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Plumbing Glossary
ABS: (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene): A Rigid black plastic pipe used for drain, waste and vent pipes. Access Panel:
An opening in the wall or ceiling near the fixture that allows access for servicing the plumbing or the electrical system.
Acrylic: A glassy thermoplastic cast and moulded shapes to form the surface of bathtubs, whirlpools and shower bases. Activity
Space: The ideal sized space in front of and to the sides of the bath, basin, WC and bidet to allow standing / sitting room
and room to move. Adaptor: A fitting that unites different types of pipe together, e.g. ABS to cast iron pipe. Airlock: Trapped
air in pipe-work where, due to its layout, the air cannot escape naturally. This usually results in zero or very little flow
through the pipe. All-in-One Power Shower: A product which houses a pump and some form of integrated shower control. It needs
a low pressure cistern fed supply of stored hot and cold water. Automatic Air Vent: A mechanical device with an integral float
that releases air when the water level drops within it. It is normally fitted at the highest point of a plumbing system to
release trapped air. Back Siphoning: A backflow caused by the siphonage of liquid from a cistern or appliance into the pipe
feeding it, which may lead to a contamination of the water supply. Back-to-Wall: Some bathroom furniture is specially designed
to conceal the cistern, support the basin and hide the pipe-work, hence creating storage space. The WC and bidet may be described
as 'back-to-wall'. This can look very streamlined and can be an effective and economical use of space in a small bathroom.
Backflow: Means a flow in a direction contrary to the intended normal direction of flow, usually caused by siphoning. Backflow
Preventer: A device used to prevent backflow. In some areas, plumbing codes require a backflow preventer. Ball Cock: AKA Float
Operated Valve. A valve used to control the flow of water into a tank or cistern, the valve being controlled by a float on
the surface of the water in the tank/cistern. Basin: A circular vessel with sloping sides used to hold water for washing.
Bar: A unit of measurement of water pressure - one bar is approximately equivalent to a column of water 10m high or 14.5 lbf/in,2
or 100 kPa. Bidet: Used for washing your posterior. It is floor mounted, usually next to a toilet. Body Jets: Wall mounted
sprays usually installed in multiples. Bonding Clamp: A metal strap fastened to a pipe or a fitting to enable electrical Bottle
Trap: A form of trap for basins and sinks etc - usually in a cylindrical form where the bottom can be unscrewed from the body
for cleaning etc. Box Rim WC: The rim of the WC pan that carries the flushing water is a tube with accurately positioned holes
in the underside. Bowl cleaning is superior because the water flow is used more efficiently and the operation is quieter.
Not all WC's have a box rim - some have 'open rim'. Bridge Mixer Tap: Stylish lever sink bridge with quarter turn operation,
suitable for the less able. Built-in: A valve installed where the body is recessed in the wall. Bulkhead Fitting: Capillary
Connector: A pipe coupling with a tight fit on the pipe, the gap being filled with solder once heated to provide a watertight
seal. Some couplings incorporate a solder ring (also known as a York fitting, while others need solder applied once the joint
has been heated. The joints are not reusable. Available as a straight 'T', elbow end other configurations. Cast Iron: Heavy
metal formed by casting in moulds. Ceramic Disc Taps / Technology: Taps which can be turned on or off with just a quarter
turn. Ceramic discs inside the tap create a watertight seal and drip-free 'off' position Ceramic Disc Valve: A type of valve
that relies on two-part revolving discs in a sealed cylinder. Each disc has a port in it that, when aligned with the other,
will control water flow (and sometimes temperature). Ceramic Taps: Taps which use a rotating ceramic disc to control the flow
of water - requiring only a quarter handle rotation to turn the flow on or off. Check Valve: Means a plumbing fitting designed
to allow water flow in one direction only. Cistern: Means a fixed container for holding water at atmospheric pressure, normally
applied to the local water storage to flush a WC. It is normally fitted with a and warning pipe. Cleanout: A plug in a trap
or drain pipe that provides access for the purpose of clearing an obstruction. Close Coupled WC: A pan/cistern combination
where the underside of the cistern rests directly on the back of the WC bowl creating a compact unit with low overall height.
Generally the cistern is operated by a lever mounted on the front of the cistern or (more modern) a push button on the cistern
top cover. Some contemporary designs appear almost like a single item. Cold Water Storage Cistern: A fixed container for holding
water at atmospheric pressure usually used for providing a feed to a vented domestic hot water cylinder. It can also be used
to provide a vented cold supply to terminal fittings. Cold Water Storage Tank: A fixed container for holding water at atmospheric
pressure usually used for providing a feed to domestic cold water and/or to a vented domestic hot water system. Compression
Connector: A pipe coupling using threaded nuts to compress an '' on the pipe to provide a watertight seal. More expensive
than capillary joints but are easy to fit and generally reusable. Available as straight, 'T', and other configurations. Compression
Fitting: A sealed pipe connection without soldering. As you tighten a nut on one fitting, it compresses a washer around the
second pipe, forming a watertight closure. Compression Valve: Works by lowering or raising a stem. By turning the tap it causes
the stem to drop or rise, allowing water to pass through the. Coupling: A straight fitting that joins two pieces of pipe.
