All Plumbing Terminology

PLUMBING GLOSSARY OF TERMS

ABS – Acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene. Rigid black plastic pipe used for Drain, waste, and

vent lines. Please check your local codes to see if this material is code approve d. In most major metropolitan areas it is not a code approved material.

Absorbent – A material that is used to hold gases, liquids or solids or suspended solids on it’s surface or inside pores. The most common absorbent used in the plumbing world is activated carbon.

Absorption Field – This is a seeping field designed to disperse the liquid waste from a septic tank through a filter bed. The septic tank fills with liquid and solid waste and the liquid waste drains off to the absorption field leaving the solid waste behind.

Access Panel -A covered opening in wall made near a plumbing or electrical fixture to allow access for maintenance. In plumbing an access panel would hide control or shut off valves or cleaouts for rodding plumbing fixtures.

Acid Waste Piping – Simply put its waste piping and fittings that are resistant to acid

waste. Examples ofapplications where this is used, laboratories, hospitals, photo labs and printing presses. Some of the materials used in making acid resistant pipe and fittings; glass, polypropylene and polyvinylidene fluoride for really harsh situations. Polyvinylidene fluoride is also fire retardant and when approved can be used in a plenum ceiling.

Acrylic – A very strong and hard thermoplastic and in plumbing it is used as a surface material for bathtubs, shower bases, tub or shower surrounds. When used in bathtubs and showers acrylic is usually back with fiberglass to add strength and rigidity.  Acrylic is also used to make plexiglass shower doors.

ADA – (Americans with Disabilities Act) This term is very important as it relates to plumbing. It affects the height that water closets can be mounted, the types of handles you can install on a lavatory faucet, how much pressure it takes to push down a flush valve handle and those are just a few. Here is a link to the 2010 ADA Standards publication www.ada.gov/regs2010/2010ADAStandards/2010ADAStandards.pdf

Adaptor – A fitting used to join dissimilar piping methods i.e. sweat copper to threaded fittings, PVC to cast iron.

Adjusting Linkage – An adjustable rod or strap that forms the connection between the lift rod and the ball lever assembly of the drain.

Aeration – a method to introduce air with water to help in releasing dissolved gasses that contribute to foul odors or unpleasant taste. Aeration can be done in several different ways, air can be bubbled up through the liquid, liquid can be sprayed into the air or the liquid can be agitated oxygenating it by bringing the surface water in to contact with the air. The best example we can give for the use and effects of aeration is the cleansing of the Calumet Sag River in Illinois. Large parks where created along the Calumet Sag River pumping millions of gallons of water through attractively created waterfalls. The results have been staggering.

Aerator Fittings – a type of fitting installed on a plumbing fixture that mixes water with

air. These fittings help with water conservation and reduce splashing.

Aerobic Bacteria – Bacteria living, active and occurring in the presence of oxygen.

AGA – (American Gas Association)

A.I.A -(American Institute of Architects) This is basically a self policing regulating body that promotes excellence in architecture. They are heavily involved in all facets of education for their members from internship, to mentoring to licensing and support. A.I.A. is also the preferred method by which sub contractors invoice their customers. Chances are if you’ve been a subcontractor for awhile you know exactly what G701, G702 and a G703 form is for. If you are familiar with all of the AIA forms are you probably have a head ache, they can be tedious but they are ultimately there to protect the Owner.

Air Admittance Valve – The most common of these is called a STUDOR vent, these valves are designed to allow air into a drainage system with out using a vent. It opens to allow air to equalize pressure in the drainage system but closes to stop sewer odors and gases into the living space.

Air Chamber -A vertical air filled pipe or manufactured

spring coil installed above the waterline in a potable water system that absorbs pressure fluctuations when valves are turned off i.e. a shower is turned off or a fill valve in a toilet slams shut. The pressure absorbing devices reduce water hammer. Having air chambers on plumbing fixtures with water connections is code for most municipalities.

Air Gap –   The unobstructed physical distance between the outlet end of a  plumbing apparatus or piping delivering potable water to a plumbing fixture to the flood rim level of the receptacle (sink, dishwasher, clothes washer or tank) Think of a kitchen sink faucet with a pullout spray if you pulled it out and laid it in the sink you would have no air gap. The air gap protects the potable water system from cross contamination. Please see Backflow Prevention Device, Vacuum breaker, double detector check valves.

