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ASPE

Plumbineering
Dictionary
The Comprehensive Resource of
Plumbing Engineering Terminology
for Engineers, Designers,
and Contractors

American Society of Plumbing Engineers


2980 S. River Road
Des Plaines, IL 60018
American Society of Plumbing Engineers
2980 S. River Road
Des Plaines, IL 60018
(847) 296-0002 • Fax: (847) 296-2963
E-mail: aspehq@aspe.org • Internet: www.aspe.org

Copyright © 2010 by American Society of Plumbing Engineers


All rights reserved, including rights of reproduction and use in any form
or by any means, including the making of copies by any photographic
process, or by any electronic or mechanical device, printed or written
or oral, or recording for sound or visual reproduction, or for use in any
knowledge or retrieval system or device, unless permission in writing is
obtained from the publisher.

ISBN 978-1-891255-16-8
ASPE

The Comprehensive Resource of


Plumbing Engineering Terminology
for Engineers, Designers,
and Contractors

ASPE Vice President, Technical: ASPE Executive Director:


William F. Hughes Jr., CPD, LEED AP Stanley Wolfson
Editor: Gretchen Pienta

Technical Reviewers
William F. Hughes Jr., CPD, LEED AP Dean E. Proctor
ASPE Boston Chapter ASPE Ottawa Region Chapter

Kelvin H. Kennedy Robert J. Shorey Jr., CPD


ASPE Dallas/Ft. Worth Chapter ASPE West Coast Florida Chapter

Michael C. Olson, CPD, FASPE Joseph A. Vela, CPD


ASPE Phoenix Chapter ASPE Boston Chapter
About ASPE
The American Society of Plumbing Engineers (ASPE) is the international organization for professionals
skilled in the design and specification of plumbing systems. ASPE is dedicated to the advancement of the sci-
ence of plumbing engineering, to the professional growth and advancement of its members, and to the health,
welfare, and safety of the public.
The Society disseminates technical data and information, sponsors activities that facilitate interaction with
fellow professionals, and, through research and education programs, expands the base of knowledge of the
plumbing engineering industry. ASPE members are leaders in innovative plumbing design, effective materials
and energy use, and the application of advanced techniques from around the world.
Worldwide Membership — ASPE was founded in 1964. Spanning the globe, members are located in the
United States, Canada, Asia, Mexico, South America, the South Pacific, Australia, and Europe. They represent
an extensive network of experienced engineers, designers, contractors, educators, code officials, and manu-
facturers interested in furthering their careers, their profession, and the industry. ASPE is at the forefront of
technology. In addition, ASPE represents members and promotes the profession among all segments of the
construction industry.
ASPE Membership Communication — All members belong to ASPE worldwide and have the opportunity
to belong and participate in one of the state, provincial, or local chapters throughout the United States and
Canada. ASPE chapters provide the major communication links and the first line of services and programs for
the individual member. Communication with the membership is enhanced through the Society’s magazine,
Plumbing Systems & Design, the newsletter ASPE Report, which is incorporated as part of the magazine, and
the e-newsletter ASPE Pipeline.
Technical Publications — The Society maintains a comprehensive publishing program, spearheaded by the
profession’s basic reference text, the ASPE Plumbing Engineering Design Handbook. The Plumbing Engineering
Design Handbook, encompassing almost 50 chapters in four volumes, provides comprehensive details of the
accepted practices and design criteria used in the field of plumbing engineering. ASPE’s published library of
professional technical manuals and handbooks also includes Plumbing Engineering and Design Handbook of
Tables, Pharmaceutical Facilities Plumbing Systems, Engineered Plumbing Design, and Domestic Water Heating
Design Manual.
Convention and Technical Symposium — The Society hosts biennial Conventions in even-numbered years
and Technical Symposia in odd-numbered years to allow professional plumbing engineers and designers to
improve their skills, learn original concepts, and make important networking contacts to help them stay
abreast of current trends and technologies. In conjunction with each Convention there is an Engineered
Plumbing Exposition, the greatest, largest gathering of plumbing engineering and design products, equip-
ment, and services. Everything from pipes to pumps to fixtures, from compressors to computers to consulting
services is on display, giving engineers and specifiers the opportunity to view the newest and most innovative
materials and equipment available to them.
Certified in Plumbing Design — ASPE sponsors a national certification program for engineers and
designers of plumbing systems, which carries the designation Certified in Plumbing Design, or CPD. The
certification program provides the profession, the plumbing industry, and the general public with a single,
comprehensive qualification of professional competence for engineers and designers of plumbing systems.
The CPD, designed exclusively by and for plumbing engineers, tests hundreds of engineers and designers at
centers throughout the United States biennially. Created to provide a single, uniform national credential in
the field of engineered plumbing systems, the CPD program is not in any way connected to state-regulated
Professional Engineer (PE) registration.
ASPE Research Foundation — The ASPE Research Foundation, established in 1976, is the only indepen-
dent, impartial organization involved in plumbing engineering and design research. The science of plumbing
engineering affects everything—from the quality of our drinking water to the conservation of our water
resources to the building codes for plumbing systems. Our lives are impacted daily by the advances made in
plumbing engineering technology through the Foundation’s research and development.
Table of Contents

above grade - axial pump 1


Babbitt metal - bypass vent 31
cabinet laboratory - cylinder saw 59
Dalton's law - dynamic viscosity 105
early suppression fast response (ESFR) - eyewash station 129
fabricated steel part - F value 143
galena - gypsum 169
hacking knife - hypobaric 181
IAPMO - Italian corrugation 199
jacket - junction manhole 213
Kelvin - K type copper tube 215
labeled - lute 217
macerator - muriatic acid, raw 229
n - NWS 241
oak tank shell - ozone layer 251
packing - pyrolysis 259
quadraplex pump - quick-response sprinkler 289
radiant barrier - Ryzner stability index 291
saber saw - system resistance curve 309
tailpiece - two-way brace 357
UA - U value 375
vacuum - vortex pool 381
WAG - wye 389
xeriscaping - xeriscaping 401
yard catch basin - Y strainer 403
zeolite - zooglea 405
above grade
A
Any portion of a building or system that is above ground level.
abrasion
The wearing away of the interior of a pipe wall by large, hard particles at the point
where these particles strike the pipe.
abrasion resistance
The ability of a material to withstand the effects of repeated wearing, rubbing, or
scraping.
ABS
Abbreviation for acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, a thermoplastic commonly used
for drain, waste, and vent piping (in the color black), main sanitary and storm
sewers, underground electrical conduits, and applications in the chemical and
petroleum industries.
absolute
1. Free from imperfections; complete.
2. Not mixed; pure, whole.
3. The physics of the absolute temperature scale.
absolute pressure
The total pressure equal to that measured from an absolute vacuum, equal to the
sum of gauge pressure and barometric atmospheric pressure, and expressed in
pounds per square inch absolute (psia) or kilopascals per square meter (kPa/m2).
absolute temperature
The temperature of a body referred to as absolute zero, at which point the volume
of an ideal gas theoretically becomes zero. On the Fahrenheit scale: -459.67°F. On
the Celsius scale: -273.15°C. Engineering values of -460°F and -273°C typically
used.
absolute zero
The point at which any substance has no molecular motion and no heat, equiva-
lent to -459.72°F or -273.15°C.
absorber area
The total heat transfer area from which absorbed solar radiation heats the transfer
fluid of the absorber media if both transfer fluid and solid surfaces jointly perform
the absorbing function, in square feet (square meters).

Plumbineering Dictionary 1
absorber plate
The part of a solar energy collector that receives the incident solar radiation energy
and transforms it into thermal energy.
absorptance
The ratio of the absorbed flux to the total incident flux, measured in terms of
percent.
absorption
1. The soaking up of a gas or liquid into a solid substance.
2. The process by which incident light energy is converted to another form of
energy, usually heat.
absorption chiller
A water chilling process in which the evaporation of a fluid is absorbed by a differ-
ent fluid and then evaporated and condensed under heat and pressure.
absorption field
A leeching or seeping field engineered to receive septic tank effluent.
absorptivity
A measurement of how well a solar absorber plate converts solar radiation into
thermal energy.
acceleration limiter
A hydraulic, mechanical, or spring device used to control acceleration, shock, and
sway in piping systems.
accepted engineering practice
Proven and accepted engineering methods, procedures, and practices that provide
appropriate, cost-effective, and well-documented solutions to meet user require-
ments and compliance with applicable regulations.
access channel
A conduit or channel cast in place horizontally throughout a concrete structure
to provide access for pipe.
access door
A panel that can be opened to provide easy approach to concealed valves or equip-
ment. Also called access panel.
access opening
An opening or conduit cast in place within concrete structural elements to pro-
vide access for pipe, typically for short, vertical conduit in concrete slabs to elimi-
nate the subsequent drilling of core holes.
access panel
A door that can be opened to provide easy approach to concealed valves or equip-
ment. Also called access door.
2 American Society of Plumbing Engineers
access to
That which enables a fixture, device, or appliance to be easily reached.
accessible
1. That which enables direct approach, either with or without the removing or
moving of any panel, door, or similar obstruction.
2. A plumbing fixture, site, building, facility, or portion thereof that can be ap-
proached, entered, and/or used by physically challenged individuals.
accessory
A subordinate or supplementary element in a plumbing system used mainly for
convenience, attractiveness, or safety.
accumulation
The amount a pressure, temperature, liquid level, or differential pressure deviates
higher than a set value.
accumulator
1. A container, in conjunction with a hydraulic cylinder or rotating vane device
for the control of shock or sway in piping systems, used to accommodate the
difference in fluid volume displaced by a piston.
2. A container in which fluid is stored under pressure as a source of power or as
a continuous supply of reserve fluid.
accuracy
1. The degree of conformity of a measured or calculated value to some recog-
nized standard or specified value.
2. Regarding pressure-regulating valves, the degree of falloff in the outlet pres-
sure from the set pressure at full-flow capacity.
3. The capability of producing the same results for repetitive operations with
identical flow conditions.
accurate
1. Without error; precise, correct.
2. Conforming exactly to a standard.
acetylene
1. A colorless gas commonly used as a fuel.
2. The third hottest natural chemical flame, making it suitable for gas welding
and cutting.
acfm
Abbreviation for actual cubic feet per minute, the unit used to express the volume
of gas flowing at operating temperature and pressure, as distinct from the volume
of a gas flowing at standard temperature and pressure.

Plumbineering Dictionary 3
acid
A substance with a pH less than 7.0.
acid leachate
Potentially dangerous water that has become acidic due to contaminants in land-
fills.
acid rain
Precipitation of dilute solutions of strong mineral acids, formed when industrial
pollutants mix with naturally occurring oxygen and water vapor.
acid proof
A material that is not susceptible to attack by acidic substances.
acid-proof drain pipe and fittings
Piping and fittings resistant to many acids, typically used in laboratory waste,
vent, and drainage systems.
acid resistant
A surface or material that typically is not affected by contact with acidic sub-
stances.
acid-resistant pipe
A pipe made of material resistant to the corrosive action of acid, such as high-
silicon cast iron, borosilicate glass, polypropylene, and, in some circumstances,
chlorinated polyvinyl chloride.
acid sink
A receptacle properly trapped and connected to an acid waste system, typically
made of an acid-resistant material.
acid vent
A pipe venting an acid waste system.
acid waste
Liquid waste matter having a pH of less than 7.0.
acid waste fitting
A pipe connector made of acid-resistant material, suitable for use in acid waste
piping systems.
acid waste pipe
A conduit made of acid-resistant material, typically in combinations of silicates
and iron, stainless steel, glass, polypropylene, and, in some circumstances, chlori-
nated polyvinyl chloride.
acid waste system
A system of pipe and fittings, paralleling a plumbing drainage system, installed

4 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


where acids are formed in stronger concentration than normally found in house-
hold waste (i.e., a laboratory, research, or medical building), constructed of mate-
rials resistant to the acids encountered.
acme thread
A common lead screw thread profile with a 29-degree angle, typically used where
large loads or high accuracy are required.
acoustics
The study of airborne sound and structural vibration propagation over the fre-
quency range of 2 to 20 kilohertz.
acre-foot
The volume that would cover 1 acre to a depth of 1 foot.
acrylic
A thermoplastic used on the surface of bathtubs and whirlpools.
acrylonitrile
A small molecule used in the manufacture of plastics.
acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS)
A thermoplastic commonly used for drain, waste, and vent piping (in the color
black), main sanitary and storm sewers, underground electrical conduits, and ap-
plications in the chemical and petroleum industries.
actinometer
In the solar energy field, the general name for any instrument used to measure
solar energy.
actinometry
The branch of physics devoted to the study and measurement of radiation, espe-
cially meteorological, solar, atmospheric, and terrestrial radiation.
activated carbon
1. A highly absorbent carbon or charcoal used to absorb gases.
2. A highly absorbent powdered or granular carbon chiefly used for purifying
water by absorption. Also called activated charcoal.
activated charcoal
1. A highly absorbent carbon or charcoal used to absorb gases.
2. A highly absorbent powdered or granular carbon chiefly used for purifying
water by absorption. Also called activated carbon.
activated sludge
Sewage sediment, rich in destructive bacteria, that can be used to break down
fresh sewage quickly.

