A and bath the intent of the act/rules is to
make restrooms, and other public sanitary
1. above ground drainage system.
A system of pipework used to remove (foul)
black water or rainwater to the drainage
system
2. above ground sanitary pipework system.
A system of pipework conveying the
discharge from sanitary appliances
3. ABS. Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene.
A black plastic pipe and its fittings that are
commonly used in drainage, sewer, waste,
and vents. ABS does not crack, chip, or peel.
4. absolute pressure.
The total pressure or force exerted on a
surface.
5. absorption. This term applies to immersion
in a fluid for a definite period of time. It is
usually expressed as a percent of the weight
of the dry pipe.
6. abutment flashing.
A weatherproofing material used to seal the
join between a roof and a brick wall, such as
a garage joining the external brick wall of a
house or a chimney passing through a roof.
7. access chamber.
An opening into the ground from which
drains can be inspected and rodded or
cleaned out, both towards and away from a
building, also acting as a junction into which
the drainage from other plumbing fixtures
may discharge into the horizontal drain.
8. access panel.
An opening in the wall or ceiling near the
fixture that allows access for servicing the
plumbing system.
9. accessible.
In reference to a plumbing fixture, appliance,
equipment or connection: easily reached,
though the use of tools may be required to
remove an access panel or open a door.
10. acetylene gas.
A gas used in oxyacetylene welding and lead
welding. It is produced when calcium carbide
is brought into contact with water.
11. acid.
An acid (often represented by the generic
formula AH) is typically a water-soluble,
sour-tasting chemical compound. In
common usage an acid is any substance that,
when dissolved in water, gives a solution
with a pH value less than 7
12. acrylic.
A thermoplastic used on the surface of
bathtubs and whirlpools. Generally comes in
sheets and is formed to the shape of the
mold (tubs/showers) in the factory.
Generally, fiberglass is added to the back for
strength.
13. ADA.
Governmental guidelines. ADA stands for
Americans with Disability Act. These
guidelines do tend to change over time.
When related to public plumbing, kitchen
facilities more easily accessible to those who
have some disability such as being blind.
Commercial restroom signs with braille are
an example of products that we sell largely
due to ADA rules.
14. adaptor.
A fitting that joins two different types of
pipes together. Or/Also a fitting that joins
threaded with none threaded pipe (as in:
female adaptor or male adaptor, PVC to cast
iron pipe).
15. adhesion.
This occurs when substances stick together
16. adjustable spanner.
An adjustable spanner, adjustable wrench or
a shifter is an open-end wrench with a
movable jaw, allowing it to be used with
different sizes of fastener head rather than
just one fastener size, as with a conventional
fixed spanner.
17. adventitious ventilation.
Natural ventilation is the air that enters a
room through the gaps between floorboards
and around doors and windows.
Adventitious ventilation is taken into
account when determining the amount
ofnatural ventilation air required for correct
combustion at flueless or open-flued
combustion appliances.
18. aerated burner.
A gas burner in which the gas is mixed with
air before emission and ignition
19. aerator.
A part at the end of a faucet spout which
mixes air into the dropping water, thereby
aerating the water.
20. aerobic.
Living with air.
21. AGA.
Imprinted on many gas valves and
appliances. It is the American Gas
Association rating.
22. air admittance valve.
A mechanical one-way valve used in place of
traditional non -mechanical (very reliable)
vents. It is to allow air to enter waste piping
and equalizing pressures. Vents are used to
preserve the seal of trap in plumbing
fixtures. Also known as auto trap vents.
23. air break.
A physical separation between any pipe and
receptor through the free atmosphere. The
separation may be below the flood level of
the receptor but above the trap seal.
24. air brick.
A purpose-designed brick with fixed
ventilation openings to allow air to pass
through, ensuring there is proper
combustion of open-flued combustion
appliances and adequate ventilation, which
prevents rot in suspended timber ground
floors.
25. air change.
The rate at which the air in a room is
completely changed by either natural
ventilation or mechanical ventilation.
26. air gap.
A physical separation between a safe
drinking-water system and above the flood
level of the receptor. The separation should
be at least twice the supply pipe diameter,
but never less that 25 millimetres (1 inch).
27. air lock.
The trapping of air in a pipe or fitting,
resulting in a reduction or a complete
stoppage of the flow of water
28. air-pressure switch.
A safety cut-off device used in fan-flued
boilers. If the fan is not operating, the air-
pressure switch stops the ignition process
from taking place and the boiler fails to
safety condition and does not light.
29. air separator.
This device, which is used in open-vented
fully-pumped central heating systems,
allows the cold feed and vent pipe to be
joined closely together in a desirable
pipework configuration, causing turbulence,
which removes air, reduces noise and
reduces the risk of corrosion.
30. air tap (air valve).
This is a high point, usually in a central
heating system, where air can be bled from
the system by manual means, as in the case
of a radiator.
31. air tap key.
A purpose-made device used with an air tap
for letting out air from components such as
radiators.
32. air test.
A pressure test applied to plumbing systems
to check for leakage.
33. air vent.
A grille which allows the free passage of air
at all times, in particular for supplying air to
combustion appliances for correct
combustion and/or cooling purposes
34. alignment test.
This is a test carried out on drainage systems
to determine whether a drain is properly
aligned.
35. Alkaline.
Any substance that in solution gives a pH of
greater than 7, as in the case of lye
(potassium hydroxide or sodium hydroxide),
baking soda (sodium bicarbonate), and lime
(calcium oxide or calcium hydroxide)
36. allen keys.
L-shaped tools with hexagonal heads of
varying diameters designed to fit into
socketed screws, allowing loosening and
tightening of the screw.
37. alloy.
A metal compound made by combining two
or more metals.
38. alternating current (A.C.)
The electrical current supplied to domestic
properties, a.c. flows in forwards and
backwards cycles (positive to negative).
39. ambient air temperature.
the air temperature surrounding a body.
40. ammeter.
A device used to measure current flow
(electrical current) in amperes.
41. ampere.
A measure of electric current. 1 A of current
represents one coulomb of electrical charge
moving past a specific point in one second.
42. anaerobic.
Living without air.
43. anchor.
Is usually pieces of metal used to fasten or
secure pipes to the building or structure.
44. angle branch.
A junction in a main run of pipework where
the branch joins the main run of pipe at an
angle of less than 90°. An angle branch is
sometimes called a splay or Y branch.
45. angle welded joint.
The lead welding of two sheets of lead lying
at different angles.
46. angle stop.
An "emergency" stop (valve) that is usually
installed before the water supply line
(below) to toilets and faucets.
47. annealing.
This process reduces the brittleness of metal
by gentle heating and cooling, sometimes
referred to as ‘softening’ the metal.
Different metals and alloys require different
temperatures for annealing.
48. annular space.
The space between pipes or surfaces in close
proximity, as in flue systems where there is
space between the two pipe walls in a twin-
wall pipe or there is space between a flue
liner and its surrounding chimney.
49. anode rod.
Sacrificial rod used mainly in water heaters.
It helps protect the lining of and generally
lengthens the life of a water heater.
50. anthracite.
A ‘hard coal’, bright and shiny, smokeless,
and generally found deeper in the earth than
bituminous coal. It produces no smoke when
burnt but may be difficult to light initially.
51. anti-capillarity groove.
A groove cut into building materials
preventing capillary action taking place,
which may result in water entering the
building.
52. anti-gravity valve.
A type of non-return valve that is used in
central heating systems to prevent
unwanted gravity circulation taking place in
pumped circuits when the circuit is turned
off.
53. anti-legionella valve.
A special valve connected to the inlet of an
expansion vessel to ensure that fresh water
circulates within it as water is drawn through
the system.
54. anti-vacuum valve.
A valve that is designed to open to
atmosphere when negative pressure occurs
in a section of pipeline (suction pressure).
55. anti-vibration mountings.
These are special mountings sited under
components, such as pumps, that are used
to minimize the transmission of noise and
the effects of vibration from the pump to the
surface on which it is mounted
56. appliance compartment.
A non-habitable space or enclosure designed
to house combustion appliances
57. appliance shut-off valve.
A service valve fitted on or next to an
appliance that is used for the purposes of
isolating the appliance, usually for service or
maintenance activities.
58. apron flashing.
A type of cover flashing which lays over a
roof structure at the point where it meets an
abutment in order to weatherproof the
building at that point.
59. apprentice plumber.
An entry-level plumber, learning the trade.