All Thread Rod – a connecting rod used in almost every construction trade. In the mechanical trades it is mostly used to hang piping materials from the underside of a the structure of the building.. Threads are in one direction and standard hex nuts can easily be screwed on to secure a multitude of different hangers. Come in a variety of sizes and finishes. Most common sizes in the piping trades are 1/4″, 3/8″,1/2″,  5/8 & 3/4″ it’s most common finishes are black and galvanized, stainless steel is also a common material.

Anaerobic Bacteria – Bacteria that lives and grows in the absence of free oxygen. These bacteria get their oxygen by decomposing substances that contain oxygen.

Angle Stop or Angle Valve – Angle stops are named because they are manufactured at a 90degree angle, they are used as shut off valves at the water intake of plumbing fixtures or appliances. They usually have an oval handle or can have a removable handle when vandalism or theft is an issue. They are not meant to be used in high pressure situations.

ANSI – (American National Standards Institute) The American National Standards Institute was founded in 1918 and they are the U.S. voice for conformity and regulation. ANSI is compromised of government agencies, academic institutions, manufacturers and contractors and their purpose is to enhance the US global position and to create regulations, norms and guidelines. Those regulations affect almost all businesses from every sector.

Anti Microbial (plumbing definition) – Any plumbing fixture or plumbing accessory that is manufactured with anti-microbial characteristics integral to the product. An anti-microbial plumbing product is one that kills or hinders the growth of bacteria, mold, etc. Vitreous china is naturally anti-microbial when glazed because of it’s glazing and non porous surface. Recently toilet seats are a common plumbing accessory manufactured with anti-microbial  properties.

Anti-scald Valve – (please pressure balanced and thermostatic mixing valve)

Americast – A patented process from American Standard that uses a porcelain surface, an enameling grade steel material and a structural composite backing bonded together to create a sink that is similar to cast iron in durability, heat retention and sound deadening but weighs considerably less.

Annealing – In plumbing the process by which rigid copper is made soft and pliable. The process consists of heating the metal to a certain temperature and holding that temperature for a set amount of time then allowing the metal to cool slowly to room temperature.

Anode Rod -  These sacrificial anode rods are installed at the top of a water heater tank and are generally made of magnesium or aluminum with a steel core. Simply put, through electrolysis the anode rods will corrode before the exposed metal in the tank. If the anode rod has been corroded the water begins to attack the exposed metals in your water heater which will eventually cause it to fail.

Anti-Siphon Valve (Vacuum Breaker) – The simple definition is an anti-siphon valve is a device installed on a water supply line that prevents water from backing up into the potable water system. Vacuum breakers are an example of an anti-siphon valve. Anti-siphon valve are most commonly spring loaded one way valves. When the direction of flow is going in desired direction all works well, if the direction of liquid changes the valve slams shut prevent back siphonage.

Apron (or Skirt) – The decorative portion of a bathtub that covers the rough-in area of the tub. It is most easily recognized on a whirlpool tub, the apron is most often removable to be able to service the tubs plumbing and or motor.

ASA – (American Supply Association) Formally founded in December of 1969 the ASA is an organization that represents wholesale distributor and their supplier in the plumbing, heating, cooling, industrial and mechanical pipe, valve and fittings industries.

ASME – (American Society of Mechanical Engineers) A professional member ship group founded in 1890, this group originally came together to test steam vessels because of the numerous failures. Now it is the premiere standards development organization. Setting codes and standards throughout the mechanical trades.

ASSE- (American Society of Sanitary Engineering) Founded in 1906 by Henry Davis Chief Plumbing Inspector for the District of Columbia. This group consisted of plumbing engineers, plumbing inspectors and installers all with the common idea of making plumbing safer and more universal though out the United States. They also have quite a bit of influence as to the adoption of plumbing code and the vital testing of plumbing product and theory.

ASTM International – (formerly know as American Society for Testing Materials) Formed in 1898 by chemists and engineers from the Pennsylvania Railroad they organized the railroad’s new chemistry department, where they investigated the technical properties of oil, paint, steel, and other materials the Pennsylvania Railroad bought in large quantities. Organized a new set of standard that they expected their suppliers to follow. At the present they are “globally recognized leaders in the development and delivery of international voluntary consensus standards” Please visit their web site for a more detailed history.