Plumbineering Dictionary 5
activated sludge process
A biological sewage treatment process in which a mixture of sewage and activated
sludge is agitated and aerated, the activated sludge is separated from the treated
sewage by sedimentation, and the treated sewage overflows the settling tank in
which the separation takes place.
active
The state in which a metal is in the process of corroding.
active potential
The capability of a metal to corrode based on a transfer of electrical current.
active solar system
A solar heating or cooling system that requires external mechanical power to move
the collected heat.
activity pool
A water attraction greater than 24 inches (61 cm) deep, designed primarily for
play using constructed features such as pad walks or flotation devices.
actual capacity
The quantity of air actually compressed and discharged by an air compressor at
a rated speed and under rated conditions, used to measure the capacity of the
compressor. Also called free air delivered.
actual cubic feet per minute (acfm)
The unit used to express the volume of gas flowing at operating temperature and
pressure, as distinct from the volume of a gas flowing at standard temperature
and pressure.
actuator
A movable component of a valve that, when operated, causes the closure element
to move.
ADA
Acronym for the Americans with Disabilities Act, federal legislation that prohibits
discrimination based on physical or mental disabilities in private places of em-
ployment and public accommodations.
ADAAG
Acronym for the Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines for
Buildings and Facilities, a document containing the scope and technical require-
ments for accessibility to buildings and facilities by individuals with disabilities
under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
adapter fitting
A connector that serves to mate two pipes or fittings different in size, material,
or design.

6 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


addenda
Revisions to contract documents resulting from questions that require further
clarification from the architect or engineer before the contract has been awarded.
adhesive
A sticky substance capable of holding two or more objects together by attaching
to their surfaces.
adiabatic compression
A reduction in the volume of a substance without heat flow.
adiabatic process
A thermodynamic process in which no heat is transferred to or from the working
fluid.
adjustable
1. Capable of being adapted.
2. Movement via mechanical or automated means (vacuum or air pressure)
providing for linear adjustment capability (regardless of the plane or dimen-
sion).
adjustable die stock
A tool to hold adjustable dies used for cutting threads on more than one size of
pipe or rod.
adjustable flange
A two-section escutcheon used on a pipe to cover the hole opening through which
the pipe passes.
adjustable hanger
A pipe support consisting of a beam clamp and an adjustable ring.
adjustable open-end wrench
A gripping hand tool in which the lower jaw is movable.
adjustable pipe support
A stand used to hold pipe while cutting and threading.
adjustable reamer
A drill that can be increased in size, typically by means of a central bolt or screw,
the tightening of which causes an expansion of the drill. Also called expansion
reamer.
adjustable-speed drive
A control mechanism in which speeds may be selected from several different pre-
set ranges.

Plumbineering Dictionary 7
adjustable tap
1. An internal thread-cutting tool made with inserted blades or chasers, capable
of radial adjustment.
adjusted roof area
The roof space that must be added to the projected roof area to take into consid-
eration parapets, walls, and other building projections.
adjustment
The placing and setting of parts or pieces in related positions.
adjustment device
A component that provides for adaptability.
adjustment range
The lowest to highest pressure to which a valve can be manipulated by the existing
means under static (no-flow) conditions.
administrative authority
The individual official, board, department, entity, or agency established and au-
thorized by law to administer and enforce the provisions of a particular code. Also
called the authority having jurisdiction.
adsorption
1. The surface retention or adhesion of a gas on the surface of a solid.
2. The process by which molecules, colloids, and/or particles adhere to surfaces
by physical action, but without a chemical reaction.
advance
The forward distance in a piping offset.
aeration
1. An artificial method of bringing a liquid and air into direct contact.
2. A gas-transfer process in which water is brought into contact with air for the
purpose of transferring volatile substances to or from the raw water.
3. A mechanical process for mixing air and water intimately with spray nozzles,
cascade aerators, pressure aerators, or forced draft units, used to remove car-
bon dioxide gas from water.
aeration cell
An oxygen concentration cell resulting from differences in the quantity of dis-
solved oxygen at two points.
aerator fitting
1. A device designed to deliver a mixture of air and water.
2. A specialized apparatus for aerating a liquid, especially water.

8 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


3. A drain, waste, and vent fitting designed to control the flow of waste within a
stack.
aerogen
A gas-producing bacteria.
aerobic
Living or active only in the presence of free oxygen.
aerobic bacteria
Bacteria that occur only in the presence of oxygen.
aerobic treatment unit
A mechanical unit used to provide secondary wastewater treatment for a build-
ing or group of buildings by mixing the wastewater with oxygen and aerobic and
facultative microbes.
aerosol
A small vapor particle suspended in air.
affinity laws
Pumping principles that state that flow varies directly with the speed or impeller
size, head varies by the square of the speed or impeller size, power varies by the
cube of the speed or impeller size, and torque varies by the square of the speed or
impeller size.
after cold pull elevation
A mechanical drawing view incorporating additional piping elements during in-
stallation that will be necessary for thermal fluctuations once a piping system is
operational.
aftercooler
A device used to lower the temperature of a gas after the compression process.
aftercooling
The cooling of gas in a heat exchanger following the completion of compression
to reduce the temperature and to liquefy condensable vapors.
AGA
Acronym for the American Gas Association (aga.org), a nonprofit organization
representing local energy companies that deliver natural gas throughout the Unit-
ed States.
aging
The effect of exposing material to a specific environment for an extended period
of time.
agglomeration
The joining of suspended particles into larger particles that settle rapidly.

Plumbineering Dictionary 9
aggressiveness index
1. A simplified form of the Langelier Index.
2. An indicator of the corrosiveness of water.
AHJ
Acronym for authority having jurisdiction, The individual official, board, depart-
ment, entity, or agency established and authorized by law to administer and en-
force the provisions of a particular code. Also called administrative authority.
AHRI
Acronym for the Air-conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute, (ahrinet.
org), a nonprofit trade association representing manufacturers of air-condition-
ing, heating, and commercial refrigeration equipment.
AIA
Acronym for the American Institute of Architects (aia.org), a professional mem-
bership association for licensed architects, emerging professionals, and allied part-
ners.
air
A mixture of nitrogen, oxygen, and minute amounts of other gases that surrounds
the Earth and forms its atmosphere.
air-admittance valve
1. A one-way valve designed to open and allow air to enter a drainage system
when negative pressures are present, without extending to the outside air, and
then positively close by gravity.
2. A gravity-operated mechanical device that allows air to enter a piping system
when a less-than-atmospheric pressure exists, but closes upon a positive pres-
sure, not permitting air to exhaust.
air break
1. In a drainage system, a piping arrangement in which a drain from an appli-
ance, device, or fixture discharges into the open air and then into another fix-
ture, receptacle, or interceptor, used to prevent back siphonage or backflow.
2. A physical separation between an indirect waste receptor and a connected
fixture, appliance, or device.
air chamber
1. A device installed on a piping system to attenuate a pressure surge resulting
from water hammer.
2. In hydraulic systems, a chamber in which air elastically compresses and ex-
pands to regulate the flow of a fluid.
air check
A device that allows water, but not air, to pass through it.

10 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


air, compressed
Ambient air stored and distributed at a pressure greater than atmospheric pres-
sure, typically used to power pneumatic tools.
air compressor
A machine that takes air at atmospheric pressure and delivers it at a higher pres-
sure to be utilized as a source of power.
air conditioning
The cooling and dehumidifying of air in a building by a refrigeration unit.
air, dry
Air containing a level of water vapor significantly below (40 percent or more) its
maximum concentration for the prevailing temperature and pressure.
air duct
A passage through which air is moved through a building.
air elimination vent
A device that automatically removes trapped air in a closed-loop hydronic sys-
tem.
air, free
Air at ambient conditions at a specific location.
air furnace
A system for heating air in a building consisting of ducting, heating registers, air
returns, and a heating element.
air gap
1. A separation between the free-flowing discharge end of a water pipe or faucet
and the flood level rim of a plumbing fixture, tank, or any other reservoir open
to the atmosphere.
2. The point of separation between potable and nonpotable piping.
air gap, critical
The air gap for implementing reverse flow under laboratory conditions with still
water, with the water valve fully open and one-half atmospheric pressure within
the pipe.
air gap, minimum required
The critical air gap with an additional amount.
air/gas ratio
The ratio of combustion air supply flow rate to the fuel gas supply flow rate.
air hammer
A hammering tool powered by compressed air. Also called pneumatic hammer.

Plumbineering Dictionary 11
air inclusion
The ambient atmosphere forced or trapped into a piping system when quick-
action coupling valves are being connected.
air inlet
An opening in a cooling tower through which air enters.
air lock
A condition in which a bubble of air is trapped in the fluid contents of a pipe,
causing a stoppage or impediment. Also called vapor lock.
air plug
A stopper that makes an airtight seal to a vent.
air pump
A mechanism that condenses and forces air through an aperture or pipe.
air shutter
A device that regulates the quantity of air being mixed with gas for combustion.
air solar system
A solar energy system that uses air as the primary heat transfer fluid.
air, standard
Air with a temperature of 60°F (15.6°C), a pressure of 14.70 pounds per square
inch atmospheric (101.4 kilopascals), and 0 percent humidity.
air test
A test that applies compressed air to a plumbing system to determine the location
of a leak.
air valve
A control valve in an air system that controls the volume and pressure of the air.
air volume control
A device used to maintain the air charge in a standard water storage tank.
AISI
Acronym for the American Iron and Steel Institute (steel.org), an organization
representing the North American steel industry in the public policy arena and
advancing the case for steel in the marketplace.
alarm
An audible or visible signal indicating the existence of any condition or operation
outside a preset normal.
alarm check valve
A check valve located in the riser of a wet pipe fire sprinkler system, with a signal-
ing device that annunciates a remote alarm when a sprinkler head discharges.

12 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


alarm system, level III
A warning system for a nonflammable medical gas system, typically oxygen, ni-
trous oxide, and medical air in dental and medical care facilities.
alarm system, local
A warning system that provides visible and audible signals for the monitoring
functions of medical gas and vacuum system source equipment at the equipment
site.
alarm system, master
A warning system that provides visible and audible signals for the monitoring of
medical gas and vacuum sources and systems, consisting of alarm panels and as-
sociated actuating devices.
algae
A microscopic plant growth found in some well waters that may restrict water
flow in plumbing fixtures.
algaecide
A substance that kills algae.
alkali
A fluid with a pH of 7.0 or higher.
alkaline
Having the properties of an alkali.
alkalinity
1. A measurement of the quantity of dissolved earth minerals in water and the
water’s ability to neutralize acids.
2. The capacity to neutralize acid, usually because of the presence of bicarbonate
or carbonate ions.
alkyd
A thermoplastic or synthetic resin used in making paint and other coatings.
all-thread nipple
A short section of pipe on which the external thread is continuous from one end
to the other, made by threading a length of piping and sectioning the resulting
product. Also called running thread nipple.
allen screw
A cap screw and set screw with a hexagonal socket in the head, adjusted by means
of a hexagonal key.
allen wrench
An L-shaped hexagonal tool of hardened steel used to screw in bolts and screws
with hexagonal sockets.