Cross Flow: The water flow from one side of a hot/cold water mixer to the other, possibly leading to a contamination of the
water supply. Cylinder Flange: A plumbing fitting which can be fitted to a hot water cylinder to provide a dedicated hot water
supply to a terminal fitting. Deck Mounted Taps: Taps designed to mount on the edge of the basin or bath (as opposed to being
wall mounted). Diverter: which have one inlet and direct water to one of two outlets. are normally used with shower risers,
hand showers, and kitchen taps. Distributing Pipe: Means any pipe (other than a flush pipe or warning pipe) conveying water
from a cold water storage Double Check Valve: Two in series with a test point between the two. Double Ended Pump: See Twin
Pump. Double Pole Switch: An electrical switching device in which the continuity of both the mains live and neutral is broken
upon the action of the switch giving a contact separation of at least 3mm. Downstream: In the same direction as flow away
from a given point of reference. (With the flow of water from a given point of reference) Dual Flow taps: Hot and cold supplies
are of different pressures. They come from a single spout but are not pre-mixed - beware of scalding. Dual Flush: A WC cistern
offering the option of a water saving or full volume flush. Current UK flush volumes are 4 and 6 litres of water. Duty Cycle:
The recommended operating time of the product expressed as time 'on' and a time 'off '. A continuously rated pump can be operated
non stop. Dynamic Pressure: The water pressure in the pipe work to a fitting whilst flow is taking place. Earth Bonding: A
legal safety requirement to have all metal parts within a plumbing system connect to earth to prevent them becoming electrically
dangerous. Earth Bonding Strap: A metal strap used to achieve 'earth bonding' by joining the metal pipes and fittings together
to provide an electrical earth path. Elbow: Angled fitting that changes the direction of the water line. Enamel: An opaque
vitreous composition applied to the surface of metal fixtures such as cast iron tubs and sinks. Expansion Pipe: See Vent Pipe.
Expansion tank: A tank which will accommodate the expansion of water within a system as it heats up or to absorb pressure
shock waves to reduce water hammer. May be open or sealed depending on whether the system is vented or sealed. Expansion Vessel:
A vessel which contains a device either to accommodate thermal expansion of water or to absorb the pressure shock waves of
water hammer. Ferrule: A ferrule is a short, cap-like plumbing fitting or stop-end. It's purpose is providing stoppage on
a pipe, removing it will give access to the pipe. Fibreglass: Glass in a fibrous form used in making the body of bathtubs.
Fixed Shower Head: An over head fixed height shower head. Fixture: A broad based term usually referring to sinks, tubs, toilets,
and basins. Float Operated Valve: AKA Ball Cock. Is a valve used to control the flow of water into a cistern, the valve being
controlled by the level of water in the cistern. Flow Limiter: See Flow Regulator. Flow Pressure: See Dynamic Pressure. Flow
Regulator: A device with moving parts which responds to variable inlet pressures to control flow at a reasonably constant
rate. These are subdivided into two types: a) Fixed - manufactured in a range of predetermined flow rate settings. b) Variable
- manually adjustable to provide different flow rate settings. Flow Restrictor: A device with no moving parts which restricts
flow. Unlike a flow regulator it does not keep a constant flow when the supply pressure varies. Flow Switch: Electro mechanical
device that senses a small flow of water and energises an electrical contact. Flush Fit: See Built-in. Free Outlet Flow Rate:
See Open Outlet Flow Rate. Gate valve: A hand operated on/off valve permitting water flow in either direction. Gel Coat: Material
used to form the surface of some fibreglass bathtubs or showers; it is a coloured, polyester resin. GPM: Gallons per Minute.
