Here are some plumbing and heating definitions and terms
to help you understand better when it comes to your service needs.

A

•"A" Valve A manual gas shut-off valve

•ABS Acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene. Rigid black plastic pipe used for Drain, waste, and vent lines

•AC Alternating current. Electrical supply in which polarity of wire. Reverses rapidly (e.g. 60 cps)

•ADA Americans with Disabilities Act

•AGA American Gas Association

•AIA American Institute of Architects

•ANSI American National Standards Act

•A P I American Petroleum Institute

•ASA American Supply Association

•ASME American Society of Mechanical Engineers

•ASRAE American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, Air Conditioning Engineers.

•ASSE American Society of Sanitation Engineers

•ASTM American Society for Testing Materials

•AWWA American Water Works Assn

•AWG American wire gauge. Identifies gauges of electric wire from 46 to 4.0

•Absolute pressure Atmospheric pressure added to gauge pressure.

•Absorption Field A leeching or seeping field engineered to receive septic tank effluent.

•Acid A substance that increases the concentration of hydrogen ions when dissolved in water. Most acids dissolve common metals and will react with a base to form a salt.

•Acidity The level of concentration of acid in water. Acid will neutralize an alkali or base. It is usually expressed in terms of its calcium carbonate equivalent

•Acceptance Factor Bladder tank drawdown expressed in percentage.

•Access Panel Covered opening in a wall or ceiling near a fixture that allows access for servicing a plumbing or electric system.

•Acrylic Thermoplastic used on surface of bathtubs and whirlpools. Usually comes in sheets and backed by fiberglass to form shower walls

•Adaptor A fitting that joins two different types of pipes together, such as ABS to cast-iron, or threaded to non-threaded

•Adjusting link An adjustable strap or bar forming a connection between the lift rod of a faucet and the ball lever assembly of the drain.

•Adsorbent A material, usually solid, capable of holding gases, liquids and/or suspended matter at its surface and in exposed pores. Activated carbon is a common adsorbent used in water treatment.

•Adsorption The process in which matter adheres to the surface of an adsorbent

•Aeration The mixing or turbulent exposure of water to air and oxgen to dissipate volatile contaminants and other pollutants into the air

•Aerator A device screwed into the end of a faucet spout that mixes air into flowing water, and controls flow to reduce splashing. It sometimes contains a baffle to reduce flow to 2.5 gpm.

•Aerobic An action or process conducted in the presence of air, such as aerobic digestion of organic matter by bacteria

•Air Admittance Valve A device that replaces a traditional vent to allow air to enter the pipe and equalize pressure, preserving the seal of water in the fixture trap.

•Air Chamber Vertical, air-filled pipe or spring coil, set above the water line to absorb pressure when water is turned off at the faucet. Pressure absorbing devices to eliminate water hammer.

•Air Check A device that allows water, but not air, to pass through it. An air check is a typical component of a treatment system using a regenerant eductor.

•Air Elimination Vent A device which automatically eliminates trapped air in the "closed-loop" hydronic system

•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. Can be any unobstructed vertical opening between the lowest opening of a waste line and the flood level of the device into which it empties to relieve pressure and prevent backflow contamination

•Air-Gas-Ratio The ratio of combustion air supply flow rate to the fuel gas supply flow rate.

•Air Lock Blockage in the flow of liquid, esp. on the suction side of a pump caused by an air bubble in the line.

•Air Volume Control Maintains the air charge in a standard water storage tank. Pre-charged tanks do not require an air volume control.

•Alarm Check Valve A check valve located in the riser of a wet pipe fire sprinkler system that sounds an alarm when water begins to pass through it.

•Alkali Water-soluble mineral compound, usually a moderate strength base (as opposed to caustic hydroxide), such as a bicarbonate and carbonate compound when it is present in the water.

•Alkalinity The measurement of constituents in a water supply which determine alkaline conditions. The alkalinity of water is a measure of its capacity to neutralize acids See pH.

•Alkyl Benzene Sulfonate Sulfonate A chemical compound formerly used as detergent. Sometimes called "hard" detergent, because of its resistance to biological degradation, largely replaced with linear alkyl sulfonate (LAS), which is more readily biodegradable.

•Aluminum Rail Fittings Rail fittings made of aluminum. Used to hold pipes used for hand rails.

•Ambient heat/pressure The heat or pressure in the area where the equipment is located.

•Ambient Temperature The average temperature of the atmosphere in the vicinity of an appliance.

•Americast A patented process that uses a porcelain surface, an enameling grade steel material and a structural composite backing bonded together to create a sink that is similar to cast iron in durability but weighs considerably less.

•Ampere A unit of measure of current flow.

•Anaerobic Able to live and grow without air or free oxygen, such as some types of bacteria that break down waste in a septic system

•Angle Discharge Tube Discharge tube that changes direction of the flow 90 degrees.

•Angle Seat Wrench Valve seat wrench with a handle that includes a 90 degree bend.

•Angle Stop A shutoff valve between the 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. These are usually used to shut off water to a fixture in case of an emergency repair rather than daily usage.

•Anion A negatively charged ion in solution, such as bicarbonate, chloride, or sulfate. An anion [such as chloride (Cl-)] may result from the dissociation of a salt, acid, or alkali.

•Annealing A softening treatment consisting of heating carbon or alloy steel to an appropriate temperature, holding at the temperature for a proper period of time and slowly cooling to room temperature.

•Anode Rod A sacrificial rod installed in a water heater, composed of one or more metals that protects the tank from corrosion, helping to extend the life of the tank.

•Anti-clog suction Whirlpool water recirculating system mechanism which prevents clogging without restricting water flow.

•Anti-Scald Valve See pressure-balanced valve.

•Anti-Siphon Preventive device for the backflow of liquid into a system. Used on sprinkler systems to prevent water from trickling back into the supply that is feeding it.

•A P I Specifications American Petroleum Institute Specifications

•Apron The apron, or skirting, a decorating portion of a bathtub that covers the rough-in area from the floor to the top rim of the tub. It is often sold separately from the tub.

•Aquastat A thermostat that is submerged in water and is used to control the operation of a specific device.

•Aqueous Containing water. Formed by the action of water.

•Aquifer A layer or zone below the surface of the earth which is capable of yielding a significant volume of water. The upper level of the aquifer is called the water table.

•Arrestor Plate A perforated plate of steel that controls the burning of vapors and prevents flames from backflashing into the room.

•Arrow Head A heavy duty auger cable tip.

•Arsenic A natural element of the earth's crust, which enters water supplies either through natural deposition or agricultural and industrial pollution. It is said to be carcinogenic and to be harmful to the skin. and circulatory system.

•Aspiration The result of mixing air with discharging water for the purpose of enhancing the hydro-massage effect of the whirlpool.

•Atmospheric Combustion Burning which takes place when gaseous, liquid, or solid fuels react at an elevated temperature with oxygen, thus releasing heat.

•Auto Pilot A gas pilot device which automatically shuts off the gas supply to the appliance burner if the pilot flame is extinguished.

•Avonite A solid surface material resembling granite, used for countertops, can be worked and polished using woodworking tools.

B
•B Tank Acetylene tank holding 40 cu.ft. of gas, used for plumbing, once used to fuel Boats, thus the name.

•BC Brushed Chrome finish used on faucets.

•BHP Brake horse power. The actual amount of horsepower being consumed by a pump as measured on a dynamometer.

•BN Brushed Nickel finish used on faucets.

•BTU British Thermal Unit - A unit of heat energy required to raise the temperature of 1 lb. of water 1 degree Fahrenheit

•BX Cable Metallic sheathed cable containing A/C electrical wiring. Typically used when wiring would otherwise be exposed.