Plumbineering Dictionary 13
alligator wrench
A tool with a V-shaped jaw, one side of which is serrated, typically used for square-
headed components.
allowance
The minimum clearance or maximum interference intentionally permitted be-
tween mating parts.
alloy
A substance composed of two or more metals or a metal and nonmetal intimately
united, usually fused together and dissolving in each other when melted.
alloy pipe
A pipe composed of two or more metals.
all-service jacket
A vapor retarder made out of fiberglass cloth, skrim, and kraft paper most often
used to cover fiberglass insulation.
alternate
A bid price requested by bidding documents for an alternative project component,
which later may be chosen by the owner in lieu of a first-specified component.
alternate dispute resolution
A procedure used to resolve construction disputes before they turn into litigious
procedures, involving arbitration or mediation via a third party.
alternative energy
Energy derived from a source other than the conventional fossil-fuel sources, such
as wind and solar energy.
alternative engineered design
A system that is not specifically addressed in the plumbing codes or differs some-
what from the prescriptive code criteria, but does have documentation, includ-
ing test reports and acceptable third-party listings, showing that it will function
properly. Also called engineered system.
alternator
1. A machine that generates an alternating voltage when its rotating portion is
driven by a motor, engine, or other means, used to convert mechanical power
into electric power.
2. A electrical control device within an electrical panel that alternates pump op-
eration from one pump to another.
altitude
The height of an object above sea level.

14 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


altitude derating factor
A factor used in calculations to account for the reduced density of natural gas due
to altitude.
alum
A common name for aluminum sulfate, an industrial chemical used as a coagu-
lant.
alum, black
An alum containing a small percentage of activated carbon, used as a coagulant
in water works.
aluminum
A malleable, ductile, and sonorous bluish silver-white metallic element noted for
its lightness, electrical and thermal conductivity, high reflectivity, and resistance
to oxidation, widely used in alloys.
aluminum jacket
A corrugated or smooth insulating jacket material used on piping systems where
expansion and contraction are a problem. aluminum pipe
Seam-welded, internally coated, plain-end pipe made of aluminum, used in sani-
tary drain, waste, and vent and storm water systems.
aluminum sulfate
An industrial chemical used as a flocculating agent in the purification of drinking
water and wastewater treatment plants, as well as in paper manufacturing. Also
called alum.
ambient pressure
The pressure of the area in which something is located.
ambient temperature
The average or mean temperature of the surrounding area of a particular system
or equipment.
American Gas Association (AGA)
A nonprofit organization representing local energy companies that deliver natural
gas throughout the United States (aga.org).
American Institute of Architects (AIA)
A professional membership association for licensed architects, emerging profes-
sionals, and allied partners (aia.org).
American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI)
An organization representing the North American steel industry in the public
policy arena and advancing the case for steel in the marketplace (steel.org).

Plumbineering Dictionary 15
American National Standards Institute (ANSI)
An organization overseeing the creation and promulgation of consensus standards
in the United States (ansi.org).
American Petroleum Institute (API)
An organization that issues standards for the oil and gas industry (api.org).
American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)
A voluntary standards development organization (astm.org).
American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-conditioning Engi-
neers (ASHRAE)
An international organization dedicated to advancing the heating, ventilation,
air-conditioning, and refrigeration industries (ashrae.org).
American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
A nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the art, science, and practice of
mechanical and multidisciplinary engineering and allied sciences (asme.org).
American Society of Plumbing Engineers (ASPE)
An international organization for professionals skilled in the design, specification,
and inspection of plumbing systems, dedicated to the advancement of the sci-
ence of plumbing engineering, to the professional growth and advancement of its
members and the health, welfare and safety of the public (aspe.org).
American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE)
An organization of professional who manage, supervise, and consult on safety,
health, and environmental issues in industry, insurance, government, and educa-
tion (asse.org).
American Society of Sanitary Engineering (ASSE)
A nonprofit organization comprised of individual who represent all disciplines of
the plumbing industry (asse-plumbing.org).
American standard pipe thread
Taper, straight, or dry-seal pipe thread whose dimensions conform to those of a
particular series of specified sizes established as a standard in the United States.
American Supply Association (ASA)
A nonprofit organization serving wholesale distributor and their suppliers in the
plumbing, heating, cooling, and industrial and mechanical pipe, valves, and fit-
tings industries (asa.net).
American Welding Society (AWS)
A nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the science, technology, and ap-
plication of welding and related joining disciplines (aws.org).

16 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


American Water Works Association (AWWA)
An international nonprofit and educational society of water professionals dedi-
cated to providing knowledge, information, and advocacy to improve the quality
and supply of potable water (awwa.org).
ammeter
A device that measures the flow rate of an electric current in amperes.
ammonia soap
A colorless, basic, aqueous solution of ammonia, used as a household cleanser, in
the manufacture of textiles, rayon, rubber, fertilizer, and plastic, and suitable for
flux for soldering copper.
ammonification
The bacterial decomposition of nitrogeneous matter, thus producing ammonia.
ammonium chloride
A crystalline compound used in medicine, as a reagent, in fertilizers, and as a flux
in soldering.
ampacity
The current-carrying capacity of electric conductors, expressed in amperes.
ampere
An SI unit that measures current flow.
amphoteric
A material subject to attack from both acidic and alkaline environments.
amphoteric corrosion
A type of corrosion caused by a chemical reaction that occurs when a concentra-
tion of alkaline products is formed by the electrochemical process.
amplifier
A device that magnifies an input signal using power other than that from the
signal itself.
amplitude
The maximum absolute value reached by a voltage or current.
amp meter
Slang for ammeter, a device that measures the flow rate of an electric current in
amperes.
anaerobic
Living or active in the absence of free oxygen.
anaerobic bacteria
Bacteria that can live in the absence of free oxygen.

Plumbineering Dictionary 17
analysis
The process of separating a system into its component parts to study their inter-
relationships.
anchor
1. A device used to fasten or secure pipes to a building or structure.
2. A device, such as an expansion bolt, for connecting pipe-bracing members to
the structure of a building.
3. To fasten or hold a material or device to prevent movement, rotation, or dis-
placement at the point of application.
anchor bolt
A bolt or threaded rod used to attach or connect materials, devices, or equipment,
often referring to a bolt embedded in concrete or passed through an opening in
steel to which a hanger or support attaches.
anchor rod
A threaded piece of metal used with nuts and hangers to secure pipes or other
objects in a plumbing system.
ancillary equipment
Additional pieces of equipment, some of which are optional and others that are
required as part of a system.
anesthetic
An inhalation agent used to block sensation and pain, typically used in healthcare
facilities during surgical procedures.
anesthetizing location
An area of a healthcare facility that is used for the administration of nonflam-
mable, inhalation anesthetic agents in the course of examination or treatment.
angle check valve
A valve with intake and exit ports at right angles, permitting flow in one direction
but retarding a return flow.
angle discharge tube
A fitting that changes the direction of flow 90 degrees.
angle gate valve
A valve with intake and exit ports at right angles, consisting of a flat or wedge-
shaped gate that can be lowered into the seat to seal off a line or raised into an
external recess to open a line.
angle globe valve
A valve with intake and exit ports at right angles, enclosed in a globular cham-
ber.

18 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


angle of bend
In a pipe, the angle between radial lines from the beginning and end of the bend
to the center.
angle of incidence
The angle of incoming solar radiance when it hits the aperture of a solar energy
collector, measured in degrees.
angle of reflection
The angle at which a ray bends after striking and being reflected from a solar
energy collector, measured in degrees.
angle of refraction
The angle at which a ray bends after it hits and is absorbed by a solar energy col-
lector, measured in degrees.
angle of thread
The angle included between the sides of a thread, measured in an axial plane.
angle shower valve
A faucet-type valve with inlet and outlet ports at a 90-degree angle.
angle stop
A common term for right-angle valves used to control water supplies to plumbing
fixtures.
angle valve
A device, usually of the globe type, in which the inlet and outlet are at right
angles.
anion
A negatively charged ion of an electrolyte that migrates toward the anode under
the influence of a potential gradient.
anneal
To subject a material to controlled heating and/or cooling to prevent or remove
stress.
annular
Ring shaped.
annular space
The ring-shaped open space between the inside wall of the hub and the outside
wall of the spigot on a fitting to be caulked.
annulated
Having rings, ringlike structures, or ringlike characteristics.

Plumbineering Dictionary 19
annulation
1. The process of forming rings.
2. A ringlike structure.
annulet
1. A little ring.
2. In architecture, a small molding or ridge.
3. The space in the hub of cast iron pipe to be filled with sealant.
annulus
A ringlike part, structure, or marking.
anode
1. The negatively charged terminal of a primary cell or storage battery that is
supplying current.
2. A positively charged electrode at which oxidation or corrosion occurs.
anode rod
A sacrificial device used to protect the lining and lengthen the life of a water
heater.
anodic protection
An appreciable reduction in corrosion in an anode by maintaining a highly polar-
ized condition with very little current flow.
ANSI
Acronym for the American National Standards Institute (ansi.org), an organi-
zation overseeing the creation and promulgation of consensus standards in the
United States.
anti-floatation device
A collar attached to the bottom of a basin to prevent it from popping out of the
ground when the water table is high.
antifreeze system
A subsystem to a wet-based fire sprinkler system in which the sprinkler distribu-
tion piping is filled with a mixed antifreeze solution prepared with a freezing point
below the expected minimum temperature for the locality.
antifriction alloy
An alloy of copper, tin, lead, antimony, or zinc, used especially in bearings.
antimonial lead
A lead alloy containing up to 25 percent antimony and possessing greater hard-
ness and tensile strength than lead, used for storage-battery plates, pipes, cable
coverings, and roofing.

20 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


antimony
A silvery, hard, and extremely brittle metallic element that expands when solidi-
fies, used in a wide variety of alloys.
anti-scald valve
1. A pressure-balancing valve or thermostatic valve that senses outlet tempera-
ture and compensates for fluctuations in incoming hot and cold water tem-
peratures to stabilize the outlet temperature.
2. A combination thermostatic/pressure balancing valve that senses outlet tem-
perature and incoming hot and cold water pressure and compensates for fluc-
tuations to stabilize the outlet temperature.
antisiphon
A device that eliminates siphonic action.
antisiphon ballcock
A ballcock designed to prevent the backflow of water into the water supply system
by a lack or loss of water pressure in the supply system.
antisiphon fill valve
A water supply device that also contains an air gap mechanical backflow preventer
or vacuum breaker.
antisiphon hole
A small hole placed in the wall of a dip tube to prevent back-siphonage.
antisiphon trap
1. A type of water seal trap in which the outlet leg is increased in diameter to
contain a sufficient volume of liquid to prevent siphoning action from break-
ing the seal.
2. A trap designed to prevent the emptying of a sanitary trap due to pressure
differences.
antisiphon vacuum breaker, non-pressure type
A device used to prevent back siphonage, not to be used under continuous pres-
sure. Also called back-siphonage preventer.
antisiphon vacuum breaker, pressure type
A device used to prevent back-siphonage, designed to be used under continuous
pressure. Also called back-siphonage preventer.
anti-sweat covering
A pipe covering material made of fiberglass or felt with a tar paper inner lining,
used to insulate against the ambient temperature.
anti-vortex plate
A device that eliminates the whirlpool action that occurs when water rapidly
drains out of a tank.