State requirements may include a high
school diploma or GED, an aptitude test and
that the applicant is 18 year of age or older.
Apprentices may work with a journeyman,
under the supervision of a master plumber.
60. arc welding.
This is a group of welding processes that use
a welding power supply to create an electric
arc between an electrode and the base
material to melt metals at the welding point
61. area of circle.
The square of the radius multiplied by
pi(3.1416). Area = π2 or (rxrx3.1416).
62. artesian wells.
An artesian well is formed by boring through
an impervious layer of rock to a lower porous
zone containing water. The well is designed
so that the mouth isbelow the water table,
forcing the water from the porous layer up
and out.
63. artificial reservoirs.
These are formed by damming a river in a
low-lying area causing the land to flood, so
that the water is preserved for domestic and
industrial use.
64. asbestos.
This is a mineral, extracted from rock to form
a fibrous material used in products such as
cement, fire-resistant boards, floor and
ceiling tiles, insulation and roofing.
65. asbestos cement.
A mix of cement and asbestos used to form
building components such as cold water
storage tanks, flue pipes and roof coverings
66. ascending spray bidet.
A type of bidet which has an ascending spray
below the spill-over level of the appliance,
which presents a high risk of potential
contamination to the water supply through
backflow.
67. atmospheric corrosion.
Corrosion caused by elements and
compounds in the air, for example the
combination of oxygen and water vapour in
the air can attack steel and iron causing
rusting
68. atmospheric pressure.
The pressure caused by the weight of the
Earth’s atmosphere, which varies at
different heights above sea level, for
example the pressure at sea level is 101.3
kN/m2 or approximately 1 bar.
69. atmosphere-sensing device (ASD).
A safety control, fitted to appliances such as
water heaters and gas fires, to detect oxygen
depletion. It is also known as a vitiation
sensing device or as anoxygen-depletion
device
70. authority.
An individual official, board, ministry or
other political entity established and
authorized by governmental sanction or a
specific law enacted by a governing body
that confers statutory powers to formulate
and enforce a code of practice for plumbing.
71. autogenous welding.
A welding process to join two pieces of the
same metal using heat without the addition
of filler metal.
72. automatic air vent.
A device that is primarily installed on a
central-heating system at a high point so
that when air gets trapped in the system, the
vent automatically removes the air.
73. automatic bypass valve.
A mechanical device used in systems with
motorized valves or thermostatic radiator
valves (TRVs), to ensure a minimum water-
flow rate through the boiler if the zone
valves or TRVs close and the circulating
pressure developed by the pump goes over
a pre-set limit
74. automatic changeover valve.
This is used on liquefied petroleum gas
installations fed by gas bottles to
automatically change the supply from an
empty gas bottle to a full gas bottle without
affecting the gas supply to the property.
75. automatic flow cut-off device.
A device which controls the flow of water
into a cistern supplying urinals. The
automatic flow cut-off device could be in the
form of a solenoid valve operated by a time
switch or infrared sensor controlling the flow
of water into the cistern; or by means of an
hydraulically operated valve that senses the
use of other sanitary appliances in the
toilet/washing area.
76. automatic flushing cistern.
This automatically flushes the contents of
the cistern feeding a urinal at fixed intervals.
77. automatic valve.
A device on a gas-fired instantaneous water
heater which turns the gas on when a tap is
opened and turns the gas off when the tap is
closed
78. auto-pneumatic pressure vessel.
This device is normally used to supply water
under pressure to the upper floors of high-
rise buildings. The cylinder contains a
cushion of air under pressure that is in
contact with the water that is to be
pressurized; this cushion of air forces water
to high level and, as the water is drawn off,
the air expands and its pressure falls.
B of vertical pipe
79. back fill.
That portion of the trench excavation which
is replaced after the sewer line has been laid.
The material above the pipe up to the
original earth line.
80. backflow.
The flow of water or other liquids, mixture or
substances into the distribution pipe of a
potable supply of water from any source
other than that intended.
81. backflow preventer.
A device or assembly designed to prevent
backflow into the potable water system.
82. back flush.
To temporarily reverse the normal liquid
flow through a plumbing system.
83. backpressure.
The reversing of normal flow resulting from
a pressure downstream that is higher than
the supply pressure in the distribution piping
of a drinking-water supply system.
84. back-siphonage.
A term applied to the flow of used water,
wastes and/or contamination into the
potable water supply piping, due to vacuums
being established in the distribution system,
building service, water main or parts
thereof.
85. backup.
Due to a drainage problem, water cannot
flow out properly from a fixture, creating an
overflow
86. backwater valve.
A device for preventing sewage or drainage
water from flowing back into a building in
the event of flooding or sewer blockage.
87. ball test.
A ball slightly less in diameter than the drain
is rolled down the pipe; if no obstruction is
present the ball should roll freely down the
pipe from one end to the other.
88. ballcock.
Also known as a float valve, the ballcock
controls the flow of water into a gravity-
operated toilet tank.
89. ball check valve.
A valve that uses a ball to seal against a seat
to stop flow in one direction.
90. ball joint.
found at the base of a shower head. Allows
it to pivot and rotate
91. base.
The lowest portion or lowest point of a stack
92. basin.
Generally circular, vessel with slopping or
curving sides for holding water for washing.
Usually used to refer to a sink of some sort.
93. basket strainers.
Generally a basket shaped strainer drain
receptacle with holes, for sinks. Used to
catch large food particles to prevent them
from entering the drainage system.
94. BC.
Brushed chrome.
95. bibb.
Typically, a faucet with nozzle bent
downward. Also called: outside/outdoor
faucet/spigot or garden faucet.
96. bidet.
Pronounced B'Day, is a plumbing fixture
similar to a toilet bowl (but no solids are to
be deposited in a bidet) used for washing
genitals and posterior areas of the body.
97. bisque.
Refers to the finish on the unglazed areas of
vitreous china fixtures.
98. black water.
Combined domestic effluent including liquid
and solid human body waste and the water
discharged from toilet usage.
99. bleed.
draining a pipe of excess air by opening a
valve at the end
100. blowbag.
Blowbags are devices that clean drains. They
are made up of a rubber bladder with a hose
fitting on one end and a nozzle on the other.
The blowbag is attached to a water hose and
the hose is inserted into a clogged drainpipe.
Water is expelled in pulses, forcing water
through the clog.
101. boiler.
A tank that heats water and turns it to steam
for power or hot water.
102. brackish water.
Classification of water. It means the water
contains bacteria between 1000 and 15000
ppm of dissolved liquids
103. branch.
Any part of the piping system other than a
main riser, or stack.
104. branch vent.
A vent connecting one or more individual
vents with a vent stack.
105. brass.
A combination of copper and zinc used for
fixings
106. bronze.
A combination of copper and tin used for
decorative purposes and for corrosion-
resistant pumps
107. BTU.
Abbreviation for "British Thermal Unit"; a
measurement of heat equal to the amount
of heat necessary to raise one pound of
water one-degree Fahrenheit at sea level.
(One BTU is equal to about 250 calories.)
108. buchan trap.
Obsolete way of venting a waste water drain.
An in-line trap with a vent on the inlet side.
Also known as a Bristol interceptor.
109. building drain.
The lowest part of a building drainage
system where the drainage pipes meet and
convey the discharge from within the walls
or footings of any building to the building
sewer. Also called house drain.
110. building sewer.
That part of the horizontal piping of a
drainage system that extends from the end
of the building drain and that receives the
discharge of the building drain and conveys
it to a public sewer, private sewer, private
sewage disposal system or other point of
disposal. Also called house sewer.
111. building subdrain.
That portion of a drainage system that does
not drain by gravity into the building sewer.
Also called house subdrain.
112. cast iron.
Formerly used for drainage, sewers, waste,
and vent pipe and fittings. Very durable and
heavy metal. Today, many top quality bath
tubs are still made with cast iron. Pipes and
fittings today are generally only used for
commercial applications where fire ratings
are involved.
113. cast iron soil pipe.
The preferred material for drain, waste,
vent, and sewer systems.
114. caulking.
A method of sealing against water or gas by
means of pliable substances such as lead and
oakum, etc.
115. centerset.
A style of bathroom lavatory faucet having
combined spout and handles. Handles are 4"
from center of handle-to-handle. Also a
single handle faucet installed on 4" center-
to-center faucet holes.
116. check valve.
A valve that allows the flow of a liquid in only
one direction but closes when the normal
direction of flow is reversed.