•Backfire Flashback of flame through the burner venturi causing the gas to burn at the orifice.

•Back Flow The circumstance of water traveling from one system back into any part of the main distribution system, usually by siphoning.

•Back Flow Preventer A device to prevent backflow, esp. into a potable water supply. This is generally required for sprinkler systems, handheld showers, pullout faucet spouts, kitchen sprayers, etc.

•Back Pressure Pressure that resists the flow of fluid in a piping system.

•Back Siphonage The negative pressure that causes backflow.

•Backjet Whirlpool jets located on the fixture wall behind a reclining bather.

•Backjet pulse cannister A serviceable water-controlling device responsible for backjet pulsing action.

•Back vent Plumbing fixture's separate vent in a building drainage system

•Back Wash The process of cleaning a filter by reversing the flow of water through it. Dirt is sent to waste.

•Backup Overflow of a plumbing fixture due to drain stoppage

•Backwater Valve Sewer line valve that prevents sewage from flowing back into the house

•Baffle An object placed in an appliance to change the direction of, or retard the flow of air, air-gas mixtures, or flue gases

•Balancing Valve A water heater valve that controls water flow and balances heat distribution to different locations.

•Ball Check Valve A valve that uses a ball to seal against a seat to stop flow in one direction.

•Ball joint Spherical assembly allowing pivot rotations for showerheads.

•Ball Passage This refers to the size of the ball that can pass through the trapway of a toilet. This also relates to trapway size. In general, the trap size will be 1/8" larger than the maximum size ball that can pass through it

•Ball Valve A valve that uses a ball to seal against the seat.

•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 that floats in the tank water. When the toilet is flushed, the float drops and opens the ballcock, releasing water into the tank and/or bowl. As the water in the tank is restored, the float rises and shuts off the ballcock when the tank is full.

•Balloon Bag Device that attaches to a garden hose & used to loosen a blockage in a clogged drain

•Band Clamp A flexible band made of a variety of materials that has a cinching device used to secure pipes.

•Band Hanger Type of pipe hanger that supports the pipe on a continuous strap of metal whose ends are joined at the top by a supporting rod. This rod bots through the strap and is adjustable as to height.

•Barlow's Formula An equation which shows the relationship of internal pressure to allowable stress, nominal thickness and diameter.

•Barrier-Free Relating to handicap access, e.g. a shower enclosure system having minimal or no bottom track and openings that are wheelchair-accessible.

•Base A substance that releases hydroxyl ions when dissolved in water. Bases react with acids to form salt and water.

•Basin A circular vessel with sloping or curved sides that holds water for washing. A bathroom lavatory or sink.

•Basin Wrench A wrench with a long handle with jaws mounted on a swivel that allows the jaws to reach and handle nuts to fasten faucets to a previously installed sink.

•Basket Strainer Basket-shaped strainer with holes and a slot that fits the sink drain to allow water to run out but to catch food or other solids before they can enter the sewage system.

•Beam Clamp A device to attach a pipe hanger to an overhead I-beam. These may be malleable, carbon steel, or galvanized, and may be primed or painted.

•Bed Depth The height of the ion exchange or filter media in the vessel after preparation for service.

•Beehive Strainer A strainer inserted into a urinal to prevent foreign matter from falling into the drain.

•Bernoulli's law The principle that a stream of liquid or gas exerts less sideways pressure while in motion than while at rest. As a result, fluids seem to be drawn into the stream, but are really pushed in by higher outside pressure.

•Bicarbonate Alkalinity Alkalinity of a water due to the presence of bicarbonate ions.

•Bidet A personal hygiene plumbing fixture similar in appearance to a toilet bowl used for washing genitals and posterior areas of the body. It is mounted on the floor next to a toilet and consists of a washing basin, a hot and cold faucet, and sprayer.

•Biochemical Oxygen Demand Amount of oxygen consumed in the oxidation of organic matter by biological action under standard test conditions; often used as a measure of the strength of sewage and waste water.

•Biodegradable Subject to degradation to simpler substances by biological action, such as the bacterial breakdown of detergents, sewage wastes and other organic matter.

•Bisque The rough, unpolished finish found in unglazed areas of vitreous china fixtures, such as inside the tank or the bottom of the bowl.

•Black Oiled Term associated with pipe surface whereby material ordered in this manner is protected with a varnish-type oil on the O.D. for temporary corrosion protection during transit and in short-term storage.

•Black Pipe Lacquer-finish cast iron pipe.

•Blackwater Wastewater from toilets or latrines and sinks used for food preparation or disposal, or for the disposal of chemicals.

•Bleed To drain a pipe of excess air by opening a valve at the end of the pipe

•Blind Plug Plug used on No Hub pipe.

•Block sensor mode For Touchless faucets, a system mode that occurs when the faucet continually senses an object, causing the faucet to stop functioning normally. The faucet will appear to be "OFF", and will self-actuate every two hours to alert you to its condition.

•Blow Torch A torch used to solder pipes, activated by pressurized fuel and air to generate its flame.

•Blowbag A drain-cleaning device consisting of a rubber bladder with a hose fitting one one end and a nozzle on the other. The device attaches to a water hose and is inserted into a clogged drainpipe. As water is introduced, it expands to grip the pipe, and releases pulsating bursts of water through the nozzle, forcing water through the pipe to clear the obstruction.

•Blowfish another name for blowbag

•Blowdown Partial venting or draining, under pressure, of the water side of a boiler to reduce or remove unwanted contaminants. Also the pressure drop after releasing a pressure-relief valve.

•Blown-Out Water Closet A water closet bowl having a non-siphoning trapway at the rear of the bowl, and an integral flushing rim and jet.

•Bodyspray Shower component used in conjunction with a showerhead to deliver flow of water. It is commonly used in multiples to create a custom showering space.

•Boiler A sealed tank where water is turned to steam for heating or power.

•Boiler Feed A check valve controlling inlet water flow to a boiler.

•Boiling Point The temperature at which liquid changes to vapor by the addition of heat.

•Bonnet The top portion of a compression valve assembly, it holds the valve in place as it is tightened against the valve seat at the other end of the assembly.

•Bowl Water-containing receptacle that receives liquid and solid body waste; usually classified as round or elongated

•Box Internal (female) threaded end of pipe.

•Box Flange Flange containing internal (female) threaded pipe fitting

•Brackish Water Water containing bacteria between 1.000 and 15,000 ppm of dissolved solids

•Braided Tubing A flexible pressure tubing of synthetic material encased in braided threads of steel, usually chrome plated or stainless. The braiding protects the tube from damage due to abrasion or crimping. Often used in water supply lines.

•Branch Any part of a drain system other than the main, riser, or stack.

•Branch Vent A vent connecting one or more individual vents with a vent stack

•Brass Slang for faucets and fittings regardless of materials used.

•Brine A strong solution of sodium chloride (salt) used in the regeneration of ion exchange water softeners

•Bubbler Drinking faucet with flow-regulated push-button self-closing valve. Also called a water fountain.

•Building Drain The lowest point in a drainage system where the interior drainage pipes meet and are conveyed it to the sewer.

•Built-ins Shelves or storage units recessed flush with surrounding walls

•Burner A heat producing device where the flame or heat is produced.

•Burst Pressure The internal pressure that will cause piece of tubing to fail

•Bushing A pipe fitting used to join two pipes of different sizes. A bushing is threaded inside and out. Also a cylindrical part used as a lining or guide

•Butterfly Valve A valve made of a square, rectangular, or round disk attached to a shaft inside a body of the same shape. Rotating the shaft 90 degrees opens or closes the valve.

•Buttress (Tile Rise) The raised portion of a shower curb that is on more than one level.

•Bypass type of shower door that consists of two or more panels running in parallel tracks.