Plumbineering Dictionary 21
API
Acronym for the American Petroleum Institute (api.org), an organization that
issues standards for the oil and gas industry.
appliance
A device that utilizes fuel gas or electricity to produce light, heat, power, refrigera-
tion, or air-conditioning.
appliance, automatically controlled
An appliance activated and deactivated by an automatic control such as a pressure
switch, timer, or thermostat.
appliance input
The gas consumption or gas demand of an appliance or a piece of equipment
necessary for it to function properly.
apprentice
A person learning a trade by practical experience under skilled workers.
appliance shutoff
A valve installed on gas appliances prior to any flexible or tight connection.
apprentice plumber
A person who works under the supervision and guidance of a skilled and qualified
journey or master plumber for a prescribed course of training.
approach
A term, expressed in degrees, that indicates how close the outlet temperature of
a fluid being heated in a heat exchanger comes to the temperature of the heating
medium.
approved
A system or procedure that is acceptable under an applicable specification or
standard cited for the proposed use under the procedures of the administrative
authority.
approved equal
A component of a project accepted by the design professional in lieu of a specified
component.
approved testing agency
An organization acceptable to the administrative authority that tests systems or
components to approved standards.
approved water supply
A public potable water supply that has been investigated and accepted by the
health agency having jurisdiction.

22 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


approximately
Nearly, frequently used when speaking of the capabilities of machines and their
measurements.
approximate value
A quantity that is nearly, but not exactly, correct or accurate.
apron sink
A basin whose front and sides extend 5 to 8 inches from the top, forming an apron
around the fixture.
APSP
Acronym for the Association of Pool and Spa Professionals (apsp.org), an organi-
zation that issues reference standards for the pool and spa industry.
aqua pura
Pure water.
aqua regia
A very corrosive, fuming yellow liquid made by mixing hydrochloric and nitric
acids that dissolves gold and platinum and converts lead into a chloride. Also
called nitrohydrochloric acid.
aqua
Water.
aquastat
A thermostat that is submerged in water and used to control the operation of a
specific device.
aqueous
Containing water.
aqueous film-forming foam
A water-based foam that is used to suppress flammable liquid fires.
aquifer
A water-bearing formation of gravel, permeable rock, or sand that is capable of
providing water, in usable quantities, to springs or wells.
arbitration
A procedure often mandated in a construction agreement by which the parties
agree to submit any disputes to the final decision of a third party.
arbor press
A machine that forces an arbor or a mandrel into drilled or bored parts prepara-
tory to turning or grinding. Also called mandrel press.

Plumbineering Dictionary 23
Archimedes’ screw
An ancient method to raise water via a spiral screw that turns within a tube or
pipe.
architect’s supplemental instructions
A document provided when additional work is required that is not part of the con-
tract documents and does not require an increase in the project’s cost or time.
arc weld
A weld in which the heat of fusion is supplied by an electric arc.
arc welding
A heat-joining method using the concentrated heat of an electric arc, considered
the best of all surface fusion methods for general purposes because it creates the
highest temperatures.
area
The size of any particular portion of a surface.
area, 100 percent
When the area through a valve is equal to or greater than the area of standard pipe.
Also called full port.
area drain
A receptacle designed to collect surface water or rainwater from a determined or
calculated open area.
areaway
An enclosed excavated area below grade, adjacent to a building and open to the
weather.
arrestor plate
A perforated plate of steel that controls the burning of vapors and prevents flames
from back-flashing into a room.
arsenic
1. A highly poisonous metallic element.
2. An arsenious acid that reacts with lead, yielding arsenate or arsenide of lead.
arterial vent
A vent in drain, waste, and vent systems intended to provide circulation and
backpressure relief in multistory systems.
asbestos
A silicate of calcium and magnesium usually occurring in fibers that does not
burn or conduct heat, used as an insulator and in the manufacturing of cement
asbestos pipe.

24 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


asbestos cement
A hardened mixture of asbestos fibers, Portland cement, and water used in rela-
tively thin slabs for shingles, wallboard, siding, sewer and water pipe, and electri-
cal conduit.
asbestos packing
1. A formulation of short strands of asbestos and any variety of chemicals used as
a seal or packing on valve stems.
2. A thin layer or ring of elastic material inserted between the surfaces of a flange
joint to prevent leaking.
asbestos graphite packing
A fibrous, ropelike material made from asbestos and infused with graphite, used
to affect a tight joint.
as-built
1. The actual installation and configuration of construction or placement.
2. A term referring to drawings prepared after construction to show the actual
construction in place, incorporating all changes from the original plans and
specifications.
assembly
A preformed arrangement of various devices and components used to carry, hold,
and/or restrain equipment or a piping system load in tension.
ASA
Acronym for the American Supply Association (asa.net), a nonprofit organization
serving wholesale distributor and their suppliers in the plumbing, heating, cool-
ing, and industrial and mechanical pipe, valves, and fittings industries.
ASHRAE
Acronym for the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-condition-
ing Engineers (ashrae.org), an international organization dedicated to advancing
the heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, and refrigeration industries.
ASME
Acronym for the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (asme.org), a non-
profit organization dedicated to promoting the art, science, and practice of me-
chanical and multidisciplinary engineering and allied sciences.
ASPE
Acronym for the American Society of Plumbing Engineers (aspe.org), an inter-
national organization for professionals skilled in the design, specification, and
inspection of plumbing systems, dedicated to the advancement of the science of
plumbing engineering, to the professional growth and advancement of its mem-
bers and the health, welfare and safety of the public.

Plumbineering Dictionary 25
asphyxia
A condition in which oxygen decreases and carbon dioxide increases in living tis-
sues, usually as a result of the interruption of respiration.
asphyxiant gas
A gas with little or no toxicity, but which could induce unconsciousness or death
by replacing air, thus depriving an organism of oxygen.
asphyxiate
To kill or make unconscious through a lack of oxygen, the presence of noxious
agents, or other obstruction to normal breathing.
asphyxiation
The act of causing death or unconsciousness by withholding oxygen.
aspirator
1. A fitting or device supplied with fluid under positive pressure that passes
through an integral orifice, causing a partial vacuum.
2. An apparatus that produces a movement of fluid by suction.
ASSE
Acronym for the American Society of Sanitary Engineering (asse-plumbing.org),
a nonprofit organization comprised of individual who represent all disciplines of
the plumbing industry.
ASSE
Acronym for the American Society of Safety Engineers (asse.org), an organization
of professionals who manage, supervise, and consult on safety, health, and envi-
ronmental issues in industry, insurance, government, and education.
Association of Pool and Spa Professionals (APSP)
An organization that issues reference standards for the pool and spa industry
(apsp.org).
ASTM
Acronym for the American Society for Testing and Materials (astm.org), a volun-
tary standards development organization.
asynchronous
An event that occurs at an arbitrary time without synchronization to a referenced
clock.
atmosphere
1. The air that surrounds the Earth.
2. The mass of gases that surrounds, or may surround, a heavenly body.
atmospheric air
The air of the surrounding atmosphere at its existing pressure.

26 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


atmospheric combustion
Burning that occurs when a fuel reacts at an elevated temperature with oxygen,
thus releasing heat.
atmospheric injection burner
The site of combustion in a gas appliance in which air at atmospheric pressure is
injected into the burner by a jet of gas.
atmospheric pressure
The measured ambient pressure for a specific location and altitude, equal to 14.7
pounds per square inch gauge (101 kilopascals) at sea level.
atmospheric vacuum breaker
A mechanical device consisting of a check valve that opens to the atmosphere
when the pressure in the piping drops to atmospheric, typically applied to protect
against low-hazard back-siphonage.
atomic weight
The mass of an atom, measured on a scale in which the hydrogen atom has the
weight of one.
attic tank
An open tank installed above the highest plumbing fixture in a building that sup-
plies water to the fixtures by gravity.
auger
A tool used to bore holes in wood or earth, consisting of a threaded shank and a
cross handle.
auger bit
A tool shaped like an auger but without a handle, used to drill or bore holes in
wood or earth.
auger well
A well that is made by excavating a large-diameter hole in the ground using an
auger bit.
authority having jurisdiction (AHJ)
The individual official, board, department, entity, or agency established and au-
thorized by law to administer and enforce the provisions of a particular code. Also
called the authority having jurisdiction. Also called administrative authority.
autoclave
A pressurized, steam-heated container used for sterilizing or cooking.
autogenous soldering
The process of uniting pipes and fittings by fusion, without hammering and with-
out the addition of metal.

Plumbineering Dictionary 27
autogenous welding
Uniting pipes of the same type metal by heat fusion, without the addition of a
filler metal.
autoignition
The spontaneous initiation of combustion of some or all of a fuel-air mixture in
the combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine. Also called spontane-
ous combustion.
automatic boiler control
A device that automatically controls the temperature within a boiler.
automatic center punch
A spring-loaded hand tool used to make a dimple in a material.
automatic control valve
A valve designed to regulate the flow of steam, water, gas, or other fluid by means
of a variable orifice in response to signals from a sensor or controller.
automatic dry standpipe system
A standpipe system filled with pressurized air but no permanent water supply,
designed to admit water to the system automatically by the opening of a hose
valve.
automatic fixture sensor
A control that automatically operates a fixture when it senses motion.
automatic flow controller
A device that limits the maximum flow through a line via a pressure-compen-
sating restriction, maintaining a substantially constant flow of water over its de-
signed pressure range.
automatic flush valve
A device that allows the flow of a fluid under pressure to flush a water closet or
urinal.
automatic gas shutoff
A device that turns off the gas to the main burner of an appliance once a predeter-
mined temperature has been reached.
automatic siphon
A tube or conduit in the form of an inverted U through which liquid flows over
the wall of a tank or reservoir to a lower elevation by atmospheric pressure, used
to prevent flooding.
automatic softener
A fully automatic water softener that regenerates at regular intervals, without at-
tention, to provide a continuous supply of soft, conditioned water.

28 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


automatic storage-type water heater
A gas or electric water heater that heats and stores water at a thermostatically
controlled temperature for delivery on demand.
automatic wet standpipe system
A standpipe system with an open supply valve and constantly maintained water
pressure at all times, capable of supplying the system demand automatically.
autopilot
A device that automatically shuts off the supply of gas to an appliance burner if
the flame goes out.
autopsy table
A fixture or table used for the postmortem examination of a body.
auxiliary stop
A supplemental restraint that temporarily locks or holds movable parts in place,
often used in conjunction with spring devices to provide a fixed position, enabling
a load to be transferred to a supporting structure in a desired placement during
construction or installation.
auxiliary water supply
A water supply other than the water supplier’s approved public potable water sup-
ply, including water from another supplier’s public potable water supply or any
natural source, such as a well, spring, river, or stream.
availability of a sewer
The closeness of a public sewer to a building based on code requirements, gener-
ally 500 feet (151 meters) or less.
average
The computed or estimated median figure between two or more values.
average flow
The flow likely to occur in piping under normal conditions.
average frequency of occurrence
An indication of the average number of years between storms that will produce
rainfall rates equaling or exceeding a given amount.
awl
A tool used to punch holes or mark surfaces via compression force.
awl shaft
The handle of an awl.
AWS
Acronym for the American Welding Society (aws.org), a nonprofit organization

Plumbineering Dictionary 29
dedicated to advancing the science, technology, and application of welding and
related joining disciplines.
AWWA
Acronym for the American Water Works Association (awwa.org), an international
nonprofit and educational society of water professionals dedicated to providing
knowledge, information, and advocacy to improve the quality and supply of po-
table water.
axial brace
An assembly or bracket device used to resist twisting or to restrain a piping run in
the direction of its axis.
axial pump
A pump in which the direction of discharge from the impeller is in line with the
shaft.

30 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


Babbitt metal
B
An alloy of tin with some copper and antimony, used as an antifriction lining for
bearings.
backdraft
When combustion gases from a gas appliance enter the living space instead of
being drawn up the vent pipe and exiting the building.
backfill
Material used to replace excavated material for piping installed in an earthen
trench.
backflow
1. The flow of water or other liquids, mixtures, or substances into the distribut-
ing pipes of a potable supply from any source other than that intended.
2. In drainage systems, a reversal of flow.
backflow connection
A piping arrangement where reversal of flow may occur.
backflow preventer
A device or means to prevent reversal of flow into a potable water system.
backflow preventer, carbonated water
An assembly composed of two independently acting check valves, internally force
loaded to a normally closed position and separated by an intermediate chamber,
used to vent liquids, gases, or both under backflow conditions.
backflow preventer, intermediate vent
An assembly composed of two independently acting check valves, internally force
loaded to a normally closed position and separated by an intermediate chamber,
that vents to the atmosphere under continuous conditions.
backflow preventer, reduced-pressure principle
A backflow prevention device consisting of two independently acting check valves
separated by an intermediate chamber, intended to discharge water that backflows
into the chamber. Also called reduced-pressure-zone backflow preventer.
backflow preventer, reduced pressure zone
A backflow prevention device consisting of two independently acting check valves
separated by an intermediate chamber, intended to discharge water that backflows
into the chamber. Also called reduced-pressure principle backflow preventer.