117. China.
In the plumbing industry that generally
refers to porcelain or vitreous china used in
making toilets and lavatory sinks. China is a
material that is made from clay and is glazed
and high fired in a kiln. The finish is very hard
and smooth. An excellent product for toilets
and lavatories. Fire clay is another form of
china that is used for large farm sinks.
118. circuit vent.
Where one common vent serves up to a
maximum of eight fixtures connected to a
horizontal branch drain. Circuit venting must
be designed by a professional engineer. The
vent must be installed between the two
most upstream fixture drains and the vent
cannot receive the discharge of any waste or
soil.
119. circumference of a circle.
The diameter of the circle multiplied by pi.
Circumference = πD.
120. cistern.
A vessel open at the top to the atmosphere
used to hold a supply of cold drinking-water.
121. city sewer.
Sewage disposal system operated by the city
or county.
122. clarified sewage.
A term used for sewage from which
suspended matter has been removed.
123. cleanout.
A plug in a drain pipe, vent or trap that
provides access for the purpose of clearing
an obstruction.
124. clog.
Any debris blocking the flow of water in a
pipe
125. close-coupled toilet.
A two-piece toilet. The toilet tank is separate
from the toilet bowl. This is the most
common type of toilet.
126. closet auger.
A flexible rod with a curved end used to
access the toilet's built-in trap and remove
clogs.
127. closet bend.
A curved fitting that connects the closet
flange to the toilet drain.
128. closet flange.
An anchoring ring secured to the floor. The
base of the toilet is secured to this ring with
bolts.
129. code.
An ordinance, rule or regulation which a city
or governing body may adopt to control the
plumbing work within its jurisdiction.
130. coliform group of bacteria.
Organisms considered in the coili aerogenes
group as set forth in the American Water
Works Association and the American Public
Health Association literature.
131. colour marking.
The marking of pipes and fittings with
different colours to designate the
application of the product and to assist
installers in identification and prevention of
cross-connections.
132. combined building drain.
A building drain that conveys both sewage
and storm water or other drainage.
133. combined building sewer.
A building sewer that conveys both sewage
and storm water or other drainage.
134. commode.
Generally also stands for toilet.
135. common vent.
A drain system within a building that
connects 2+ fixture branches on the same
level.
136. compression.
Stress which resists the tendency of two
forces acting toward each other.
137. compression fitting.
An alternative to soldering, this technique
involves placing a nut and a sleeve over a
tube and compressing it tightly around the
tube
138. compression valve.
A valve used for water faucets. It opens and
closes by raising and lowering a horizontal
disk.
139. conductor.
That part of the vertical piping which carries
the water from the roof to the storm drain,
which starts either 6” above grade if outside
the building, or at the roof sump or gutter if
inside the building.
140. conservation.
The preservation and protection of natural
resources.
141. corrosion.
A surface reaction causing a gradual erosion
of the material affected.
142. console lav.
A table-like fixture with an integral lavatory.
The back is fixed to a wall and the front is
supported by consoles (brackets) or legs.
143. copper.
Reddish-brown, non-ferrous metal widely
used for household plumbing pipes.
144. copper piping.
Water line made of copper or a copper alloy.
Copper pipe is usually rigid; tubing is flexible.
Copper will not rust and has a long life cycle,
but it can corrode, especially at solder joints,
which could cause leakage. It is primarily
used for potable (drinkable) water.
145. coupling.
A fitting that joins two pieces of pipe (or
other fittings) together.
146. CPVC.
Chlorinated PolyVinyl Chloride is a plastic
product designed for drinking water at
temperatures up to 180 degrees (where
code permits). Comes in straight or rolls,
generally off white colored (orange for fire
sprinklers).
147. cross connection. (or inter-connection)
Any physical connection between a city
water supply and any waste pipe, soil pipe,
sewer, drain, or any private or uncertified
water supply. Any potable water supply
outlet which is submerged or can be
submerged in waste water and/or any other
source of contamination.
148. crude or raw sewage.
Untreated sewage.
149. culvert.
Similar to a pipe, a construction of concrete
that allows drainage underneath a road.
150. CW.
Abbreviation for Cold Water
151. CWP.
Abbreviation for Cold Working Pressure
152. CWT.
Abbreviation for Copper Water Tube (refers
to nominal pipe size).
153. CxC.
Copper x copper, meaning the fitting is sized
for copper pipe.
154. cycle time.
Refers to the amount of time it takes a toilet
to complete its flush cycle, from the instant
it is flushed until the water supply shuts off.
D
155. dam.
A barrier constructed to hold back water and
raise its level, the resulting reservoir being
used in the generation of electricity or as a
water supply.
156. dead end.
A branch leading from any soil, waste or vent
pipe, building drain, or building sewer, which
is terminated at a distance of two (2) feet or
 more by means of a cap, plug or other fitting
not used for admitting water or air to the
pipe, except branches serving as cleanout
extensions.
157. desanco fitting.
A compression adapter that attaches tubular
brass fittings to PVC pipes.
158. developed lengths.
Length measured along the center line of the
pipe and fittings.
159. diameter.
A straight line that passes through the center
of a circle and divides it in half.
160. diaphragm.
Flexible membrane in a valve body that
regulates water flow from the supply lines
and reduces build-up within a valve
161. digester and digestion.
That portion of the sewage treatment
process where biochemical decomposition
of organic matter takes place, resulting in
the formation of simple organic and mineral
substances.
162. disinfection.
Killing or rendering harmless microbial
contaminants by chemical or physical
processes.
163. dip tube.
The tube inside a water heater that sends
cold water down to the bottom of the tank
164. direct tap.
A clamp on a branch line that takes it off of
the main line.
165. discharge drain.
A drain that discharges water into a drain
system or into the ground through a
channel. French drains are one example of a
discharge drain.
166. dishwasher tailpiece.
An adapter that unites a basket strainer to a
drainpipe with a dishwasher inlet.
167. disposal field.
A series of trenches that distribute waste
uniformly into the soil.
168. diverter.
Valves which direct water to various outlets.
They are used in showers, tub & shower
combinations, bidets, Roman tub fillers and
kitchen faucet sprayers.
169. domestic sewage.
Sewage originating principally from
dwellings, business buildings, institutions
and usually not containing storm water. In
some localities it may include industrial
wastes and rain water from combination
sewers.
170. downpipe or downspout.
A vertical drainage pipe for conveying storm
water from the roof or gutter drains.
171. drain.
Any pipe which carries waste water or
water-borne wastes in a building drainage
system.
172. drain, building or house.
That part of the lowest horizontal piping of a
building drainage system which receives and
conveys the discharge from soil, waste and
drainage pipes, other than storm drains,
from within the walls or footings of any
building to the building sewer.
173. drains, combined.
That portion of the drainage system within a
building which carries storm water and
sanitary sewage.
174. drains, storm.
Piping and its branches which convey sub-
soil and/or surface water from areas, courts,
roofs or yards to the building or storm sewer.
175. drains, subsoil.
That part of the drainage system which
conveys the subsoil, ground or seepage
water from the footings of walls, or from
under buildings, to the building drain, storm
water drain or building sewer.
176. drainage system.
All the piping within public or private
premises that conveys sewage or other
liquid wastes to a point of disposal. It does
not include the mains of a public sewer
system or a public sewage treatment or
disposal plant.
177. drain cock.
A valve, usually installed in the lowest
portion of a piping system or vessel, that
controls the flow of liquid from the system
or vessel.
178. drip leg.
A stub-ended pipe installed at the low point
on a gas line; collects condensation and
debris and allows for its removal; also known
as a sediment trap
179. dry weather flow.
Sewage collected during the dry weather
which contains little or no ground water and
no storm water.
180. dual system.
A situation in which a second plumbing
system is installed alongside the system for
provision of drinking-water. An example is a
potable drinking-water system and a
greywater system in the same facility
181. ductility.
The property of elongation, above the elastic
limit, but short of the tensile strength.
182. duo valve.
A hot and cold valve with a single on/off
lever used for washing machines.
183. DWV. Abbreviation for Drainage, Waste &
Vent systems. Not for drinking water.
184. dynamic pressure. The pressure when the
water IS flowing.
E 196. faucet.
185. effluent.
Sewage, treated or partially treated, flowing
from sewage treatment equipment.
186. elastic limit.
The greatest stress which a material can
withstand without permanent deformation
after release of stress.
187. elbow (aka ell).
A 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°, though by far the most common is the
90°.
188. electrolysis.