Unit of measurement by which flow rates of taps and showerheads are measured and regulated. Hand Shower: A showerhead designed
with a flexible shower hose that is attached to the water supply. It can also be termed a shower handset. Handset: See Hand
Shower. Handset Holder: See Wall Bracket. Header Tank: See Cold Water Storage Cistern. High Level Cistern: A cistern mounted
high on the wall and connected to the WC pan by a long flush-pipe, the flush is powerful and operated by a pull-chain and
handle. Hose Restrainer: A device which restrains a shower hose to prevent immersion of the hand shower. find a plumber Hose
Retaining Ring: See Hose Restrainer. ID: Inside Diameter. Diameter measurement from the inside of a pipe. Commonly used for
sizing pipe. Impeller: The internal part of the pump that is driven by the motor, and is used to move the water. Inlet Pump:
See Twin Pump. Inlet: Opening providing an entrance or intake. Integrated Power Showers: See All-in-One Power Showers. Low
level Cistern/WC: A cistern mounted on the wall just above the WC pan with a short flush pipe. Generally the cistern is operated
by a lever mounted on the front of the cistern or (more modern) a push button on the cistern top cover. Maintained Pressure:
See Dynamic Pressure. Manual Mixing Valve: A device which mixes hot and cold water but does not compensate for variations
in the temperature or pressure of the incoming water supplies and needs to be adjusted manually. Mixer Shower: A simple shower
using a valve to combine the domestic hot and cold water supplies to provide the required temperature and flow. Mixer Taps:
A tap with separate hot and cold inputs and having a single output. The inputs can be adjusted to give the required temperature
and flow. Mixing Valve: Mixes hot and cold water in the valve to get a set temperature before delivery. Monobloc Taps: Hot
and cold water are mixed and delivered through a single spout. The input pipes are smaller than 'normal' taps. Nipple: A short
pipe threaded on both ends installed between fittings. Negative Head: If the cistern is below the level of the shower head
a gravity flow of water will not occur. A pump with special switching can be used to obtain a flow of water. Non-Return Valve:
See Check Valve. Offset Corner Bath: A design with one side longer than the other. Useful when a standard corner bath would
be too large for the space available. Open Outlet Flow Rate: Maximum potential flow rate from a mixing valve without shower
fittings being attached. O ring: This round rubber washer is compressed to make a watertight seal - often found in mixer taps
and in waste pipe fittings. Olive: A brass or copper compression ring used in compression couplings. Overflow Pipe: A pipe
connected from a tank or cistern to discharge any surplus water into an area without causing damage. Normally it will only
come into use when there is a fault (e.g. a leaking valve). See also Warning vent. Outlet Pump: See Single Outlet Pump. Parking
Bracket: See Wall Bracket. Plumber's Mate: A pliable, popular putty used to seal joints between drain pieces and fixture surfaces.
Porcelain: A ceramic ware that consists of kalin, quartz and feldspar, and is white. Fired at high temperatures on steel to
make the surface of bathtubs and kitchen sinks. Porcelain Enamelled Steel Bath: The ultimate in durability and rigidity -
and guaranteed for 25 years. (UK and Ireland) You should choose from standard or heavy gauge if you are buying a new one.
Power shower: A shower using a pump to boost the flow of water to give a powerful shower spray. Generally used where there
is insufficient water pressure on gravity fed water supplies. Pressure Accumulator: A vessel which contains a device either
to accommodate thermal expansion of water or to absorb the pressure shock waves of water hammer. Pressure Balancing Valve:
Maintains a constant water temperature by using a mixing valve that balances incoming hot and cold water supplies. It is designed
to maintain a constant shower temperature. Pressure Compensating: See Pressure Balancing Valve. Pressure Relief Device: A
safety device fitted to relieve excessive pressure within an electric shower heater - generally a 'use once' device which
requires replacement after the problem has been rectified. Hence, if your plumber tells you it is faulty & you need a
new one, he is likely to be telling you the truth. P-bend: A form of trap used under basins, baths etc. P trap: P-shaped section
of drain pipe that water is trapped in, blocking gases from escaping through the drain. Prevents sewer odours from escaping
into your home. PTFE Tape: Polytetrafluorethylene (hence the acronym) tape used to seal threaded plumbing joints. Pump Hose:
A flexible pipe that connects the pump to rigid pipe-work. Push fit Connectors: Plumbing connector which just pushes onto
the pipe-work rather than compression or capillary connectors - maybe plastic but suitable for both hot and cold water - sometimes
referred to as 'Speedfit connectors' (one of the early brands). Available as straight, 'T', elbow and other configurations.
