Professional Documents
Culture Documents
273. main. N
The primary artery of supply of the water
supply or drain system in which all the 287. negative pressure.
branches connect. In the case of drains, Pressure below the external atmosphere
known as the Water Main. pressure, taking into account the local
274. main drainpipe. elevation.
The piping where the dwelling’s drain piping 288. nipple.
system enters the septic system or A short length of pipe installed between
underground drainpipe. couplings or other fittings.
275. main line. 289. nominal.
The primary line that supplies water from Size used for identification only; not literal
the water company's meter at the street up dimensions. Used to identify pipe and fitting
to the point where it enters the home; all sizes in plumbing. Refers to the inside
other supply lines in the home branch out diameter of the pipe which can vary by
from this main line thickness of the pipe. The outside is a
276. main sewer. constant size. For copper pipe the outside
(Also call the TRUNK SEWER) The main stem diameter is always 1/8" larger than the
or principal artery of the sewage system to nominal size. Example: 1/2" nominal is
which branches may be connected. always 5/8" O.D.
277. male threads. 290. no-hub connector.
Male threads thread into female threads. A connector for no-hub iron pipe consisting
Female fittings openings are larger than of a rubber sleeve and a stainless-steel band
male fittings. Male fittings fit into/inside secured by hose clamps.
female fittings. 291. NPS.
278. manhole. Abbreviation for National Pipe Straight
A small covered opening in a floor, Threads Standard (IPS)
pavement, or other surface to allow a person 292. NPSM.
to enter, especially an opening in a city Abbreviation for National Pipe Straight
street leading to a sewer. Mechanical. Similar to garden hose threads
279. manifold. NPSM fittings must be used with a washer
A type of fitting that connects branches to between the male and female fittings to
the main. create a tight leak-proof seal. The threads
280. master plumber. themselves will not seal liquid from leaking
A plumber licensed to install and to assume at the fitting.
responsibility for contractual agreements 293. NPT.
pertaining to plumbing and to secure any Abbreviation for National Pipe Tapered
required permits. The journeyman plumber Threads Standard (FIP, MIP). NPT is the
is licensed to install plumbing under the United States standard for tapered threaded
supervision of a master plumber. fittings and pipe. Manufacturers are to
281. MHT. follow this standard when fabricating or
Abbreviation for male hose threads. manufacturing pipes and fittings used for
282. mini-widespread. plumbing.
A special style of bathroom lavatory faucet O
having separate spout and handles. But
designed small enough that it will fit 4" 294. O-ring.
center-to-center faucet holes. Used around valve stems, a rubber washer
283. MIP(s). that creates a watertight seal.
Abbreviation for male pipe threads.
284. mirror test.
295. OD. in the pipe, preventing sewer odors from
Abbreviation for "outside diameter." The entering the dwelling. An S-trap is similar,
measurement of the diameter of the pipe as but exits the room through the wall instead
taken from the outside edge. of the floor.
296. OEM. 308. packing.
Abbreviation for "original equipment A material used on faucets that prevents
manufacturer." leaks.
297. oil trap. 309. packing nut.
An interceptor used to retain oil and prevent A nut that keeps the faucet in position and
it passing into sewers. holds the packing material.
298. offset. 310. PB.
In a line of piping, a combination of pipe, Polybutylene, flexible plastic tubing formerly
pipes and/or fittings which join two used in water supply systems where allowed
approximately parallel sections of a line of by code.
pipe. 311. PB.
299. one-piece toilet. Common finish abbreviation for polished
The toilet tank and bowl are not separate, brass when referring to a fixture's part
but make one single fixture. Less common number
and usually more expensive, but generally a 312. PE.
more stylish toilet. Abbreviation for polyethylene. Most
300. outfall sewers. common plastic made. Plastic used for many
Sewers which receive sewage from the types of water and gas piping.
collection system and carry it to the point of 313. PEX.
final discharge or treatment; usually the Abbreviation for crosslinked polyethylene. A
largest sewer of a system. plastic material manufactured with chemical
301. outlet sewer. crosslinks (stronger than, PE.)