Plumbineering Dictionary 31
backflow preventer, water supply
A device or means to prevent reversal of flow in a potable water supply.
backflow prevention assembly
An approved collection of components used to prevent reversal of flow in a po-
table water system.
backflow prevention assembly tester
A person who is certified to perform competent inspections and tests on backflow
prevention assemblies.
backflow prevention device
A mechanical backflow preventer without shutoff valves.
backflow prevention method
A mechanism for preventing reversal of flow.
backflush
Reversing the flow through a column using valves to purge heavy components.
backhoe
An excavating machine comprising a bucket rigidly attached to a hinged stick on
a boom.
backing ring
A metal strip used to prevent melted metal from the welding process from enter-
ing a pipe while making a butt-welded joint.
back-outlet ell
A pipe fitting in which the outlet is in the same place as the run, on the outside of
the large radii curve. Also referred to as heel outlet elbow.
back outlet water closet
A toilet in which the trap from the bowl connects to the wall.
back pressure
Negative pressure created by any means in a potable water distribution system
that causes a potential reversal of flow.
back-pressure backflow
The reversal of normal flow in a piped system due to an increase in the down-
stream pressure above that of the supply pressure.
back siphonage
The flowing back of potentially contaminated or polluted water into potable wa-
ter supply piping due to a negative pressure.
back-siphonage backflow
A reversal of flow that occurs when the pressure in water piping falls below the
local atmospheric pressure.
32 American Society of Plumbing Engineers
back spud water closet
A toilet bowl with a spud connection that receives the connection from a flush-
ometer valve. Also called flushometer or top spud, depending on the location of
the connection for the flushometer valve.
backup
A general sanitary condition where wastewater flows back into a fixture or com-
partment.
back vent
An individual vent for a plumbing fixture located on the downstream (sewer) side
of a trap, used to protect the trap against siphonage.
back venting
A venting arrangement used to prevent seal loss by siphoning and the escape of
sewer gas.
backwashing
The process of cleaning water treatment filters in which filtered water is passed
upward through the filter at a relatively high flow rate to remove any dirt and
oxidized iron collected on top of the resin bed.
backwater valve
A check valve assembly on sanitary drainage piping that allows effluent to flow in
only one direction.
bacteria
Tiny organisms occurring naturally in waters.
bacteria, aerobic
A tiny organism that occurs only in the presence of oxygen.
bacteria, anaerobic
A tiny organism that can live in the absence of free oxygen.
bacteria, coliform
A tiny organism found in the intestines of animals and humans that can cause
water pollution through fecal matter.
bacteria, facultative anaerobic
A tiny organism that can live or thrive under more than one set of conditions,
with or without oxygen.
bacteria, parasitic
A tiny organism that lives in or on another organism for existence or support,
without making a useful or adequate return.
bacteria, pathogenic
A tiny organism that causes illnesses, such as typhoid, dysentery, and cholera.

Plumbineering Dictionary 33
bacteria, saprophytic
A tiny organism that can obtaining food by absorbing dissolved organic decay.
bacteriological examination
A test for new wells and private water supplies by an official representative for the
state board of health or drinking water regulatory agency to determine the pres-
ence of bacteria in the water.
bacterium
Any of a class of microscopic plants having round, rod-like, spiral, or filamentous
single-celled or non-celled bodies, living in soil, water, organic matter, or the bod-
ies of plants and animals.
baffle
An object used to retard or direct the flow of air, air-gas mixtures, flue gases, or
liquids.
baffle plate
A tray or partition placed in process equipment or tanks to direct or change the
direction of flow.
bag trap
An S-shaped trap in which the vertical inlet and outlet pipes are in alignment,
used to prevent the entry of sewer air.
bain-marie
1. A double boiler.
2. A steam table.
3. A secondary water reservoir into which other basins are inserted to hold or
maintain temperature.
balanced backflow valve
A type of valve fitted with a counterbalanced gate, used to prevent reversal of
flow.
balance point
The outdoor temperature at which a building’s heat loss to the environment is
equal to internal heat gains from people, lights, and equipment.
balancing fitting
1. A valve or cock with a movable partition that increases or decreases the amount
of flow by means of adjustment.
2. A fitting with a built-in baffle.
balancing valve
A valve that controls water flow and balances heat distribution to different loca-
tions.

34 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


baldy
A slang term for a pipe nipple that is threaded on only one end.
ballast
1. Something used to provide stability.
2. The gravel component of concrete.
3. A material used as part of a particular roofing system.
ball bearing
A friction-reducing bearing consisting of a ring-shaped track containing freely
revolving, hard metal balls against which a rotating shaft or other part turns.
ball check valve
A check valve that uses a spherical or ball-shaped closure member that allows flow
in only one direction.
ballcock
A self-regulating device that controls the supply of water in a tank, cistern, or
toilet by means of a float connected to a valve that opens or closes with a change
in water level. Also called flush valve.
ballcock, antisiphon
A ballcock designed to prevent the backflow of water into the water supply system
by a lack of or loss of water pressure in the supply system.
ballcock seat
An orifice inside a valve through which the liquid is controlled, throttled, or
stopped.
balled
A slang term in pipe work that refers to no threads, or a bell and spigot connec-
tion.
ball float
A floating device, usually spherical, used to operate a ball valve.
ball joint
A connection utilizing a ball in a cuplike shell that allows movement in any direc-
tion other than along the axis of the pipes.
ball test
A test used to detect obstructions in a drain line by rolling a ball through the
drain.
ball valve
A valve consisting of a single drilled ball that is operated by a handle attached to
the vertical axis of the ball, which permits fluid flow in a straight-through direc-
tion.

Plumbineering Dictionary 35
band clamp
A two-piece metal clamp used to hold the weight of a riser pipe.
band hanger
A device used as a support for pipe to provide for vertical adjustment or to con-
nect pipe to a hanger assembly.
barber’s boiler
A water heater used in barber shops.
bariatric water closet
A toilet made to accommodate overweight and obese people that can support 500
to 1,000 pounds.
Barlow’s formula
An equation used to show the relationship of internal pressure to allowable stress,
nominal thickness, and diameter, used to estimate the burst pressure of pipes or
tubes.
barometric loop
A fabricated piping arrangement rising at least 35 feet at its topmost point above
the highest fixture it supplies, used in water supply systems to protect against back
siphonage.
barometric pressure
1. The absolute atmospheric pressure existing at the surface of the Earth.
2. The weight of a unit column of air above the point of measurement.
barrier free
A condition where no obstruction exists to prevent access by physically challenged
individuals.
bar strainer
A filtering device consisting of a single rod or several bars or wires that prevents
objects from entering a sewer or drain.
base
1. The lowest point of a stack of vertical pipe.
2. A liquid with a pH of 7.0 or higher.
baseboard
A protecting or finishing molding that covers the joint of a wall and the adjoin-
ing floor.
baseboard radiator
A device in a heating system through which warm air flows, installed at the lowest
part of a wall.

36 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


base elbow
A cast-iron pipe bend using a flange as a seat to support a column or bracket.
basement
A story in a building in which the floor line is below grade and the ceiling is not
more than 5 feet above grade.
base metal
1. A metal that oxidizes when exposed to air.
2. A metal whose hydroxide is soluble in water, forming the solution of a base.
3. The chief constituent of an alloy.
4. A metal to which a coat of plating is applied.
base support
A device that carries a load’s compression weight from beneath.
basic steel
Steel produced by the Bessemer, or the open-hearth process, by which sulphur,
phosphorus, silicon, manganese, and carbon are removed from the molten
charge.
basin
1. An open, usually circular vessel or dish with sloping or curving sides and
wider than its depth, typically used to hold water for washing.
2. A tank or reservoir used for the treatment of liquids.
basin chain
A beaded or link chain with a rubber stopper used on a lavatory to plug the
drain.
basin connection
Thin-wall, flexible tubing used to attach a faucet to the water supply.
basin drain plug
A synthetic, circular-shaped plug used to retain water in a lavatory, usually con-
nected to a chain.
basin fitting
A piece of trim on a water basin, such as a faucet, trap, overflow pipe, or adapter.
basin gasket
A seal used to prevent liquid leakage between a basin and a faucet or waste con-
nection.
basin plug wrench
A tool used to prevent a wash basin plug from turning when the locknut under-
neath is being installed.

Plumbineering Dictionary 37
basin stopper
A cork-like unit inserted into the top of the fixture spud to hold liquid in a ba-
sin.
basin wrench
A long-shanked tool with ratchet-like jaws used to reach into tight spots.
basket strainer
A perforated drain receptacle used to prevent large food particles from entering a
drainage system.
batch-feed food waste grinder
A food waste grinder that requires a lid that must be locked before operation,
making it impossible to run the grinder when the user is trying to clear a jam by
hand and preventing cutlery from falling into the grinder.
bath connection
A cast-brass, 90-degree fitting or flexible tubing used to connect a bath faucet to
the water supply.
bath faucet
A spout with temperature-adjusting handles especially designed for installation
in a bathtub.
bathroom group
Several plumbing fixtures located together on the same level, generally a water
closet, lavatory, and shower or bathtub.
bathroom sink
A lavatory fixture designed to receive and/or hold water from a faucet in a bath-
room.
bath trap
A P-trap used in the waste line from a bathtub.
bath seat
A bench in a bathtub on which a user can sit while washing.
bathtub
A fixed or freestanding vessel designed for one person to sit or lay in while wash-
ing.
bathtub, hydrotherapy
A bath used for the treatment of disease or disability by the external application
of water to a specific part of the body or the whole body.
bathtub, sitz
A bath in which only the hips and buttocks are immersed in water or a saline solu-
tion for the therapeutic effect of the moist heat in the perineal and anal regions.

38 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


battery of fixtures
A group of two or more adjacent fixtures.
bead and crevice free
A type of heat fusion joining that creates a perfectly smooth internal joint.
bead board
A rigid insulation material. Also called expanded polystyrene.
bead chain
A chain formed of small, hollow, metal spheres connected by short dumbbell-
shaped metal links used in plumbing to hold stoppers or plugs to keep water in
bathtubs or wash basins.
beam clamp
A mechanical device used to connect or hold part of a piping system to a struc-
tural element (typically a steel beam).
bearing plate
A piece of flat steel used under the end of a wall-bearing beam to distribute the
load over a broader area.
bedding
Material placed around an underground pipe to provide support and/or protec-
tion from external loads.
bed depth
A measurement of the resin or ion-exchange mineral material in a water softening
tank based on the tank’s depth.
bedpan
A shallow, transportable vessel used by a person confined to a bed for urination
or defecation.
bedpan steamer
A fixture used to scald bedpans or urinals by direct application of steam.
bedpan washer
A fixture designed to wash bedpans and to flush the contents into the soil drain-
age system.
bedpan washer and sterilizer
A device used to clean a bedpan and remove living microorganisms from its sur-
face, usually by the use of physical or chemical agents.
bedpan washer hose
A device supplied with hot and cold water located adjacent to a water closet or
clinic sink, used for cleaning bedpans.

Plumbineering Dictionary 39
beehive strainer
A perforated or slotted, cage-type, spiral-shaped strainer attached to the drain of
a urinal that allows liquids to flow but retains solids.
bell
The enlarged end of a pipe into which the end of another pipe inserts. Commonly
called hub.
bell-and-spigot joint
A pipe connection in which the plain end of one pipe is inserted into the enlarged
diameter end of one pipe. Commonly called a hub-and-spigot joint.
bell metal
A type of bronze consisting of 60–85 percent copper alloyed with tin, often with
some zinc and lead, used for casting bells.
below grade
Any portion of a building or system that is below ground level.
belt
A continuous band of tough flexible material used to transmit motion and power
from one pulley to another or to convey materials.
benchmark
1. A mark on a fixed and enduring object indicating a particular elevation, used
as a reference point in topographical surveys and tidal observations.
2. A point of reference from which measurements of any sort may be made.
bending iron
A round, tapered, arched tool used to form lead pipes, fittings, or sheet lead.
bending pin
A pin in a curved line used for straightening or expanding flexible pipe or for
bending lead pipe.
bending spring
A steel tool used to bend lead pipe.
bent
An assembly or frame consisting of two vertical members joined by one or more
horizontal members, used to support a piping system attached to a structural
element.
bent coupling
A boiler coupling at a 90-degree angle. Sometimes called corporation ferrule cou-
pling.

