Plumbing Glossary-straight Hardware

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Plumbing Glossary

A- B- C- D- E- F- G- H- I- J- K- L- M- N- O- P- Q- R- S- T- U- V- W- X- Y- Z

~A~

ABS: Plastic used in the manufacture of drain, waste, and vent pipes.

Acrylic: A glassy, thermoplastic material that is cast and molded into

shapes. A common material for bathtubs, whirlpools and shower bases,

acrylic has a naturally glossy finish and is a lightweight material.

Aerator: A small device at the end of a faucet spout that mixes air into

the flowing water.

Angle Stop: A shutoff valve between water pipes and a faucet or toilet.

The inlet connects to the water supply pipe in a wall, the outlet angles

up 90 degrees to the faucet.

Anti-Scald: A valve that restricts water flow to help prevent burn

injuries.

Anti-Siphon: A device that prevents water from flowing back into

supply lines, possibly contaminating the water supply.

~B~

Backflow: When water traveling from one device backs into any part of

the main water supply, usually caused by siphoning.

Backflow Preventer: A device used to prevent backflow. In some

areas, plumbing codes require a backflow preventer.



Ballcock: A fill valve device in a toilet tank.

Basin: A circular vessel with sloping sides used to hold water for

washing.

Bidet: Used for washing posterior areas of the body. It is floor

mounted, usually next to a toilet.

Bushing: A pipe fitting used for joining together pipes with different

diameters. A bushing is threaded on both the inside and outside.

~C~

Cast Iron: Heavy metal formed by casting on molds.

Centerset: A style of faucet that has the spout and handles combined

into a single part. Usually installed on a lavatory with 4" center-to-

center faucet holes.

Ceramic: A type of valve that relies on two-part revolving disks in a

sealed cylinder. Each disk has a port in it that, when aligned with the

other, will allow water to pass through.

Ceramic Disk Valve: A type of valve that relies on two-part revolving



disks in a sealed cylinder. Each disk has a port in it that, when aligned

with the other, will allow water to pass through.

Cock: A valve used for regulating water flow.

Compression Fitting: A sealed pipe connection without soldering. As

you tighten a nut on one fitting, it compresses a washer around the

second pipe, forming a watertight closure.

Compression Valve: Works by lowering or raising a stem. By turning

the faucet handle it causes the stem to drop or rise, allowing water to

pass through the valve.

Console Lavatory: A lavatory where the basin is attached by table or

piano legs at the front and to a wall at the back.

Coupling: Straight fitting with female connections at both ends.

Cover: The top portion of a toilet seat, the top lid on a toilet's tank.

~D~

Diverter: Valves with one inlet that direct water to one of two outlets.

Diverters are normally used with shower risers, hand showers, and

kitchen faucet sprayers.



DWV: Drainage, Waste & Vent. Pipes in a plumbing system that remove

waste water.

~E~

Elbow: Angled fitting that changes the direction of the water line.

Enamel: An opaque vitreous composition applied to the surface of

metal fixtures such as cast iron tubs and sinks.

Escutcheon: A decorative trim piece that covers the hole in the fixture

or wall, or conceals the faucet stem.

~F~

Female IPS: Pipe connection where the threads are on the inside of the

fitting.

Fiberglass: Glass in a fibrous form used in making the body of

bathtubs.

FIP: Female Iron Pipe. Standard threads that are on the inside of a pipe

fitting.

Fireclay: A hard, dense, and durable material that is molded primarily

from clay and other minerals, then glazed. It is fired at a higher

temperature than vitreous china, and has greater resistance to extreme

heat.



Fitting: A general term that usually refers to faucets, shower valves,

tub fillers, or various piping parts such as tees or elbows.

Fixture: A broad based term usually referring to sinks, tubs, toilets,

and basins.

Flex Hose: A flexible pipe usually made of braided stainless steel.

Flow Rate: The rate which water is discharged from an outlet.

~G~

GPM: Gallons Per Minute. Unit of measurement by which flow rates of

faucets and showerheads are measured and regulated.

GPF: Gallons Per Flush. Unit of measurement which flow rates of toilets

are measured and regulated.

Gelcoat: Material used to form the surface of some fiberglass bathtubs

or showers, it is a colored, polyester resin.

~H~

Hand shower: A showerhead designed with a handle that is attached

to a water supply with a flexible hose.

Hose Bibb: Outdoor faucet with hose threads on the spout.

~I~

ID: Inside Diameter. Diameter measurement from the inside of a pipe.

Commonly used for sizing pipe.

Inlet: Opening providing an entrance or intake.

IPS: Iron Pipe Size. Pipe thread sizing system. The measurement of the

inside diameter of a pipe.



~J~

Jacuzzi: A trademarked name that is often misused to mean any

whirlpool tub.

~K~

~L~

Lavatory: Bathroom or washroom sink.

Lid: The removable cover on a toilet's tank.

~M~

Male IPS: Pipe connection where the threads are on the outside of the

fitting.

MIP: Male Iron Pipe. Standard external threads on pipe and fittings.

Mini Spread / Mini Widespread: Lavatory faucet with separate spout

and handles, that is small enough to fit 4" center-to-center faucet holes.

An alternative to a centerset faucet.

Mixing Valve: Mixes hot and cold water in the valve to get a set

temperature before delivery.