Back Flow Preventer – The two most common types of back flow prevention devices are a double detector check assembly and an RPZ. A double detector check assembly is one device that houses two check valve assemblies in the line of flow. The check valves are spring actuated and are designed to open with 1 pound of pressure.

The double detector check assembly is installed with one (1) gate valve on the inlet of the valve and one (1) gate valve on the outlet side of the valve. These assemblies prevent back flow or back pressure in nonhazardous situations and are most used to protect the potable water system of a building from the water in a fire prevention system.

A detector check is made with a by-pass assembly and meter to detect any unauthorized or illegal taps, test cocks are also present so that required yearly testing can take place. Each check valve can be isolated and tested independently to see if they are leaking and operating properly.

An RPZ is very similar to the double detector check in that it houses two testable check valves. It has two gate valves one (1) on the inlet and one (1) on the outlet. Here is where things change, an RPZ is used in high hazard situations, where contamination of the water supply would pose a significant health hazard.RPZ (reduced pressure zone backflow preventer) and Double Detector Check Valve

Backpressure in a Plumbing System – Pressure that is less than atmospheric pressure. If a sewer drain line is running at 100% capacity and with greater than intended velocity if the waste water passes another drain outlet it could cause a negative pressure. This negative pressure can pull a water seal from a trap causing sewer gas or vermin into the living space. Extremely high winds can also pull the air from the plumbing vent pulling the trap seals with it.

Back-up Sump Pumps – Literally any pumping device that acts to back-up the primary

sump in case of power failure or primary pump failure. Most  back-up sump devices include some sort of marine battery either wet cell or maintenance free gel battery. There are back-up sump pumps that use no electricity and function on incoming water pressure.

Balancing Cocks or Valves - A valve with an adjustable partition or gate which can be used to increase or decrease flow. They also have self sealing ports in which thermometers can be inserted to check the temperatures of the liquids.

Ball Cock – The valve by which the water enters a tank type toilet (water closet), fills the tank and shuts the flow of water off when the water reaches a predetermined height in the tank.

Barrier Free – This relates to ADA and handicap access, the easiest to understand is the barrier free shower base. A barrier free shower base has little or no threshold to encumber a wheelchair from entering or exiting.

Basin Wrench – Is a tool that only has one real use , it’s inexpensive and pretty easy to

use. A basin wrench actually looks like a steel bar with a curved head with teeth on one end. The other end ends with a T handle. Obviously turn the water off before using. Go under the sink and position the head at a 90 angle catching the nut, turn in the appropriate direction to remove and your all set. If the sink faucet is too high to reach you may have to pull out the extended handle.

Basket Strainer – A device shaped like a cup or a basket with holes or slots that fits inside a drain that allows water to drain out but catches debris before it enters the waste piping.

Beam Clamps – A clamping device used when beams are the only thing used for support. They are used in conjunction with pipe hangers to ensure proper support and pitch. The beam can be c-clamp type or can span the entire beam.

Bench Mark - It is a known elevation set throughout a building or job site that all trades can use to locate proper elevations for doors, windows, plumbing fixtures etc. An elevation will be set usually by the general contractor in accordance with the engineer and all trades can measure from that elevation.  It can also be a mark on a permanent flat service whereby it is used to lay out walls, columns, stairwells, etc.

Bends – A generic term given to all elbows made from all types of piping material.

Bidets– A plumbing fixture about the same height as a seat of a chair that is most often used for the bathing of the external genitals and the posterior parts of the body.

Black Water – Waste water from toilet, urinals, bidets or food prep receptacles or waste water from drains receiving chemical waste.

BOCA CODE – (Building Officials Code Administrators International)

Body Sprays – For all practical purposes these are shower heads.  Some are hand held,

some are on a sliding bar so that the can be moved up or down and some are positioned throughout a shower to spray on different parts of your body while showering.

Boilers – See PlumbingMechanical Equipment

Branch Water Piping – The local domestic water piping that extends from the vertical risers (or other mains) and supplies water to plumbing fixtures or equipment.