A chemical change that occurs when an
electric current is generated by the
connection of two different metals, either
directly or via an electrolyte solution
189. elongated.
The shape of the front of a toilet bowl.
Generally about 2" longer than the standard
"round front" bowl.
190. enamel.
An opaque vitreous composition applied by
fusion to the surface of metal fixtures such
as cast iron and pressed steel tubs, lavatories
and sinks. Please do not confuse enameled
steel with enameled cast iron. Cast iron with
enameling is much more durable.
191. erosion.
The gradual destruction of metal or other
material by the abrasive action of liquids,
gases, solids or mixtures of these materials.
192. escutcheon. (pronounced ih-skuhch-uhn)
An ornamental or protective flange or shield
beneath a faucet handle, This part covers the
faucet stem and the hole in the fixture or
wall. They are also found around shower
arms, stop valves, and other piping that
comes through the wall. Typically cosmetic,
some escutcheons are gasketed to help with
waterproofing, like escutcheons for body
sprays.
193. existing work.
That portion of a plumbing system which has
been installed prior to current or
contemplated addition, alteration or
correction.
194. expansion tank.
A device designed to contain excess pressure
due to thermal expansion
F
195. fall.
The proper slope or pitch of a pipe for
adequate drainage.
A sink fixture that controls water flow.
197. faucet screen.
A small metal screen used to catch small
debris in the water system, found in the
faucet arm nozzle. Water hoses for washing
machines may also have a screen to prevent
debris from damaging the water valves.
198. Fernco.
A manufacturer. Commonly means rubber
coupling
199. FHT.
Abbreviation for female hose threads.
200. fiberglass.
Glass in a fibrous form used in making
products such as boats and bathtubs.
201. finishes.
To provide a final coat or surface on.
202. finish plumbing.
Installation of plumbing fixtures to make the
system usable.
203. FIP(S).
Abbreviation for female iron pipe size
threaded fitting. Threads are inside the
fitting.
204. fitting.
A part used to join two sections of pipe or
other fittings together. An example of a
fitting is an elbow, bushing, or coupling.
205. fixture.
Broad term in plumbing/kitchen/bath that
could be an entire toilet, sink, tub, etc OR it
could be the devices that provide a supply of
water.
206. fixtures, battery of.
Any group of two or more similar adjacent
fixtures which discharge into a common
horizontal waste or soil branch.
207. fixtures, combination.
Any integral unit such as a kitchen sink and a
laundry unit.
208. fixtures, plumbing.
Installed receptacles, devices or appliances
which are supplied with water, or which
receive liquids and/or discharge liquids, or
liquid-borne wastes, either directly or
indirectly into drainage system.
209. fixture unit.
Amount of fixture discharge equivalent to
seven and one-half (71⁄2) gallons or more;
one cubic foot of water per minute.
210. flammable waste.
Waste that is easily ignited and will burn.
211. flange.
The edge of a pipe that aids in connecting it
to another pipe or anchoring the pipe to a
surface
212. flapper.
Part of the flush valve that seals water inside
the toilet tank or allows passage of water
into the toilet bowl during the flush cycle.
Also known as a flush ball.
213. flexi connector.
One piece stop and riser combination. One-
piece supply.
214. float valve.
A valve that operates by means of a bulb or
ball floating on the surface of a liquid in a
tank or container. The rise and fall action
operates a lever, which opens and closes the
valve.
215. flood level rim.
The top edge of the receptacle from which
water overflows.
216. floor flange.
A fitting that connects a toilet to the sewer
line; also known as a closet flange
217. flow rate.
The measurement of water flow through a
plumbing system
218. flush valve.
A device located at the bottom of the tank
for flushing water closets and similar
fixtures.
219. flushometer valve.
A device which discharges a predetermined
quantity of water to a fixture for flushing
purposes; powered by direct water pressure.
220. flux.
The paste that is used in soldering metal
joints. Flux aids the process by preventing
oxidation of the joint
221. FNPT.
Abbreviation for Female National Pipe
Thread Taper.
222. footing.
The part of a foundation wall resting on the
bearing soil, rock or piling which transmits
the superimposed load to the bearing
material.
223. fresh sewage.
Sewage of recent origin still containing free
dissolved oxygen.
224. friction loss.
Pressure lost in a pipe due to turbulence
created by water traveling through pipe.
225. frost protection.
Methods, such as burial or insulation, used
to protect against freezing of pipes or
fixtures.
226. FSWT.
Female sweat connection
227. FVIR.
Flammable Vapor Ignition Resistant. Gas
fired water heaters sold as of July 1, 2003,
per the American National Standards
Institute (ANSI), must include features to
resist possible ignition of flammable vapors
outside of the water heater combustion
chamber.
G
228. galvanized steel (piping).
A type of steel water piping, coated with a
zinc compound. The zinc acts as a sacrificial
metal, slowing down the corrosion process.
229. gas cock.
Gas valve.
230. gas control.
Device used to regulate gas pressure on a
water heater.
231. gate valve.
A device that controls the flow of liquid in a
pipe
232. GPF. Gallons Per Flush.
Today's toilets, per federal law, are only
allowed to deliver 1.6gpf or less. In many
years past, toilets flushed as much as 7-8gpf.
233. GPH.
Abbreviation for Gallons Per Hour.
234. GPM.
Abbreviation for Gallons Per Minute. Usually
used when describing how many gallons of
water a fixture uses to operate.
235. gravity operated toilet.
A toilet that relies on the natural downward
pressure of water in a toilet tank to flush the
toilet effectively; most toilets in American
homes are gravity operated
236. grease interceptor.
A device, usually outside a building, that
retains grease and prevents it passing into
the sewerage system.
237. grease trap.
A grease interceptor installed inside a
facility, usually near the grease-producing
fixtures.
238. green water.
Reclaimed water that has been treated to a
standard, suitable for general domestic non-
potable applications. It may be identified
through inclusion of a green dye and
supplied through a dedicated colour-coded
pipework system.
239. greywater.
Water that has already been used for
bathing, washing, laundry or dishwashing,
but does not contain excreta.
240. gunmetal.
A combination of copper, tin and zinc used
for corrosion-resistant underground fittings.
H
241. handshower.
A showerhead designed with a handle that is
connected to a water supply via a flexible
hose.
242. head.
The water pressure exerted by gravity (2.31
feet of height means/delivers one pound of
head). Also, slang for toilet.
243. horizontal branch.
Lateral drain pipes that run from plumbing
fixtures to the waste stack in a building or in
the soil
244. horizontal run.
The horizontal distance between the point
where fluid enters a pipe and the point at
which it leaves
245. hose.
A flexible rubber or plastic tube for carrying
water. Garden hoses have special fittings to
connect to the hose bibb and attachments.
246. hose bibb.
A garden or outdoor faucet. Also, a faucet
that delivers water with a hose connection at
the end of the spout (such as to a washing
machine).
247. houdee.
Former manufacturer. Commonly means
stainless steel sink frame.
248. H.P.
Abbreviation for "horse power."
249. H.T.
Abbreviation for "hose threads." Garden
hose threads are different than standard
pipe threads. They are much more coarse
and are 0.75 - 11.5 NH (normal hose). The
0.75 is the nominal diameter (3/4 inch) and
the 11.5 is the number of threads per inch.
250. HW.
Hot water
I license for 4 to 5 years before progressing to
251. I.D.
Abbreviation for "inside diameter." In
plumbing, most pipes are sized by "nominal"
(approx.) I.D. which means that when
plumbers say 3/4" pipe, for example, it
generally means that the outside diameter is
wider than 3/4".
252. indirect connections.
Waste piping that discharges into a receptor
or interceptor through an air break or air gap
into the drainage system.
253. indirect wastes.
A waste pipe that discharges gray water by
discharging it into a plumbing fixture.
254. industrial waste.
Liquid or waterborne waste from industrial
or commercial processes.
255. instantaneous water heater.
A type of water heater that heats water as it
flows through a heat exchanger coil; also
known by the brand name "Insta-Hot"
256. interceptor.
A device used to separate deleterious,
hazardous or undesirable matter from
normal wastes, retaining it while permitting
normal sewage or liquid wastes to discharge
into the drainage system by gravity.
257. invert.
A line that runs lengthwise along the base of
the channel at the lowest point on its wetted
perimeter, its slope established when the
sewer or drain is installed.
258. IPS.
Generally an abbreviation for "iron pipe
size." Sometimes it means male pipe
threads.
