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 GLOSSARY:
PLUMBING
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PLUMBING
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From kitchen faucets and bathroom faucets to utility faucets and water filtration products. No matter what kind of faucet you want, chances are that you will find it in one of the categories below. If you have trouble finding the right faucet, try searching the Fixture Universe web site. Plumbing Glossary
"A" Valve - A manual gas shut-off valve. Access Panel - An opening in the wall or ceiling near the fixture that allows access for servicing the plumbing/electrical system. Acid - A substance that increases the concentration of hydrogen ions when dissolved in water. Most acids dissolve common metals and will react with a base to form a salt. Acidity - The level of concentration of acid in water. Acid will neutralize an alkali or base. It is usually expressed in terms of its calcium carbonate equivalent . Acrylic - A thermoplastic (heat activated) used on the surfaces of bathtubs and whirlpools. It usually comes in sheets and is backed by fiberglass to form waterproof shower walls. Adaptor - A fitting that unites different types of pipe together, for example: ABS (Aristocraft bristone styrine) to cast iron pipe. Aerator - A device screwed into the end of a faucet spout that mixes air into flowing water, and controls flow to reduce splashing. It sometimes contains a baffle to reduce flow to 2.5 gpm. Airbreak - An airbreak is a physical seperation which may be a low inlet into the indirect waste receptor from the fixture, appliance, or device indirectly connected. Air Lock - Blockage in the flow of liquid, esp. on the suction side of a pump caused by an air bubble in the line. Alkali - A water-soluble mineral compound, usually a moderate strength base (as opposed to caustic hydroxide), such as a bicarbonate and carbonate compound when it is present in the water. The measurement of constituents in a water supply which determine alkaline conditions. The alkalinity of water is a measure of its capacity to neutralize acids Alkalinity - The measurement of constituents in a water supply which determine alkaline conditions. The alkalinity of water is a measure of its capacity to neutralize acids, also referred to as pH. Ambient Temperature - The average temperature of the air surrounding an appliance. Angular Discharge Tube - A discharge tube that changes the direction of water flow to approximately 90 degrees. Angle Stop - A shutoff valve between the water pipes and a faucet. Its inlet connects to the water supply pipe in a wall, and its outlet angles up 90 degrees toward the faucet. These are usually used to shut off water to a fixture in case of an emergency repair rather than daily usage. Anode Rod - A sacrificial rod installed in a water heater that protects the tank from corrosion, helping to extend the life of the tank. Anti-Siphon - Preventive device for the backflow of liquid into a system. Used on sprinkler systems to prevent water from trickling back into the supply that is feeding it.
Backflow - Backflow is the flow of water or other liquids, mixtures, or subsatnaces into the distributing pipes of a potable supply of water from any sources other than its intended source. Back Flow Preventer - A device to prevent water from traveling from one system back into any part of the main distribution system, usually by siphoning, esp. into a potable water supply. This is generally required for sprinkler systems, handheld showers, pullout faucet spouts, kitchen sprayers, etc. Back Pressure - Pressure that resists the flow of fluid in a piping system. Back Siphonage - A negative pressure that causes backflow. Backup - The overflow of a plumbing fixture due to drain stoppage e.g. a clogged toilet or clogged drain. Backwater Valve - Sewer line valve that prevents sewage from flowing back into the house. Ball Check Valve - A valve that uses a ball to seal against a seat to stop flow in one direction. Ballcock - The fill valve that controls the flow of water from the water supply line into a gravity-operated toilet tank. It is controlled by a float mechanism that floats in the tank water. When the toilet is flushed, the float drops and opens the ballcock, releasing water into the tank and/or bowl. As the water in the tank is restored, the float rises and shuts off the ballcock when the tank is full. Basin Wrench - A wrench with a long handle with jaws mounted on a swivel that allows the jaws to reach and handle nuts to fasten faucets to a previously installed sink. Basket Strainer - A basket-shaped strainer with holes and a slot that fits into a sink or shower drain to allow water to run out but to catch food or other objects before they can enter the sewage system and possibly clog the drain. Bidet (pronounced Bid-day:) - A personal hygiene plumbing fixture similar in appearance to a toilet bowl used for washing genitals and posterior areas of the body. It is mounted on the floor next to a toilet and consists of a washing basin, a hot and cold faucet, and sprayer. Bleed - To drain a pipe, tube, or hose of excess air by opening a valve at the end or systematically removing the air by force or suction. 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 water is introduced, it expands to grip the pipe, and releases pulsating bursts of water through the nozzle, forcing water through the pipe to clear the obstruction. Boiler - A sealed tank where water is heated and turned to steam for power or hot water. Branch - Any part of a drain system other than the main, riser, or stack. Branch Vent - A vent connecting one or more individual vents with a vent stack. BTU (British Thermal Unit) - A unit of heat energy required to raise the temperature of 1 lb. of water 1 degree Fahrenheit. Building - A building is a structure built, erected, or framed of component structural parts designed for housing, shelter, enclosure, or support of persons, animals, or property of any kind.
