Equipment
Laboratory Uses
Commercial Water Treatment
Vehicle Washing Facilities
Commercial Fire Sprinklers
Processing Plants

Non-Testable Applications:

Residential Hose Bibbs
Hand Held Shower Heads
Emergency Eye Wash
Residential Fire Sprinkler
Residential Boilers
Commercial Ice Makers
Beverage Dispensers
Residential Humidifiers
Food Service Equipment

Non-Testable Devices; 5 Year Replacement – the following devices require replacement every five years:

ASSE 1012 – Dual Check Valve; with Atmospheric Vent
ASSE 1022 – Dual Check Valve; with Atmospheric Vent for Carbonated Beverage Dispenser
ASSE 1024 – Dual Check Valve

These devices require tagging to identify the installation and/or expiration date. Homeowners can replace these devices without permit or inspection.

Cross-Connection Technicians

also referred to as Backflow Technician; Backflow Tester; or simply, Tester. By Maryland Law, and subsequently by WSSC Water Plumbing Code, Backflow Techs must be registered as, at minimum, a Journeyman Plumber and also have completed a WSSC Water Approved 32-hour certification course for Cross-Connection Technicians (and recertify every 3 years).

INFORMATION CREDIT TO:

Best Plumber in Calgary

BEST DAMN DRAIN CLEANER IN CALGARY

THAT’S RIGHT! THE BEST

BAKER IN ACTION

drain cleaning contractor

A list of Calgary’s top drain cleaning companies

Baker Plumbing in Calgary is one of city’s premiere drainage contractors. Providing drain cleaning, inspections and solutions since 1956. With a entire arsenal of augers, cameras, locators, snakes, steaming and jetting equipment, along the knowledge and expertise required to get the job done right the very first time. If you have a plumbing issue related to plugged, foul smelling, or slow drains, call Baker Plumbing today

 

LISTED BELOW IS JUST SOME OF THE COMPLEX SYSTEMS THAT MAKE UP YOUR DRAINAGE. DON’T RISK DAMAGE AND GREATER EXPENSE!! CALL A PROFESSIONAL PLUMBER TODAY!!

DWV systems maintain neutral air pressure in the drains, allowing free flow of water and sewage down drains and through waste pipes by gravity. It is critical that a sufficient downward slope be maintained throughout, to keep liquids and entrained solids flowing freely towards the main drain from the building. In some situations, a downward slope out of a building to the sewer cannot be created, and a special collection pit and grinding lift “sewage ejector” pump are needed. By contrast, potable water supply systems operate under pressure to distribute water up through buildings, and do not require a continuous downward slope in their piping.

Every fixture is required to have an internal or external trap; double trapping is prohibited by plumbing codes due to its susceptibility to clogging. Every plumbing fixture must also have an attached vent. The top of stacks must be vented too, via a stack vent, which is sometimes called a stink pipe.[1]

All plumbing waste fixtures use traps to prevent sewer gases from leaking into the house. Through traps, all fixtures are connected to waste lines, which in turn take the waste to a “soil stack”, or “soil vent pipe”. At the building drain system’s lowest point, the drain-waste vent is attached, and rises (usually inside a wall) to and out of the roof. Waste exits from the building through the building’s main drain and flows through a sewage line, which leads to a septic system or a public sewerCesspits are generally prohibited in developed areas.

The venting system, or plumbing vents, consists of a number of pipes leading from waste pipes to the outdoors, usually through the roof. Vents provide a means to release sewer gases outside instead of inside the house. Vents also admit oxygen to the waste system to allow aerobic sewage digestion, and to discourage noxious anaerobic decomposition.[further explanation needed] Vents provide a way to equalize the pressure on both sides of a trap, thereby allowing the trap to hold the water which is needed to maintain effectiveness of the trap, and avoiding “trap suckout” which otherwise might occur.

sewer pipe is normally at neutral air pressure compared to the surrounding atmosphere. When a column of waste water flows through a pipe, it compresses air ahead of it in the pipe, creating a positive pressure that must be released so it does not push back on the waste stream and downstream trap water seals. As the column of water passes, air must freely flow in behind the waste stream, or negative pressure results. The extent of these pressure fluctuations is determined by the fluid volume of the waste discharge.

Excessive negative air pressure, behind a “slug” of water that is draining, can siphon water from traps at plumbing fixtures. Generally, a toilet outlet has the shortest trap seal, making it most vulnerable to being emptied by induced siphonage. An empty trap can allow noxious sewer gases to enter a building.

On the other hand, if the air pressure within the drain becomes suddenly higher than ambient, this positive transient could cause waste water to be pushed into the fixture, breaking the trap seal, with serious hygiene and health consequences if too forceful. Tall buildings of three or more stories are particularly susceptible to this problem. Vent stacks are installed in parallel to waste stacks to allow proper venting in tall buildings.