259. IPT.
Generally an abbreviation for "iron pipe
thread." Sometimes it means male pipe
threads.
J
260. jet.
A toilet feature that directs water into the
trapway to begin the siphon action.
261. Johnni-bolts.
A johnni-bolt or closet bolt is used to mount
a toilet bowl to the closet flange.
262. journeyman.
A plumber who has completed
apprenticeship requirements. Ongoing
training is still required, although more
responsibility is given to the journeyman.
Normally the journeyman must hold that
the master level.
K
263. Kafer fitting.
A cast iron drainage pipe that attaches to the
existing case iron lines
264. knockout plug.
PVC test plug.
L
265. lateral sewer.
A sewer which does not receive sewage from
any other common sewer except house
connections.
266. lavatory ("lav").
A fixed bowl or basin with running water and
drainage for washing. Many use the word
"lavatory" as meaning a bathroom.
267. leaching well or cesspool.
Any pit or receptacle having porous walls
which permit the contents to seep into the
ground
268. leader.
The piping from the roof which carries
rainwater.
269. liquid waste.
The discharge from any fixture, appliance or
appurtenance in connection with a plumbing
system that does not receive fecal matter.
270. lock nut.
A nut that joins two pipes together.
271. low-flow.
A water fixture that produces a lower water
flow at the outlet.
272. LWCO.
Low water cut off.
M automatic or manual regulation.
273. 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 Water Main.
274. main drainpipe.
The piping where the dwelling’s drain piping
system enters the septic system or
underground drainpipe.
275. main line.
The primary line that supplies water from
the water company's meter at the street up
to the point where it enters the home; all
other supply lines in the home branch out
from this main line
276. main sewer.
(Also call the TRUNK SEWER) The main stem
or principal artery of the sewage system to
which branches may be connected.
277. male threads.
Male threads thread into female threads.
Female fittings openings are larger than
male fittings. Male fittings fit into/inside
female fittings.
278. manhole.
A small covered opening in a floor,
pavement, or other surface to allow a person
to enter, especially an opening in a city
street leading to a sewer.
279. manifold.
A type of fitting that connects branches to
the main.
280. master plumber.
A plumber licensed to install and to assume
responsibility for contractual agreements
pertaining to plumbing and to secure any
required permits. The journeyman plumber
is licensed to install plumbing under the
supervision of a master plumber.
281. MHT.
Abbreviation for male hose threads.
282. mini-widespread.
A special style of bathroom lavatory faucet
having separate spout and handles. But
designed small enough that it will fit 4"
center-to-center faucet holes.
283. MIP(s).
Abbreviation for male pipe threads.
284. mirror test.
A mirror is placed at both ends of a drain and
a light shone down the drain, if the drain is
in proper alignment then a perfect circle
should be shown in one of the mirrors; if an
ellipse is shown then this will indicate the
extent to which the drain is out of alignment
285. mixer.
A single lever tap or shower valve that hot
and cold water enters and comes out at a
mixed temperature.
286. mixing valve.
A valve or faucet that mixes liquids using
N
287. negative pressure.
Pressure below the external atmosphere
pressure, taking into account the local
elevation.
288. nipple.
A short length of pipe installed between
couplings or other fittings.
289. nominal.
Size used for identification only; not literal
dimensions. Used to identify pipe and fitting
sizes in plumbing. Refers to the inside
diameter of the pipe which can vary by
thickness of the pipe. The outside is a
constant size. For copper pipe the outside
diameter is always 1/8" larger than the
nominal size. Example: 1/2" nominal is
always 5/8" O.D.
290. no-hub connector.
A connector for no-hub iron pipe consisting
of a rubber sleeve and a stainless-steel band
secured by hose clamps.
291. NPS.
Abbreviation for National Pipe Straight
Threads Standard (IPS)
292. NPSM.
Abbreviation for National Pipe Straight
Mechanical. Similar to garden hose threads
NPSM fittings must be used with a washer
between the male and female fittings to
create a tight leak-proof seal. The threads
themselves will not seal liquid from leaking
at the fitting.
293. NPT.
Abbreviation for National Pipe Tapered
Threads Standard (FIP, MIP). NPT is the
United States standard for tapered threaded
fittings and pipe. Manufacturers are to
follow this standard when fabricating or
manufacturing pipes and fittings used for
plumbing.
O
294. O-ring.
Used around valve stems, a rubber washer
that creates a watertight seal.
295. OD.
Abbreviation for "outside diameter." The
measurement of the diameter of the pipe as
taken from the outside edge.
296. OEM.
Abbreviation for "original equipment
manufacturer."
297. oil trap.
An interceptor used to retain oil and prevent
it passing into sewers.
298. offset.
In a line of piping, a combination of pipe,
pipes and/or fittings which join two
approximately parallel sections of a line of
pipe.
299. one-piece toilet.
The toilet tank and bowl are not separate,
but make one single fixture. Less common
and usually more expensive, but generally a
more stylish toilet.
300. outfall sewers.
Sewers which receive sewage from the
collection system and carry it to the point of
final discharge or treatment; usually the
largest sewer of a system.
301. outlet sewer.
An outlet sewer is a pipe section that runs
between a septic tank and drainage field in a
septic system
302. ovality.
The difference between the most wide OD
and the most narrow OD on a pipe or tube.
Found be subtracting the minimum outside
diameter from the maximum outside
diameter on a pipe.
303. overflow.
A type of drain used to prevent overfilling of
a fixture. For example, the small hole near
the top of the bathroom sink connects to the
sink drain, preventing the basin from
flooding onto the floor.
304. overflow system.
An outlet or receptacle designed to collect
surplus liquids after the desired amount has
been received.
305. overflow tube.
If the ballcock malfunctions this vertical tube
inside the toilet tank will direct water into
the toilet bowl. This is the part that can
sometimes make your toilet sound like it is
constantly running, which is an indication
that there is a problem with your ballcock.
306. oxidized sewage.
Sewage in which the organic matter has
been combined with oxygen and has
become stable.
P treatment device on the premises.
307. P-trap.
A sink drainpipe designed in the shape of a
“P.” It runs from the sink and down through
the floor to the main drain piping. The shape
is designed to trap a small quantity of water
in the pipe, preventing sewer odors from
entering the dwelling. An S-trap is similar,
but exits the room through the wall instead
of the floor.
308. packing.
A material used on faucets that prevents
leaks.
309. packing nut.
A nut that keeps the faucet in position and
holds the packing material.
310. PB.
Polybutylene, flexible plastic tubing formerly
used in water supply systems where allowed
by code.
311. PB.
Common finish abbreviation for polished
brass when referring to a fixture's part
number
312. PE.
Abbreviation for polyethylene. Most
common plastic made. Plastic used for many
types of water and gas piping.
313. PEX.
Abbreviation for crosslinked polyethylene. A
plastic material manufactured with chemical
crosslinks (stronger than, PE.)
314. pipes.
Unlike tubes, the measurement of a pipe (i.e.
2") roughly references the inside diameter
(ID) of the pipe and not the outside diameter
(OD). A 2" Sch 40 pipe actually has an OD of
2.375", a wall thickness of .154" and an ID of
2.067".
315. pipe, horizontal.
Any pipe installed in a horizontal position or
which makes an angle of less than 45° from
the horizontal.
316. pipe, indirect waste.
Pipe that does not connect directly with the
drainage system but conveys liquid wastes
into a plumbing fixture or receptacle which
is directly connected to the drainage system.
317. pipe, local ventilating.
A pipe on the fixture side of the trap through
which pipe vapors or foul air can be removed
from a room fixture.
318. pipe, soil.
Any pipe which conveys to the building drain
or building sewer the discharge of one or
more water closets and/or the discharge of
any other fixture receiving fecal matter, with
or without the discharge from other fixtures.
319. pipe, special waste.
Drain pipe which receives one or more
wastes which require treatment before
entry into the normal plumbing system; the
special waste pipe terminates at the
320. pipe, vertical.
Any pipe installed in a vertical position or
which makes an angle of not more than 45°
from the vertical.
321. pipe, waste.
 A pipe which conveys only liquid or liquid-
borne waste, free of fecal matter.
322. pipe, water riser.
A water supply pipe which extends vertically
one full story or more to convey water to
branches or fixtures.
323. pipe, water distribution.
Pipes which convey water from the service
pipe to its points of usage.
324. pipes, water service.
That portion of the water piping which
supplies one or more structures or premises
and which extends from the main to the
meter or, if no meter is provided, to the first
stop cock or valve inside the premises.