Brass Seats and Seals – In a plumbing valve the surface area on the moving part of a valve and the stationary part of the valve. When the moving part of the valve comes in contact with the non-moving part the flow of water stops completely. The most common material used for valves seats is brass. Brass seats eventually have to be repaired or replaced because with continual use the seating surface degrades over time.

Brazing – uses (How To) Similar to soldering, brazing is the process of filling a void (for plumbing) in a pipe joint with a filler metal to join pieces of pipe or fittings. Brazing filler metals generally have melting temperatures above 1,100 degrees Fahrenheit. Most brazing filler metals contain some amount of silver, copper and phosphorus.

Break Tank – A type of vessel that holds a supply of water that is to be used for a specific purpose (mainly heating) other than for consuming or flushing plumbing fixtures.  It is filled through an air gap (to prevent contamination of the domestic water system) and the water supplying the tank shuts off, when filed to a predetermined height, by an automatic shut off valve.

Nibco Butterfly Valve

Butterfly Valves – The butterfly valve has some similar features to that of the wafer check valve. It is very thin and lightweight so space and support are not issues. It is closed using a wafer or disc that is mounted on a rod that is secured in the middle of the valve. The rod exits the valve at the top and ends with a handle that incrementally controls the internal disc.

In the open position the disc is parallel to the pipe in the closed position the disc is perpendicular to the pipe closing off flow.

These types of valves can be used to control flow and are especially affective in tight spots. Most times the handles are spring loaded and allow you to lock the valve into a certain position.

Cast Iron Pipe and Fittings – Plumbing sewer and vent pipe and fittings that are made from cast iron.  It is manufactured in two (2) types–hub and spigot, and no-hub.  The hub and spigot pipe and fittings are manufactured as either service weight or extra heavy.  This relates to the wall thickness of the pipe and fittings, the extra heavy having a thicker wall thickness.  The extra heavy pipe and fittings are rarely used today and availability of various fittings is limited.  The hub and spigot type pipe is manufacture in three (3) lengths–five (5) and ten (10) foot single hub, five (5) double hub and thirty (30) inch double hub.  Single hub means the pipe has one (1) end that is plain and the other has a hub and double hub means there are hubs on both ends.  The no-hub pipe and fittings are manufactured in service weight and the pipe only comes in (10) foot lengths.

The hub and spigot pipe and fittings are joined by using either neoprene gaskets or lead and oakum.  The no-hub pipe and fittings are joined by using a stainless steel band with neoprene gasket that is manufactured specifically for the no-hub pipe.

Ceramic Discs – similar to brass seating material, ceramic is the hardest material you can use in seating material. One ceramic disc rotates and slides against the other. As the holes or notches in the discs align the water passes through. Ceramic discs are completely unaffected by water temperature so the neither expand nor contract, they are not damaged by debris in the water line

Check Valves – A check valve is a one way valve in that is has one inlet and one outlet that allows the a liquid to travel in one direction. It is used to halt the flow of the aforementioned liquid in case of a drop in pressure or reverse in directional flow. The majority of check valves used in the plumbing industry work automatically meaning when the pressure or direction changes the valve slams shut.

Circuit Setter -A circuit setter is a balancing type valve used in an HVAC or plumbing system to regulate pressure in the whole system or within part of the system.

In a plumbing system it is used to regulated pressure between hot and cold water inside the potable water system. Many years ago a check valve and a ball valve where used, the check valve would shut down a hot or cold water supply if there was a sudden drop in pressure and the ball valve with a memory stop was used to regulate flow. This prevented cold or hot water bleed over if the pressure was increased or decreased in either supply piping.

Circuit Vent – A branch vent that serves two or more fixtures with integral traps like a water closet or fixtures with p-traps installed in a battery (fixtures grouped together). The vent extends from the top of the horizontal waste branch in front of the last fixture waste to the main vent stack of a building drainage system.

Cleanout – An accessible opening that is placed in a drainage line  at a convenient location to accommodate drain cleaning equipment in the event of a line blockage.

Chrome Cleanout Cover

Cleanout Cover – An esthetically pleasing cover (usually chrome plated) that hides a cleanout. The cleanout cover is usually furnishing with a chrome center screw that threads into the cleanout plug.