Most residential building drainage systems in North America are vented directly through the building roofs. The DWV pipe is typically ABS or PVC DWV-rated plastic pipe equipped with a flashing at the roof penetration to prevent rainwater from entering the buildings. Older homes may use copperironlead or clay pipes, in rough order of increasing antiquity.

Under many older building codes, a vent stack (a pipe leading to the main roof vent) is required to be within a 5-foot (1.5 m) radius of the draining fixture it serves (sink, toilet, shower stall, etc.). To allow only one vent stack, and thus one roof penetration as permitted by local building code, sub-vents may be tied together inside the building and exit via a common vent stack. One additional requirement for a vent stack connection occurs when there are very long horizontal drain runs with very little slope to the run. Adding a vent connection within the run will aid flow, and when used with a cleanout allows for better serviceability of the long run.

A blocked vent is a relatively common problem caused by anything from leaves, to dead animals, to ice dams in very cold weather, or a horizontal section of the venting system, sloped the wrong way and filled with water from rain or condensation. Symptoms range from bubbles in the toilet bowl[citation needed] when it is flushed, to slow drainage,[citation needed] and all the way to siphoned (empty) traps which allow sewer gases to enter the building.

When a fixture trap is venting properly, a “sucking” sound can often be heard as the fixture vigorously empties out during normal operation. This phenomenon is harmless, and is different from “trap suckout” induced by pressure variations caused by wastewater movement elsewhere in the system, which is not supposed to allow interactions from one fixture to another. Toilets are a special case, since they are usually designed to self-siphon to ensure complete evacuation of their contents; they are then automatically refilled by a special valve mechanism.[citation needed]

Mechanical vents (also called cheater vents[2]) come in two types: Air admittance valves and check vents, the latter being a vent with a check valve.

Air admittance valves (AAVs, or commonly referred to in the UK as Durgo valves and in the US as Studor vents and Sure-Vent®) are negative-pressure-activated, one-way mechanical valves, used in a plumbing or drainage venting system to eliminate the need for conventional pipe venting and roof penetrations. A discharge of wastewater causes the AAV to open, releasing the vacuum and allowing air to enter the plumbing vent pipe for proper pressure equalization.

Since AAVs will only operate under negative pressure situations, they are not suitable for all venting applications, such as venting a sump, where positive pressures are created when the sump fills. Also, where positive drainage pressures are found in larger buildings or multi-story buildings, an air admittance valve could be used in conjunction with a positive pressure reduction device such as the PAPA positive air pressure attenuator to provide a complete venting solution for more complicated drainage venting systems.

Using AAVs can significantly reduce the amount of venting materials needed in a plumbing system, increase plumbing labor efficiency, allow greater flexibility in the layout of plumbing fixtures, and reduce long-term roof maintenance problems associated with conventional vent stack roofing penetrations.

While some state and local building departments prohibit AAVs, the International Residential and International Plumbing Codes allow it to be used in place of a vent through the roof. AAVs are certified to reliably open and close a minimum of 500,000 times, (approximately 30 years of use) with no release of sewer gas; some manufacturers claim their units are tested for up to 1.5 million cycles, or at least 80 years of use. AAVs have been effectively used in Europe for more than two decades.[when?]

Island fixture vent for under-cabinet waste plumbing

An island fixture vent, sometimes colloquially called a “Chicago Loop”, “Boston loop” or “Bow Vent”, is an alternate way of venting the trap installed on an under counter island sink or other similar applications where a conventional vertical vent stack or air admittance valve is not feasible or allowed.

As with all drains, ventilation must be provided to allow the flowing waste water to displace the sewer gas in the drain, and then to allow air (or some other fluid) to fill the vacuum which would otherwise form as the water flows down the pipe.

An island fixture vent provides an elegant solution for this necessity: when the drain is opened, water displaces the sewer gas up to the sanitary tee, the water flows downward while sewer gas is displaced upward and toward the vent. The vent can also provide air to fill any vacuum created.

The key to a functional island fixture vent is that the top elbow must be at least as high as the “flood level” (the peak possible drain water level in the sink). This ensures that the vent never becomes waterlogged.

The cost of installation is high because of the number of elbows and small pieces of pipe required. The largest cost outlay with modern plastic drain pipes is labor. Use of street elbows is helpful.

