PLUMBING TERMINOLOGIES and DEFINITION

Absorbent - an absorbent is a chemical

or physical material that absorbs or
draws suspended solids or other
contaminates into it or onto its absorbing
pores. Activated Carbon or sometimes
referred to as Charcoal is one the most
commonly used absorbents in the
plumbing industry. Also used in
increasing water quality by removing
impurities when used as a filter
component.

Access Panel - An access panel is any

opening usually with a protective cover
that provides access to certain elements
of a plumbing system. This access point
allows for servicing or repairing the
plumbing system when in need of
maintenance, upgrades and
renovations.

Acid Waste - waste water contaminated

with corrosives or acidic liquids that
requires neutralization before being
allowed to enter municipal sewer
systems. Generally, fixtures specifically
for acid waste have a connection to
what’s called an acid dilution basin
which is used to neutralize the acid
before the waste water can enter the
sewer system.
Acrylic - thermoplastic commonly
utilized as a surface material for
bathtubs, basin bases, showers and
surroundings in plumbing. Acrylic is
available in sheets and is generally
formed to the shape of a mold for a tub
or shower at a factory with fiberglass
added as backing to strengthen the
material. Preformed shower and tub
basin installs are generally constructed
of acrylic material.

ABS - a black plastic pipe and fittings

that are used in plumbing for drainage,
sewer & waste and venting. Plastic in
modern plumbing has replaced using
pipes and fittings of iron, steel and lead.
Of note is that no solvent cement or
primer can completely glue or solvent
weld ABS pipes and fittings to PVC
plastics. ABS is non-toxic in nature,
resistant to cuts and scratches and
under normal conditions will not crack
chip or peel.

Adaptor - fitting units that are utilized to

join two different types of pipes or
systems. Can also be a piece which is
used to connect threaded pipe with non-
threaded piping. Usually referred to as
being male or female fittings or male to
female adaptor, etc. Made from a variety
of materials but most commonly plastic
or metal.

Aerator - fitting installed at the end of

plumbing fixtures that facilitates the
mixing of air with water. Used to reduce
water flow waste or the conservation of
water; but also works to reduce water
splashing.
Air Chamber - A vertical air-filled pipe
or factory-made spring coil that is
installed above the waterline in a
potable water system. This area absorbs
pressure fluctuations within the system
when the valves are turned off. Most
municipal codes require air chambers on
water connection plumbing fixture.

Air Gap - also called an ‘air break’; open

air-filled space between an outlet end of
a plumbing device or piping that allows
waste water to discharge freely, which
prevents contamination from waste
water ever siphoning back into the
potable water supply or line. This air gap
provides protection to the potable water
system from cross contamination or
fouling.

Angle Seat Wrench - valve seat

wrench that has a handle with a 90°
bend.

Automatic compensating valve - valve

supplied with both hot and cold-water
flow. These valves provide a way of
automatically maintaining water
temperature for a specific outlet. They
are very often used to reduce the risk of
scalding or burns caused by water that
is too hot.

Back Flush - Generally, a temporary

reversal of the normal flow of liquids,
solids and gas substances into the
opposite direction. Sometimes used to
try and clear pipes that have clogs in
unknown locations or flow issues.

Back Flow - a situation where water

travels from one system back into any
other lines of the main distribution
system, usually caused by siphoning
.

Backwater Valve - the sewer line valve

preventing sewage or waste water from
flowing back into a home

Basin - the sink area or sunken area of

wash basins or sinks used in kitchens
and bathrooms. Or any circular bowl-
shaped object which holds water for
washing and cleaning of clothes or
dishes.

Basin wrench - also called a sink

wrench. Plumbing tool utilized in
confined spaces to turn fasteners that
would be difficult or impossible to reach
with a regular wrench.

Basket strainer - a metal or plastic cup

shaped device or basket with holes or
slots in it that fits inside a drain that
strains the incoming waste water flow
removing any debris before it enters the
pipe system.
BIBB - also called a bibcock or hose
bibb. A faucet with a neck down shaped
nozzle. Generally found outdoors and
used to attach hoses.

Bidets - plumbing fixture that is

basically a spray faucet that can be
found in homes or hospitals that is
attached to the toilet and used for the
washing of genital areas after defecating
or using the bathroom. Often used in
place of toilet paper in many areas.

Blind Plug - cap or plug found on no-

hub piping used to end a drain line. A
Blind plug is attached to the end of the
piping line by a no-hub coupling.

Boilers - generally, refers to mechanical

oil, wood or electric powered furnaces
that are used to heat water. Or a sealed
tank where water is converted into
steam for heating or power purposes.