Quarter Turn Taps: Taps which can be turned on full by rotating the handle just 90 degrees. Recessed: See Built-in. Right
Angle Connector: See Wall Outlet Connector. Rim: The edge of a lavatory or sink. Riser Rail: See Wall Bar. Riser or a Rising
Main: Vertical pipe that feeds water to a fixture. Basically, it is the water pipe that supplies pressurised mains water to
taps, tanks, appliances etc. Normally there is a single stop cock which controls the rising main within a property. Running
Pressure: See Dynamic Pressure. S-bend: A form of trap used under basins, baths etc. Semi-recessed basin: A fitted basin which
is "semi-recessed" into a vanity unit or a range of units. It may also be more comfortable to bend over than a fully
recessed vanity basin. Servicing Valve: A valve for shutting off the flow of water in a pipe connected to a water fitting
to facilitate the maintenance or servicing of that fitting. Shower Head: A device designed to produce a spray pattern. Shower
Hose: A flexible pipe that connects between the shower head and the shower control. Showering Station: See Wall Bracket. Single
Ended Pump: See Single Pump Single Flow Taps: Hot and cold supplies come ready mixed from a single spout. Single Lever Tap:
A single monobloc tap with a lever handle that controls both water flow and temperature. Single Lever Mixer Tap: A mixer tap
with a single lever handle to controls the water flow of both the hot and cold water supplies. Single Outlet Pump: See Single
Pump. Single Pump: A pump used for drawing water from a mixing valve for delivery to a shower. Sink: A stationary basin connected
with a drain and water supply for washing and drainage. Slide Bar: See Wall Bar. Slip Joint: A connection made with compression
fittings. Solder Connector: See Capillary Connector. Solenoid Valve: An electrically operated valve giving either no flow
or full flow. Stack Pipe: High level vent pipe for the main soil pipe. Standing Pressure: See Static Pressure. Static Pressure:
The water pressure existing at a fitting when no flow is taking place. Stopcock: More commonly called a Stop Valve. A valve
that is used for regulating water flow. Stop Valve: A valve that controls the flow of water to an individual fixture, allowing
water supply to be stopped to one fixture without affecting the water supply to other fixtures. Strainer: A screen to prevent
debris from entering a water fitting. Supply Pipe: A pipe conveying mains cold water around the home. Supply Stop Valve: A
valve used to isolate the mains cold water supply within a home. Tail (on a tap): The threaded section (or copper pipes on
a Monobloc tap) that are connected to the water supply pipe. Tap Seat: The supply orifice within a tap body (except ceramic
taps) on to which the washer is compressed to seal off the water. Tee: A T-shaped fitting with three openings. Temperature
and Pressure Relief Valve: A Relief valve fitted to unvented cylinders to vent excessively hot water and to relieve excess
pressure safely to atmosphere. Thermal Storage Hot Water System: A hot water system where cold mains pressure water is heated
(instantaneously) as it passes through a heat exchanger surrounded by a stored volume of hot water. Thermostatic Mixing Valve:
A device which mixes hot and cold water. It compensates for variations in the temperature and, or pressure of the incoming
water supplies, so as to maintain a selected blend temperature. Three Hole Mixer Tap: Separate hot and cold handles blend
water through a central spout. Two Hole Mixer Tap: A mixer tap requiring two separate holes for the water feeds in the sink
etc. - as opposed to a Monobloc tap. Trap: A water filled seal in the waste run from a bath, basic, or sink, etc which prevents
fumes coming back from the drains. Transformer: An Electrical device for converting mains voltage to low voltage. Twin Ended
Pump: See Twin Pump. Twin Impeller Pump: See Twin Pump. Twin Pump: A pump with two independent inputs and outputs typically
used for boosting both hot and cold supplies to a shower mixer and/or other terminal fittings (Two pumps can be used in place
of a twin pump). U-bend: A form of trap - often used to refer to a WC trap. Unvented Domestic Hot Water Cylinder: A plumbing
system where the cold feed is taken directly from the mains to provide a high pressure hot water supply. There is no open
vent to atmosphere. Upstream: In the opposite direction to flow towards a given point of reference (against the flow of water
from a given point of reference). Valve: A device that regulates water flow. Vanity Basin: A fitted basin which is completely
surrounded by a counter top. Vent Pipe: An uninterrupted safety pipe which allows air or expansion of water within a hot water
system to escape to atmosphere - normally positioned over a tank/cistern so that any water is discharged into it. Wall Bar:
A vertical rail assembly to allow height adjustment of a hand shower. Wall Bracket: Fixed device for holding hand showers.
Wall Elbow: See Wall Outlet Connector. Wall Hung: A WC where the pan is suspended or hung from a wall rather than being fitted
to the floor. Basins and bidets can also be wall hung. This makes for a clean, minimal look, as well as for easy cleaning.
This is a European look which is becoming more popular in the UK. Wall Outlet Connector: Wall mounted device to enable a flexible
shower hose to be connected to concealed pipe-work. Warning Pipe or Vent: An overflow pipe positioned so that its outlet is
in a conspicuous position so that the discharge can be readily seen. Water Fittings: Includes pipes, taps, ferrules, valves,
cisterns, mixing valves and similar apparatus used in connection with the supply of water within a home. Wrap-over Seat: The
WC seat is designed with a lid that 'wraps over' the seat ring producing a stylish, easy-to-clean, comfortable design. Yorkshire
Fitting: A capillary connector incorporating a sol
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