An outlet sewer is a pipe section that runs 314. pipes.
between a septic tank and drainage field in a Unlike tubes, the measurement of a pipe (i.e.
septic system 2") roughly references the inside diameter
302. ovality. (ID) of the pipe and not the outside diameter
The difference between the most wide OD (OD). A 2" Sch 40 pipe actually has an OD of
and the most narrow OD on a pipe or tube. 2.375", a wall thickness of .154" and an ID of
Found be subtracting the minimum outside 2.067".
diameter from the maximum outside 315. pipe, horizontal.
diameter on a pipe. Any pipe installed in a horizontal position or
303. overflow. which makes an angle of less than 45° from
A type of drain used to prevent overfilling of the horizontal.
a fixture. For example, the small hole near 316. pipe, indirect waste.
the top of the bathroom sink connects to the Pipe that does not connect directly with the
sink drain, preventing the basin from drainage system but conveys liquid wastes
flooding onto the floor. into a plumbing fixture or receptacle which
304. overflow system. is directly connected to the drainage system.
An outlet or receptacle designed to collect 317. pipe, local ventilating.
surplus liquids after the desired amount has A pipe on the fixture side of the trap through
been received. which pipe vapors or foul air can be removed
305. overflow tube. from a room fixture.
If the ballcock malfunctions this vertical tube 318. pipe, soil.
inside the toilet tank will direct water into Any pipe which conveys to the building drain
the toilet bowl. This is the part that can or building sewer the discharge of one or
sometimes make your toilet sound like it is more water closets and/or the discharge of
constantly running, which is an indication any other fixture receiving fecal matter, with
that there is a problem with your ballcock. or without the discharge from other fixtures.
306. oxidized sewage. 319. pipe, special waste.
Sewage in which the organic matter has Drain pipe which receives one or more
been combined with oxygen and has wastes which require treatment before
become stable. entry into the normal plumbing system; the
special waste pipe terminates at the
P treatment device on the premises.
320. pipe, vertical.
307. P-trap. Any pipe installed in a vertical position or
A sink drainpipe designed in the shape of a which makes an angle of not more than 45°
“P.” It runs from the sink and down through from the vertical.
the floor to the main drain piping. The shape 321. pipe, waste.
is designed to trap a small quantity of water
A pipe which conveys only liquid or liquid- as defined in the code for the municipality,
borne waste, free of fecal matter. and complying with the laws of licensing
322. pipe, water riser. and/or registration of the State, City or
A water supply pipe which extends vertically County.
one full story or more to convey water to 333. plumbing tree.
branches or fixtures. A set of drain waste, vent, and supply lines
323. pipe, water distribution. that have been pre-fabricated.
Pipes which convey water from the service 334. plunger.
pipe to its points of usage. A cupped, suction device on a handle that is
324. pipes, water service. used to clear a clogged drain
That portion of the water piping which 335. POC.
supplies one or more structures or premises Point of connection
and which extends from the main to the 336. pop-up assembly.
meter or, if no meter is provided, to the first The drain mechanism of a faucet installed on
stop cock or valve inside the premises. a lavatory. The drain stopper "pops" up and
325. pipe threads. down.
A spiral flute cut into the end of a pipe, 337. porcelain.
allowing pipes to be coupled to fixture or A white ceramic ware that consists of quartz,
pipe couplings kaolin, and feldspar. It is fired at high
326. pitch. temperature on steel or cast iron to make
The amount of slope given to horizontal the surface of some bathtubs, kitchen sinks
piping, expressed in inches or vertically and bathroom lavatories. Many times the
projected drop per foot of horizontal pipe. word "porcelain" also refers to porcelain
327. pH. china which is a ceramic product with
The negative logarithm (base 10) of the porcelain glaze.
hydrogen concentration. On the scale of 0 to 338. porcelain enamel.
14, 7 is neutral, lower numbers are acidic, Vitreous enamel. Many times the words
and higher numbers are basic. "porcelain enamel" refers to pressed steel
328. plumber. (not recommended by us) products with a
A technician that specializes in plumbing porcelain glaze. When purchasing "fixtures"
installation and repairs. Plumbers are usually we like to recommend either a porcelain
licensed by the state or other governing glaze on top of ceramic, or porcelain glaze on
authority, have been educated in various top of cast iron.
aspects of the plumbing industry and are 339. potable.
qualified to make repairs or handle new In reference to water is that "potable"
installations means it is drinkable water. Water that is
329. plumber's putty. suitable for human consumption.
A pliable putty used to seal joints. 340. power flush system.
