Glossary

Click on any letter from A to Z to see definitions.

Acrylic: A glassy, thermoplastic material that is vacuum-formed to cast and mold shapes that form the surface of fiberglass bathtubs, whirlpools, shower bases, and shower stalls.

Air Gap: A device mounted at the back of a kitchen sink connecting to the drain line between a dishwasher and disposer to allow the dishwasher to discharge freely into the disposer while preventing contaminated water from siphoning back into the dishwasher.

ADA: (Americans with Disabilities Act) A government criteria mandating how plumbing faucets & fixtures must be constructed in order to server the needs of disabled people.

ALPHSAN: Used by American Standard - The patented antimicrobial agent used in StayClean whirlpools that inhibits the growth of bacteria & fungi that cause odors & discoloration, as well as deterioration and decay of whirlpool plumbing.

Americast: by American Standard - Patented process that bonds a high-quality porcelain enamel surface with a high quality metal and a molded reinforcement material backing. A lighter, more durable alternative to cast iron.

Angle Stop: A Shutoff valve between water pipes and a faucet. Its inlet connects to the water supply pipe in a wall and its outlet 'angles' up 90 degrees toward the faucet, toilet, or bidet.

Backflow: When water traveling from one system backs into any part of the main distribution system, usually by siphoning.

Backflow Preventer: A device to prevent backflow, especially into a potable water supply. This is generally required for handheld showers, pullout faucet spouts, kitchen sprayers, etc.

Backset: The distance from the edge of the door to the center of the hole drilled for your knob, lever or deadbolt.

Back Siphonage: The negative pressure that causes backflow.

Backsplash: A raised integral portion of a wall mount sink or lavatory located at the rear to protect the wall.

Ballcock: The fill valve that controls the flow of water from the water supply line into a gravity-operated toilet tank. It is controlled by a float mechanism in the tank water. When the toilet is flushed, the float drops and opens the ballcock, releasing water into the bowl. As the water in the tank is restored, the float rises and shuts off the ballcock when the tank is full.

Barrier-Free: Related to handicap accessibility; i.e. a shower enclosure system having minimal or no bottom track and openings that are wheelchair-accessible.

Basket Strainer: Basket shaped strainer with holes and a slot that fits the kitchen sink drain allowing water to run out while catching food or other solids. Can also be closed to fill the sink with water.

Batch Feed: Type of garbage disposer in which garbage is fed into unit one load at a time, then activated by placing the stopper into the drain opening.

Bath Waste: Remote control drain for tubs involving internal plugging mechanisms as opposed to a "pop-up" type drain. Also known as "trip lever drain".

Bedpan Closet: Toilet-like fixture used for disposing of bedpan contents. Also known as a "clinic service sink" or "flushing rim sink".

Bedpan Washer: Faucet used in conjunction with a conventional toilet for washing bedpans. The most common types are "hose" and "swing down".

Bidet: A plumbing fixture similar in appearance to a toilet bowl used for personal hygiene. It is floor mounted, usually next to a toilet, and consists of a washing basin, faucet and sprayer.

Blowout: A flushing design using a non-siphoning trapway at the rear of the bowl, and an integral flushing rim, relying entirely on high water volume.

Bubbler: Drinking faucet with flow-regulated push-button self-closing valve. Also known as a "water fountain".

Bushing: A pipe fitting threaded on the inside & out used to join two pipes of different sizes.

Bypass Door: Type of shower door that consists of two or more panels running in parallel tracks.

CTS: (Copper Tube Size) Refers to outside diameter; Used to size certain fittings and hangers.

Carrier: Structural device used to support wall mounted fixtures such as toilets, urinals and lavatories.

Cast Iron: Heavy metal covered with a porcelain enamel coating formed by casting on molds to make fixtures such as sinks, tubs and lavatories.

Centerset: A style of bathroom lavatory faucet that has a combined spout and handles. Center of handles are 4" apart. Also a single handle faucet installed on 4" center-to-center faucet holes.

Check Stop: Shut-off valve used with tub/shower faucets that is activated by turning a slotted stem with a screwdriver. Also known as a "screwdriver stop" or a "service stop".

Check Valve: A type of backflow preventer installed in a pipe that allows water to flow in only one direction.

Chromatherapy: by Kohler - Lights certain tubs with a series of healing hues: white, violet, indigo blue, aqua blue, green, yellow, orange and red.

Clinic Service Sink: Toilet-like fixture used for disposing of bedpan contents. Also known as a "bedpan closet" or "flushing rim sink".