Brass seats/seals - most plumbing

valves use brass for construction
especially on the surface area of moving
parts. When the moving part contacts
the stationary part the flow of water is
cut off and stops. Brass seats because
of the soft nature of the metal often wear
out over time from the friction of contact
and must be repaired or replaced.

Building Drain - the lowest point of a

piping’s drainage system where all
discharge or waste water flows into the
sewer

Cast Iron Fittings or Pipes - pipes or

fittings that are constructed of heavy
metal produced through casting molten
metal in a form. Generally, a very heavy
and strong material made from cast iron.
Often replaced with PVC or ABS when
in need of replacement for cost, ease
and future maintenance

Chain Wrench - adjustable type wrench

which uses a chain for gripping,
generally utilized on large pipes.

Check Valve - one-way valves that has

a single inlet and outlet allowing liquid to
travel in a single direction only. Used to
stop or halt liquid flow in case of a
pressure drop or reverse in direction
flow. Check valves generally function
automatically and will slam shut with
pressure or flow direction changes
preventing further system damage.

Closet - It generally refers to a “water

closet” most commonly a toilet tank.
Closet Bend - curved fitting beneath the
toilet that connects the closet flange to
the toilets drain

DAM - term for the barrier which is built

in a trap way of a toilet for controlling the
water level in the toilets bowl.

Deep Well - a drilled or dug well that

exceeds a depth of 25ft.

Diaphragm - a flexible membrane in a

valve that deflects downwards onto a
rigid area of the valve to regulate water
flow from the supply inlet. This action
eliminates debris build up within the
valve itself.

Direct Tap - clamping device allowing

for a branch line to be drilled and tapped
off a main supply line.
Diverter - valve that diverts and directs
fluids such as water to different outlets
of the plumbing system such as
showers, tubs and sinks.

Dope - term for the pasty lubricant that

is used on sealing pipe threads prior to
making a connection to a thread pipe.

Drain - Refers to any piping or drain that

carries waste water, black water or grey
water away.

Drain Seal Gasket - a gasket used to

seal a drain or sink to prevent leaks.

Drain Valve - fixture attached to a

device used to drain stored contents.
Commonly found on and used to drain
water heaters.
Ejector - mechanical device used to
pump sewage from below the sewer
line.

Elbow - fittings with two openings, that

facilitates changing the direction of the
plumbing lines, also sometimes referred
to as is an “ell”. Elbows can be found in
many different angles, including 90°.

Enamel - A strong glass like

amalgamation connected by fusion to
the surface of metal installations or
fixtures such as cast iron, baths, toilets
and sinks.

Feed Pump - the pump that supplies

water to a boiler.

Fernco - It usually refers to rubber

coupling.
Filter Element - device within a filter
that is designed to trap suspended
solids or debris as water flows through
it. Can be chemical or mechanical in
nature.

Fixture - device that provides a supply

or access to a supply of water.

Flapper Flush Ball - represents the

moving part of a flush valve which works
to seal the water into the tank or allows
the water to flow out when lifted when
the toilet is flushed. One of the most
common repairs needed to standard
toilets.

Float Ball - floating ball with a toilet tank

that is connected to the ballcock inside
the tank. Rises or falls with the changing
water levels in the tank and works to
actuate or shut down water flow as
needed.

Floor Drain - drainage fitting that is

flush with floor, generally used in
basement drains or the floor of showers.
Foam Insulation - insulation used on
certain devices such as water heaters
that surrounds the surface of the water
tank

Gasket - device generally made of

fibrous material or rubber that is used to
provide a watertight seal between metal
joints or other fixtures preventing
leakage.

Grab Bar - represents a safety bar

installed within a bathtub or shower to
provide support while showering or
bathing. Sometimes necessary to
ensure barrier free compliance in
showers, bathes or toilets.

Grease Trap - trapping device used to

capture grease entering a plumbing
system before it reaches the sewer
lines. Generally found in commercial
operations such as restaurants or
cafeterias.
Hose Bibb - represents an outdoor
fixture or faucet, also used to supply
washing machines.

Indirect Waste Pipe - a waste pipe that

carries gray water and discharges it into
a plumbing fixture such as a floor drain.

In-line Pump - a pump which pumps

fluid through a line on which the pump is
mounted.

J Bend - trap section featuring a 180-

degree bend, also called a return bend.
J Hook - hanger for pipe support that is
in the shape of a ‘J’.

Joint - term for one length of pipe.

Junction Box - a box for utilities where

incoming current is connected in an
electrical appliance.

Knockout Plug - PVC test plug.

Lateral Sewage Line - sewage line that

connects one sewage pipe with another.

Lavatory - fixed bowl or basin with

running water and drainage for washing.
In example a common bathroom sink.
Leach Lines - pipes that carry effluent
or waste water from the septic system
out to the leach field.