325. pipe threads.
A spiral flute cut into the end of a pipe,
allowing pipes to be coupled to fixture or
pipe couplings
326. pitch.
The amount of slope given to horizontal
piping, expressed in inches or vertically
projected drop per foot of horizontal pipe.
327. pH.
The negative logarithm (base 10) of the
hydrogen concentration. On the scale of 0 to
14, 7 is neutral, lower numbers are acidic,
and higher numbers are basic.
328. plumber.
A technician that specializes in plumbing
installation and repairs. Plumbers are usually
licensed by the state or other governing
authority, have been educated in various
aspects of the plumbing industry and are
qualified to make repairs or handle new
installations
329. plumber's putty.
A pliable putty used to seal joints.
330. plumbing.
The practice, materials and fixtures used in
the installation, maintenance, extension and
alteration of all piping, fixtures, appliances
and appurtenances in connection with any
of the following: Sanitary drainage or storm
drainage facilities, the venting system and
the public or private water-supply systems;
also the practice and materials used in the
installation, maintenance, extension or
alteration of water-supply systems and/or
the storm water, liquid waste or sewage
system of any premises to their connection
with any point of public disposal or other
acceptable terminal.
331. plumbing fixture.
A general term applied to any plumbing
receptacle, device or appliance that can be
temporarily or permanently fixed in place. It
is connected to the drinking-water supply or
to the drainage system either by an indirect
or direct connection.
332. plumbing inspector.
Any person who, under the supervision of
the authority having jurisdiction, is
authorized to inspect plumbing and drainage
as defined in the code for the municipality,
and complying with the laws of licensing
and/or registration of the State, City or
County.
333. plumbing tree.
A set of drain waste, vent, and supply lines
that have been pre-fabricated.
334. plunger.
A cupped, suction device on a handle that is
used to clear a clogged drain
335. POC.
Point of connection
336. pop-up assembly.
The drain mechanism of a faucet installed on
a lavatory. The drain stopper "pops" up and
down.
337. porcelain.
A white ceramic ware that consists of quartz,
kaolin, and feldspar. It is fired at high
temperature on steel or cast iron to make
the surface of some bathtubs, kitchen sinks
and bathroom lavatories. Many times the
word "porcelain" also refers to porcelain
china which is a ceramic product with
porcelain glaze.
338. porcelain enamel.
Vitreous enamel. Many times the words
"porcelain enamel" refers to pressed steel
(not recommended by us) products with a
porcelain glaze. When purchasing "fixtures"
we like to recommend either a porcelain
glaze on top of ceramic, or porcelain glaze on
top of cast iron.
339. potable.
In reference to water is that "potable"
means it is drinkable water. Water that is
suitable for human consumption.
340. power flush system.
Toilet flushing system that compresses
water to provide a pressurized flush as
opposed to a gravity flush. Power assisted
toilets are more typically found in business
or commercial settings.
341. power vent.
Refers to mechanical venting in water
heating. Generally (not always) water
heaters that use power venting are more
efficient than regular draft venting.
342. PR.
Abbreviation for "Pressure Regulator."
Generally means water pressure regulator.
Most codes require one if water pressures
ever exceeds 80 pounds at any time on
domestic potable water systems inside a
structure.
343. precipitation.
The total measurable supply of water
received directly from the clouds, as snow,
rain, hail and sleet. It is usually expressed in
inches per day, month or year.
344. pressure balance valve.
A shower mixing valve that automatically
maintains balance between hot and cold-
water supplies by immediately regulating
 fluctuations in pressure. As a result, the R
outlet temperature remains constant.
345. pressure gauge. 357. rain barrel.
A measuring device used to determine the A tank or container used to collect rainwater
pressure in a piping system. or roof runoff water for various uses.
346. pressure reduction valve.
A device that regulates pressure in liquids or
gases by reducing a higher pressure to a
definite lower pressure, maintaining the
liquids or gases at a constant pressure.
347. pressure relief valve.
A safety valve that is held closed by a spring
or other means and automatically relieves
the pressure in excess of its setting.
358. rated storage volume.
348. pressure tank.
Quantity of water stored in a tank.
Part of a well pump assembly that reserves
359. reamer.
water for use. The tank contains a bladder
A grinding tool that levels valve seats in
that puts pressure on the water in the tank.
faucets to improve the valve stem fit.
349. priming jet.
360. reclaimed water.
The opening in the toilet bowl that allows
Water that has been treated so that its
the flow of water from the tank, designed to
quality is suitable for particular specified
push waste through the trapway.
purposes, such as irrigation, toilet flushing or
350. private use.
possibly drinking. Also called recycled water.
A term which applies to a toilet room or
361. reducer.
bathroom intended specifically for the use of
A fitting that connects pipes of different sizes
an individual or family and such visitors as
together.
they may permit to use such toilet or
362. refill tube.
bathroom.
Carries water from the ballcock to the
351. PRV.
overflow tube after the siphon break in
Pressure reducing valve.
order to refill the toilet bowl.
352. public use.
363. relief vent.
A term which applies to toilet rooms and
Extra vent added to a vent line or drain line
bathrooms used by employees, occupants,
to keep the air pressure within the system in
visitors or patrons, in or about any premises.
balance with the outside atmosphere. This
353. pull out spray.
will help keep the traps from air-locking or
When referring to a kitchen faucet this is a
losing their trap seal. Required when a
retractable hose/sprayhead. We'd like to
drainage stack extends 10 or more stories
mention that hoses used with a pull-out
above the building drain.
spray can turn out to be a high replaceable
364. revent (individual vent).
item. If you have a pull out sprayer be sure
That part of a vent pipe line which connects
to pull it out straight each and every time. Do
directly with any individual waste pipe or
not kink the hose because if you do, no
group of wastes, underneath or behind the
matter what brand, you could be ordering
fixture, and extends to the main or branch
replacement hoses frequently.
vent pipe.
354. putrefaction.
365. reverse trap water closet.
Biological decomposition of organic matter
A water closet that has a siphonic trapway at
with the production of illsmelling products.
the back of the bowl.
It usually takes place where there is a
366. rigid pipe.
deficiency of oxygen.
A pipe that transmits the backfill load to the
355. PVC.
foundation beneath the pipe.
Polyvinyl Chloride - A rigid, generally white
367. rim holes.
plastic pipe. Used for waste and vent
Small holes along the underside of the toilet
systems as well as cold water (underground)
bowl rim in which water flows out of,
supplies outside of the house as well as used
resulting in a rinsing of the toilet bowl's inner
for sprinkler and irrigation pipes, sewers,
surface.
drains, wastes and venting pipes and fittings.
368. riser.
356. PVD.
A vertical assembly of pipe and fittings that
Physical Vapor Deposition (used mostly with
generally distributes water upward.
polished brass or gold finishes). This is a
369. roof drainage.
modern plating process used in faucet
Conveyance of rainwater from a sloping roof
manufacturing.
by gutters and downspouts, or from a
vertical roof by pipe, to a surface water
sewer or suitable soakaway.
370. rough-in.
The portion of a plumbing installation that
includes running the water supply lines and
drain, waste & vent lines to the proposed
location of each fixture.
371. rough-in dimensions.
Rough-in dimensions give you the necessary
information to install basic plumbing,
electrical venting or other similar systems
before installing the fixture. Many times a
dimensional drawing is available that
provides this information.
372. round front.
The standard shape of the front of a toilet
bowl. Generally bout 2" shorter than the
optional "elongated" bowl.
373. run.
A complete or secondary section(s) of pipe
that extend from supply to fixture or drain to
stack.
S including the septic field, septic tank and
374. saddle valve.
A valve mounted on a pipe run by a clamping
device, or fitting that taps into the side of a
pipe, used to make quick connection to an
existing line to provide a water supply for a
low-demand device.
v
375. safe or potable drinking-water.
Water that is intended for human
consumption and suitable for all usual
domestic uses, complying with the
requirements of the WHO Guidelines for
Drinking-water Quality or appropriate
national standards established by the
regulating authority.
376. sanitary building drain.
A building drain that conveys only domestic
or industrial waste, not storm water.
377. sanitary building sewer.
A building sewer that conveys only domestic
or industrial waste, not storm water.
378. sanitary fitting.
Fitting that joins the assorted pipes in a
drain, waste and vent system; designed to
allow solid material to pass through without
clogging.
379. sanitary sewer.