Clevis Hangers – A piece of metal bent in the shape of a “U” that is used to support pipe or conduit from a structure. The “U” has holes through both ends through which a rod is inserted and attached to the rod is a yoke with a hole in it through which a threaded rod is inserted and the threaded rod is attached to the structure.

Closet Flanges – A flanged fitting that is connected to the sanitary drainage system that is used to bolt a water closet (toilet) to the floor. They are made of different materials, i.e., cast iron, copper and PVC.

Cock Hole Cover – We know it’s a silly word but it is an actual plumbing term. It is simply this, a metal cover that is inserted onto an empty hole in your kitchen sink or counter top. They come in different finishes like chrome, brass, white and stainless steel. Say you replace your old kitchen sink faucet that has a side spray with an updated model that has a pull out spout. The faucet with the side spray used a four hole sink.  The one with a pull spout uses three holes or one if you don’t use a cover plate, you’ll have one extra hole. You’ll need the ever famous cock hole cover.

Coffee Station – In a commercial tenant space, a place for employees to get coffee, ice, or have lunch or take a break. Coffee stations typically consist of a kitchen sink, faucet, coffee maker, and refrigerator. Depending on the municipality the coffee station may require a grease interceptor and a floor drain. The coffee maker and the refrigerator will require a backflow preventer.

Cold Chisel – A steel hardened tool that is manufactured in various lengths and diameters with a beveled end that is used for chipping and breaking concrete, cast iron, steel and other hard material.

Combined or Combination Sewer – piping that is designed to carry both rain water with sewage. This method of evacuating waste water is being phased out around the country in favor separating the storm sewer from waste.

Composite Material – A material used to manufacture counter tops and and sinks. Composite materials usually have an acrylic base that is colored and different aggregate materials are introduced to give the surface a unique look and in some instances adds strength. Quartz composite sinks are a great example of composite material were quartz is added to give it a unique look and adds strength and resists corroding and chipping.

Compression Fittings – A kind of tubing or pipe connection where a nut, and then a sleeve or ferrule is placed over a copper or plastic tube and is compressed tightly around the tube as the nut is tightened, forming a positive grip and seal without soldering. Also a flexible connector that has a nut and gasket designed to attach directly to an SAE standard compression thread, without the use of a sleeve or ferrule.

Copper Pipe and Fittings - Copper pipe and fittings are material used in drainage, waste and vent pipe as well as potable water piping. Copper is fairly easy to work with, has excellent thermal conductive properties and it is very durable. Copper comes in a wide variety of pipe sizes and can handle water, oil and gas.

Core Toilet Rooms - A group of centrally located toilet rooms in a commercial, industrial or institutional building. These toilet rooms are usually designed to accommodate a certain number of workers or guests per floor or per area of a building. If core toilet rooms are in a multi-level building they are usually stacked on top of one another using a common wet column.

Cross Connection - Any connection in plumbing that allows potable water to be connected to a non potable water source. Cross connections can be a potentially serious health hazard. Here is an example of a cross connection : a good number of utility sink faucets come with a threaded hose connection at the end of the spout. This is used to attach a hose so a floor or room can be washed down. If the spout or faucet is not installed with a vacuum breaker and the hose is dropped into the utility sink filled with water and a cleaning chemical you have a cross connection.

Dip Tubes – Usually a plastic tube that is inserted into the inlet side of a domestic water heater.  The tube forces the incoming water to the bottom of the heater, (closest to the heating elements) whereby the water is more evenly heated throughout the tank.

Dishwasher Air Gap – An apparatus that is usually mounted next to your faucet, either

on the counter or in a knockout on the kitchen sink. This device connects from the waste outlet of the dishwasher to the airgap and from there it connects to a waste opening in the p-trap of the kitchen sink. It allows waste water to flow into the waste piping however of the waste piping should ever back up, the waste water will not back up into the dishwasher because of the aforementioned air gap.  Please see our diagram for further clarification.

Double Detector Check Valve - The double detector check assembly is installed with one (1) gate valve on the inlet of the valve and one (1) gate valve on the outlet side of the valve. These assemblies prevent back flow or back pressure in nonhazardous situations and are most used to protect the potable water system of a building from the water in a fire prevention system.

