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Plumbing & Bathroom Glossary of Terms

The following is a list of common terms that may be used at our Plumbing & Bathroom centre. To learn more about a term, locate the appropriate category and click the term to expand and see its definition.

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Plumbing

ABS (Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) Rigid black plastic pipe used only for drain lines. Source: http://www.hometime.com/Howto/projects/plumbing/plum_10.htm

Adaptor A fitting that unites different types of pipe together, e.g. ABS to cast iron pipe. Source: http://www.hometime.com/Howto/projects/plumbing/plum_10.htm

Cleanout A plug in a trap or drain pipe that provides access for the purpose of clearing an obstruction. Source: http://www.hometime.com/Howto/projects/plumbing/plum_10.htm

Closet Auger A flexible rod with a curved end used to access the toilet's built-in trap and remove clogs. Source: http://www.hometime.com/Howto/projects/plumbing/plum_10.htm

Closet Bend A curved fitting that connects the closet flange to the toilet drain. Source: http://www.hometime.com/Howto/projects/plumbing/plum_10.htm

Closet Flange An anchoring ring secured to the floor. The base of the toilet is secured to this ring with bolts. Source: http://www.hometime.com/Howto/projects/plumbing/plum_10.htm

Coupling A fitting that joins two pieces of pipe. Source: http://www.hometime.com/Howto/projects/plumbing/plum_10.htm

CPVC (Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride) Rigid plastic pipe used in water supply systems, where code permits. Source: http://www.hometime.com/Howto/projects/plumbing/plum_10.htm

Elbow A pipe fitting with two openings that changes the direction of the line. Also called an ell. It comes in a variety of angles, from 22 1/2° to 90°. Source: http://www.hometime.com/Howto/projects/plumbing/plum_10.htm

Fall/Flow The proper slope or pitch of a pipe for adequate drainage. Source: http://www.hometime.com/Howto/projects/plumbing/plum_10.htm

Fixture In plumbing, the devices that provide a supply of water and/or its disposal, e.g. sinks, tubs, toilets. Source: http://www.hometime.com/Howto/projects/plumbing/plum_10.htm

Flux The paste that is used in soldering metal joints. Flux aids the process by preventing oxidation of the joint. Source: http://www.hometime.com/Howto/projects/plumbing/plum_10.htm

PB (Polybutylene) Flexible plastic tubing used in water supply systems where allowed by code. Source: http://www.hometime.com/Howto/projects/plumbing/plum_10.htm

Plumber's Putty A pliable, popular putty used to seal joints between drain pieces and fixture surfaces. Source: http://www.hometime.com/Howto/projects/plumbing/plum_10.htm

PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) A rigid white or cream colored plastic pipe used in non pressure systems, such as waste and vent systems. Source: http://www.hometime.com/Howto/projects/plumbing/plum_10.htm

Reducer A fitting that connects pipes of different sizes. Source: http://www.hometime.com/Howto/projects/plumbing/plum_10.htm

Riser A vertical assembly of fittings and pipes that distributes water upward. Source: http://www.hometime.com/Howto/projects/plumbing/plum_10.htm

Rough-In The portion of a plumbing installation that includes running the water supply lines and drain, waste & vent lines to the proposed location of each fixture. Source: http://www.hometime.com/Howto/projects/plumbing/plum_10.htm

Run A complete or secondary section(s) of pipe that extend from supply to fixture or drain to stack. Source: http://www.hometime.com/Howto/projects/plumbing/plum_10.htm

Sanitary Fitting Fitting that joins the assorted pipes in a drain, waste and vent system; designed to allow solid material to pass through without clogging. Source: http://www.hometime.com/Howto/projects/plumbing/plum_10.htm

Soil Stack Largest vertical drain line to which all branch waste lines connect; carries waste to the sewer line. Source: http://www.hometime.com/Howto/projects/plumbing/plum_10.htm

Solder A metal alloy that is melted to join or mend metal surfaces; also, the act of melting solder into the joint. Source: http://www.hometime.com/Howto/projects/plumbing/plum_10.htm

Tee A T-shaped fitting with three openings used to create branch lines. Source: http://www.hometime.com/Howto/projects/plumbing/plum_10.htm

Trap Curved section of a fixture drain line, designed to hold water thus preventing sewer gases from entering the house. Source: http://www.hometime.com/Howto/projects/plumbing/plum_10.htm

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