330. plumbing. Toilet flushing system that compresses
The practice, materials and fixtures used in water to provide a pressurized flush as
the installation, maintenance, extension and opposed to a gravity flush. Power assisted
alteration of all piping, fixtures, appliances toilets are more typically found in business
and appurtenances in connection with any or commercial settings.
of the following: Sanitary drainage or storm 341. power vent.
drainage facilities, the venting system and Refers to mechanical venting in water
the public or private water-supply systems; heating. Generally (not always) water
also the practice and materials used in the heaters that use power venting are more
installation, maintenance, extension or efficient than regular draft venting.
alteration of water-supply systems and/or 342. PR.
the storm water, liquid waste or sewage Abbreviation for "Pressure Regulator."
system of any premises to their connection Generally means water pressure regulator.
with any point of public disposal or other Most codes require one if water pressures
acceptable terminal. ever exceeds 80 pounds at any time on
331. plumbing fixture. domestic potable water systems inside a
A general term applied to any plumbing structure.
receptacle, device or appliance that can be 343. precipitation.
temporarily or permanently fixed in place. It The total measurable supply of water
is connected to the drinking-water supply or received directly from the clouds, as snow,
to the drainage system either by an indirect rain, hail and sleet. It is usually expressed in
or direct connection. inches per day, month or year.
332. plumbing inspector. 344. pressure balance valve.
Any person who, under the supervision of A shower mixing valve that automatically
the authority having jurisdiction, is maintains balance between hot and cold-
authorized to inspect plumbing and drainage 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. higher schedule numbers meaning a thicker
The portion of a plumbing installation that wall. The most common schedules are Sch
includes running the water supply lines and 40 and Sch 80, but the actual wall thickness
drain, waste & vent lines to the proposed varies depending on the size of the pipe.
location of each fixture. 381. SDR.
371. rough-in dimensions. Standard Dimension Ratio (SDR) used for
Rough-in dimensions give you the necessary determining the minimum wall thickness for
information to install basic plumbing, pipe. SDR is found by dividing the outside
electrical venting or other similar systems diameter (OD) of the pipe by the wall
before installing the fixture. Many times a thickness measurement. To find the
dimensional drawing is available that minimum wall thickness of a pipe you simply
provides this information. divide the OD by the SDR.
372. round front. 382. septic field.
The standard shape of the front of a toilet The system of pipes that discharge
bowl. Generally bout 2" shorter than the bacterially treated wastewater from the
optional "elongated" bowl. septic tank and discharges it into the soil for
373. run. natural decontamination.
A complete or secondary section(s) of pipe 383. septic sewage.
that extend from supply to fixture or drain to Sanitary sewage undergoing putrefaction.
stack. 384. septic system.
The complete system of sewage removal,
S including the septic field, septic tank and
associated piping. There is no connection to
374. saddle valve.
a municipality or commercial sewer system.
A valve mounted on a pipe run by a clamping
385. septic tank.
device, or fitting that taps into the side of a
A receptacle which receives the discharge of
pipe, used to make quick connection to an
a drainage system or part thereof, and is
existing line to provide a water supply for a
designed and so constructed to separate
low-demand device.
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.
v
Any liquid waste containing animal,
375. safe or potable drinking-water.
vegetable or chemical wastes in suspension
Water that is intended for human
or solution.
consumption and suitable for all usual
389. sewage ejector pump.
domestic uses, complying with the
These pumps are required where
requirements of the WHO Guidelines for
wastewater cannot flow to its destination by
Drinking-water Quality or appropriate
means of gravity at a velocity of at least 2
national standards established by the
feet per second.
regulating authority.
390. sewer.
376. sanitary building drain.
Drainage outside the building. Note that
A building drain that conveys only domestic
"drain" is inside the building.
or industrial waste, not storm water.
391. sewer, building.
377. sanitary building sewer.
Also called house sewer. That part of the
A building sewer that conveys only domestic
horizontal piping of a drainage system
or industrial waste, not storm water.
extending from the building drain, storm
378. sanitary fitting.
drain and/or sub-soil drain to its connection
Fitting that joins the assorted pipes in a
into the point of disposal, and carrying the
drain, waste and vent system; designed to
drainage of but one building or part thereof.
allow solid material to pass through without
392. sewer, building storm.
clogging.
(or house storm sewer) The extension from
379. sanitary sewer.
the building storm drain to the point of
A sewer intended to receive only domestic
disposal.
or industrial waste, not storm water.
393. sewer, private.
380. schedule (sch).
A sewer located on private property which
The "Schedule" designation tells you how
conveys the drainage of one or more
thick the wall is for any size of pipe with the
buildings to a public sewer or to a privately- A water heating system that uses piping that
owned sewage disposal system. is coiled through heat collectors on the roof.