40 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


BEP
Abbreviation for best efficiency point, the point at which a pump’s impeller diam-
eter provides the highest efficiency.
Bernoulli’s equation
A theory regarding energy conservation, which states that static pressure plus dy-
namic pressure equals total pressure.
Bernoulli’s principle
In fluid dynamics, a physical principle stating that as the speed of a moving fluid
increases, the pressure within the fluid decreases. Also known as venturi effect.
Bessemer process
An industrial means of making steel from cast iron by burning out carbon and
other impurities via a blast of air, which is forced through the molten metal.
Bessemer steel
Steel made from cast iron.
best efficiency point (BEP)
The point at which a pump’s impeller diameter provides the highest efficiency.
bevel
An angle of a pipe end that is anything but 90 degrees.
BFP
Abbreviation for backflow preventer, a device or means to prevent backflow into
a potable water system.
bibb
A faucet with a downward nozzle. Also called bibcock.
bibb washer
A disc with a hole in it used to stop the liquid when a faucet is closed.
bibcock
A faucet with a nozzle that is bent downward. Also called bibb.
bid
The price submitted to an owner by a contractor to perform the work described
in the contract documents.
bidder
A person or firm that meets the requirements set forth in the general conditions
of a bid to submit a price in writing to an owner to do the work described in the
contract documents.

Plumbineering Dictionary 41
bidding documents
Construction documents issued to bidders before the owner/contractor agree-
ment has been signed.
bidding set
A group of plans, specifications, and other documents forming the basis for con-
tractor bids.
bidding requirements
An explanation of the procedures bidders must follow when preparing and sub-
mitting a bid.
bidet
A fixture designed for cleaning the perineal area.
big inch
A term used to describe pipe and pipe lines that are 24 inches in diameter and
larger.
BIM
Abbreviation for building information modeling, the process of generating and
managing building data through all stages of a building’s life-cycle using three-
dimensional, real-time, dynamic software.
biochemical
Dealing with the chemical compounds and processes occurring in living organ-
isms.
biochemical action
Chemical changes resulting from the metabolism of living organisms.
biochemical oxygen demand (BOD)
A measurement of the amount of oxygen required for the biochemical degrada-
tion of organic material in water. Also called biological oxygen demand.
biocompatibility
Using materials that do not alter the bioactivity of the substances used in a sys-
tem.
biodegradable
Subject to breakdown by biochemical action.
biodegradable municipal waste
Solid waste from residences and businesses comprising organic materials that can
be recycled.
biodiesel
A renewable fuel made from recycled vegetable oil or animal fats.

42 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


biofilm
A slime layer formed by bacteria on a surface that provides an environment for
pathogens to proliferate.
biogas
A mixture of methane and carbon dioxide produced by the bacterial degradation
of organic matter, used as a fuel.
biohazardous material
Material suspended in a waste stream containing live organisms that have the
potential to cause infection, sickness, and other serious diseases.
biological control
To control microorganism fouling of a system.
biological fouling
The growth of bacteria, algae, sludge, fungi, and other organisms.
biological oxygen demand
A measurement of the amount of oxygen required for the biochemical degrada-
tion of organic material in water. Also called biochemical oxygen demand.
biological safety cabinet
A specially constructed cabinet for laboratory use in which a laminar flow of
HEPA-filtered air is passed down from the top of the hood and across the work
surface and then is exhausted without entering the worker’s breathing zone.
biological wastewater management
Purifying wastewater in a natural or emulated wetland environment.
biomass
A mixture of plants, plant materials, crop residues, wood and bark residues, and
animal manure, used as a fuel.
biopure water
Water free from particulate matter, minerals, bacteria, pyrogens, organic matter,
and most dissolved gases.
bioremediation
A method of simultaneously removing a pollutant from a waste stream and dis-
posing of or recycling the pollutant by altering its chemical or physical structure.
bioremediation system
An engineered system used to remove and recycle waste material, containing a
bioreactor that can be operated by the kinetic energy imparted from flowing water
or mechanically agitated by various pumping and aeration methods.
biosafety level
A classification for biological containment in laboratories.

Plumbineering Dictionary 43
Biosafety Level 1 (BSL-1)
A research facility in which microorganisms not known to cause disease in healthy
adults are studied.
Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2)
A research facility in which microorganisms that may pose some health risk are
studied and safety cabinets are often present.
Biosafety Level 3 (BSL-3)
A research facility in which organisms posing a significant risk or representing a
potentially serious threat to health and safety are studied, biosafety cabinets are
required, and all penetrations to the exterior of the facility are sealed to prevent
leakage.
Biosafety Level 4 (BSL-4)
A research facility in which organisms having life-threatening potential and or the
potential to initiate a serious epidemic disease if released to the outside environ-
ment are studied and a very high level of containment is required.
biosolid
A recyclable, primarily organic material produced by wastewater treatment pro-
cesses.
bioswale
A landscape element designed to collect and treat runoff from paved surfaces us-
ing plants and compost.
biowaste
1. Organic waste capable of being decomposed.
2. Solid waste that is generated during medical procedures.
bismuth
A brittle, grayish-white metal with a pink or red tint used with lead, tin, or iron
to make alloys for fusible bulbs and safety plugs for automatic sprinkler systems
and boiler plugs.
bit
1. Part of an instrument for boring.
2. A drill worked by a brace.
bitumen
A flammable mixture of hydrocarbons and other substances, occurring naturally
or obtained by distillation from coal or petroleum, used as a component of asphalt
and tar for surfacing roads and waterproofing.
bituminized fiber pipe
A lightweight drainage pipe fabricated of cellulose fiber combined with coal tar.

44 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


bivinyl
A colorless, flammable gas that is soluble in alcohol but not in water, usually
derived from butane, used chiefly in the manufacture of rubber and paint and in
organic synthesis. Also called butadiene.
black cast iron fitting
An uncoated or black-painted fitting made of cast iron.
black lead
A commercial form of graphite used for coating the patterns and faces of cast iron
chilling molds.
black pipe
Steel pipe that has not been galvanized.
black water
Wastewater from plumbing fixtures discharging human excrement.
blank flange
A solid plate flange used to seal off the end of a pipe. Also called blind flange.
bleach
A solid or liquid chemical compound used to whiten or remove the natural color
of fibers, yarns, paper, and textiles.
bleed
1. To shed or exude a liquid.
2. A controlled water loss from a cooling tower.
bleed through
The iron remaining in the effluent of treated water when all of the iron is not
removed during the service cycle of a water softener (or iron remover).
blind flange
A solid plate flange used to seal off the end of a pipe. Also called blank flange.
blind man’s rule
A measuring device with large numbers to permit its reading in dim light.
blind plug
A type of stopper used on no-hub pipe.
blind vent
A fixture vent terminating in a wall or in such a manner that only the appearance
of a vent is provided.
blister steel
Crude steel formed from wrought iron by cementation.

Plumbineering Dictionary 45
block and tackle
A machine made of rope and pulleys, used to aid in moving, hoisting, and haul-
ing weights.
block tin
1. Commercial tin casting blocks containing small quantities of various impuri-
ties (copper, lead, iron, or arsenic).
2. Solid tin as distinguished from tin plate.
blowdown
1. Partial venting or draining, under pressure, of the water side of a water heater
to reduce or remove unwanted contaminants.
2. The pressure drop after releasing a pressure-relief valve.
blow-out water closet
A toilet that empties with the aid of a large volume of water under pressure di-
rected to the outlet of the bowl, causing the contents of the bowl to be forced to
the drainage system.
blowoff
1. A blast of fluid or steam.
2. A controlled outlet from a pipeline used to discharge water, steam, vapor,
sludge, or waste.
blowoff drain
A valve in hot water heater piping that facilitates the removal of any accumulated
oil, grease, or dirt. Also called blowoff valve.
blowoff valve
A valve in hot water heater piping that facilitates the removal of any accumulated
oil, grease, or dirt. Also called blowoff drain.
blow-out urinal
A urinal flushed by inducing large amounts of water in the trap seal.
blow-out water closet
A toilet flushed by a large amount of water that is emitted from a jet in the trap
seal.
blue baby
A condition that inhibits the transfer of oxygen through the lung tissue to the
bloodstream, resulting in oxygen starvation, caused by high nitrate levels, gener-
ally 10 parts per million or more.
blue gas
A gas consisting chiefly of carbon monoxide and hydrogen, formed by the action
of steam upon hot coke, used mainly as a source of hydrogen and in the synthesis
of other chemical compounds. Also known as blue water gas.
46 American Society of Plumbing Engineers
blue water gas
A gas consisting chiefly of carbon monoxide and hydrogen, formed by the action
of steam upon hot coke, used mainly as a source of hydrogen and in the synthesis
of other chemical compounds. Also known as blue gas.
blunt cold chisel
A cull tool made of steel, used for chipping or cutting cold metal.
bobbin
A wooden tool used to draft lead waste pipe or to bend lead pipe without a bend-
ing spring.
BOCA
Acronym for Building Officials and Code Administrators International, an asso-
ciation of professionals employed in the establishment and enforcement of build-
ing codes and a founding member of the International Code Council.
BOD
Abbreviation for biochemical oxygen demand, a measurement of the amount of
oxygen required for the biochemical degradation of organic material in water.
Also called biological oxygen demand.
body
The part of a valve that attaches to the pipeline or equipment and encloses the
working parts of the valve.
boiled linseed oil
Linseed oil whose drying properties have been improved by heating.
boiler
1. A vessel used for heating water.
2. The part of a steam generator in which water is converted into steam.
boiler accessory
An attachment or mechanical device that aids in the operation of a boiler.
boiler band
A metal strap or rod that supports a boiler hanging from some other support. Also
called boiler hanger.
boiler basin
A vessel designed to receive the discharge from a boiler blowoff outlet and to cool
the discharge to a temperature of 130° or less, which permits its safe discharge to
the drainage system. Also called boiler blowoff tank.
boiler blowoff
An outlet on a boiler that permits the emptying or discharge of sediment.

Plumbineering Dictionary 47
boiler blowoff tank
A vessel designed to receive the discharge from a boiler blowoff outlet and to cool
the discharge to a temperature of 130° or less, which permits its safe discharge to
the drainage system. Also called boiler blowoff basin.
boiler bushing
A fitting containing an outer thread and two pipe connections inside and outside
the boiler blowoff tank.
boiler cleaning compound
A mixture of chemicals used to remove deposits in boilers.
boiler compound
A chemical added to the feed water of boilers to prevent corrosion, foaming, or
the formation of scale.
boiler control, automatic
A device that automatically controls the temperature within a boiler.
boiler coupling
A specially designed, straight-through coupling with no union connection, used
to connect piping in a boiler system.
boiler cover
The insulation of a boiler. Also called boiler jacket.
boiler drain
A valve connected at or near the bottom of a boiler to drain and/or flush the
boiler.
boiler elbow
A specially designed 90-degree fitting with a union connection used to connect
piping to a range boiler.
boiler feeder valve
An automatically controlled valve that maintains a desired amount of water in a
boiler.
boiler fitting
A specially designed fitting, either straight through or with a 90-degree turn, hav-
ing a union connection, used to connect piping to a range boiler.
boiler gauge
A temperature- or pressure-registering device installed in a boiler.
boiler gauge column
A glass tube that indicates the water level in a boiler.