A detector check is made with a by-pass assembly and meter to detect any unauthorized or illegal taps, test cocks are also present so that required yearly testing can take place. Each check valve can be isolated and tested independently to see if they are leaking and operating properly.

Downspout Piping – Also known as storm water piping.  It is the piping system that handles the discharge of rain and melted snow water to the city sewers, retention ponds, or ground level pavement or grassy areas.  On the interior of buildings the piping material is usually made of cast iron, copper or PVC.  When it is installed on the exterior of the building the piping material is usually sheet metal like the downspouts on a private residence.

Drain Piping Pitch (Slope) – In plumbing the grade at which the drain piping is installed to assure that the waste water flows at a speed that allows the piping to be self scouring. Meaning the turbulence and movement of the water cleans the inside of the pipe. 1/4″ per foot is a common pitch for plumbing. We like to say a lazy sewer is a good sewer, if the water is moving too fast it may move past the suspended solids leaving them behind. If enough waste is left behind you have the potential for a build up and an eventual blockage.

Drain Tile System – A system of pipe usually made of corrugated plastic, PVC or clay tile that collects subsoil drainage and allows it to dump into a sewer or water retention area. Drain tile is usually perforated to allow water to seep into the pipe and it is widely used under basement floors or under concrete footings, this keeps water from getting into basements or washing out backfilled soil. Drain tile is also used in athletic fields, farm fields and in any situations where water needs to be removed quickly.

Drainage Fittings (Cast Iron) – This a true plumbing professional term. Obviously all Drainage, Waste and Vent (DWV) are types of fittings used for drainage however cast iron drainage fittings are threaded fittings that are specifically used for drainage piping. These fittings are a dying breed and are only used in certain areas or in repair situations. These fittings are made with pitch built in to assure proper flow. Anvil Corp is one of the last companies to continue making CI drainage fittings. You can find them here. http://www.anvilintl.com/ProductSearch/ProductThumbnailView.aspx?plid=115&ptid=648

Kohler "Devonshire" Drop In Bathtub

Drop in Bath Tub – A bathtub that is built with an integral lip or ledge that is meant to fit into or be dropped-into a pre-framed area that is to receive the bathtub.

Drop-in Anchor – These are anchors that are inserted into a pre-drilled hole in concrete. The anchor has a metal cam inside that when hit or “set” flares the bottom out to secure it in the concrete. Drop-in anchors are threaded on the inside to accept all thread rod or bolts and they are commonly used in conjunction with a clevis hanger to hang piping from the underside of a deck.

Drum Traps – Very rarely used, a drum trap is a circular metal canister with the inlet

near the bottom of the trap and the waste outlet is at the top with a removable cover. Ideally the drum trap is installed in a place with easy access so you can remove the cover to clean. Unfortunately many drum traps we’ve encountered are buried behind a wall or the cover is unable to be removed, fused together by time. So when drum trap stop they are extremely difficult to clear by rodding because of their inlet and outlet configuration. Drum traps were installed so people could find jewelry or valuables if lost down the drain. The trap would catch the ring or earring by sinking to the bottom, the likely hood that a valuable would flow into the waste opening at the top of the trap is highly unlikely.

Duplex Pumps (Ejector or House Pumps) – This is simply a pumping system that uses two pumps instead of one. These pumps are usually equipped with an alternator that alternates pumping cycles to minimize wear on one particular pump. The alternator can be set to alternate the pumps in a variety of ways i.e. every other cycle, every ten cycles or it can be set by usage parameters if equipped with the right controls.

Ejector Pits – A round, square or rectangular pit (collection vessel) that can be made from cast iron, steel, PVC, fiberglass, concrete or clay tile.  They are used in applications where the sanitary waste that flows into them is lower that the main sewer and by mean of an ejector pump(s) the waste is pumped up and out to the main sewer.  They must always have a gas tight cover and be properly vented.

Ejector Pumps – A device manufactured to elevate water, sewage (suspended solids) or liquid waste from a lower level to a point of discharge into a sewer or drain.

