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Terminology

ABS – Aristocraft Bristone Styrine. This is a strong black plastic pipe used for drain, waste and vent lines.

Access Panel - A portal found next to a fixture in the ceiling or wall, which allows easy access to pipes or wires hidden within the walls.

Adaptor - A piece that joins together pipes of different sizes.

Aerator - A device typically installed near a faucet's output that allows air to mix with flowing water, thus improving the flow.

Angle Stop - An angle stop is a shutoff valve, located between a toilet or faucet and the water pipes that run into it. In case of an emergency, the angle stop, typically located at a 90 degree angle at the outlet by the fixtures, needs to be turned off.

Backflow - Water that is flowing the wrong way, namely going back into the main clean water supply.

Backflow Preventer - The mechanism designed to stop backflow.

Ballcock - This device regulates the water flow between supply pipes and the toilet. This apparatus is controlled inside the tank water using a float. After the water is flushed, the ballcock is opened when the float falls, and water flows into the tank. After the tank has finished filling, the float rises and shuts off the ballcock.

Clarity - A measure indicating how clear the water is.

Closet Auger – A tool used for clearing up clogs within the toilet trap, consisting of a flexible bar with a rounded top piece.

Cock – Ballcock. (See Ballcock)

Coupling - A coupling is a fitting that allows two other fittings to be joined.

Diverter – These valves direct water to several inputs in showers, bathtubs, bidets and sinks.

Drain - Pipe or channel system used to carry away wastewater.

DWV - The abbreviation for Drain, Waste and Vent, which are the three key parts of a functional drainage system.

Elbow - An elbow pipe fitting is used to change a line's direction by joining pipes at an angle between its two openings. Many differently-angled elbows are available.

Female Fitting - A female fitting is one inside which other fittings may be inserted.

Fitting – An inclusive term typically encompassing faucets, shower valves, or other piping elements.

Fixture - A fixture is a collective term for any device using water, such as a bathtub, faucet, or toilet. Fixtures typically are supplied with fresh water, and include a mechanism to carry away waste water.

Flapper Valve - The flapper valve is found at the bottom of the toilet tank; it lets water go to the bowl from the tank when it is opened.

Flushometer - The flushometer is a toilet valve that closes automatically after a certain level of water has been allowed through.

GPM - An acronym meaning Gallons Per Minute. This is the unit with which flow rates for showerheads and faucets are measured.

GPF - Stands for gallons per flush. Commode flow rate measurement unit.

Hot Water Main - Major pipe through which hot water flows to the various fixtures in the home.

ID - Abbreviation used to refer to Inside Diameter - Measurement of the inside diameter of a pipe.

IPS - IPS stands for Iron Pipe Size, the usual measuring method for pipe threading based on the external diameter.

Lid - Commode tank cover that is typically removable.

Main - A main is the largest pipe in a plumbing system; every supply or drain system branch is connected to the main.

Manifold - A fitting that attaches several branches to the main and serves as a point of distribution.

Mixing Valve – This faucet valve allows mixing of hot and cold water to adjust the temperature of the water output.

Nipple - Nipple is a short threaded pipe usually found between fittings such as couplings. A method of extending the pipe.

Pipe Wrench - A tool used to help grip and turn pipes, consisting of two rough-textured jaws which can be adjusted for different pipe sizes.

Plumber's Putty - Substance essential for ensuring water-tight and air-tight seals between pipe joints.

Plumbing Code - A plumber's work is regulated by this legal document.

Plunger - A tool used to clean out choked pipes and toilet traps by harnessing the power of air pressure.

PVC - PVC stands for Polyvinyl Chloride; PVC is a solid white plastic.

Riser - Pipe that carries water to a fixture vertically.

Shutoff Valve - The term shutoff valve most often means the angle stop under a fixture, but might also be used to refer to branch line valves or the main valve next to the water meter. In case of an emergency, shutoff valves should be immediately turned off.

Sleeve - A pipe through a wall serving as a casing for another pipe to pass through.

Strainer - Filters water flowing into drains. Solid items are kept out of the plumbing system by a strainer.

Supply Lines - The pipes which transport water from the municipal supply to the fixtures in your home or building.

Trap - A curved pipe segment attached to a fixture to keep unpleasant odors and gases from escaping into the air. All fixtures with drains have "P" traps installed, except for toilets. Toilets substitute "S" traps.

Valve - The flow of gas or liquid from and to a pipe is controlled via this part.

Vent - A vent ensures the steady flow of wastewater by letting air into drainpipes; vents are typically located on building roofs.

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