394. sewer, storm. An energy saving device, solar water heaters
A sewer used to convey rainwater, surface use the sun for all or part of the water
water, condensate, cooling water or similar heating process and can be tied into a
water wastes, exclusive of sewage and conventional water heater for backup.
industrial wastes. 408. solder.
395. sewer system. A metal alloy that is melted to join or mend
System including a building sewer, a private metal surfaces; also, the act of melting
or public sewer, and a private or public solder into the joint.
sewage disposal system. 409. spigot.
396. sewer connection. Term used with PVC, CPVC and cast-iron
The place where a dwelling sanitary sewer fittings and pipe. For PVC or CPVC fittings
system connects to the city or municipality and pipe; A male end of a fitting the same
sewer system. size as the pipe that is inserted and glued
397. shroud. into the slip (hub) end of a fitting. For cast-
Color matched component under a wall- iron pipe; The plain end of a cast-iron pipe.
mount lavatory that covers the drain outlet The spigot is inserted into the bell or hub
for aesthetic purposes (female) end of the next pipe to make a
398. shutoff valve. water tight joint.
Any piping valve that stops the flow of water 410. SPxS.
in the pipe. Water meter shutoff valves are An abbreviation normally used for PVC or
located underground in a cabinet and use a CPVC fittings, to describe a non-threaded
quarter turn valve rotation. fitting with a spigot end (male) on one side
399. sink basin. and a slip (female) connector on the other
The bowl of the sink. Many kitchen sink side. The spigot end is the same size as the
basins are comprised of two connected pipe and glues into a slip fitting. The slip
basins to allow for washing and rinsing. fitting is a normal female hub end that fits
Bathroom sink basins will include an over pipe.
overflow drain in their design, molded onto 411. stack.
the underside of the basin. The vertical main of a system of soil, waste
400. sink plunger. or vent piping.
A type of small plunger that fits over a sink 412. stack vent.
drain, used to unstop clogs. The extension of a soil or waste stack above
401. siphoning. the highest horizontal drain connected to
Suction that takes place when water the stack.
pressure drops which causes water or waste 413. stale sewage.
to be pulled through a descending outlet Sewage which contains little or no oxygen,
channel. but is free from putrefaction.
402. siphon break. 414. stand pipe.
Recognized by the gurgling sound that takes A stand pipe is the name of several pipe
place at the end of a toilet flush, the siphon types. A stand pipe is a vertical pipe that
break is when air is re-introduced into the receives water from washing machines; a
trapway, causing the siphoning action to water supply for a fire sprinkler system, or a
cease. vertical pipe that has water pumped into it
403. slick. to produce a certain pressure.
The thin oily film which gives the 415. static pressure.
characteristic appearance to the surface of The pressure when NO water is flowing.
water into which sewage or oily water is 416. stop valve.
discharged. A key control valve capable of shutting off
404. sleeve. the whole plumbing system that is under
A pipe that runs through a wall to allow mains pressure.
another pipe through it. 417. storm drain.
405. sludge. The part of the horizontal piping and its
The accumulated suspended solids of branches that directs subsoil and surface
sewage deposited in tanks, beds or basins, drainage from areas, courts, roofs or yards
mixed with sufficient water to form a to a building or storm sewer
semiliquid mass. 418. storm water drainage.
406. soil stack. Drainage of rainwater from roofs, courtyards
Largest vertical drain line to which all branch and paved areas and conveying it away from
waste lines connect; carries waste to the buildings to a place of disposal.
sewer line. 419. straight stop.
407. solar water heater.
An "emergency" stop (valve) that is usually 435. tankless water heater.
installed before the water supply line A newer style of water heater that does not
(below) to toilets and faucets. contain a holding tank. Water is heated on
420. strain. demand after the unit detects water flow.
Change of shape or size produced by stress. These units are usually heated by natural gas
421. stress. burners.
External forces resisted by reactions within. 436. tap.
422. street elbow. Tap is synonymous with faucet. Also tap
An elbow (90 degree bend) fitting that has a refers to the divergence of water from one
male end (same size as pipe) on one side and fitting to another.
a female end (pipe fits inside this size) on the 437. tee.
other side. Any T-shaped plumbing fitting. It has three
423. sub-main sewer. openings used to create branch lines.
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. 438. teflon tape.
