Glossary of Plumbing Terms

Ballcock – valve in toilet tank that controls the water flow into the tank

Wax Ring – Also called bowl wax. The gasket placed between the toilet and the floor to prevent seepage of water or sewer gases from toilet

Check Valve – A valve that limits the flow of water or waste to one direction

Foot Valve – A check valve that also acts as a strainer, installed on the submerged end of the suction pipe in wells

Escutcheon – Trim plate used where pipes penetrate walls for a finished look

B.T.U. (British Thermal Unit) – The quantity of energy required to raise the temperature of one pound of water one degree Fahrenheit

Hose Bibb – A faucet used on the outside of a building to which a garden hose can be attached

Potable Water – Water which is suitable for drinking

Snake – To use a cable or rod to clear obstructions from drain pipes

Tailpiece – A short length of pipe extended from a sink, lavatory, vessel, or tank

Trap – The U–shaped drainage fitting under your sink. It is designed and constructed to prevent the passage of air or gas through a pipe without materially affecting the flow of sewage or liquid waste.