C
•CAD Computer Aided Design

•CBD Certified Bathroom Designer

•CC Copper to copper soldered.

•CFM Cubic feet per minute

•CFT Hundred feet. A selling unit of measure for pipe.

CGR Certified Graduate Remodeler

•CI Cast Iron

•CMPA Cincinnati Master Plumbers Association

•CO Cleanout

•CP Polished Chrome finish used on faucets

•CPE Solvent Chlorinated polyethylene. A melting agent to form seams in shower pan liners

•CPVC Chlorinated polyvinyl chloride. Rigid plastic pipe used in water supply systems, where code permits. Withstands high temperatures. Available in straight or in rolls

•CR Certified Remodeler

•CSST Corrugated Stainless Steel Tubing. Also known as TracPipe, it has a ployethylene jacket.

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

•CW Continuous Weld. A method of producing a small diameter pipe.

•Calcium Carbonate CACO3 - a white precipitate that forms in water lines, water heaters and boilers in hard water areas; also known as scale.

•Calcium Hypochlorite Extract The matter adsorbed from a stream of water by activated carbon, and then extracted from the activated carbon with chloroform, using a specific standardized procedure; a measure of the organic matter in a water.

•Calcium/ Magnesium Two of the principal elements that, when dissolved, make water hard. Their presence contributes to the formation of scale and insoluble soap curds.

•Capacity
(1) Pumps:
The flow rate in gallons per minute or liters per minute
(2) water softeners/conditioners:
Quantity of undesirable matter that can be removed by a water conditioner under standard test conditions. For ion exchange water softeners, this is expressed in grains of hardness removal between regeneration's and is related to a pound of salt used.
(3) water filters:
For filters, capacity may be expressed in the length of time or total gallons delivered between servicing.
(4) water heaters:
The size in gallons of water of the storage tank (e.g. 40 gal, 75 gal, etc)

•Carbon Dioxide A gas present in the atmosphere, formed by the decay of organic matter; the gas in carbonated beverages; dissolved in water it forms carbonic acid.

•Carbonate Alkalinity Alkalinity due to the presence of the carbonate ion (CO32). Water hardness due to the presence of calcium and magnesium carbonates and bicarbonates in water; the smaller of the total hardness and the total alkalinity.

•Carbonizing In a pump, where a reduction of hydrocarbons results in the formation of carbon residue that will interfere with the movement of a mechanical seal. Often called coking.

•Carved glass An artistic form of sandblasting that creates a multi-dimensional effect through the varying depth of the design pattern.

•Casing A tubular structure intended to be watertight installed in the excavated or drilled hole to maintain the well opening and to prevent ground water from entering the well.

•Cast Iron Heavy metal made of casting on molds to make fixtures such as sinks, tubs and lavatories, covered with a porcelain enamel coating. Casting is made of a series of alloys primarily of iron, carbon, and silicon.

•Catch Basin Large underground container, with a grate on the top, for collection of storm water run-off. It catches or collects dirt and other debris and prevents them from polluting streams and lakes..

•Cathode A negatively charged electrode.

•Cation A positively charged ion in an electrolyte solution, attracted to the cathode by a difference in electrical potential.

•Caustic The tendency of any substance to burn or destroy animal flesh or tissue. The term is usually applied to strong bases.

•Caustic Soda The common name for sodium hydroxide.

•Cavitation The vacuum created when the discharge capacity of the pump exceeds the replacement in the suction line. This causes bubbling and vibrations that can damage the pump if they occur over an extended period.

•Celcon nut Connectors used to hand-tighten faucets to lavatory from underside of lavatory

•Centerset Style of bathroom faucet having combined spout and handles, with handles 4 inches apart, center-to-center. Also a single-handle faucet installed on 4 inches center-to-center faucet holes.

•Centrifugal pump A pump that moves water by centrifugal force developed by rapid rotation of an impeller.. As the rotating impeller whirls the water around, centrifugal force builds up pressure forcing the water through the discharge outlet.

•Chain Wrench An adjustable wrench in which a chain is used for gripping. Commonly used on large pipes.

•Chamfer Beveled end, usually done on pipe prior to threading

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

•China A material made from a clay and water mixture, coated with liquid glaze and fired under extremely high temperature to form a hard, scratch and stain-resistant surface.

•Chlorine A gas, C2, widely used in the disinfection of water and an oxidizing agent for organic matter, iron, etc.

•Circuit Vent Plumbing drainage system vertical vent which is run from the last two traps on a horizontal drain line to the main vent stack of a building drainage system.

•Cistern Rainwater storage tank, often underground.

•Clamp Straps Straps used to hold or support pipes.

•Cleanout Plug A plug in a trap or drain pipe that provides access for the purpose of clearing an obstruction.

•Clevis A U-shaped piece of metal with holes in the ends through which a pin is run to attach to pipes.

•Clevis Hanger A type of pipe hanger with a swivel yoke supported at the top by an adjustable vertical rod. This yoke bolts to pin holding a U-strap of metal (clevis) that supports the pipe.

•Clevis Insulator A clevis hanger with an insulating bushing where the vertical rod bolts to the yoke. Most often used with roller hangers and electrical conduit.

•Close Coupled A toilet with a separate tank and bowl, secured to each other, and with a separate tank cover. Also known as a two-piece toilet.

•Close Nipple Short lengths of pipe that are threaded on both ends. The threads that are so close together they almost join in the center.

•Closed System A system where the incoming cold water supply has a device that will not allow water to expand when heated. (i.e. check valve, backflow preventer, pressure reducing valve, etc.)

•Closet Toilet.

•Closet Auger A flexible rod with a curved end used to access the toilet's built-in trap and remove clogs.

•Closet Bend A curved fitting mounted immediately below the toilet that connects the closet flange to the toilet drain

•Closet Flange An anchoring ring that attaches to the closet bend and secured to the floor. The heads of closet bolts, used to secure the toilet in place, insert into slots in the closet flange.

•Closet Tube A water supply tube used for toilets.

•Coagulant A material, such as alum, which will form a gelatinous precipitate in water, and cause the agglomeration of finely divided particles into larger particles which can then be removed by settling and/or filtration.

•Coagulant Aid A material which is not a coagulant, but which improves the effectiveness of a coagulant, often by forming larger or heavier particles, speeding the reactions, or permitting reduced coagulant dosage.

•Coagulation The process in which very small, finely divided solid particles, often colloidal in nature, are agglomerated (lumped) into larger particles.

•Cock A faucet or valve for regulating the flow of water.

•Cockhole Cover A round cover-plate or disk installed on a sink to cover an unused faucet hole.

•Coil Spring Tube Bender A flexible heavy-wire coil, which, when slipped over copper tubing, allows it to be bent without crimping.

•Coking In a pump, where a reduction of hydrocarbons results in the formation of carbon residue that will interfere with the movement of a mechanical seal. Also referred to as Carbonizing.

•Cold drawn Pipe or tubing that's pulled through a die to reduce diameter and wall Produces closer tolerances and higher strength

•Cold Vapor Method to test water for the presence of mercury.

•Coliform Bacteria Non-pathogenic microorganisms used in testing water to indicate the presence of pathogenic bacteria

•Collar A galvanized sheet metal restricting device used in conjunction with plastic pipe. Its function is to direct and control the intumescent action of the firestopping material

•Colloid Very finely divided solid particles that remain suspended in a solution; the removal of colloidal particles usually requires coagulation.

•Combined Sewer A sewer system that carries both sanitary waste and storm water runoff.

•Combustion Chamber The location where combustion takes place.

•Combustion Gases Gases released when a gaseous, liquid, or solid fuel reacts at an elevated level that needs to be vented with gas or oil-fired water heaters.

•Commercial Heater Water heaters used for more than a single-family dwelling.