A tank or pit which receives the discharge Thread sealing tape with stain resistant,
from drains or other wastes, located below water repellant Teflon finish. Teflon is a
the normal grade of the gravity system, trademark of DuPont.
which must be emptied by mechanical 439. temperature and pressure relief valve.
means. A device that controls both temperature and
426. sump pump. pressure, releasing water to atmosphere at
A pump used to remove water from a predetermined settings
collection pit. 440. tempered.
427. supply line. A heat treatment technique to strengthen
A metal or plastic line that carries water from and harden glass for more safety. Also
the Main Line to an individual fixture (e.g. applies to water that has been mixed in
faucet, toilet, etc.) in the home. order to avoid a temperature extreme.
428. sweating. 441. tension.
Sweating has two definitions. It is slang for That stress which resists the tendency of two
soldering and a term for condensation that forces acting opposite from each other to
builds outside of pipes or toilet tanks. pull apart two adjoining planes of a body.
442. thermostatic valve.
T A pressure balancing shower mixing valve
with automatic temperature control. When
429. t-bolt. temperature or pressure fluctuations occur
Also known as toilet or closet bolts, T-bolts at the water inlets, a thermal actuator
are 2 anchor bolts that attach a toilet to the adjusts the hot and cold ratio to maintain the
floor. original temperature setting.
430. tailpiece. 443. thread sealant (liquid).
The section of drain fitting that protrudes Provides a water seal in threaded
into the trap. connections.
431. tank. 444. thread sealant (tape).
Holds flush water for your fixture. On typical Dry ribbons of sealant sold on spools. Unlike
toilets the tank includes the ballcock, trip liquid sealant there is no chance of it getting
valve and flush lever. into the supply lines and blocking water
432. tank ball. flow.
The moving part of the flush valve that seals 445. through-the-floor.
water in or allows water out of the tank Installation where the bath drain tee outlet
during the flush cycle. Also known as the points down rather than horizontal.
flapper, flush ball, stopper and seal disk. 446. thumb nut.
433. tank bolts. To ease installation and to prevent over-
Three bolts that hold together the tank, tightening this nut was designed to be
gasket and bowl of the toilet. tightened without tools.
434. tank cover lock. 447. thumb screw.
Device to prevent damage to and removal of To ease installation and to prevent over-
the toilet tank cover and contents of the tightening this screw was designed to be
tank. tightened without tools.
448. tile-in. U
Installation where the sink is fit flush with
the countertop 464. ULF.
449. toilet plunger. Abbreviation for ultra low flush, which
A plunger with a flexible end, shaped to be describes a toilet that deliver 1.6gpf or less.
inserted into the drain at the bottom of the 465. UNC, UC, or NC.
bowl. This increases efficiency. Abbreviation for Unified National Coarse
450. toilet setting compound. Thread (National Coarse) - Use on fittings,
Provides a non-hardening watertight seal for nuts, & bolts - not for pipes.
the base of the toilet and the floor 466. UNF, UF, or NF.
451. touchless faucet. Abbreviation for Unified National Fine
A faucet that does not require the user to Thread (National Fine) - Use on fittings, nuts,
turn handles to use. The valve is electrically & bolts - not for pipes.
operated and is controlled by a motion 467. underground piping.
sensor or photo eye. Piping in contact with the earth below grade.
452. torque wrench. Pipe in a tunnel or in a watertight trench is
Tool for measuring the amount of force not included within the scope of this term.
applied to a threaded connection 468. union.
453. TPI. Fitting that joins two sections of pipe, that
Threads per inch. allows them to be disconnected without
454. transfer valve. cutting the pipe. Used primarily with steel
Valve the changes the flow of water from pipes, but never in a DWV system.
one outlet to another
455. trap. V
A fitting or device so designed and
constructed as to provide, when properly 469. vacuum.
vented, a liquid seal which will prevent the Any pressure less than that exerted by the
back passage of air or sewer gas without atmosphere (may be termed a negative
materially affecting the flow of sewage or pressure).
waste water through it. 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.
456. trap seal. 472. vent.
The vertical distance between the crown When referring to plumbing fixtures, all
weir and the top of the dip of the trap. fixtures (sinks, etc) must have a vent. Vents
457. trapway. are used to allow air into the drainage
Trap built into a toilet connecting the bowl systems to prevent P traps to from being
to the waste outlet where siphoning occurs. siphoned dry.
458. trip arm. 473. vent, circuit.
The trip lever on the outside of the toilet A branch vent that serves two or more traps
tank connects to this and extends from in front of the last fixture
459. trip chain. connection of a horizontal branch to the
Chain that connects the toilet trip arm and vent stack.
the flapper on the flush valve 474. vent, common.