Closet Flange: Component used to connect outlet of water closet to the drainage waste vent (DWV) System and to mount the fixture to the floor.

Closet Riser: Flexible supply tube with flat end used to make the final supply connection to ballcock (toilet fill valve).

Compression Fitting: kind of tubing or pope connection where a nut and 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.

Concealed Arm Carrier: Used to securely mount a wall mount lavatory. Unlike a hanger which only supports the lavatory where it meets the wall, the carrier has long arms onto which the lavatory slides.

Continuous Feed: Wall switch activated type of garbage disposer in which garbage is fed into the unit while running.

Coupling: Straight, sleeve-like fitting with female connections at both ends.

Cutout: A hole in a countertop, usually for a sink.

DWV: (Drainage, Waste and Vent) - The pipes in a plumbing system that remove waste water.

Diverter: Valves which direct water to various outlets. They are used in showers, tub & shower combinations, bidets roman tub fillers and kitchen faucet sprayers.

Double Threshold: A shower base used in a corner application where one threshold is used as an entrance and the other has a glass wall.

Effervescent Bubbles: By Kohler - Champagne-like bubbles that gently caress the skin for soothing relaxation. Water surface "dances" with light "carbonation".

Elbow: Angled fitting with female connections at both ends. Also known as an "ell".

Elkay Corian: by Elkay - A patented blend of natural mineral and pure acrylic resin. It carries the color completely through the material and can be simply cleaned to renew the surface to its original appearance. Scratch, stain and chip resistant. It is heat resistant up to 500 degrees and it has a 10 year limited warranty.

Escutcheon: A flange or shield beneath a faucet handle. This part covers the faucet stem and the hole in the fixture or wall.

Extension Tube: A straight section of tubing used to extend a drainage run.

Female IPS (FIP): (Female Iron Pipe) Standard internal threads on pipe fittings.

Fireclay: A variation of vitreous china having greater amounts of quartz and feldspar in the clay material beneath the vitreous surface. Fireclay is heavier (30%), denser, and thicker than regular clay. These properties insure smooth, flat surfaces on large fixtures which is not achievable with standard vitreous china.

Fitting: A broad based term usually referring to faucets, shower valves, and tub fillers. Also refers to various piping parts such as tees and elbows.

Flush Valve (Tank Type): Toilet flushing system that uses supply water pressure to compress water to provide a pressurized flush as opposed to gravity flush.

Flush Valve (Tankless Type): Toilet valve that automatically shuts off after it meters a certain amount of water flow. Also known as a "flushometer".

GPM: (Gallons Per Minute) The rate of water flow by which faucets and showerheads are measured and regulated.

GPF: (Gallons Per Flush) The rate of water flow by which toilets and flush valves are measured and regulated. Current law requires maximum of 1.6 GPF. Older styles were usually 3.5 GPF.

Ground Joint: A joint which consists of pressing two smooth mating surfaces together without a gasket or supplemental sealant.

Handing:

HP: Horsepower.

Homogenous: Same in composition throughout as opposed to laminate.

Homespa: by Kohler - A whirlpool program featuring the "Spa Experience". There are 4 "Experience packages" to choose from featuring different combinations of effervescent bubbles, chromatherapy, flexjets, backjets and neckjets.

Hose Bibb: Term used for "sillcock".

Hot Water Dispenser: Product which maintains a quantity of near-boiling water for instant use at any time.

I.D.: (Inside Diameter) All pipes are sized according to their inside diameter.

IPS: (Iron Pipe Size) Standard Pipe threads. Female IPS is internal pipe threads, male IPS is external pipe threads. Also known as "NPT" or "NPS".

Ingenium: by Kohler - Flushing performance engineered to deliver performance in 1.6 GPF toilets comparable to the performance given by previous 3.5 GPF models.

Instantaneous Water Heater: Type of water heater which heats supply as it passes through; no storage tank necessary. Also known as a "tankless heater".

Lavatory: Bathroom or washroom sink.

Lavatory Riser: Flexible supply tube with bullet-shaped end, used to make the final supply connection with external treaded inlet shanks (MIP).

Ledgeback: Style of sink or lavatory which includes a deck at the rear for mounting the faucet and other accessories.

Male IPS (MIP): (Male Iron Pipe) Standard external threads on pipe and fittings.

Metering Faucet: Faucet which delivers a predetermined volume of water and then automatically shuts off.

Minispread: A special style of bathroom lavatory having separate spout and handles, but designed small enough that it will fit 4" center-to-center faucet holes.