•Commercial water use Water for motels, hotels, restaurants, office buildings, other commercial facilities, and institutions

•Commode Toilet.

•Common Vent Building drain system vertical vent which connects two or more fixture branches on the same
level.

•Compensated Hardness A calculated value based on the total hardness, the magnesium to calcium ratio, and the sodium concentration of a water. It is used to correct for the reductions in hardness removal capacity caused by these factors in cation exchange water

•Composite Composite sinks made from high-tech, high-strength, color- impregnated that resists shipping and scratching.

•Composting Toilet A self-contained toilet that use the process of aerobic decomposition (composting) to break down feces into humus and odorless gases

•Compression Fitting A kind of tubing or pipe connection where a nut, and then 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. Also a flexible connector that has a nut and gasket designed to attach directly to an

•SAE standard compression thread, without the use of a sleeve or ferrule.

•Compression Valve A type of valve that is often used for water faucets. It is opened or closed by raising or lowering a horizontal disk by a threaded stem.

•Concealed Arm Carrier One of a variety of common mechanisms 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.

•Condensation Water vapor that separates from products of combustion due to a reduction in heating surface temperatures to below the dew point of surrounding air. Water formed when water vapor formed in gas combustion loses heat before it passed out of the venting system.

•Conductance In water conditioning, the readiness of water to carry electricity. The unit of measure for conductance is the mho (reciprocal ohm); it is used to approximate the dissolved solids content of water.

•Conductivity The quality or power to carry electrical current; in water, the conductivity is related to the concentration of ions capable of carrying electrical current.

•Conduit Tube that houses electrical wiring.

•Conduit Clamp A screw-down, U-shaped spring clamp formed out of a band of metal used to hold conduit pipe

•Console Lav A table-like fixture with an integral lavatory. The back is fixed to a wall and the front is supported by brackets or legs.

•Console Table Same as console lav.

•Consumptive water use Total amount of water used by vegetation, man's activities, and evaporation of surface water

•Continuous hinge door A shower door that has a full-length continuous metal hinge on the side of the door.

•Conventional Vent Atmospheric venting that utilizes the natural convective rise of hot flue gases through the system to release the products of combustion.

•Corporation Cock A stopcock screwed into the street water main to provide the house service connection

•Corporation Stop The stop connected to the water main, usually made of brass and can be connected to the main with a special tool without shutting off the municipal supply.

•Corrosion The disintegration of a metal by electrochemical means.

•Corrosive Water A water condition of low pH (acid condition) that can corrode metal pipes, pool fixtures and pumps. (Unbalanced water)

•Cowl A short fitting used to join two pieces of pipe.

•Coupling Vent pipe hood, which protects it from the elements.

•Crocus Cloth Finer than sandpaper grit on a cloth backing

•Cross-connection Any connection or situation that may allow wastewater to enter the supply system.

•Crow's Foot A PVC tee with twin outlets at right angles off the main.

•Crown-vented Trap An air admittance valve attached to a drainpipe, protected by a check valve, designed to
equalize pressure in the drain line and to protect the trap seal.

•Crown Weir The interior projection in the outlet side of a P-trap to aid in maintaining the water seal in the trap.

•Cubic Foot of Gas The amount of gas that will occupy one cubic foot at a temperature of 60 degrees F, and under a pressure equivalent to that of 30 inches of mercury.

•Culvert A pipe-like construction of concrete that passes under a road to allow drainage.

•Curb A raised edge or border of a shower, usually made of tile, marble, or fiberglass.

•Curb Cock Shutoff valve normally used with water meters set between the meter and the building.

•Current The movement of electrons through a conductor, measured in amperes

•Curtain Drain A ditch sometimes filled with gravel or drainage tile which diverts storm water away from a structure

•Cut Lengths Pipe cut to a specific length as ordered

•Cycle The number of times per second that a conductor of alternating current reverses polarity. (e.g. 60 cps A.C.)

•Cycle Time The time beginning at the instant a toilet flush lever is actuated until the instant the water supply shuts off, completing the flush cycle.

D

•DC Direct Current. Electrical supply in which the polarity of the two wires does not change.

•DI Abbreviation for "deionization"

•DWV Drainage, waste, and vent systems, which remove wastewater. Not for drinking water.

•Dam The barrier built into a trapway of a toilet that controls the water level in the toilet bowl.

•Deck Mount Describes a faucet that is mounted on the deck of the bathtub enclosure, rather than on the rim of the bathtub or on the wall. Also referred to as a Roman spout faucet. Also known as a sunken tub, the deck-mount tub is usually mounted on a platform and has no apron or decorative side.

•Deep Well A well more than 25 ft. deep

•Degree Rise Difference between the starting water temperature and the ending temperature after heating is complete.

•Deionization Process of reducing water to a non-mineral state by passing it over a bed of resins

•Deionized Water Water free of inorganic materials.

•Desanco Fitting A type of compression adapter that connects tubular brass fittings to pvc pipe

•Dew Point Temperature at which water vapor condenses to a liquid

•Dial Plate Trim piece found behind a single-control wall-mount faucet handle. Also known as a face plate.

•Diaphragm Flexible membrane in a valve that deflects down onto a rigid area of the valve body to regulate water flow from the supply lines. This eliminates the possibility of debris build-up within the valve.

•Die Cutting device used to thread pipe. A set of these attach to dieheads, and mounted on a threader

•Dielectric A nonconductor of direct electric current.

•Diffuser Device for reducing the velocity and increasing the static pressure of a fluid passing through a system

•Dilution Air Air that enters a draft hood or draft regulator and mixes with the flue gasses.

•Dip Tube Tube inside the water heater that sends cold water to the bottom of the tank.

•Direct Tap Clamping device that allows a branch line to be drilled and tapped off a main line.

•Direct Vent A system that pulls outside air for combustion and vents combustion gases directly outside without using a chimney.

•Directional Jet Whirlpool air discharge unit with pivot allowing discharge path to be adjusted by the user.

•Directional Tee Tee fitting that allows direct flow in one direction by use of an internal baffle.

•Discharge Head Difference in elevation between the liquid level of the discharge tank and the centerline of the pump. Also includes any additional pressure head that may be present at the discharge tank fluid surface.

•Discharge Tube Outlet tube that connects a disposer or sump pump to the drain line.

•Disposal Field A series of trenches conveying the effluent from the septic tank laid in such a manner that the flow will be distributed with reasonable uniformity into natural soil.

•Dishwasher Tailpiece A flanged adapter connecting a basket strainer to the drainpipe with a dishwasher inlet.

•Diverter Valves which direct water to various outlets. They are used in showers, tubs, bidets, and sinks.

•Domestic Hot Water Water heated for residential washing, bathing, etc.

•Dope Pasty lubricant used on seal pipe threads prior to making a threaded pipe connection.

•Double Extra Strong Standard pipe weight designation (XXS). Sometimes described as XXH (double extra heavy).

•Double Horizontal Tee A PVC tee with twin outlets of a smaller diameter than the inlet.

•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.

•Double suction pump A pump where the rotor is suspended between two bearings with the fluid entering on either side of the impeller. Used at higher capacities

•Double Wye Fixture A fitting that has branches coming in at an angle from each side of the main to join the main run.

•Down Head Boring Gimlet A flexible cutting tip for an auger cable

•Draft Diverter A device fitted in the flue way of a gas appliance to prevent updraft, downdraft, or the secondary flue blockage from obstructing the escape of combustion gases.

•Draft Inducer See Flue Exhauster

•Drain Any pipe that carries wastewater or water-borne waste.

•Drain Hub Floor drain used with hubbed soil pipe. The bell (hub) section is countersunk vertically in the floor and is covered by a flush-mounted grill.