A sewer intended to receive only domestic
or industrial waste, not storm water.
380. schedule (sch).
The "Schedule" designation tells you how
thick the wall is for any size of pipe with the
higher schedule numbers meaning a thicker
wall. The most common schedules are Sch
40 and Sch 80, but the actual wall thickness
varies depending on the size of the pipe.
381. SDR.
Standard Dimension Ratio (SDR) used for
determining the minimum wall thickness for
pipe. SDR is found by dividing the outside
diameter (OD) of the pipe by the wall
thickness measurement. To find the
minimum wall thickness of a pipe you simply
divide the OD by the SDR.
382. septic field.
The system of pipes that discharge
bacterially treated wastewater from the
septic tank and discharges it into the soil for
natural decontamination.
383. septic sewage.
Sanitary sewage undergoing putrefaction.
384. septic system.
The complete system of sewage removal,
associated piping. There is no connection to
a municipality or commercial sewer system.
385. septic tank.
A receptacle which receives the discharge of
a drainage system or part thereof, and is
designed and so constructed to separate
solids from liquids to discharge into the soil
through a system of open-joint or perforated
piping, or into a disposal pit.
386. service entrance.
A pipe that connects the water company
supply to the water meter.
387. setting.
The distance from the top of the well to the
top of the pump
388. sewage.
Any liquid waste containing animal,
vegetable or chemical wastes in suspension
or solution.
389. sewage ejector pump.
These pumps are required where
wastewater cannot flow to its destination by
means of gravity at a velocity of at least 2
feet per second.
390. sewer.
Drainage outside the building. Note that
"drain" is inside the building.
391. sewer, building.
Also called house sewer. That part of the
horizontal piping of a drainage system
extending from the building drain, storm
drain and/or sub-soil drain to its connection
into the point of disposal, and carrying the
drainage of but one building or part thereof.
392. sewer, building storm.
(or house storm sewer) The extension from
the building storm drain to the point of
disposal.
393. sewer, private.
A sewer located on private property which
conveys the drainage of one or more
 buildings to a public sewer or to a privately-
owned sewage disposal system.
394. sewer, storm.
A sewer used to convey rainwater, surface
water, condensate, cooling water or similar
water wastes, exclusive of sewage and
industrial wastes.
395. sewer system.
System including a building sewer, a private
or public sewer, and a private or public
sewage disposal system.
396. sewer connection.
The place where a dwelling sanitary sewer
system connects to the city or municipality
sewer system.
397. shroud.
Color matched component under a wall-
mount lavatory that covers the drain outlet
for aesthetic purposes
398. shutoff valve.
Any piping valve that stops the flow of water
in the pipe. Water meter shutoff valves are
located underground in a cabinet and use a
quarter turn valve rotation.
399. sink basin.
The bowl of the sink. Many kitchen sink
basins are comprised of two connected
basins to allow for washing and rinsing.
Bathroom sink basins will include an
overflow drain in their design, molded onto
the underside of the basin.
400. sink plunger.
A type of small plunger that fits over a sink
drain, used to unstop clogs.
401. siphoning.
Suction that takes place when water
pressure drops which causes water or waste
to be pulled through a descending outlet
channel.
402. siphon break.
Recognized by the gurgling sound that takes
place at the end of a toilet flush, the siphon
break is when air is re-introduced into the
trapway, causing the siphoning action to
cease.
403. slick.
The thin oily film which gives the
characteristic appearance to the surface of
water into which sewage or oily water is
discharged.
404. sleeve.
A pipe that runs through a wall to allow
another pipe through it.
405. sludge.
The accumulated suspended solids of
sewage deposited in tanks, beds or basins,
mixed with sufficient water to form a
semiliquid mass.
406. soil stack.
Largest vertical drain line to which all branch
waste lines connect; carries waste to the
sewer line.
407. solar water heater.
A water heating system that uses piping that
is coiled through heat collectors on the roof.
An energy saving device, solar water heaters
use the sun for all or part of the water
heating process and can be tied into a
conventional water heater for backup.
408. solder.
A metal alloy that is melted to join or mend
metal surfaces; also, the act of melting
solder into the joint.
409. spigot.
Term used with PVC, CPVC and cast-iron
fittings and pipe. For PVC or CPVC fittings
and pipe; A male end of a fitting the same
size as the pipe that is inserted and glued
into the slip (hub) end of a fitting. For cast-
iron pipe; The plain end of a cast-iron pipe.
The spigot is inserted into the bell or hub
(female) end of the next pipe to make a
water tight joint.
410. SPxS.
An abbreviation normally used for PVC or
CPVC fittings, to describe a non-threaded
fitting with a spigot end (male) on one side
and a slip (female) connector on the other
side. The spigot end is the same size as the
pipe and glues into a slip fitting. The slip
fitting is a normal female hub end that fits
over pipe.
411. stack.
The vertical main of a system of soil, waste
or vent piping.
412. stack vent.
The extension of a soil or waste stack above
the highest horizontal drain connected to
the stack.
413. stale sewage.
Sewage which contains little or no oxygen,
but is free from putrefaction.
414. stand pipe.
A stand pipe is the name of several pipe
types. A stand pipe is a vertical pipe that
receives water from washing machines; a
water supply for a fire sprinkler system, or a
vertical pipe that has water pumped into it
to produce a certain pressure.
415. static pressure.
The pressure when NO water is flowing.
416. stop valve.
A key control valve capable of shutting off
the whole plumbing system that is under
mains pressure.
417. storm drain.
The part of the horizontal piping and its
branches that directs subsoil and surface
drainage from areas, courts, roofs or yards
to a building or storm sewer
418. storm water drainage.
Drainage of rainwater from roofs, courtyards
and paved areas and conveying it away from
buildings to a place of disposal.
419. straight stop.
 An "emergency" stop (valve) that is usually
installed before the water supply line
(below) to toilets and faucets.
420. strain.
Change of shape or size produced by stress.
421. stress.
External forces resisted by reactions within.
422. street elbow.
An elbow (90 degree bend) fitting that has a
male end (same size as pipe) on one side and
a female end (pipe fits inside this size) on the
other side.
423. sub-main sewer.
Also called BRANCH SEWER. A sewer into
which the sewage from two or more lateral
sewers is discharged.
424. subsoil drain.
A drain which receives the discharge from
drains or other wastes, located below the
normal grade of the gravity system, which
must be emptied by mechanical means.
425. sump.
A tank or pit which receives the discharge
from drains or other wastes, located below
the normal grade of the gravity system,
which must be emptied by mechanical
means.
426. sump pump.
A pump used to remove water from a
collection pit.
427. supply line.
A metal or plastic line that carries water from
the Main Line to an individual fixture (e.g.
faucet, toilet, etc.) in the home.
428. sweating.
Sweating has two definitions. It is slang for
soldering and a term for condensation that
builds outside of pipes or toilet tanks.
T A pressure balancing shower mixing valve
429. t-bolt.
Also known as toilet or closet bolts, T-bolts
are 2 anchor bolts that attach a toilet to the
floor.
430. tailpiece.
The section of drain fitting that protrudes
into the trap.
431. tank.
Holds flush water for your fixture. On typical
toilets the tank includes the ballcock, trip
valve and flush lever.
432. tank ball.
The moving part of the flush valve that seals
water in or allows water out of the tank
during the flush cycle. Also known as the
flapper, flush ball, stopper and seal disk.
433. tank bolts.
Three bolts that hold together the tank,
gasket and bowl of the toilet.
434. tank cover lock.
Device to prevent damage to and removal of
the toilet tank cover and contents of the
tank.
435. tankless water heater.
A newer style of water heater that does not
contain a holding tank. Water is heated on
demand after the unit detects water flow.
These units are usually heated by natural gas
burners.
436. tap.
Tap is synonymous with faucet. Also tap
refers to the divergence of water from one
fitting to another.
437. tee.
Any T-shaped plumbing fitting. It has three
openings used to create branch lines.
438. teflon tape.
Thread sealing tape with stain resistant,
water repellant Teflon finish. Teflon is a
trademark of DuPont.
439. temperature and pressure relief valve.
A device that controls both temperature and
pressure, releasing water to atmosphere at
predetermined settings
440. tempered.
A heat treatment technique to strengthen
and harden glass for more safety. Also
applies to water that has been mixed in
order to avoid a temperature extreme.
441. tension.
That stress which resists the tendency of two
forces acting opposite from each other to
pull apart two adjoining planes of a body.