460. trip lever. Also called dual vent, vent connecting at the
Handle attached to the outside of the toilet junction of two fixture drains and serving as
tank used to initiate the flush a vent for both fixtures.
461. tube. 475. vent, continuous.
Unlike pipes, the measurement of a tube (i.e. A vent that is a continuation of the drain to
2") corresponds to it's outside diameter which it connects. A continuous vent is
(OD). So the outside diameter of a 2" tube is further defined by the angle which the drain
truly 2". and vent make with the horizontal at the
462. turbulence. point of connection; for example, vertical
Any deviation from parallel flow. continuous waste-and-vent, 45° continuous
463. two-piece toilet. waste-and-vent, and flat (small angle)
The toilet tank is separate from the toilet continuous waste-and-vent.
bowl. This is the most common type of toilet 476. vent, loop.
and is also called a close-coupled toilet. 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 490. waste shoe.
one type of circuit vent. Generally refers to a bathtub drain assembly
477. vent stack. 491. water closet.
A vertical vent pipe installed primarily to A water-flushing device or fixture designed
provide circulation of air to that part of a to receive human waste directly from the
venting system to which circuit vents are user and discharge it to the drainage system.
connected. 492. water hammer.
478. vent system. Shock waves in plumbing generally due to
Pipes installed to provide a flow of air to or high velocity water being shut off quickly.
from a drainage system or to provide a This is mainly caused by under sizing of pipes
circulation of air within such system to and faucets or valves that are shut off fast.
protect trap seals from siphonage and back Sometimes installing water hammer
pressure. arrestors can help alleviate or lessen water
479. vent, wet. hammer. Best is to increase water pipe sizes
A vent which receives the discharge of (thereby slowing velocity).
wastes other than from water closets. 493. water heater gauge.
480. vent, yoke. Gauges used to indicate either the
A pipe connecting upward from a soil or temperature or the pressure of water in a
waste stack to a vent stack for the purpose water heater, or both.
of preventing pressure changes in stacks. 494. water heater.
481. venting, stack. An appliance used to raise the water
A method of venting a fixture through the temperature in a water system.
soil and waste stack. 495. water meter.
482. vents, individual. A gauge used to measure the amount of
Separate vents for each fixture. water flow in a system, measured in gallons.
483. vitreous. 496. water pressure.
A surface material on some plumbing The amount of force, measured in pounds
fixtures derived from or consisting of glass. It per square inch, that a water system
is low in porosity and is translucent. produces.
Generally, porcelain china is vitreous china. 497. water softener.
484. VTR. An appliance designed to remove hardness
Vent through the roof chemicals, such as calcium, from the potable
water supply.
W 498. water supply.
The potable water supplied to a residence or
485. washing machine box. commercial building.
A fixture on the wall in the laundry area that 499. well pump.
holds the hot and cold supply lines for the A pump used to pull water from an
washing machine. It also has a connection to underground natural water supply.
the drain line so that water from the washing 500. wet vent.
machine can be pumped out to the drain. When the drain discharge of one fixture is
486. waste. put into the vent stack of another fixture.
The discharge from any fixture, appliance or Vertical wet venting is the most common
appurtenance in connection with the and allows 4 fixtures of one or two fixture
plumbing system, which does not contain units each to discharge (drain) into a vent
fecal matter. For example, the liquid from a pipe serving another fixture. This can only be
lavatory, a tub, a sink or drinking fountain. done if all of the fixtures involved are located
487. waste arm. on the same story as the wet vented fixture.
A waste arm is an extension pipe that 501. white – euro.
extends from a fixture into the wall. Not all whites are alike. Euro-white generally
488. waste & overflow. is a somewhat yellowish white. Similar to
The drain assembly for a bathtub. The outlet Corian and Avonite's = Cameo white;
at the top removes the "overflow" water Surell/Formica and Wilsonart's = Frosty
during tub filling and the drain at the bottom white.
removes "waste" water when the tub is 502. white – polar.
drained. Polar-white generally is a bluish white.
489. wastewater. Similar to Kohler, Elkay, Moenstone, and
The spent or used water of a community, Swanstone's = White; Corian's = Glacier
including from residences and commercial white; Avonite's = Porcelain white;
buildings, and any surface water or storm Surrell/Formica's = Arctic white.
water that contains dissolved or suspended 503. widespread.
matter. 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.