48 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


boiler hanger
A metal strap or rod that supports a boiler hanging from some other support. Also
called boiler band.
boiler jacket
The insulation of a boiler. Also called boiler cover.
boiler jacket, asbestos
A boiler cover made of asbestos fibers for insulating purposes.
boiler, low-water cutoff valve
A device on a steam boiler that automatically operates to prevent the continued
firing of a boiler when insufficient water is present.
boiler mixing valve
A multiport, typically automatic valve used to mix waters of separate temperatures
to a desired temperature.
boiler pressure gauge
A device that registers boiler pressure.
boiler stand
1. A device on which a storage tank is set to raise it above the floor to allow for
pipe fittings to be inserted in the bottom of the tank.
2. A support frame for a boiler constructed of cast iron or steel.
boiler temperature gauge
A temperature-registering device installed in a boiler.
boiler trim
Any accessory for a hot water or steam boiler.
boiler tube
1. A tube inserted in the top of a tank to direct cold water to the bottom to
prevent stored hot water from cooling.
2. Piping inside a boiler through which water is carried in a water tube boiler or
through which the flame and flue gases are carried in a fire tube boiler.
boiling point
The temperature of a liquid in which the internal vapor pressure is equal to the
pressure on the surface of the liquid and the liquid begins to turn into a gas or
vapor, characterized by a bubbling of the lquid.
bolt
1. A bar or other cylindrically shaped length of strong material that moves
through the guides attached to a door or other movable frame and is received
in an adjoining fixed socket.

Plumbineering Dictionary 49
2. A rod or heavy pin designed to fasten two or more objects together or to hold
one or more objects in place.
bolt cutter
A large pincer used to cut bolts and reinforce rods.
bolted bonnet
A practical and commonly used joint for large valves or for high-pressure applica-
tions, with multiple small-diameter bolts that permit equalized sealing pressure
without the excessive torque needed to make large threaded joints.
bolt for faucet
A threaded rod with a head on one end that holds a faucet handle or washer in
place.
bolting
The use of bolts, studs, and nuts as fasteners.
bolt threader
The diestock used to cut threads on common sizes of bolts or rods.
bomb
A propane tank with a bowl mounted above the tank, used in the melting of lead
for caulking joints.
bonnet
The part of a valve that connects the valve actuator to the valve body and also may
contain the stem packing.
booster pump
A submergible pump used to increase water pressure where low or inadequate
water pressure exists.
booster pump control valve
A pilot-operated valve designed to eliminate pipeline surges caused by the starting
and stopping of a booster pump.
booster water heater
A secondary water-heating system used to heat water to a higher temperature than
that of the primary heater.
borax
Sodium borate, a white crystalline mineral used as a flux, cleansing agent, preser-
vative, fire retardant, and water softener.
bore
1. The inner diameter of a cylindrical object.
2. To make a hole in something by drilling or excavating.

50 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


bored well
A well that is constructed with a hand-operated or power-driven earth auger.
borosilicate glass
A strong, heat-resistant glass with a very low coefficient of thermal expansion,
which makes it resistant to thermal shock.
bossing stick
A tool used to shape sheet lead, copper, and aluminum.
bottled gas
Gas under pressure in portable cylinders, usually propane but can be any com-
pressible gas, used in smaller hospitals or companies where special gases are re-
quired but a large central system cannot be justified.
bottle trap
Part of a lavatory’s drainage system, consisting of a straight waste pipe and a second
pipe that branches from the first just above its halfway point, allowing wastewater
to flow away while leaving clean water standing in the bottom half of the trap,
which keeps gas given off by drained waste from coming back into the house.
bottle washer
A machine for cleaning high volumes of bottles via a system of chemical immer-
sion and high pressure jetting.
Bourdon gauge
An instrument used to measure the difference in relative pressure between a sys-
tem and the local barometric pressure, containing a C-shaped tube that is closed
at one end. When the pressure inside the tube increases, the tube uncurls slightly,
causing a small movement at its closed end. A system of levers and gears magni-
fies this movement and turns a pointer, which indicates the pressure on a circular
scale.
box end wrench
A tool with a closed loop on one end that fits over a nut or bolt head, used to ap-
ply torque to fasten the bolt or nut.
box flange
A female-threaded pipe fitting screwed or welded to the end of a pipe to allow
connection to another pipe.
Boyle’s law
A principle stating that the volume of a confined gas at a fixed temperature is
inversely proportional to the pressure exerted on the gas.
brace and bit
A small hand tool to which a metal- or wood-boring bit is attached, used to drill
holes in wood. Sometimes called bit brace.

Plumbineering Dictionary 51
brace assembly
A preformed assembly consisting of various components that, depending on its
location, is used to hold and/or restrain a piping system from horizontal, vertical,
and lateral forces.
brace, hanger, or support drawing
A mechanical drawing detailing the elements and components of an assembly or
frame structure, incorporating a bill of material, load and movement data, and
both general and specific identification.
bracing
Metal channels, cables, or hanger angles that prevent pipes from breaking away
from a structure.
bracket
A preformed support or fastener, usually constructed in a cantilevered manner,
with or without additional diagonal structural members for load stability, de-
signed to withstand a gravity load and horizontal and vertical forces.
brackish
Water containing bacteria between 1 and 15,000 parts per million of dissolved
solids, having a salty taste.
braided tubing
A flexible pressure tubing of synthetic material encased in braided threads of
stainless steel, often used in water supply lines.
brake horsepower
The total power input required, including gas horsepower plus all friction losses.
branch
Any part of a piping system other than a main, riser, or stack.
branch ell
An elbow in which the back inlet is in line with one of the outlets of the run. Also
called heel outlet elbow.
branch interval
A length of soil or waste stack generally corresponding to a story height, but never
less than 8 feet (2.4 meters), within which the horizontal branches from one story
of a building are connected to the soil stack.
branch joint
A wiped tee or wye connection used where one pipe branches from another.
branch length method
A pipe sizing calculation using the uniform pressure loss for the critical circuit
piping to calculate an equivalent length for each branch, based on the equivalent
length pressure drop per 100 feet.

52 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


branch line
1. A water supply line connecting one or more fixtures with a water supply main,
riser, or other branch.
2. A water supply pipe to which fire sprinklers are attached.
branch pipe
A general term used to designate a pipe equipped with one or more branches.
branch tee
A tee fitting with female connections on the two straight ends and a male con-
nection on the branch .
branch vent
A vent connecting one or more individual vents with a vent stack or stack vent.
brass
An alloy essentially of copper with a base metal of zinc known for its hardness
and workability.
brass pipe wrench
A tool used to tighten brass tubing, with a curved head that prevents the tubing
from being crushed. Also called brass pipe vise.
brazed end
A pipe or fitting end specifically designed for brazing, similar to a solder joint but
can withstand higher temperatures and pressures.
brazed joint
A joint made by fusing metal parts with alloys that melt at temperatures higher
than 840°F (449°C) but lower than the melting temperature of the parts being
joined. Such joints generally are stronger than the individual filler metals used due
to the geometry of the joint as well as to the metallurgical bonding that occurs.
brazing
A metal-joining process whereby a filler metal or alloy is heated to a melting tem-
perature above 840°F (449°C) and distributed between two or more close-fitting
parts by capillary action. By definition, the melting temperature of the braze alloy
is lower (sometimes substantially) than the melting temperature of the materials
being joined.
breaking pressure
The pressure, of either a fluid or gas discharge, at which a machine becomes un-
stable.
BREEAM
Acronym for the Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment
Method, an international environmental rating system for buildings and com-
munities (bream.org).

Plumbineering Dictionary 53
brick chisel
A cold chisel used to cut brick masonry.
brine
A solution of sodium chloride (common salt) used for regenerating water soften-
ers or as a cooling medium in creating ice surfaces in hockey arenas.
brine tank
A separate tank in a water softening system used to store the water and salt (so-
dium chloride) that form the brine solution.
Britannia metal
A silver-white alloy composed of tin, antimony, and copper, similar to pewter,
used in making utensils. Also called britannium.
British standard pipe thread
A family of 16 standard screw thread types ranging in size from 1/16 to 6 that has
been adopted internationally for interconnecting and sealing pipe ends by mating
an external (male) with an internal (female) thread.
British thermal unit (Btu)
The amount of heat required to raise the temperature of 1 pound (0.45 kilogram)
of water 1°F (0.565°C).
bronze
An alloy of copper and tin known for its corrosion resistance.
bronze-mounted
A valve trim material (stem, disc, seat rings, etc.) that is made of bronze.
brown grease
A mixture of vegetable oil, animal fat, and other grease found in grease intercep-
tors, typically from restaurants and other food-handling operations, considered
contaminated and unsuitable for reuse in other applications without treatment.
Btu
Abbreviation for British thermal unit, the amount of heat required to raise the
temperature of 1 pound (0.45 kilogram) of water 1°F (0.565°C).
Btuh
Abbreviation for British thermal units per hour.
bubbler
1. A type of drinking fountain in which the water constantly discharges.
2. An irrigation device that applies water directly to the soil surface or throws
water a short distance before it contacts the soil.

54 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


bubble tight
A valve seat that does not allow visible bubbles to appear when the valve is
closed.
bucket trap
A device that allows air and condensed water to leave steam pipes and radiators
with little escape of steam.
buffalo box
A vertical sleeve that provides access to a buried curb cock.
buffer
A substance or mixture of substances with a relatively constant pH that is capable
of neutralizing both acids and bases.
building
A structure having walls and a roof designed and used for housing, shelter, enclo-
sure, or other support of people, animals, and property.
building automation system
A computerized, networked control system designed to monitor and control the
mechanical and lighting systems in a building.
building classification
The designation of a building according to its occupancy or use, used to deter-
mine the appropriate structural, fire, and life safety requirements.
building code
A municipal ordinance that regulates the construction and occupancy of build-
ings for health and safety reasons.
building cooling load
The amount of heat that must be removed from a building to maintain indoor
comfort, measured in British thermal units.
building drain
The lowest piping of a drainage system that receives the discharge from soil, waste,
and other drainage pipes inside the walls of a building and conveys it outside the
building walls. Can be sanitary only, storm water only, or combined storm water
and sanitary (prohibited in many areas). Often called house drain.
building drain, combined
A building drain that conveys both sewage and storm water or other drainage.
building drain, sanitary
A building drain that conveys the discharge of plumbing fixtures.

Plumbineering Dictionary 55
building drain, storm
A building drain that conveys rainwater, surface water, groundwater, subsurface
water, condensate, cooling water, or other similar discharge to a storm sewer.
building drainage system
An arrangement of piping that carries wastewater, sewage, or other drainage from
a building to the street sewer.
building envelope
Structural building elements that enclose the conditioned spaces and allow energy
to be transferred to and from the exterior.
building information modeling (BIM)
The process of designing and managing building systems and data using three-
dimensional, real-time, dynamic software.
building sewer
The part of a drainage system’s horizontal piping that extends from the end of
the building drain and conveys sewage to a public sewer, private sewer, individual
sewage-disposal system, or other approved point of disposal. Often called house
sewer.
building sewer, combined
A building sewer that conveys both sewage and storm water or other drainage.
Prohibited in many areas.
building sewer, storm
A building sewer that conveys rainwater, surface water, condensate, cooling water,
storm water, or other drainage, but no sewage.
building subdrain
The portion of a building drainage system below the building sewer that cannot
drain by gravity.
building trap
A device, fitting, or assembly of fittings installed in a house drain to prevent the
circulation of air between the house drain and the house sewer. Typically installed
as a running trap. Commonly called house trap.
built environment
Human-constructed structures in which people spend their time, as well as hu-
man settlements (villages, towns, cities).
bulkhead fitting
A connector used to attach flexible pipes with the help of male adapters.
bull head tee
A tee connection in which the branch is larger than the run.

