Plumbing Glossary

Flow Rate

A measure of the amount of water flowing through a plumbing system in gallons per minute (GPM) or per hour (GPH).

Gallons per Flush (GPF)

This regulates toilet and flush valves, and it measures the amount of water required to flush.

Plumbing Access Panel

Also referred to as Plumbing Access Door, it is an opening; a door, panel, or built with a piece of plywood, near a wall or ceiling and can be easily removed to provide access to the plumbing system.

Angle Stop

Christened after its position, it is a shutoff valve placed where a pipe changes direction at a right angle. When switched on, it cuts off the water supply to the faucet.

Backwater Valve

This prevents the backflow of pipe contents (sewage for instance) into the plumbing system.

Ballcock

It controls the flow of water in a toilet tank. It responds to the level of the circular float in the tank, opening to allow inflow and shutting off when the tank is filled.

Circular Float

A component of the toilet tank that monitors tank filling by controlling the ballcock. After a flush, the float drops to open the ballcock and allow water inflow, its level rises as the rank fills up to a designated level after which the ballcock is shut and the filling stops.

Closet Flange

This is a pipe fitting that connects the water closet to the plumbing system.

Escutcheon

It is a metal flap that covers the pipe opening through a wall. It is a decorative piece that preserves the outlook of the building.

Plumbing Fixture

This is a plumbing device connecting to a plumbing system to deliver water to and drain wastes from the household. Fixtures include toilets, sinks and showers, amongst others.

Gray Water

This is used to describe wastewater from plumbing fixtures, but toilets.

Horizontal Run

This is the distance water travels from the entry point of a pipe to the exit point via a tap.

Main Line

Connected to the public main water distribution line, the main line supplies water to all the branch pipes in each apartment.

Pressure Reducing Valve, PRV

This is a pressure regulator installed on the main water line to reduce the high pressure from the city mains and preserve home piping and appliances by maintaining a moderate and steady pressure.

PolyVinyl Chloride Pipe 

Commonly called PVC pipe, it is a plastic pipe used for drainage, waste and vent systems.

Septic Tank

It is an underground sewage system through which domestic wastewater flows for treatment.

Supply Line

This describes a plastic or metal line that carries water from the main line to plumbing fixtures.

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