•Drain Seal Gasket Gasket used to seal a drain to a sink to prevent leaks.

•Drain Valve Device designed to allow drainage of stored contents from a water heater.

•Drainage Tile Historically, pipe shaped clay tiles installed in below-grade trenches for gravity-rated drainage. PVC pipe is now commonly used for this purpose.

•Drawdown The distance the water level drops below the standing water level while the pump is operating.

•Drip Channel A metal channel that is designed to prevent water running down a shower door from dripping onto the floor when the door is opened.

•Drip Leg A stub end pipe placed at a low point in the gas piping to collect condensate and permit its removal.

•Drum Trap An obsolete, non-vented drain lead or cast iron canister trap formerly used in sewer lines.

•Dual Element Heater An electric water heater with an upper and lower element for heating water.

•Duostrainer Sink drain fitting consisting of a strainer body attached to the drain opening and a removable basket. Also called a strainer

•Duo Valve A twin valve (hot & cold) with a single on/off lever used for washing machine boxes

•Duplex Basin An ejector pump container, usually 30" x 36" or 36" x 36" large enough for two pumps, used in multi-family buildings

•Duraflow A process patented by Ace Duraflow Company to rejuvenate old corroded plumbing by cleaning and lining with an Epoxy coating.

•Dynamic Pressure The pressure when the water is flowing.

E

•E. Coli The common abbreviation of Escherichia Coli. One of the members of the coliform groups of bacteria indicating fecal contamination.

•ECO Energy Cut Off. A safety device designed to shut power off to the water heater and prevent high temperature.

•EF Energy Factor. A measure of the overall efficiency rating of the water heater based on the model's recovery, efficiency, stand-by loss and energy input.

•EMT Electrical Metal Tubing; a thin wall galvanized steel pipe used to carry electrical or other types of conductors

•EPA Environmental Protection Agency

•ERW Electric Resistance Weld. Most common form of manufacture for pipes 2 3/8" to 22" in diameter.

•Earthquake Strap A metal strap used to secure a water heater to the house frame or foundation.

•Eccentric shank A shank or the fitting with a shank in which the centerline is offset to allow minor compensation for supply lines that would be difficult to precisely position.

•Eductor A device utilizing a nozzle and throat, installed in a stream of water to create a partial vacuum to draw air or liquid into the stream; commonly used to draw regeneration chemicals into an ion exchange water treatment system, such a softener or deionizer.

•Efficiency A product's ability to utilize input energy, expressed as a percentage.

•Effluent Septic system liquid waste

•Ejector A mechanical device for pumping sewage from below the sewer line.

•Elbow A fitting with two openings that changes the direction of the line. Also known as an ell. It comes in various angles from 22 ½ degrees to 90 degrees; often referred to by their angles (i.e. 45, 90)

•Electric Resistance Weld Pipe (ERW) Cold finished pipe made by a series of operations in which the flat rolled material is cold shaped into tubular form and welded at the seam. The heat for the weld is generated at the seam by the resistance to the flow of electric current applied through electrical contacts or an induction coil.

•Electrodialysys A process which uses an electrical current and an arrangement of permeable membranes to separate soluble minerals from water. It is often used to desalinate salt or brackish water .

•Electrolysis A process involving chemical change caused by the passage of an electric current through a liquid.

•Electrolyte A nonmetallic substance that carries an electric current, or a substance which, when dissolved in water, separates into ions which can carry an electric current.

•Element Heating unit in an electric water heater

•Elevation The vertical distance between the level where fluid enters a pipe and the level where it leaves. It must be added to the Total Discharge Head if the inlet is lower than the outlet and subtracted if the inlet is higher.

•Elongated The shape of a some toilet bowls, where the bowl is about 2 inches longer than the standard round front bowl, usually 14 inches wide by 18 ½ inches long.

•Enamel An opaque vitreous composition applied by fusion to the surface of metal fixtures such as cast iron and pressed steel tubs, lavs, and sinks. Enameled steel is less durable than enameled cast-iron.

•Enclosure Panels of glass or other material used to form shower or tub stalls.

•End Body A faucet valve body configuration in which both the inlet and outlet are at the end of the valve body.

•End Drain The side of a tub where the drain is found. When facing a tub, if the drain is on the right, this is a Right-Hand tub (RH). If on the left, it is a Left Hand tub (LH). On whirlpools, the pump is located opposite the drain.

•Endpoint
(1) The point at which a process is stopped because a predetermined condition is met;
(2) in an ion exchange water softener service run, this is where the hardness of the softener effluent increases to a predefined concentration, often 1.0 grain per gallon;
(3) in a filter service this may be where the pressure drop across the filter reaches a predetermined value.

•Energy Guide Label Label required by the FTC on water heaters that show
1) an estimated annual cost of operation and
2) how that unit's efficiency compares to all other comparable models.

•Escutcheon A decorative metal flange or trim shield beneath a faucet handle that covers the faucet stem and the hole in the fixture or wall.

•Expansion Tank A tank designed to absorb excess pressure due to thermal expansion. (e.g. closed system)

•Expansion Valve Thermostatically controlled valve that controls liquid refrigerant.

•Extinction Pop A flashback occurring when a burner is turned off

•Extra Strong A standard pipe weight designation (XS). Sometimes called XH (Extra Heavy)

•Extrusion Refers to the result of forcing molten metal or plastic through a die or mold to form a specific shape. Commonly refers to shower door components such as jambs and headers that were created by extrusion.

•Eye of the impeller The center of the impeller, where the fluid enters.

F

•F Rating A rating of effectiveness of firestop material, measuring its resistance to flames and water.

•FHT Female Hose Thread. (e.g. end of garden garden hose)

•FIP Female Iron Pipe connection. Standard internal threads on pipe fittings.

•FMA Abbreviation for free mineral acidity.

•FMPX Female pipe swivel connection

•FNPT This refers to the female pipe thread, in which the threads are on the inner side of the connection fitting

•FVI Flammable Vapor Ignition

•Facultative Bacteria Bacteria that can live under Aerobic or Anaerobic conditions

•Fall/Flow The proper slope or pitch of a pipe for adequate drainage.

•Fascia A decorative apron or front face. A wooden enclosure holding the main pump assembly for whirlpool and master baths.

•Faucet Threads Special thread size for fittings that connect to faucets. A cone seal or gasket is usually included because straight threads will not have a complete seal without a gasket.

•Fecal Coliform The portion of the coliform bacteria group which is present in the intestinal tracts and feces of warm-blooded animals. A common pollutant in water

•Fecal Material Solid waste produced by humans and other animals and discharged from the gastrointestinal tract.

•Feed Pump A pump that supplies water to a boiler.

•Feedwater Water introduced into a boiler during operation. It includes make-up and return condensate.

•Female Fitting A fitting that receives a pipe or fitting. A fitting into which another fitting is inserted.

•Female Threads Faucet threads that are in place on the inside of a fitting.

•Ferrous Material containing or derived from iron.

•Ferrule Metal cover piece for the lavatory overflow opening.

•Fiberglass Glass in a fibrous form used in the making of products such as shower stalls.

•Filter Element A device within a filter tank designed to trap suspended solids as water flows through it.

•Filtrate Liquid that has been passed through a filter

•Filtration Rate The rate at which the water is traveling through the filter, measured as GPM (gallons per minute) per sq. ft.

•Finish Plumbing Installation of plumbing fixtures to make the system usable.

•Finished Water Water that has completed a purification or treatment process

•Finishes See BC, BN, CP, PB, SN, WH

•Fire Hose Closet Usually a compartment built into an interior wall, covered by a glass door, holding a coiled fire hose connected to a water line, ready for immediate use in case of fire.