Mixing Valve: Mixes hot and cold water to achieve a specified delivery temperature.

Moenstone: by Moen - Kitchen sinks made from a high-strength quartz composite material. It carries the color completely through the material for fade proof brilliance that resists cutting, scratching and staining. It is heat resistant up to 446 degrees and it has a 15 year warranty.

Monobloc Faucet: A single handle faucet.

Molded Stone: By Fiat - Mixture of resin, fiberglass strands and ground stone. The molding is done in matched metal dyes under heat and pressure, resulting in a one piece homogenous product weighs 80% less than Terrazzo, stronger than stone, stain proof, and can withstand boiling water.

Mounting Frame: External mounting means used to install sinks which have no integral provision.

Neo-Angle: A corner shower base whose door is usually at a 45-degree angle to the walls.

Nipple: A short length of pipe installed between couplings or other fittings.

Nominal Size: Size used for identification only; not literal dimensions.

O.D.: (Outside diameter) The diameter of a pipe measured from the outside edge.

Obscure Glass: Glass that lets light through but is not totally transparent.

Offset: A tubular component that permits the offsetting of a drainage run in the same basic direction.

"P" Trap: Trap design which routes drainage horizontally backs through the wall to connect with the drainage waste vent(DWV).

PSI: (Pounds per Square Inch) A means of measurement used to determine pressure within contained area.

Pedestal Lavatory: A lavatory (sink) in which the basin is supported primarily by a pedestal leg.

Pivot Door: A shower door that rotates on metal pivots located at the top and bottom of the door.

Pop-Up Drain: Remote control drain assembly. Also known as a "Trip Lever Drain" for tubs.

Potable: Water, which is safe to drink.

Powder Coat: A technique for applying paint to metal surfaces. The metal is covered with a powder of dry paint particles and is baked in an oven. This causes the powder to melt and harden into a tough, colorful finish.

Pressure-Assisted: A toilet that uses a sealed tank to trap air when the tank fills with water; the trapped air gives the water an extra push when the toilet is flushed.

Pressure Balancing Valve: A shower mixing valve that automatically maintains balance between incoming hot and cold water supplies by immediately regulating fluctuations in pressure. As a result the outlet temperature remains constant, though the outlet pressure may drop. Also known as an "Anti-Scald" valve.

Pull: A cabinet or drawer handle, as opposed to a knob.

Pull-Out Spray: Single-control kitchen faucet that offers a retractable hose and spray head to be used for food preparation and cleaning.

Pureair: by Jacuzzi - A series of air bubble tubs that feature air movement from gentle to robust or from wave to pulsating action through a system called "Thermal Lumbar Comfort" (TLC).

PVD: (Physical Vapor Deposition) A modern plating process used mostly with polished brass or gold finishes on faucets. Vaporized zirconium reacts with nitrogen and another special gas to form a durable plated surface which will not tarnish or discolor.

Recessed Tub: A tub that has a decorative finish on one side only and is surrounded by three walls.

Reverse Osmosis: A water treatment method whereby water is forced through a semi permeable membrane that filters out impurities.

Reverse Trap Flushing: Flushing design in which trap is located at rear, assisted by jet in trapway.

Riser: A vertical metal or plastic tube or assembly that connects a faucet to the water supply stop valve. Usually made of copper.

Rough-In: Installation of the drain, waste, vent and supply lines in a structure to the proposed location of each fixture.

"S" Trap: Trap design with routes drainage vertically down through the floor to connect with the drainage waste vent (DWV).

Screwdriver Stop: Used with tub/shower faucets: Shut-off valve at the supply inlets that permit the servicing of the basic mechanism without need to shut off the water supply to the entire house or building. Furnished with slotted stems which can be turned with a screwdriver. Also know as a "Service Stop".

Scullery Sink: Type of sink used in commercial or institutional kitchens.

Self-Rimming: A style of bathroom lavatory or kitchen sink with a rolled and finished edge, or rim. The fixture installs on top of a counter without the need for a metal sink rim.

Semi-Encastre: A unique, space-saving, self-rimming lavatory installation in which the back of the lavatory is installed into the countertop while the front or apron, of the lavatory projects from the countertop.

Service Sink: Deep fixed basin, usually supplied with hot and cold water, which is used for rinsing of mops, disposal of cleaning water, or washing clothes and other household items.

Service Stop: Used with tub/shower faucets; Shut-off valve at the supply inlets which permit the servicing of the basic mechanism without need to shut off the water supply to the entire house or building. Furnished with slotted stems which can be turned with a screwdriver. Also known as "Screwdriver Stops".