Elevated Vacuum Breaker – A vacuum breaker that is elevated off the floor at 7ft-6″. There is a very good reason it is elevated at 7ft-6″ it is above the average height of a man with his arms stretched over his head. Huh? Yep, the reason for this is a person cannot take a hose and stretch to place it above the vacuum breaker rendering the vacuum breaker useless. I know how about we just step on a chair? Whatever…that’s the reason for 7ft-6″. Elevated vacuum breakers are slowly dying.

Epoxy Pipe Lining

Expansion Tank

Express Riser

Extension Tailpiece

Extra Heavy Soil Pipe

Faucet Types

Federal Plumbing Code

Fill Valve

Fixture Carriers

Fixture Units

Floor Cleanouts -

Floor Drains -

Floor Sinks -

Flush Valves Types – Piston, Diaphram, Automatic

Flux – types

Friction Clamps/Riser Clamps

Frost Proof Hose Bibbs or Sillcocks

Futures – Vent, water and waste

Garabage Disposals

Gas Piping

Gate Valves – The gate valve is typically operated by a wheel handle and that handle lifts and lowers a metal disc or wedge cutting off or opening the flow of water. A gate valve should not be used to throttle or regulate the flow of water.

Gate valves are usually described as rising stem sometimes called an OS&Y (Outside Screw and Yoke) or non-rising stem.

General Liability Insurance

G.P.M. – (Gallons Per Minute)

Gravity Sewers

Gray Water

Gray Water Waste Pipe System -

Grease Traps or Grease Separator – A device designed to cause separation and retention of oil and/or grease from liquid wastes. Grease separators are most commonly used in commercial kitchens, restaurants or apartment buildings. Periodic grease removal maintenance needs to be done in order to maintain performance levels.

Green Plumbing

• Gray Water

• Low Consumption Plumbing Fixtures

• Rain Water Harvesting

• Solar Hot Water

Hair Separator

Hand Held Shower with Slide Bar

Hand Auger

Hard Water

Head Pressure

Heat Exchanger

Heat Traps

Hoar Frost

Hose Bibbs or Sillcocks

Hot Tap

Hot Water Return Piping

House Drain

House Pumps (Domestic Water Booster Pumps) Variable Frequency or constant speed. Uses in commercial and residential.

House Sewer – The part of the horizontal piping of a plumbing or drainage system that extends from the house drain to it’s connection with the main sewer or other place of sewage disposal. So the piping that connects the interior sewer to it’s connection to the municipal sewer.

Hub and Spigot Soil Pipe

Hydraulic Pressure – The pressure applied by a liquid against an object. Most liquids cannot be compressed into a small area like air can. Therefore when a liquid is applying pressure to an object the liquid will find it’s way around the object or if need be through the object.

IAPMO

Ice Maker

Instantaneous Water Heaters – See Plumbing Mechanical Equipment Condensing and non condensing

International Plumbing Code

Iron Tanks

Isolation Valves

J-Hooks

Kitchen Sink Faucet with a Pull-Out Spray

Lavatories – See plumbing fixtures

Lead – definition, uses in plumbing, historical significance

Lead Flashings

Lead Pan

Lead Pick – This a tool that looks like an awl, with a metal tip bent at a 90° angle or like a hook, that is used while drilling out an old lead joint, to pick out the loose lead and oakum.

Lead Pot and Ladel

Lead Water Services – Historical significance

Loop Vent

Man Hole

Mechanical Joints – definition, materials used, types of mechanical joints.

Molded Stone

Mop Basins – See plumbing fixtures

Nipples -A short piece of threaded pipe used to join two threaded fittings.

No Hub Soil Pipe – A type of pipe normally made of cast iron, without hubs, joined  with no hub couplings

Oakum -

Over Head Sewers

Overflow roof drains – See PlumbingMechanical Equipment

PCA

Pex Plastic Water Piping and Fittings

PHCC – Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors Association

Pipe Condensation

Pipe Insulation

Pipe Labeling

Plumbing Council of Chicagoland

Plumbing Fixtures – Gosh it’s tough for us to define this term because it’s so outdated. We’ll give it a shot, it’s a device, appliance or “appurtenance” that is hooked up or installed to the potable water system which makes the potable water available to flush liquids or liquid born wastes either directly or indirectly into the waste system.

Plumbing Mechanical Equipment
Some may disagree with how some of these are defined but for this site each of the following will be referred to as plumbing mechanical equipment.
Coffee Makers
Define boilers, types, uses
Define Water Heaters, types, uses.