•Fire Stand Pipe A main water line that feels water sprinkling system or fire hose connections. This is separate from the lines feeding restrooms or other fixtures.

•Firestop Materials that fill the opening around penetrating items such as cables, cable trays, conduits, ducts, and pipes and their means of support through the wall or floor to prevent spread of fire.

•First Draw Water that has been sitting in pipes or plumbing fixtures overnight and is first drawn when taps are opened in the morning. For instance, where lead is present in plumbing, this water would have the highest levels of lead contamination.

•First Hour Delivery Rating based on the combination of the usable stored volume of hot water in a tank plus the recovery capacity for the first hour of operations.

•Fitting Any pipe part used to join together two sections of pipe, such as elbows, couplings, bushings, bends, wyes, etc.

•Fixed Cone Valve A cylinder gate mounted with the axis horizontal. Also known as Howell Bunger valve.

•Fixture A device that provides a supply of water or its disposal, e.g. sinks, tubs, toilets.

•Fixture Unit An arbitrary unit assigned to different types of plumbing fixtures, and used to estimate flow rate requirements and drain capacity requirements.

•Flame Stability Flames on a burner tend to stabilize at a point where flow velocity out and burning back are equal. It changes when primary air or gas rate is adjusted.

•Flange Extending rim or edge at one end of a pipe shaft that gives support or a finished appearance.

•Flapper Flush ball; the moving part of the flush valve that seals the water into the tank or allows water to exit the tank for the flush cycle. The most common replacement part used on conventional toilets.

•Flapper Valve The part on the bottom of the toilet tank that opens to allow water to flow from the tank into the bowl.

•Flare Fitting A fitting used to connect flex copper pipe, usually gas pipe

•Flaring Tool Tool used to create a cone-shaped enlargement at the end of a piece of tubing to accept a flare fitting.

•Flex Coupling Rubber coupling used to join DWV Pipe. Can be used to connect PVC to Clay or Cast Iron above or below ground. Also used for repairs, and attach by used of steel band clamps.

•Flexible Connector A braided hose that connects a faucet or toilet to the water supply stop valve. Serves as a riser but is much more flexible and easier to install. Usually stainless steel or PVC/Polyester reinforced hose.

•Float Ball The floating ball connected to the ballcock inside the tank that rises or falls with changing water levels in the tank, and actuates or shuts off the ballcock as needed.

•Floating Flames (Lifting Flames) An undesirable burner operating condition, usually indicating incomplete combustion in which flames leave the burner port to "reach" for combustion air.

•Flocculant A chemical substance that promotes the aggregation or coagulation of suspended particles in the water

•Flood Level Rim The top edge of a receptacle from which water overflows.

•Floor Drain Drainage fitting that sits flush with the floor, used in basements and showers.

•Floor Flange A fitting that connects a toilet to a floor drain.

•Floor Sink Receptacle usually made of enameled cast iron located at floor level and connected to a trap to
receive the discharge from indirect waste and floor drainage. Cleaner and more sanitary than regular floor drains. Usually used in hospitals & restaurants.

•Flow Control Valve Device designed to reduce water flow to a plumbing fixture. Often used to improve efficiency and reduce operating costs. Also a check valve that prevents flow reversal when heater is turned off.

•Flow Rate Rating in gallons per minute(GPM) or gallons per hour.(GPH)

• Flue A passageway for combustion by-products.

•Flue Baffle A device to deflect, check, or regulate flow through a pipe.

•Flue Damper A device to minimize heat loss through a venting system

•Flue Exhauster A fan installed in the vent pipe which will provide a positive induced draft. Sometimes called a draft inducer.

•Flume Spout An open spout design that is also referred to as a waterfall spout.

•Flush Ball Flapper

•Flush Bushing For whirlpools, a variable valve regulating the amount of water delivered to the jets. For faucets, a valve connector device controlling water flow rate.

•Flush Joint A Connection with both male and female threads cut into the pipe

•Flush-mount Lavatory Sink that sits flush and even with the countertop and is supported by a metal ring.

•Flush Valve Flapper Valve

•Flushing Surface The interior surface of the bowl and all other surfaces which may come into contact with water during flushing.

•Flushometer Toilet valve that automatically shuts off after it meters a certain amount of water flow.

•Flushometer Tank System Toilet flushing system that uses supply water pressure to compress water to provide a pressurized flush as opposed to a gravity flush.

•Flushometer Valve The valve located at the bottom of a gravity-operated toilet flush tank, which opens when the trip lever is actuated, and closes when the tank has drained to the desired level. Usually also contains an overflow tube.

•Flux Paste applied to copper pipes and fittings before soldering to help the fusion process and prevent oxidation.

•Foam Insulation Insulation surrounding the surface of a water heater tank.

•Foot Valve A special type of check valve located at the bottom end of the suction pipe on a pump; it opens when the pump operates to allow water to enter the suction pipe but closes when the pump shuts off to prevent water from flowing out.

•Footprint The area of floor space taken up by a water heater or other appliance.

•Framed A bath enclosure system that mounts all glass or plastic panels in a metal frame.

•Frameless A bath enclosure system that minimizes the amount of metal used to hold the system panels and door in place.

•Free-standing Term used to describe a bathtub that is free of walls on all sides.

•Free Available Chlorine The concentration of residual chlorine present as dissolved gas, hypochlorous acid or hypochlorite, not combined with ammonia or in other less readily available form.

•Freeboard The vertical distance between a bed of filter media or ion exchange material and the overflow or collector for backwash water; the height above the bed of granular media available for bed expansion during backwashing; may be expressed either as a linear distance or a percentage of bed depth.

•French Drain A covered ditch containing a layer of fitted or loose stone or other pervious material

•Friction head difference The difference in head required to move a mass of fluid from one position to another at a certain flow rate within a piping system. It is also the specific energy required to overcome friction in the system.

•Friction Loss The loss of pressure caused by the turbulence created in water while traveling through the pipe.

•Frost Line The depth to which frost penetrates the earth

•Full Finished Refers to tubular products in which the weld has been processed to produce uniform strength and dimensions, and subsequently annealed to obtain proper corrosion resistance

•Full Hydraulic Capacity The designed capacity of a pipe or conduit

G

•Ga. Abbreviation for gauge, the wall thickness of tubing

•GAMA Gas Appliance Manufacturers Association

•GFCI Ground fault circuit interrupter. A device to cut off the flow of electricity if a short circuit is detected.

•GPF Gallons per flush used in toilets. Current law requires maximum of 1.6 gpf. Older styles were usually 3.5 gpf.

•GPG Grains per Gallon. A measurement of the amount of dissolved material in water. One grain per gallon equals 17.1 ppm

•GPH Gallons per hour. A measure of flow rates.

•GPM Gallons per minute. The rate of flow by which faucets and showerheads are measured and regulated.

•.gr Grain A unit of weight equal to 1/7000th of a pound, or 0.0648 gram.

•Galvanic Action The phenomenon of corrosion of an anode (positive terminal - like on a battery). When two dissimilar metals are immersed in an electrolyte, an electrical potential will exist between them. If the two are in an electrical contact, a current will flow. The metal that becomes the anode (negative) of this cell will corrode and dissolve while the cathode (positive) will be protected from corrosion.

•Galvanic series A list of metals with those on the top of the list being attacked by those lower down in the list. The father apart on the list, the faster the attack.

•Galvanizing The process of applying a coating of zinc to the finished product to provide corrosion protection. The coating can be applied by hot dipping or electrolytic deposition.

•Galvanometer Laboratory instrument that detects and measures small electric current.

•Gas Cock Plug valve installed the main gas line and an appliance.

•Gas Control Device used to regulate gas pressure on a water heater.

•Gasket Flat device usually made of fiber or rubber used to provide a watertight seal between metal joints.