Shroud: Color matched component under a wall mount lavatory that covers the drain outlet for aesthetic purposes.

Sillcock: An outdoor faucet furnished with hose threads on the spout. Also used to supply washing machines. Also known as a "hose bibb".

Siligranit: by Blanco - 80% rock hard granite. Color all the way through. Resistant to scratches, chips and stains and heat. Impervious to acids and alkalis. Easy to clean and maintain and it has a no hassle limited lifetime warranty.

Siphon Jet Toilet: A toilet having a trapway at the rear of the bowl and integral flushing rim, and minimum dimensions of 5" x 4" water spot and 1 1/2" ball pass. Similar to reverse trap flushing, but more efficient.

Single Threshold: Type of shower base used in a three wall installation with the threshold being the side with the door.

Slip Joint: A connection made with compression fittings.

Stop: The shutoff valve under sinks and toilets. Allows water supply to be cut off to one fixture without affecting the water supply to the entire house or building.

Swanstone: by Swan Corporation - A homogenous, nonporous material with color molded throughout. This material is reinforced , modified acrylic filled with natural minerals. It is heat resistant up to 375 degrees and it has a limited lifetime warranty.

T & P Valve: (Temperature and Pressure Valve) A safety device used to expel excess pressure of heat from inside a tank.

Tankless Heater: Type of water heater that heats water as it passes through - no storage tank necessary. Also known as "instantaneous heater".

Tee: T-shaped fitting with three openings that allow another pipe to be joined at a 90 degree angle, used to create branch lines.

Tempered Glass: Glass that has been annealed or strengthened by a process of gradually heating and cooling. Once a piece of glass has been tempered, it cannot be cut. If it breaks, it breaks into many small pieces.

Terazzo: by Fiat-Made of marble chips cast in white Portland cement to produce a compressive strength of not less than 3000 PSI. Surface is ground and polished with all air holes/pits are grouted and excess is removed. The marble chips are black and white in color.

Theromstatic Valve: A shower mixing valve with automatic temperature control. When temperature fluctuations occur at the water inlets, a thermal actuator adjusts the hot and cold ratio to maintain the original temperature setting.

Trap: Curved section of drain line that prevents sewer odors from escaping into the atmosphere. All fixtures that have drains must have a "P" trap installed. A toilet is the only plumbing fixture with an "S" trap.

Trim Kit: Refers to the outside decorative covering of a faucet rough-in valve. Includes items such as the showerhead, tub spout, handles, etc. The trim is the parts you can see when looking at a faucet.

Trip Lever: Flush handle and actuating arm on a toilet tank. Also the lever that opens and closes the drain on the bathtub waste and overflow.

Tub Filler: Bath-tub spout, may or may not included handles and diverter. Be sure when ordering.

Undercounter: A style of lavatory that is positioned under the cutout of the countertop.

Union: A three piece fitting that joins two sections of pipe, but allows them to be disconnected without cutting the pipe.

Vacuum Breaker: An anti-siphon device that prevents the backflow of contaminated water into the water supply system in the event of a negative pressure condition.

Valve: A device that regulates the flow of water. Also the rough-in part of a faucet that is concealed in the wall or undercounter.

Valve Only: Trim not included on this device that regulates the flow of water. It is the rough-in part only of a faucet that is concealed in the wall or undercounter.

Vikrell: by Sterling A strong, stable material that is resistant to chipping, cracking and peeling; easy to clean and simple to install (often can be done by one person). Its tongue-in-groove interlocking joints create a tight seal around the enclosure and the tub, often eliminating the need for caulk or grout.

Vitreous China: Ceramic materials fired at a high temperature to form a non-porous body, having exposed surfaces coated with ceramic glaze fused to the body.

Volume Control: Knob or handle that maintains the flow of water. Rough-in not included.

Wash Fountain: Hand washing fixture providing lavatory function for two or more persons simultaneously.

Washdown Toilet: Water closet having a siphon trapway at the front of the bowl, and integral flushing rim.

Waste and Overflow: The drain assembly for a bathtub. The outlet at the top removes the "overflow" water during tub filling and the drain at the bottom removes "waste" water when the tub is drained.

Water Closest: A toilet.

Water Cooler: A fixture that includes a refrigeration system for chilling drinking water.

Widespread: A style of bathroom lavatory faucet having separate spout and handles. Usually 8" from center to handle to handle. Some widespread faucets can be set with handles up to 12" apart.