ABS
(Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene). Rigid black plastic pipe used for
drain pipes.
Access Panel
An opening in the wall or ceiling near the plumbing fixture that allows
access for servicing.
Adapter
A fitting that unites different types of pipe together, e.g. ABS to
cast iron pipe.
Cleanout
A plug in a trap or drain pipe that provides access for the purpose
of clearing an obstruction.
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 that connects the closet flange to the toilet drain.
Closet Flange
An anchoring ring secured to the floor. The base of the toilet is
secured to this ring with bolts.
Coupling
A fitting that joins two pieces of pipe.
CPVC (Chlorinated
Polyvinyl Chloride) Rigid plastic pipe used in water supply systems.
DWV Drain,
Waste & Venting.
Elbow
A pipe fitting with two openings that changes the direction of
the line. Also called an Ell. Can have angles, between 22.5° to 90°.
Flow/Grade
The proper slope or pitch of a pipe for adequate drainage.
Fixture
In plumbing, the devices that provide for supply of water and/or disposal:
For example, lavs & sinks, tubs, toilets, etc.
I.D.
Inside Diameter. Plumbing pipes are sized per their inside diameter.
O.D. Outside
diameter.
PB (Polybutylene)
Flexible plastic tubing used in water supply systems.
Plumber's Putty
A pliable, popular putty used to seal joints between drain pieces
and fixture surfaces.
PVC (Polyvinyl
Chloride) A rigid white or cream colored plastic pipe used in
non pressure systems, such as waste and vent systems.
Reducer
A fitting that connects pipes of different sizes.
Riser Vertical
assembly of fittings and pipes that distribute water.
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.
Sanitary Fitting
Fitting that join pipes in a drain, waste and vent system; designed
to allow solid material to pass through without clogging.
Soil Stack
Largest vertical drain line to which all branch waste lines connect;
carries waste to the sewer line.
Solder
A metal alloy that is melted to join or mend metal surfaces; also,
the act of melting solder into the joint.
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.
Tee
A T-shaped fitting with three openings used to create branch lines.
Trap
Curved section of a fixture drain line, designed to hold water thus
preventing sewer gases from entering the house.
Union Three-piece
fitting that joins two sections of pipe, but allows them to be disconnected
without cutting the pipe. Used primarily with steel pipes, but never
in a DWV system.
Vent Stack
Upper portion of the soil stack above the topmost fixture through
which gases and odors escape.
WYE Y-shaped
fitting with three openings used to create branch lines.