•Gate A device that controls the flow in a conduit, pipe, or tunnel.

•Gate Diverter The pop-up lever on a tub faucet that activates the diverter valve

•Gauge Device for registering water level, discharge, velocity, pressure, etc. A number that defines the thickness of the sheet used to make steel pipe. The larger the number, the thinner the pipe wall

•Gel/Grease Cap Waterproof wire connector

•Gland In a pump, the part that holds one half of the mechanical seal and attaches to the stuffing box.

•Glaze Glossy water-resistant, colored finish on vitreous china fixtures

•Globe Valve A gate valve with a curved chamber

•Grab Bar Safety bar installed in a bathtub or shower for use when bathing.

•Grain (gr.) A unit of weight equal to 1/7000th of a pound, or 0.0648 gram.

•Gravity Operated Toilet A toilet that relies on the natural downward pressure of water in a toilet tank to flush the toilet effectively.

•Grain Per Gallon (gpg) A common basis for reporting water analyses in the United States and Canada; one grain per U.S. gallon equals 17.12 milligrams per liter (mg/1) or parts per million (ppm). One grain per British (Imperial) gallon equals 14.3 milligrams per liter or parts per million.

•Gray Water Waste water from sinks, showers, and bathtubs, but not toilets.

•Grease Trap A device that captures grease entering a system before it reaches the sewer lines. Usually used in commercial applications such as restaurants or cafeterias.

•Greensand A natural mineral, primarily composed of complex silicates, which possesses ion exchange properties.

•Grip Fitting A compression-type fitting used on PB pipe

•Grooved Fitting A gasketed mechanical pipe fitting made of ductile iron that is clamped onto a groove in a pipe rather than screwed onto threads. It is mostly used in commercial applications on pipes larger than 1 1/2" in diameter.

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

•Ground Joint Union Pipe union that has a brass grounding section between the two halves.

•Ground Water Naturally occurring water rising from the water table of the surrounding land.

•Grounding Connecting a piece of electrical equipment to a "ground wire" which is connected to the electrical system ground at the circuit breaker box. This helps to ensure that the circuit breaker will trip and cut off power in the event of a short circuit or damage to insulation.

•Guide Arm Valve which controls water flow into the toilet tank.

H

•HBA Home Builders Association

•HC Handicapped

•HD Head

•HP Horsepower

•HT Hose threads. Note: Garden hose threads are different from standard pipe threads.

•HVAC Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning.

•Handles Faucet handles typically come in 3 styles: knob, lever, and cross. Some manufacturers allow a customer to mix and match components to create a custom handle consisting of handle bases and handle inserts.

•Handshower A showerhead designed with a handle that's connected to a water supply and a flexible hose.

•Hanger A device used to support pipes.

•Hard Water Natural water containing impurities in various proportions. Traditional hardness is a measure of calcium or dissolved solids in a solution, measured in parts per million. Hard water generally ranges from 100 to 250 ppm.

•Hardness The amount of dissolved minerals in water measured in grains per gallon (GPG). The most common minerals are calcium and magnesium

•Hardness Leakage The presence of a consistent concentration of hardness in the effluent from an ion exchange water softener, often due to high concentrations of hardness or sodium in the water being treated (see Leakage).

•Head
(1) The pressure of water (or steam) in a closed system (see Pressure Head). It represents the differential in the gravitational force exerted by a liquid at two different depths.
(2) Nautical slang term for toilet

•Head Loss The pressure of water as measured at a stated point, either in feet or in pounds per square inch (PSI).

•Heat Exchanger A heat transfer system.

•Heat Sensors Heat-triggered devices on sprinkler systems that release the flow of water.

•Heat Trap Restriction of heat loss through water connections to a tank.

•Hermetic Completely sealed, especially against the escape or entry of air.

•Hertz A measure of frequency; one Hertz equals one cycle per second.

•Hex Key Allen Wrench

•Hold Down A type of pipe anchor consisting of a U-strap bolted at either end onto a horizontal plate.

•Hole Saw A small, cylindrical attachment for a power drill consisting of a circular saw blade for cutting holes.

•Hollow-jet Valve A valve having a closing member that moves upstream to shut off the flow. The hollow-jet valve discharges a hollow or annular jet dispersed over a wide area.

•Horizontal Branch Lateral drain pipes that run from plumbing fixtures to the waste stack in a building or in the soil.

•Horizontal Run The horizontal distance between the point where fluid enters a pipe and the point at which it leaves.

•Hose Bibb An outdoor faucet, also used to supply washing machines.

•House Trap U-shaped fitting with two adjacent cleanout plugs visible at floor level if main drain runs under floor.

•Hub & Spigot Piping Gravity rated DWV or pressure pipe that has a bell-shaped section at one end and a straight section at the other. As lengths are assembled, the straight end of one fits into the bell of the next.

•Hubless Same as no-hub. Cast iron drainage pipe with neoprene gaskets and clamps

•Hydration The chemical combination of water into a substance.

•Hydraulic Pressure Pressure that exists in a system containing non-compressible liquid.

•Hydrolysis The reaction of a salt with water to form an acid and a base.

•Hydronic System of forced hot water.

•Hydrojet Cold inlet tube designed to reduce sediment build-up and increase efficiency in a water heater.

•Hydrostatic Pressure Pressure exerted by or existing within a liquid at rest with respect to adjacent bodies

•Hydrostatic Test Test using noncompressible liquid under pressure at a level equal to or greater than the maximum pressure that will be utilized when in use, such as in steam boilers.

•Hydrous Containing water, water of crystallization or hydration, as certain minerals or chemical compounds.

•Hydroxyl The chemical group or ion (OH) which is neutral or positively charged.

•Hygroscopic Attracting or absorbing moisture from the air; changed or altered by this absorption.

•Hypochlorite The OCL anion; calcium and sodium hypochlorite are commonly used as bleaches and disinfecting agents.

I

•ID Inside diameter. All pipes are sized according to their inside diameter.

•IPS Iron Pipe Size (OD). Same as NPS. Standard pipe threads. Also Internal Pipe Swivel connection (female)

•ISO International\ Organization for Standardization based in Geneva Switzerland. Among the many standards it issues are pump and seal standards for the metric community

•ISO 9000 A series of five standards for developing a total quality management system. Developed by the International\ Organization for Standardization.

•Immersion A term referring to something submerged in water.

•Impeller Rotating wheel with vanes found inside a centrifugal pump. As it spins at high speed it draws fluids in and thrusts them under pressure to the discharge outlet.

•Incomplete Combustion A product of inadequate ventilation which restricts the flow of air into an appliance. This may lower oxygen content in the surrounding air.

•Incoming Inlet Temp. Temperature of water entering the tank.

•Indirect Wastes Waste pipe used to convey gray water by discharging it into a plumbing fixture such as a floor drain.

•Induction motor The most common type used in industry. Has a slippage of 2 to 5 percent compared to synchronous motors.

•Influent The stream entering a unit, stream or process, such as the hard water entering an ion exchange water softener.

•Injection The drawing of primary air into a gas burner by means of a flow of fuel gas.

•Inlet An entrance, opening, or aperture for the intake of fluid or gas.

•In-line Pump Small pump which pumps fluid through a line on which it is supported and mounted.

•Input The amount of fuel used by a water heater in a given period of time, usually 1 hr.

•Input Rate The quantity of heat or fuel supplied to an appliance, expressed in volume of heat units per volume of time (BTUs/hour).

•Input Rating The gas burning capacity of an appliance in BTU's per hour as specified by the manufacturer.

•Insanitary So unclean as to be a likely cause of disease; Contrary to sanitary principles injurious to health.