Plumbing Valve – is any valve used to regulate the flow of water in a potable or human waste water system.

Point of Use Water Heaters -

Power Jetter

Power Rodder – Type, Uses

Pressure Assisted Toilets

Priming a P-trap

P-Traps

PVC Plastic Pipe and Fittings

PVD Finishes

Roof drains

Radiant Heat

Re-circulating Pump

Repair Flanges

Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration

Roll Groove

Roman Tub Filler
Roof drains -

Rough-in

RPZ (Reduced Pressure Zone)

Sand and Sediment Separators

Syphonic roof drains

Sanitary Sewer – A house drain or a house sewer designed and used to remove only sewage. Storm water need not apply. Believe it or not there are places around the country that separate the storm and sewage systems in a building only to let them combine outside the building to a combined sewer.

Sewage – A combination of water carried wastes from a residence, business buildings, institutional and industrial buildings together with ground surface and storm water.

Sewer Camera and Locator

Shower Head

Slip Joint

Sloan Flush Mate

Sludge

Soaker Tub

Soft Water

Soil Pipe – Any piping which transports the discharges of one of more water closets or bedpan washers with or without the discharge from other fixtures to the house drain.

Solder

Solder Joints – types, uses (How To)

Spanner Flanges

Stand Pipe -

Steam Generators

Steel Pipe and Fittings

Storm Piping

S-Traps

Sub-Soil Drain - The part of the drainage system which transports subsoil ground or seepage water to the house drain or house sewer. (Most times it’s called drain tile.)

Suds Zone

Sump Check Valves

Sump Pits

Sump Pumps

Sump Silent Check Valves

Suspended Solids – The solid waste material held afloat or suspended in the transport medium in this case it’s water.

Sustaining Hinge Check

Syphonic roof drains -

T&P Valves – A relief valve used on tanks or vessels that is activated by too much temperature(T) or too much pressure (P)

Tempering Valves – A valve used to control temperature to a constant temperature. These valves are mechanical in nature meaning a temperature can be set with a set and locked in and won’t allow any more hot water through the valve. Hot and cold water flow is controlled by the internal ports.

Thermal Expansion – The expansion of water or material from heat

Thermostatic Mixing Valves – A pressure balanced valve used to control temperature of water based on both the hot and cold water supply temperatures and changes in water pressure. A valve that is pressure balanced only operates on just that….pressure

Toilets – A plumbing fixture designed to receive human excrement from the user of the fixture to the sanitary sewer system.

Trap – A device for a plumbing drain, sewer, etc. consisting of a tubular bend in which a liquid settles a forms a seal preventing sewer gasses, vermin, stench from coming back into a building.

Trap Primers – A device used to prime a p-trap, preventing the evaporation of water form the trap

Trap Weir- The highest point of water held in a trap (either p-trap or s-trap) before it leaves the trap and drains

Trapeze Pipe Hanger

Two Hole Pipe Straps

Unistrut

United Association (UA)

Urinals – A plumbing fixture that is flushed by potable water that is designed to receive human urine, the discharge is disposed into the sanitary system.

UV Purification

Vacuum Breakers

Valve Tags

Vent Increaser – Why they’re used. Controversy on their usefulness

Vent Piping

Vent Stack

Vibration Isolation

Vitreous China

Wafer Check Valve – A wafer style check valve is obviously a check valve that is used when space constraints won’t allow traditional check valves to be used. Some of the other benefits of using a wafer check is weight, this style of check doesn’t need as much support as it’s traditional full body counterpart.

A wafer valve is made using a thin disc that can be fastened in the center or the top or can be spring loaded in the center.

This valve is meant to placed between two flanged fittings and secured between the two fittings with all thread rod. The valve is notched in the same positions as the bolt pattern of the flanges so the rod can pass by the valve. The valve is secured at both ends by the flanges.

Walk-In Shower

Washing Machine Boxes

Waste Piping

Waste Stack

Water Hammer

Water Hammer Arrestors

Water Heaters –

Water Meters

Water Piping

Water Risers

Water Service

Water Softners

Wet Vent

Workmen’s Compensation Insurance

Yard Hydrants

Yarning and Packing Irons