Alternately if moving sink to an island sink, install the P-trap below the floor of the island and vent off the top of the drain. Attach toward the trap and reverse 180 degrees so any water in the vent flows down the drain. Slope drain down, slope vent up, and attach to existing vent from previous existing fixture that is now abandoned. Patch previously existing drain to become vent. In Canada, the national plumbing code requires that the minimum trap arm be at least 2 times the pipe diameter, (e.g., 1.25 inch pipe needs a 2.5-inch trap arm, 1.5 pipe needs a 3-inch trap arm, etc.) and that the vent pipe be one size larger than the drain that it serves, also a cleanout is required on both the vent and the drain. The reason for this is in the event of a plugged sink, the waste water will back up and go down the vent, possibly plugging the vent (as it is under the countertop), and a clean-out would permit the cleaning of the pipes.

 

CREDIT TO

Homer Simpson’s Guide to Grooving Copper Pipe

Homer Simpson was unavailable

Even better the young apprentices that have their fingers on the button as it were and ready to show the world how this important skill can be developed. With a whole 5 years of experience between them, what could possibly go wrong? Follow along as the steps needed to complete this important skill are discussed. If you’re looking for a commercial plumber near you then look no further than Baker Plumbing in Calgary.

Copper Pipe

Copper pipes are commonly used in the commercial construction industry for water supply lines and refrigerant lines in HVAC (heating, cooling, and air-conditioning) systems. Copper pipes can be manufactured as soft or rigid copper and offer excellent corrosion-resistance and reliable connections. The three most common types of copper pipe used in residential and commercial construction are Type K, Type L, and Type M. A fourth type, used for drain-waste-vent, or DWV, piping, can be found in some older homes.

For today we using 2.5″ copper K pipe which is the only type or quality that is approved for this type of joining method. Working on commercial boiler systems can be a hazardous undertaking. This work should only be completed by professional tradesmen or women that have extensive experience completing such work. Or as shown here under the direct supervision of a Master plumber.

  • Type K Copper Pipe: Type K copper pipe has the thickest wall of all the common types. It is used for water distribution, fire protection, oil, HVAC, and many other applications in the construction industry. Type K pipe is available in a rigid and flexible form and can be used with flared and compression fittings. Pictured below is that very thing, Type K copper pipe! It’s been cut, reamed and sanded in preparation for the application of a RIDGID grooving tool.

Credit too

 

 

Next step grooving

According to many industry experts “grooved mechanical piping” reduces risk, cost and construction schedules.

Grooved mechanical pipe joining is a method of fabricating piping systems that eliminates the need for welding and flanging pipe. Grooved-end pipe, fittings, valves and accessories are joined with mechanical couplings that provide a secure, reliable union at every joint. These connections are designed to handle a variety of utility and process piping services. Grooved pipe solutions can be used on carbon steel, stainless steel and galvanized pipe, as well as high-density polyethylene (HDPE), fiberglass-reinforced pipe and American Water Works Association ductile iron pipe ranging in size from a half inch to 60 inches.

A grooved pipe joint is comprised of three core elements: the pipe groove; the gasket and coupling housings; and nuts and bolts. Grooves are cold-formed on the pipe ends with tooling specifically designed for this process (we are using the RIDGID 914). The coupling housing engages the grooved ends of each pipe, fitting or valve to be connected. A resilient, pressure-responsive elastomeric gasket provides a leak-tight seal, even under a vacuum. The coupling housing fully encloses the gasket, reinforcing the seal and securing its position. The coupling is fastened with two track head bolts and nuts.

Grooved mechanical piping has its roots in World War I, during which this innovation was used to deploy fuel and water to Allied forces on the front lines. The system proved beneficial over other joining methods, because as troops’ positions changed, the pipes needed to be disassembled, transported and reassembled quickly and efficiently.

Today, the grooved pipe system still proves advantageous in critical fluid handling applications. Grooved piping systems can be installed on a variety of piping applications, including alcohol; caustic; chilled, cooling, potable, wash and demineralized water; fire protection; glycerin; instrument and plant utility air; oil feed; reverse osmosis; and wastewater treatment.

Pictured below is Peter with Baker Plumbing using the RIDGID 914, a product no longer made by RIDGID but continues to be useful and effective in completing complex plumbing and heating work.

Credit too

The tools that actually make it work

The RIDGID® 915 Roll Groover is a manual roll groover for in-place field applications. The 915 requires only 3 1/2″ of clearance to travel around a pipe and a minimum of 2 3/4″ of exposed pipe for grooving. With the appropriate roll sets, the 915 can groove from 1 1/4″ to 12″ pipe, the widest range in its class! The 915’s cast-in handle allows for easy transport or chaining the groover down to prevent theft. The 915 is a must for service work crews. RIDGID TOOLS


Watch the Baker Boys in action

While a little raw the young apprentices did get the job done and the systems back online. If you’re looking for plumbing and heating services in Calgary then contact us today!!!

BAKER IN ACTION