~N~



Nipple: A short pipe threaded on both ends; installed between fittings.

Nominal Size: Used for identification only, not literal dimensions.

~O~

O ring: Typically in a compression fitting, this round rubber washer is

compressed to make a watertight seal.

OD: Outside Diameter. Common method for sizing pipe, this is a

measurement of the diameter of a pipe as taken from the outside edge.

Offset: A fitting or combination of fittings consisting of elbows or bends

that bring one section of pipe out of line with, but into a line parallel

with, another section of pipe. Often used for drains and water supplies.

Open Front: A style of toilet seat where there is an open space at the

front. Considered more sanitary in commercial applications.

~P~

P trap: P-shaped section of drain pipe that water is trapped in, blocking

gases from escaping through the drain. Prevents sewer odors from

escaping into your home.

Pedestal Lavatory: A lavatory in which the bowl is supported by a

single pedestal leg.



Pop-Up Drain: Relies on a lever or rod to lift or pop up the drain

stopper. A drain mechanism.

Pow der Coat: A technique for applying paint to metal surfaces. The

metal is covered with a powder of dry paint particles and is baked in an

oven.

P. O. PLUG: Plug Outlet. A style of drain outlet that is closed by a

rubber stopper, or plug. Used for lavatories.

Pop-Up Assembly: Installed on a lavatory, the drain mechanism of a

faucet.

Porcelain: A tough material that is made by heating specific types of

refined clay. Its typical white translucent color is formed when the

molded fixture is fired at a high temperature, and its surface is non-

porous.

Pressure Balancing Valve: Maintains a constant water temperature by

using a mixing valve that balances incoming hot and cold water

supplies.

PVC: Polyvinyl Chloride. A white plastic used to manufacture water

supply pipes.

PVD: Physical Vapor Deposition. A durable zirconium or titanium coating

that resists scratches, tarnish, and corrosion.

~Q~

~R~



Reducer: A pipe fitting used for joining together pipes with different

diameters. A bushing is threaded on both the inside and outside.

Resin: Easy to clean and incredibly durable, this stone-like material is

made of a poly-resin blend.

Material is solid and the same color all the way through, similar to solid

surface material.

Rim: The inside edge of a toilet bowl. The edge of a lavatory or sink.

Riser: Vertical pipe that feeds water to a fixture.

Rough-in: The unfinished ends of drain or supply lines marking where

fixtures and drains will be installed.

~S~

Seat (or Valve Seat): The fixed part of a valve. The stem will move

against the seat to open and close the valve.

Self-Rimming: A style of bathroom lavatory or kitchen sink with a

finished lip or rim that installs on top of a counter without requiring a

metal sink rim.

Semi-Recessed: A style of basin that installs partially on top of the

counter rather than fully into the counter. The portion that is above the

countertop is completely finishes, while the portion under the counter

may not be finished.



Sink: A stationary basin connected with a drain and water supply for

washing and drainage.

Slip Joint: A connection made with compression fittings.

Spud: A section of pipe or threaded fitting that completes a connection.

Stem Assembly: Moving part of the valve that controls the amount and

temperature of water released.

Stem: The part of the faucet that holds the handle on one end and the

washer on the other.

Stop: The valve that allows water supply to be cut off to one fixture

without affecting the water supply to the entire house or building.

Common for use with clawfoot tubs, sinks, and toilets.

Straight Stop: Shutoff valve that is installed between the floor and the

faucet or toilet on a supply line, and does not change direction.

~T~

Tailpiece: Tubular part of a lavatory drain that runs from the drain

flange to the trap.

Tee: A T-shaped fitting with three openings.

Thermostatic Valve: A mixing valve that automatically maintains the



temperature setting by regulating fluctuations in water temperature at

the water inlets and immediately adjusting the ratio of hot and cold

water that is discharged by the valve.

Trim Kit: The outside decorative parts that hide a faucet rough-in; used

to supply your sink or toilet with water.

Trip Lever: The lever that opens and closes the drain on a bathtub's

waste & overflow. The flush handle and actuating arm on a toilet tank.

~U~

Undercounter: A lavatory sink that is installed beneath a cutout in the

countertop.

Union Nut: Joins two sections of pipe using a fitting.

~V~

Vacuum Breaker: An anti-siphon device that prevents the backflow of

water into the supply system.

Valve: A device that regulates water flow.

Valve Seat: The fixed part of a valve. The stem will move against the

seat to open and close the valve.



Vanity: A storage cabinet beneath the counter usually found in

bathrooms.

Vessel: A style of basin that installs on top of the counter rather than

fully into the counter.

Vitreous China: A common material used for bathroom sanitary ware,

such as sinks and toilets. A mixture of clay and other minerals, vitreous

china is baked at high temperatures after glazing which creates a high

gloss, stain resistant surface.

~W~

Waste and Overflow: The drain assembly for a bathtub. The drain at

the top removes the overflow water during tub filling and the drain at

the bottom removes waste water when the tub is drained.

Water Closet: Toilet.

Widespread: Usually 8" from each handle's center, this style of

bathroom lavatory faucet has a separate spout and handles.



Whirlpool Tub: A whirlpool bathtub system. The system recirculates

the tub water and mixes in air to create hydro therapy with jet inlets.

~X~

~Y~

~Z~

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Plumbing Glossary-straight Hardware