Lock Nut - a nut fitted onto a piece of

pipe and screwed onto another pipe to
join the two pieces together or lock
them.

MC Tank - Acetylene tank holding 10

cu.ft. of gas, used for plumbing.

Macerator - device installed in a drain

line between a toilet and the soil stack to
reduce solids to liquid form. Also,
commonly a device attached to the
bottom on kitchen sink and called a
‘garbage disposal’.

Main - term referring to the primary

supply of water for a system to which all
the branches connect. In the case of
drains, known as the main vent.

Manhole - sewer access opening hole,

generally covered with a metal grate or
heavy metal disc. Provides an access
opening so that a person may enter a
sewer, boiler, drain, etc.

Mapp Gas - colorless, flammable gas

used for heating and low temp welding
or fusion. Produced by combining
liquified petroleum gas with
Methylacetylene-Propadiene. It is a
stable, non-toxic fuel used in brazing
and soldering.

Meter Tailpiece - adapter piece that

connects a water meter to a water
supply line.

Mission Coupling - neoprene flex

coupling, connecting pvc to pvc or clay
to pvc.
Mixing Valve - valve that mixes
incoming hot and cold water to achieve
a specified delivery temperature or to
reduce risk of scalding.

Multi-Stage Pump - a pump that has

more than one impeller and thus
generally has more than one operation
speed or functional capacity.

Non-Potable - refers to a water source

that is not suitable for drinking.

O-Ring - round shaped rubber washer

used to create a watertight seal, chiefly
around valve stems. Usually creates
seal by pressure being applied to the
ring thus sealing and preventing leaks.

Orbital Weld - circumferential, full

fusion weld used to connect two lengths
of tubing.

Orifice - opening through which gas is

discharged and gas flow is limited
and/or controlled.
Outlet / Discharge - opening through
which water exits or discharges from a
pump or system.

PEX - cross-linked polyethylene (PEX).

This tubing is commonly used for
hydronic radiant floor heat but also
water supply lines as it’s stronger than
PE.

PP - abbreviation for Polypropylene

pipe.

PR - abbreviation for a pressure

regulator. Pressure regulators are
required in instances where pressure
exceeds 80 PSI on potable water
supplies inside a structure.

PVC - abbreviation for polyvinyl Chloride

a type of plastic. Generally, comes as
rigid white or cream-colored plastic pipe
used in non-pressure systems, such as
drainage, waste, and vent systems.
Petcock - small faucet piece for draining
liquids or relieving air pressure.

Pilot - a small burner that is used to

ignite the main burner.

Potable Water - water source that is

suitable for drinking.

Septic Tank - a watertight chamber

made of concrete, fiberglass, or PVC,
through which domestic wastewater
flows for primary treatment.

Sewer - It refers to the drainage which

occurs outside any building in the
sewers.
Static Pressure - It refers to a kind of
pressure when no water is flowing
through the pipe system or ducts.

Storage Tank - a tank that is used to

hold a specific amount of water
measured in volume.

Storm Drain - a drain used to receive

and convey rain water, surface water,
and ground water running away from
buildings.

Sump - A pit or pool for draining,

collecting, or storing water. Or a
chamber which provides water to a
pump for pumping.

T-Bolt - The T-Bolt helps in fixing the

toilet seats with the floor. It is also called
as “closet bolts”.
Tank Bolt - It refers to 3 bolts which
holds together the tank, basin or bowl of
the toilet.

Teflon Tape - sometimes called pipe

tape, it’s a plastic fluorocarbon polymer
with non-sticking properties used to
wrap pipe threads to seal a joint..

Transfer Valve - It is a valve which

transfers the flow of water from one pipe
to another pipe.

Trip Arm - It is trip lever which is

attached with a toilet tank.

Union - It refers to the union, connection

of two separate sections of pipes
together.
Urinal - plumbing fixture which receives
only liquid body waste and conveys the
waste through a trap seal into a gravity
drainage system. Generally, only found
in male bathrooms.

Vent - Vents are used to trespass air

into different drainage systems to
prevent stoppages.

Waste Plug - drain stopper on a bathtub

drain

Water Heater - an appliance consisting

of a gas or electric heating unit for
heating and usually storing hot water.
 WYE - It refers to a Y-shaped fitting with
three different openings. It is used to
connect with different branch lines at the
same time.

Yoke - It is usually a metal cap or

molding that holds both scorching and
frosty valves, along with the blending
chamber for the water.

Zone Valve - It is a useful valve which

helps in controlling the flow of steam or
water in both hydronic heating and
cooling structures.

References:

A-Z Glossary of Plumbing Terms. (2017b, December 11). Rooter-Man.

https://rooterman.com/blog/a-z-glossary-of-plumbing-terms/