•Inserts Faucet handles

•Insert Fittings Fittings equipped with external, annular rings fir gripping, which are inserted into flexible rubber or plastic tubing as a connection.

•Ion An atom or group of atoms which function as a unit, and have a positive (cation) or negative (anion) electrical charge, due to the gain or loss of one or more electrons.

•Ion Exchange A reversible process in which ions are released from an insoluble permanent material in exchange for other ions in a surrounding solution; the direction of the exchange depends upon the affinities of the ion exchanger for the ions present, and the concentrations of the ions in the solution.

•Ionization The process in which atoms gain or lose electrons; sometimes used as synonymous with dissociation, the separation of molecules into charged ions in solution.

•Island Vent An air admittance valve

•Isolation Mount The four small rubber feet located beneath a whirlpool's pump base, or attached to the pulse cannister assemblies, designed to reduce noise and vibration when the whirlpool is running.

•Instantaneous Water Heater A type of water heater that heats water as it flows through a heat exchanger coil.

•Integral Stops Stops that allow the owner to shut off water supply at the faucet for maintenance without shutting off the water supply to the entire house.

•Integral Vacuum Breaker A device typically used in a sink or shower sprayer to keep water from backflowing into the fresh water supply.

•Interceptor Device for separating grease and oil from drainage system. See grease trap.

•Isothermal Action that takes place with no change in temperature.

J

•J Bend The trap section, with a 180-degree bend, or a multi-piece P-trap. Also called a return bend.

•J Hook A pipe hanger in the shape of a J

•Jacket Usually refers to the heating/ cooling jacket surrounding the stuffing box on some pumps; The outer casing (shell) of a water heater.

•Jackson Turbidity Unit (JTU) A quantitative unit of turbidity originally based on the comparison of a liquid (such as water) with a suspension of a specify type of silica, using the turbidity measure in a Jackson Candle Turbidimeter.

•Jet An orifice or other feature of a toilet that is designed to direct water into the trapway quickly to start the siphon action.

•Jetport Hydrojet dip tube, which creates turbulence in the tank.

•Johnni-bolts Closet bolts, used to mount toilet bowls to the closet flange

•Joint One length of pipe

•Joint Runner Collar like device that keeps molten lead in place while sealing a joint in cast iron pipe.

•Junction Box Utility area where incoming current is connected in an electrical appliance.

K

•kPa A metric unit for pressure. 100 kPa = one atmosphere.

•KW Kilowatt A measure of the rate of supply of energy or power, equal to 1000 watts or 3412 BTU per hour.

•Kafer Fitting Cast iron drainage pipe fitting with threaded-on hub used to attach to existing cast iron lines

•Kilowatt One thousand watts.

•Knockout Plug PVC test plug

•Kollar Kap Styrofoam forms used to protect floor drains while concrete is being poured around them.

L

•"L" Tubing An industry standard for copper tubing defined by the tube wall thickness and identified by a "blue" strip. Type "L" copper tube wall is approximately 50% greater thickness than Type "M"

•LDO Lint, Dust, and Oil

•LH Left Hand

•LP Liquid propane. A fuel for gas water heaters.

•Laminar Flow Streamline flow in a fluid near a solid boundary

•Laminated glass Glass that has been made by uniting layers of glass in order to strengthen the glass.

•Langelier's Index A calculated number used to predict whether or not a water will precipitate, be in equilibrium with, or dissolve calcium carbonate. It is sometimes erroneously assumed that any water that tends to dissolve calcium carbonate is automatically corrosive.

•Lateral Sewage Line A sewage line that connects one sewage pipe with another.

•Laundry Tray Laundry Tub

•Laundry Tub Very deep sink used in a laundry room for soaking or washing clothing.

•Lav Lavatory

•Lav Tube Water supply tube for lavatory

•Lavatory A fixed bowl or basin with running water and drainage for washing. Bathroom sink

•Leach Field Porous soil area, through which septic tank leach lines run, emptying the treated waste

•Leach Lines Pipes that carry effluent from the septic system out to the leach field.

•Lean Mixture An air-gas mixture that contains more air than needed for complete combustion of the gas.

•Leader Pipe carrying rainwater to the ground or sewer.

•Lien A legal right to hold another's property, or to have it sold, or applied for payment of a claim, especially to satiisfy a debt.

•Lien Release A written document from the contractor to the owner that releases the Lien, Mechanic's or Material following its satisfaction. (see Mechanic's lien)

•Lien Waiver A written document from a contractor or material supplier having lien rights against an owner's property that relinquishes all or part of those rights.

•Lifting Flame See Floating Flame

•Length A unit of linear measure for pipes, such as 10 or 20 ft.

•Life Cycle Labs A place where water heaters are tested at an accelerated rate to simulate life expectancies.

•Light Duty Small commercial applications

•Lime See sediment.

•Limit stop Faucet control unit used to adjust maximum water temperature

•Lock Nut Nut fitted into a piece of pipe and screwed onto another pipe to join the two pieces

•Low Consumption Toilet A class of toilet designed to flush using 1.6 gallons of water or less. Also known as "Water-saving" toilets.

M

•"M" Tubing An industry standard for copper tubing defined by the tube wall thickness, identified by a "red" stripe

•MC Tank Acetylene tank holding 10 cu.ft. of gas, used for plumbing, once used to fuel motorcycles.

•MCL Maximum Contaminant Level The maximum level of a contaminant allowed in water by federal law. Based on health effects and currently available treatment methods

•MHT Male Hose Threads (threads on outside of connection)

•MIP Male Iron Pipe Connection. Standard external threads on pipe and fittings.

•MNPT This refers to the male pipe thread, in which the threads are on the outer side on the connection fitting

•MPN see: Most Probable Number

•MPX Male Pipe Swivel Connection.

•Macerator A device installed in a drain line between a toilet and the soil stack to reduce solids to liquid form.

•Magnesium One of the elements in the earth's crust, the compounds of which when dissolved in water make the water hard. The presence of magnesium in water is a factor contributing to the formation of scale and insoluble soap curds.

•Main The primary artery of supply of the water supply or drain system in which all the branches connect. In the case of drains, known as the Main Vent.

•Male Fitting Fitting that is inserted into another fitting

•Male Threads Threads on the outside of pipes and fittings

•Malleable Fittings Fittings made of cast iron. Metal which is soft and pliable.

•Manganese An element sometimes found dissolved in ground water, usually with dissolved iron but in lower concentration; causes black stains and other problems similar to iron. It can be removed by a water softener or it can be precipitated by chlorine at a pH of 9.5 or above.

•Manganese Greensand Greensand which has been processed to incorporate in its pores and on its surface the higher oxides of manganese. The product has a mild oxidizing power, and is often used in the oxidation and precipitation of iron, manganese and/or hydrogen sulfide, and in their removal from water.

•Manhole Access opening to a hole, usually with a cover, through which a person may enter a sewer, boiler, drain, etc. (usually round to prevent the cover from falling into the opening).

•Manifold A fitting that connects a number of branches to the main; serves as a distribution point.

•Manifold Pressure The gas pressure in an appliance manifold upstream of the burner orifices.

•Manifolded Installation Paralleling of water heaters for large hot water demand applications.

•Mapp Gas A colorless, flammable gas made by combining liquified petroleum gas with Methylacetylene-Propadiene. It is a stable, non-toxic fuel used in brazing and soldering.

•Mechanic's Lien A lien obtained by an unpaid subcontractor or supplier through the courts. When enforced, real property - such as your home - can be sold to pay the subcontractor or supplier

•Mechanical Controls Dials, slides, switches, knobs, buttons, and so forth used to operate ranges, ovens and cooktops.

•Mechanicals The wiring, plumbing and heating and cooling systems in a building; also the components with moving parts such as furnaces, plumbing fixt