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Plumbing Terminology

ABSAbbreviation for Aristocraft Bristone Styrine. A firm black plastic piping utilized for waste, vent and drain lines.

1. Access PanelA hole in the wall or ceiling next to a fixture, enabling access to the plumbing or electrical systems.
2. AdaptorA feature which joins together different types of pipes.
3. AeratorA feature located at the end of a faucet designed to mix air and water and thereby enable a smooth, splash-free flow.
4. Angle StopA shutoff valve positioned between the water pipes and the faucet or toilet. Angling up at 90 degrees at its outlet next to the fixtures, this stop is supposed to be turned off in case of an emergency.
5. BackflowLiquid flowing in the opposite direction of its intended flow, backing into the main water supply, rather than advancing towards its designated outlet.
6. Backflow PreventerA mechanism intended to stop backflow.
7. BallcockA mechanism controlling the flow of water from the water supply pipe to the toilet. This apparatus is operated by a float within the tank water. Once the water is flushed, the float drops and opens the ballcock, thereby releasing water into the tank. When the tank is once again full, the float ascends and turns off the ballcock.
8. ClarityThe level of water clearness.
9. Closet AugerA flexible bar with a curved top part, used for clearing up clogs within the toilet trap.
10. CockSee Ballcock.
11. CouplingA fitting that connects two pieces of pipes or other fittings.
12. DiverterUsed in showers, bathtubs, bidets and sinks, these valves direct water to several openings.
13. DrainThe pipe or channel system designed to draw away liquids.
14. DWVAbbreviation for Drain, Waste and Vent – the three elements comprising the plumbing drainage system.
15. ElbowA pipe fitting that has two openings which can alter the direction of the line. Comes in a wide range of angles.
16. Female FittingA fitting inside which another fitting is placed.
17. FittingA broad expression, usually relating to faucets, shower valves or to different piping features.
18. FixtureA general term, alluding to toilets, sinks, tubs, etc. Any device to which fresh water arrives, and from which waste water is removed.
19. Flapper ValveThe device situated at the bottom of the toilet tank, which, when open, allows water to flow from the tank into the bowl.
20. FlushometerA toilet valve that closes automatically after allowing a regulated amount of water flow.
21. GPFGallons Per Flush. Measurement unit, indicating flow rates of toilets.
22. GPMGallons Per Minute. Measurement unit, indicating flow rates of faucets and showerheads.
23. Hot Water MainPrincipal pipe carrying hot water to the various fixtures in the house.
24. IDAbbreviation for Inside Diameter –Diameter measurement, calculated from the inside of a pipe.
25. IPSAbbreviation for Iron Pipe Size – Standard pipe threading measurement system, based on the outside diameter of a pipe.
26. LidThe removable toilet tank cover.
27. LeadsMill - LeadsMill is a leads referral service operating in various fields, and deliver to our company plumbing leads.
28. MainThe main channel of a plumbing system, in which all water supply and drain system branches connect.
29. ManifoldA fitting which constitutes a distribution point, connecting several branches to the main.
30. Mixing ValveA faucet valve which mixes hot and cold water thus obtaining the desired water temperature.
31. NippleA short threaded pipe, placed between couplings or other fittings. A means for extending connections.
32. Pipe WrenchComprised of two serrated jaws, one of which is adjustable, this tool is used for holding and turning pipes.
33. Plumber's PuttyA popular tool, used for sealing joints between pipes and fixture surfaces.
34. Plumbing CodeLegal requirements guiding the plumber's work.
35. Plumbing leads Are hints for plumbing jobs required. Those hints can be delivered by someone or som organization. We get our leads from an app called "LeadsMill"
36. PlungerA tool designed to clear up clogged drains and toilet traps by means of air and pressure.
37. PVCPolyvinyl Chloride – A rigid white plastic, used for manufacturing water supply pipes.
38. RiserVertical pipe carrying water to a fixture.
39. Shutoff ValveUsually referring to the angle stops situated under fixtures, but also to the branch line valves and to the main valve adjacent to the water meter. Shutoff valves should be turned off in case of emergencies.
40. SleeveA pipe which passes through a wall in order to have another pipe inserted through it.
41. StrainerA device placed in sinks and bathtubs, designed to retain solid pieces while allowing liquid to pass through.
42. Supply LinesThe pipes carrying water to a fixture.
43. TrapThe curved section of the drainpipe attached to every fixture, which prevents sewer gases and unpleasant odors from permeating the atmosphere. With the exception of toilets, all fixtures with drains have "P" traps installed. A toilet has an "S" trap installed instead.
44. ValveMechanism that regulates the flow of liquid or gas to or from a pipe.
45. VentProtruding from the roof, vents admit air into the drainpipes, thereby ensuring the proper flow of wastewater.

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