Plumbing Glossary

Aerator -- A device that is screwed into the end of a faucet spout that incorporates air into flowing water, and controls flow to reduce splashing. Many aerators restrict flow to 2.5 gallons per minute (gpm).

Air gap -- A device mounted at the back of a kitchen sink, attached to the drain line between a dishwasher and disposer to allow the dishwasher to discharge freely into the disposer while preventing the water from siphoning back into the dishwasher.

Allen wrench/Hex key -- A wrench for Allen screws, formed from a piece of hexagonal bar stock bent into a right angle.

Balancing spool -- a piston-like device internal to Moen pressure balanced valves that equalizes water line pressure

Cartridge -- A small container that is used in a larger piece of equipment and can be easily replaced. Moen's patented one-piece cartridge means no washers, springs or discs. The self-contained assembly also has fewer parts for greater reliability and worry-free performance. And, if ever required, replacement is also simple: just take out the old and drop in the new.

CC -- copper-to-copper fittings, soldering necessary to connect fittings

Center set -- This type of faucet has the handle and the spout mounted together as a unit. It is designed to mount on sinks or countertops with 4-inch centers.

Compression fitting -- A type of tubing or pipe connection where a nut, and then a sleeve or ferrule is placed on top of a copper or plastic tube and is compressed tightly around the tube as the nut is tightened, forming a positive seal without soldering.

Diverter -- Valves or devices which direct water to various outlets. For example, in a kitchen faucet, a diverter directs the water to the "side-sprayer" when the side-sprayer is activated. Also used in showers, tubs, bidets, and sinks.

FLUX -- Paste put on to copper pipes and fittings before soldering to help the fusion process and prevent oxidation.

Escutcheon -- A decorative trim ring used to conceal the valve and/or plumbing lines.

Flexible supply lines -- A hose used to connect a faucet to shut off valve.

G.P.M. -- Abbreviation for gallons per minute.

I.D. -- Abbreviation for inside diameter. All pipes are sized according to their inside diameter.

IPS -- abbreviation for iron pipe size, also means threaded fittings.

Mini wide -- The handles on this type of faucet are mounted separately from the spout and are 4 inches from each other. It is designed to mount on a sink or countertop with 4-inch centers.

O.D. -- Abbreviation for outside diameter.

Plaster ground -- A device/tool included in tub/shower fixtures that serves the purposes(s) to assist in positioning the valves, as well as a template to cut the "opening" in the wall.

Plumbers putty -- Used to seal joints between drain pieces and/or the base of a faucet and sink or countertop surfaces.

Pressure balancing -- Maintains water temperature within plus/minus 2 degrees F (1 degree C) even when there is a pressure drain on the system, for example, someone flushing a toilet or turning on a dishwasher. Prevents surges of hot or cold water.

PSI - Means pounds per square inch. A measurement of water pressure.

Rough-in valve -- Valve which is installed under sink, counter top, behind shower wall, etc. prior to installation of trim.

Slip fit -- A type of tub spout that slides over a 1/2-inch copper or galvanized pipe and is tightened and held in place by an Allen screw.

Stop/shut off valve -- The shutoff valve under sinks which allows the water supply to be cut off to one fixture without affecting the water supply to other fixtures.

Sweat/solder -- Melting metallic alloy or metal to join two or more metal pipes

Trim kit -- Outside trim minus the valve body. Trim kits are often used to remodel existing styles without the expense and effort of removing the valve body.

Tee -- A "T" shaped pipefitting used to form a branch in plumbing lines.

Vacuum breaker -- Device to prevent the formation of a vacuum, used primarily to prevent back siphonage.

Widespread -- This faucet has its handles mounted anywhere between 8 to 16 inches apart from each other with the spout located in the center.

1/4 turn stops -- An integrated valve that requires a 1/4 turn to shut off the water.

Courtesy of ARA Content