442. thermostatic valve.
with automatic temperature control. When
temperature or pressure fluctuations occur
at the water inlets, a thermal actuator
adjusts the hot and cold ratio to maintain the
original temperature setting.
443. thread sealant (liquid).
Provides a water seal in threaded
connections.
444. thread sealant (tape).
Dry ribbons of sealant sold on spools. Unlike
liquid sealant there is no chance of it getting
into the supply lines and blocking water
flow.
445. through-the-floor.
Installation where the bath drain tee outlet
points down rather than horizontal.
446. thumb nut.
To ease installation and to prevent over-
tightening this nut was designed to be
tightened without tools.
447. thumb screw.
To ease installation and to prevent over-
tightening this screw was designed to be
tightened without tools.
448. tile-in.
Installation where the sink is fit flush with
the countertop
449. toilet plunger.
A plunger with a flexible end, shaped to be
inserted into the drain at the bottom of the
bowl. This increases efficiency.
450. toilet setting compound.
Provides a non-hardening watertight seal for
the base of the toilet and the floor
451. touchless faucet.
A faucet that does not require the user to
turn handles to use. The valve is electrically
operated and is controlled by a motion
sensor or photo eye.
452. torque wrench.
Tool for measuring the amount of force
applied to a threaded connection
453. TPI.
Threads per inch.
454. transfer valve.
Valve the changes the flow of water from
one outlet to another
455. trap.
A fitting or device so designed and
constructed as to provide, when properly
vented, a liquid seal which will prevent the
back passage of air or sewer gas without
materially affecting the flow of sewage or
waste water through it.
456. trap seal.
The vertical distance between the crown
weir and the top of the dip of the trap.
457. trapway.
Trap built into a toilet connecting the bowl
to the waste outlet where siphoning occurs.
458. trip arm.
The trip lever on the outside of the toilet
tank connects to this
459. trip chain.
Chain that connects the toilet trip arm and
the flapper on the flush valve
460. trip lever.
Handle attached to the outside of the toilet
tank used to initiate the flush
461. tube.
Unlike pipes, the measurement of a tube (i.e.
2") corresponds to it's outside diameter
(OD). So the outside diameter of a 2" tube is
truly 2".
462. turbulence.
Any deviation from parallel flow.
463. two-piece toilet.
The toilet tank is separate from the toilet
bowl. This is the most common type of toilet
and is also called a close-coupled toilet.
U
464. ULF.
Abbreviation for ultra low flush, which
describes a toilet that deliver 1.6gpf or less.
465. UNC, UC, or NC.
Abbreviation for Unified National Coarse
Thread (National Coarse) - Use on fittings,
nuts, & bolts - not for pipes.
466. UNF, UF, or NF.
Abbreviation for Unified National Fine
Thread (National Fine) - Use on fittings, nuts,
& bolts - not for pipes.
467. underground piping.
Piping in contact with the earth below grade.
Pipe in a tunnel or in a watertight trench is
not included within the scope of this term.
468. union.
Fitting that joins two sections of pipe, that
allows them to be disconnected without
cutting the pipe. Used primarily with steel
pipes, but never in a DWV system.
V
469. vacuum.
Any pressure less than that exerted by the
atmosphere (may be termed a negative
pressure).
470. vanity.
A bathroom storage cabinet beneath the
counter. Some plumbers also call a lavatory
sink a vanity. Often a mirror is on the wall
above.
471. velocity.
Time rate of motion in a given direction.
472. vent.
When referring to plumbing fixtures, all
fixtures (sinks, etc) must have a vent. Vents
are used to allow air into the drainage
systems to prevent P traps to from being
siphoned dry.
473. vent, circuit.
A branch vent that serves two or more traps
and extends from in front of the last fixture
connection of a horizontal branch to the
vent stack.
474. vent, common.
Also called dual vent, vent connecting at the
junction of two fixture drains and serving as
a vent for both fixtures.
475. vent, continuous.
A vent that is a continuation of the drain to
which it connects. A continuous vent is
further defined by the angle which the drain
and vent make with the horizontal at the
point of connection; for example, vertical
continuous waste-and-vent, 45° continuous
waste-and-vent, and flat (small angle)
continuous waste-and-vent.
476. vent, loop.
A vent which is connected into the same
stack into which the fixtures discharge. It the
 loop vent serves more than one fixture, it is
one type of circuit vent.
477. vent stack.
A vertical vent pipe installed primarily to
provide circulation of air to that part of a
venting system to which circuit vents are
connected.
478. vent system.
Pipes installed to provide a flow of air to or
from a drainage system or to provide a
circulation of air within such system to
protect trap seals from siphonage and back
pressure.
479. vent, wet.
A vent which receives the discharge of
wastes other than from water closets.
480. vent, yoke.
A pipe connecting upward from a soil or
waste stack to a vent stack for the purpose
of preventing pressure changes in stacks.
481. venting, stack.
A method of venting a fixture through the
soil and waste stack.
482. vents, individual.
Separate vents for each fixture.
483. vitreous.
A surface material on some plumbing
fixtures derived from or consisting of glass. It
is low in porosity and is translucent.
Generally, porcelain china is vitreous china.
484. VTR.
Vent through the roof
W 498. water supply.
485. washing machine box.
A fixture on the wall in the laundry area that
holds the hot and cold supply lines for the
washing machine. It also has a connection to
the drain line so that water from the washing
machine can be pumped out to the drain.
486. waste.
The discharge from any fixture, appliance or
appurtenance in connection with the
plumbing system, which does not contain
fecal matter. For example, the liquid from a
lavatory, a tub, a sink or drinking fountain.
487. waste arm.
A waste arm is an extension pipe that
extends from a fixture into the wall.
488. waste & overflow.
The drain assembly for a bathtub. The outlet
at the top removes the "overflow" water
during tub filling and the drain at the bottom
removes "waste" water when the tub is
drained.
489. wastewater.
The spent or used water of a community,
including from residences and commercial
buildings, and any surface water or storm
water that contains dissolved or suspended
matter.
490. waste shoe.
Generally refers to a bathtub drain assembly
491. water closet.
A water-flushing device or fixture designed
to receive human waste directly from the
user and discharge it to the drainage system.
492. water hammer.
Shock waves in plumbing generally due to
high velocity water being shut off quickly.
This is mainly caused by under sizing of pipes
and faucets or valves that are shut off fast.
Sometimes installing water hammer
arrestors can help alleviate or lessen water
hammer. Best is to increase water pipe sizes
(thereby slowing velocity).
493. water heater gauge.
Gauges used to indicate either the
temperature or the pressure of water in a
water heater, or both.
494. water heater.
An appliance used to raise the water
temperature in a water system.
495. water meter.
A gauge used to measure the amount of
water flow in a system, measured in gallons.
496. water pressure.
The amount of force, measured in pounds
per square inch, that a water system
produces.
497. water softener.
An appliance designed to remove hardness
chemicals, such as calcium, from the potable
water supply.
The potable water supplied to a residence or
commercial building.
499. well pump.
A pump used to pull water from an
underground natural water supply.
500. wet vent.
When the drain discharge of one fixture is
put into the vent stack of another fixture.
Vertical wet venting is the most common
and allows 4 fixtures of one or two fixture
units each to discharge (drain) into a vent
pipe serving another fixture. This can only be
done if all of the fixtures involved are located
on the same story as the wet vented fixture.
501. white – euro.
Not all whites are alike. Euro-white generally
is a somewhat yellowish white. Similar to
Corian and Avonite's = Cameo white;
Surell/Formica and Wilsonart's = Frosty
white.
502. white – polar.
Polar-white generally is a bluish white.
Similar to Kohler, Elkay, Moenstone, and
Swanstone's = White; Corian's = Glacier
white; Avonite's = Porcelain white;
Surrell/Formica's = Arctic white.
503. widespread.
A style of bathroom lavatory faucet having
separate spout and handles. Usually 8" from
center of handle-to-handle. Some
 widespread faucets can be set with handles
up to 12" apart.
504. WOG.
Abbreviation for cold water, oil, gas pressure
rating (water oil gas).
505. working pressure.
Normal, maximum operating pressure
design of a faucet, valve or plumbing
product.
506. wye.
A Y-shaped fitting with three openings used
to create branch lines.

507. yoke.
A casting with hot and cold valves and the
mixing chamber for water.
508. yoke vent.
A yoke vent prevents pressure changes in
the stacks by connecting upward from a soil
o waste stack to the vent stack.