Catch Basin - Large underground container, with a grate on the top, for collection of storm water run-off. It catches or collects dirt and other debris and prevents them from polluting streams and lakes. Centerset - Style of bathroom faucet having combined spout and handles, with handles 4 inches apart, center-to-center. Also a single-handle faucet installed on 4 inches center-to-center faucet holes. Cesspool - A cesspool is a lined excavation in the ground which receives the discharges of a drainage system or part thereof, so designed as to retain the organic matter and solids discharging therein, but permitting the liquids to seep through the bottom and sides. Check Valve - A type of backflow preventer installed in a pipe run that allows water to flow in only 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. Cleanout Plug - A plug in a trap or drain pipe that provides access for the purpose of clearing an obstruction. Closet - A term used for a Toilet. Closet Auger - A flexible rod with a curved end used to access the toilet's built-in trap and remove clogs. Closet Bend - A curved fitting mounted immediately below the toilet that connects the closet flange to the toilet drain. Closet Flange - An anchoring ring that attaches to the closet bend and secured to the floor. The heads of closet bolts, used to secure the toilet in place, insert into slots in the closet flange. Cock - A faucet or valve for regulating the flow of water, sometimes referred to as a ballcock. Common Vent - Building drain system vertical vent which connects two or more fixture branches on the same level. Compression Fitting - A kind of tubing or pipe connection where a nut, and then a sleeve or ferrule is placed over a copper or plastic tube and is compressed tightly around the tube as the nut is tightened, forming a positive grip and seal without soldering. Also a flexible connector that has a nut and gasket designed to attach directly to an SAE standard compression thread, without the use of a sleeve or ferrule. Compression Valve - A type of valve that is often used for water faucets. It is opened or closed by raising or lowering a horizontal disk by a threaded stem. Coupling - Vent pipe hood, which protects it from the elements. CPVC (Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride) - Rigid plastic pipe used in water supply systems, where code permits. Culvert - A pipe-like construction of concrete that passes under a road to allow drainage.
Desanco Fitting - A type of compression adapter that connects tubular brass fittings to PVC pipe. Diaphragm - Flexible membrane in a valve that deflects down onto a rigid area of the valve body to regulate water flow from the supply lines. This eliminates the possibility of debris build-up within the valve. Dip Tube - Tube inside the water heater that sends cold water to the bottom of the tank. Direct Tap - Clamping device that allows a branch line to be drilled and tapped off a main line. Discharge Tube - Outlet tube that connects a disposer or sump pump to the drain line. Disposal Field - A series of trenches conveying the effluent from the septic tank laid in such a manner that the flow will be distributed with reasonable uniformity into natural soil. Dishwasher Tailpiece - A flanged adapter connecting a basket strainer to the drainpipe with a dishwasher inlet. Diverter - Valves which direct water to various outlets. They are used in showers, tubs, bidets, and sinks. Drip Leg - A stub end pipe placed at a low point in the gas piping to collect condensate and permit its removal. Drum Trap - An obsolete, non-vented drain lead or cast iron canister trap formerly used in sewer lines. Duo Valve - A twin valve (hot & cold) with a single on/off lever used for washing machine boxes. DWV - Abbreviation for Drain, Waste and Vent.
