Homepage » Plumbing Basics » Terminology

Terminology

This plumbing terminology dictionary is you guide to the ins and outs of plumbing. Get acquainted with the basics and learn more about tools, accessories and services- all relating to plumbing. This knowledge can come in handy in case of a plumbing emergency.

ABS
Abbreviation for Aristocraft Bristone Styrine. A firm black plastic piping utilized for waste, vent and drain lines.

Access Panel
A hole in the wall or ceiling next to a fixture, enabling access to the plumbing or electrical systems.

Adaptor
A feature which joins together different types of pipes.

Aerator
A feature located at the end of a faucet designed to mix air and water and thereby enable a smooth, splash-free flow.

Angle Stop
A shutoff valve positioned between the water pipes and the faucet or toilet. Angling up at 90 degrees at its outlet next to the fixtures, this stop is supposed to be turned off in case of an emergency.

Backflow
Liquid flowing in the opposite direction of its intended flow, backing into the main water supply, rather than advancing towards its designated outlet.

Backflow Preventer
A mechanism intended to stop backflow.

Ballcock
A mechanism controlling the flow of water from the water supply pipe to the toilet. This apparatus is operated by a float within the tank water. Once the water is flushed, the float drops and opens the ballcock, thereby releasing water into the tank. When the tank is once again full, the float ascends and turns off the ballcock.

Clarity
The level of water clearness.

Closet Auger
A flexible bar with a curved top part, used for clearing up clogs within the toilet trap.

Cock
See Ballcock.

Coupling
A fitting that connects two pieces of pipes or other fittings.

Diverter
Used in showers, bathtubs, bidets and sinks, these valves direct water to several openings.

Drain
The pipe or channel system designed to draw away liquids.

DWV
Abbreviation for Drain, Waste and Vent – the three elements comprising the plumbing drainage system.

Elbow
A pipe fitting that has two openings which can alter the direction of the line. Comes in a wide range of angles.

Female Fitting
A fitting inside which another fitting is placed.

Fitting
A broad expression, usually relating to faucets, shower valves or to different piping features.

Fixture
A general term, alluding to toilets, sinks, tubs, etc. Any device to which fresh water arrives, and from which waste water is removed.

Flapper Valve
The device situated at the bottom of the toilet tank, which, when open, allows water to flow from the tank into the bowl.

Flushometer
A toilet valve that closes automatically after allowing a regulated amount of water flow.

GPF
Gallons Per Flush. Measurement unit, indicating flow rates of toilets.

GPM
Gallons Per Minute. Measurement unit, indicating flow rates of faucets and showerheads.

Principal pipe carrying hot water to the various fixtures in the house.

ID
Abbreviation for Inside Diameter –Diameter measurement, calculated from the inside of a pipe.

IPS
Abbreviation for Iron Pipe Size – Standard pipe threading measurement system, based on the outside diameter of a pipe.

Lid
The removable toilet tank cover.

Main
The main channel of a plumbing system, in which all water supply and drain system branches connect.

Manifold
A fitting which constitutes a distribution point, connecting several branches to the main.

Mixing Valve
A faucet valve which mixes hot and cold water thus obtaining the desired water temperature.

Nipple
A short threaded pipe, placed between couplings or other fittings. A means for extending connections.

Pipe Wrench
Comprised of two serrated jaws, one of which is adjustable, this tool is used for holding and turning pipes.

Plumber's Putty
A popular tool, used for sealing joints between pipes and fixture surfaces.

Plumbing Code
Legal requirements guiding the plumber's work.

Plunger
A tool designed to clear up clogged drains and toilet traps by means of air and pressure.

PVC
Polyvinyl Chloride – A rigid white plastic, used for manufacturing water supply pipes.

Riser
Vertical pipe carrying water to a fixture.

Shutoff Valve
Usually referring to the angle stops situated under fixtures, but also to the branch line valves and to the main valve adjacent to the water meter. Shutoff valves should be turned off in case of emergencies.

Sleeve
A pipe which passes through a wall in order to have another pipe inserted through it.

Strainer
A device placed in sinks and bathtubs, designed to retain solid pieces while allowing liquid to pass through.

Supply Lines
The pipes carrying water to a fixture.

Trap
The curved section of the drainpipe attached to every fixture, which prevents sewer gases and unpleasant odors from permeating the atmosphere. With the exception of toilets, all fixtures with drains have "P" traps installed. A toilet has an "S" trap installed instead.

Valve
Mechanism that regulates the flow of liquid or gas to or from a pipe.

Vent
Protruding from the roof, vents admit air into the drainpipes, thereby ensuring the proper flow of wastewater

Check out our local suppliers in Suffolk and in Nassau.

Plumbers Los Angeles | Plumber New York | Plumber New Jersey