E Coli - The common abbreviation of Escherichia Coli. One of the members of the coliform groups of bacteria indicating fecal contamination. Earthquake Strap - A metal strap used to secure a water heater to the house frame or foundation. Efficiency - A product's ability to utilize input energy, expressed as a percentage. Effluent - Septic system liquid waste. Elbow - A pipe fitting with two openings that changes the direction of the line. Also called an ell. It comes in a variety of angles, from 22 1/2° to 90°. Escutcheon - A decorative metal flange or trim shield beneath a faucet handle that covers the faucet stem and the hole in the fixture or wall. Expansion Tank - A tank designed to absorb excess pressure due to thermal expansion (e.g. closed system).
Fall/Flow - The proper slope or pitch of a pipe for adequate drainage. Female Fitting - A fitting that receives a pipe or fitting. A fitting into which another fitting is inserted. Finish Plumbing - Installation of plumbing fixtures to make the system usable. Fixture - In plumbing, the devices that provide a supply of water and/or its disposal, e.g. sinks, tubs, toilets. Flapper Valve - The part on the bottom of the toilet tank that opens to allow water to flow from the tank into the bowl. Float Ball - The floating ball connected to the ballcock inside the tank that rises or falls with changing water levels in the tank, and actuates or shuts off the ballcock as needed. Floor Flange - A fitting that connects a toilet to a floor drain. Flushometer - Toilet valve that automatically shuts off after it meters a certain amount of water flow. Flushometer Tank System - Toilet flushing system that uses supply water pressure to compress water to provide a pressurized flush as opposed to a gravity flush. Flux - Paste applied to copper pipes and fittings before soldering to help the fusion process and prevent oxidation. Footprint - The area of floor space taken up by a water heater or other appliance. French Drain - A covered ditch containing a layer of fitted or loose stone or other pervious material.
Gas Cock - Plug valve installed the main gas line and an appliance. Gas Control - Device used to regulate gas pressure on a water heater. Gate - A device that controls the flow in a conduit, pipe, or tunnel. Gate Diverter - The pop-up lever on a tub faucet that activates the diverter valve. Gravity Operated Toilet - A toilet that relies on the natural downward pressure of water in a toilet tank to flush the toilet effectively. Gray Water - Waste water from sinks, showers, and bathtubs, but not toilets.
Horizontal Branch - Lateral drain pipes that run from plumbing fixtures to the waste stack in a building or in the soil. Horizontal Run - The horizontal distance between the point where fluid enters a pipe and the point at which it leaves. Hose Bibb - An outdoor faucet, also used to supply washing machines. House Trap - U-shaped fitting with two adjacent cleanout plugs visible at floor level if main drain runs under floor. Hubless (No-Hub) - Cast iron drainage pipe with neoprene gaskets and clamps. Hydronic - System of forced hot water.
I.D. - Abbreviation for inside diameter. All pipes are sized according to their inside diameter. Indirect Wastes - Waste pipe used to convey gray water by discharging it into a plumbing fixture such as a floor drain. Instantaneous Water Heater - A type of water heater that heats water as it flows through a heat exchanger coil.
Jet - An orifice or other feature of a toilet that is designed to direct water into the trapway quickly to start the siphon action. Johnni-bolts - Closet bolts, used to mount toilet bowls to the closet flange.
Kafer Fitting - Cast iron drainage pipe fitting with threaded-on hub used to attach to existing cast iron lines. Knockout Plug - PVC test plug.
Lavatory (Lav) - A fixed bowl or basin with running water and drainage for washing. Also reffered to as a restroom or a bathroom. Leach Field - Porous soil area, through which septic tank leach lines run, emptying the treated waste. Leader - Pipe carrying rainwater to the ground or sewer. Lock Nut - Nut fitted into a piece of pipe and screwed onto another pipe to join the two pieces.
Main - The primary artery of supply of the water supply or drain system in which all the branches connect. In the case of drains, known as the Main Vent. Male Threads - Threads on the outside of pipes and fittings. Malleable Fittings - Fittings made of metal which is soft and pliable. Manifold - A fitting that connects a number of branches to the main; serves as a distribution point. Mechanicals - The wiring, plumbing and heating and cooling systems in a building; also the components with moving parts such as furnaces, plumbing fixtures, etc. Multi-Stage Pump - A pump that has more than one impeller.
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