56 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


bull point
A heavy, pointed steel bar that is driven into rock or stone by a hammer to make
a hole. Also called bull prick.
buoyancy
The tendency of a liquid or gas to cause less dense objects to float or rise to the
surface.
burner
A device in a furnace, water heater, stovetop, etc. through which gas is discharged
and lighted to produce a flame.
burner head
The portion of a burner containing the ports beyond the outlet end of the mixer
tube.
burner valve
A manually or mechanically operated valve that controls the flow of gas or oil to
a burner.
burr
A roughness of extra metal protruding from a pipe, usually caused by pipe cut-
ting.
burst pressure
The maximum design pressure, usually four times normal operating pressure, that
can be applied to a piping assembly without causing rupture.
burst test
A destructive hydraulic test used to determine the actual yield strength of both
seamless and welded pipe.
bushing
A pipe fitting consisting of a solid plate with a hole in the center.
bush metal
An alloy of copper and tin similar in composition to gunmetal, used to make
bushings.
butadiene
A colorless, flammable gas that is soluble in alcohol but not in water, usually
derived from butane, used chiefly in the manufacture of rubber and paint and in
organic synthesis. Also called bivinyl.
butane
Either of two isomers of a gaseous hydrocarbon produced synthetically from pe-
troleum, used as a household fuel, refrigerant, and aerosol propellant and in the
manufacture of synthetic rubber.

Plumbineering Dictionary 57
butt chisel
A short woodworking chisel suitable for fitting hinges or strike plates.
butt connection
A type of pipe connection using a through-type union in which two tube ends are
directly and squarely in contact. Typically used with fused silica connections or
small-bore metal tubing.
butterfly valve
A bidirectional valve consisting of a single disc that is operated by a handle at-
tached to the disc, which permits fluid flow in a straight-through direction. Most
commonly used in place of a gate valve in cases where absolute, bubble-free shut-
off is required.
butt joint
A junction created by fusing two pipe ends, or a pipe end and a fitting opening,
usually with heat. Can be made with solvent welding in plastics.
buttress thread
A screw thread in which the driving face is perpendicular to the axis of the screw
and the back face is at an angle to the axis.
butt weld
A joint made when two pipes ends or edges are brought together and melted at
the junction.
butt welding
The method used to make most standard sizes of steel pipe in which the butted
edges of strips of steel are welded together.
bypass
1. A pipeline with valves intended to divert flow in a different direction or
around a piece of equipment.
2. A connection or a valve system that allows hard water to supply a system while
the water softener is being regenerated or serviced.
bypass relief valve
A check valve that opens to permit a reverse flow of water from the building sys-
tem back into the supply main when the system pressure is greater than the supply
pressure due to the expansion of water as it is heated in the system.
bypass valve
A device used to divert flow past the part of the system through which it normally
passes.
bypass vent
A separate, distinct vent pipe (usually vertical) running parallel to a soil or waste
stack with frequent connections at branch intervals between the two stacks.

58 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


cabinet laboratory
C
A type of laboratory in which all handling of agents is performed in Class III
biological safety cabinets.
cable
A component used to brace structural assemblies and piping systems, made of
metal wires (typically steel) twisted together.
cable bracing
A support system utilizing cables and requiring two attachment locations, which
works under tension only and not tension and compression like rigid bracing.
cable sway brace
A component added to a standard pipe support or hanger system to limit sway
during movement such as during a seismic event, consisting of a cable, pipe at-
tachments, and an attachment to the structure.
CAD
Abbreviation for computer-aided design, the use of software to design detailed
two- or three-dimensional models of buildings or systems.
cadmium
A white metallic element that looks like tin, which helps reduce friction and of-
fers resistance to fatigue. Often replaces zinc in galvanizing iron and steel since it
resists corrosion better than zinc.
cage
Part of a globe valve surrounding the plug that helps determine the flow within
the valve. As the plug is moved, more of the openings in the cage are exposed and
flow is increased and vice versa. Also used to guide the plug to the seat of the valve
for a good shutoff.
cake sludge
The hard accumulation of sludge that results when sludge is air-dried or dewa-
tered.
calcium
A silvery, moderately hard metallic element that is one of the major factors con-
tributing to the formation of scale and insoluble soap curds, which make hard
water. Its compounds are used to make plaster, quicklime, Portland cement, and
metallurgic and electronic materials.

Plumbineering Dictionary 59
calcium carbonate
A white precipitate that forms in water lines, water heaters, and boilers in hard
water areas. Also known as scale.
calcium silicate
A white, free-flowing powder derived from limestone and diatomaceous earth
commonly used to make an insulation used as a safe alternative to asbestos for
high-temperature applications, such as industrial grade piping and equipment
insulation.
caliber
The internal diameter of a cylinder.
calibration
The process of comparing the graduation of an instrument to a standard of known
accuracy to eliminate variation.
California Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development
(OSHPD)
A state governmental agency that monitors the construction, renovation, and seis-
mic safety of hospitals and skilled nursing facilities and has become a recognized
authority in seismic restraint guidelines and requirements.
caliper
A measuring instrument with two jaws that can be adjusted to determine thick-
ness, caliber, and distance between surfaces.
calorie
The amount of heat required to raise the temperature of 1 kilogram of water 1°C
at a pressure of 1 atmosphere.
caloric value
The amount of heat produced by the complete combustion of a material or fuel,
measured in units of energy per amount of material.
can
A slang expression for a water closet.
Canadian Standards Association (CSA)
A nonprofit, membership-based association that develops standards for business,
industry, government, and consumers in Canada and around the world (csa.ca).
candle
A cylindrical piece of tallow or wax with a wick running through it that can be
burned to give light. Used by plumbers when working lead.

60 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


candle wicking
1. A fine thread of cotton used on pipe threads and under packing nuts to make
them water tight.
2. The center wick of a wax candle or a lantern using oil.
can pump
A vertical-shaft, turbine-type fire pump in a can (suction vessel), used in a pipeline
to raise water pressure.
canopy
A small roof projecting over a window or entrance.
cantilever
A projecting structural element or member supported at only one end.
cantilever pump
A type of centrifugal pump in which bearings support an overhung shaft that ex-
tends downward into a sump or tank, commonly used for abrasive solids handling
or in industrial applications where slurries are passed and processed.
canvas jacket
A cloth cover used to protect insulation, usually associated with heated devices
in plumbing.
CAP
Acronym for the College of American Pathologists (cap.org), an organization that
sets water purification standards for laboratory use.
cap
1. The top part of the housing of a check valve (equivalent to the bonnet of a gate
or globe valve), which may be either screwed or bolted onto the main body of
the valve.
2. A fitting into which the end of a pipe is screwed, soldered, or caulked for the
purpose of closing the end of the pipe.
capacity
1. The maximum or minimum flow obtainable under given conditions of media,
temperature, pressure, and velocity.
2. The volume of media that may be stored in a container or receptacle.
3. The maximum flow rate that can travel through a storm drainage pipe without
causing pressure to build up in the pipe.
4. The ability of certain-size water conditioners to remove a specific quantity
of hardness minerals, iron, or manganese from the water going through the
conditioner.

Plumbineering Dictionary 61
capacity, actual
The quantity of air actually compressed and discharged by an air compressor at
a rated speed and under rated conditions, used to measure the capacity of the
compressor. Also called free air delivered.
capacity coefficient
The ratio of a liquid’s radial velocity at a pump impeller to the velocity of the
impeller’s tip.
cape chisel
A tool forged with a thin-shaped blade, tapered on the top and bottom of the cut-
ting end, used for cutting slots, grooves, keyways, and deep corners.
capillary
A thin tube through which fluids flow.
capillary action
The interaction between a fluid and the walls of a tube, which produces a force
that can lift the fluid up into the tube.
capillary bore
The smallest available standard orifice in a given fitting design, usually 0.25 mil-
limeter.
cap screw
A bolt with a head that can be screwed into a hole and secured without use of a
nut. Also called tap bolt and tap screw.
carafe
A bottle typically made of glass with a narrow neck and spherical body, used to
hold water or beverages.
carafe filler
A water supply control device (faucet) designed to fill carafe-shaped vessels.
carbon
A very common nonmetallic chemical element occurring freely and as a constitu-
ent of coal, petroleum, and asphalt. Used chiefly as a pigment, absorbent, fuel,
electrode material, structural material, and reducing agent.
carbon, activated
1. A highly absorbent carbon or charcoal used to absorb gases.
2. A highly absorbent powdered or granular carbon chiefly used for purifying
water by absorption. Also called activated charcoal.
carbonated water
Effervescent water, usually containing salts, charged under pressure with purified
carbon dioxide gas.

62 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


carbon dioxide
A naturally occurring gas that also is produced when organic matter decays or
fuels burn. Considered one of the major greenhouse gases.
carbon dioxide extinguishing system
A fire suppression system in which the discharge is designed to raise the carbon
dioxide concentration in the hazard area, which displaces the air containing oxy-
gen, thus extinguishing the fire.
carbon filtration
The installation of a carbon filter to remove residual disinfectants, dissolved or-
ganics, and suspended organics.
carbon footprint
The amount of greenhouse gases generated by a person’s, facility’s, or area’s activi-
ties.
carbonic acid refrigeration system
A cooling system using a weak, unstable acid in solution.
carbonizing
A reduction of hydrocarbons in a pump, resulting in the formation of carbon resi-
due that interferes with the movement of a mechanical seal. Often called coking.
carbon monoxide
A colorless, odorless, very toxic gas consisting of carbon and oxygen, formed as a
product of the incomplete combustion of carbon.
carburetted water gas
A synthesis gas containing carbon monoxide and hydrogen that has been enriched
by hydrocarbon gases of high fuel value.
card-weight
A term used to describe standard or full-weight pipe.
carrier
A device used to mount an off-the-floor plumbing fixture such as a lavatory, water
closet, urinal, or sink.
carrier fitting
An L-shaped soil pipe fitting used directly beneath a water closet that connects a
closet collar and a stack fitting. Also called closet bend.
cartridge filter
A sediment filter, usually disposable, used in systems with contaminations lower
than 100 parts per million that works by reducing the amount of sediments trans-
ported by the fluid being filtered.

Plumbineering Dictionary 63
cast copper fitting
A copper fitting made by pouring the molten metal into a mold.
cast iron
A commercial alloy of iron, carbon, and silicon that is hard, brittle, nonmalleable,
and incapable of being hammer welded and is cast in a mold.
cast iron, charcoal hearth
Cast iron from which silicon and generally phosphorous have been removed in
a charcoal hearth, but still containing so much carbon that it is distinctly cast
iron.
cast iron closet bend
A 90-degree fitting used to connect a water closet to a soil stack or branch soil
pipe.
cast iron fitting
A pipe fitting made of cast iron, including wyes, tees, sanitary tees, double wyes
and bends, and elbows from 22½ to 90 degrees.
cast iron flange
A raised-edge fitting made of cast iron.
cast iron flanged fitting
A pipe fitting made of cast iron with a disc at the port, used as a support.
cast iron flux
A wetting agent used in brazing, soldering, or welding cast iron by gas, electric,
or combination methods.
cast iron pipe
Any pipe made of cast iron.
cast iron soil pipe
A type of cast iron pipe primarily used for sanitary drain, waste, vent, and storm
systems, classified into two major types—hub and spigot and hubless (no-hub).
cast iron soil pipe fitting
A pipe fitting made of cast iron for use with cast iron soil pipe.
Cast Iron Soil Pipe Institute (CISPI)
An organization that advances interest in the manufacture, use, and distribution
of cast iron soil pipe and fittings in the plumbing industry (cispi.org).
cast iron soldering
A process that decarbonizes the surface of the cast iron to be soldered, and the
molten hard solder is simultaneously brought into contact with the red hot metal-
lic surfaces.

64 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


cast steel
A type of steel formed by casting, as distinguished from rolling or forging.
catch basin
Part of a storm water drainage system that collects storm water runoff, separates
out any debris or sediment, and allows the storm water only to discharge.
cathode
1. A negatively charged electrode.
2. An electrode where electrons are gained and practically no corrosion occurs.
cathodic corrosion
An unusual condition in which corrosion is accelerated due to a reaction that
creates an alkaline condition corrosive to certain metals, such as aluminum, zinc,
and lead.
cathodic protection
A technique used to control the corrosion of a metal surface by making it work
as a cathode of an electrochemical cell by putting it in contact with another more
easily corroded metal to act as the anode of the electrochemical cell.
cation
A positively charged ion of an electrolyte that migrates toward the cathode under
the influence of a potential gradient.
caulked joint
A pipe connection in which the plain end of one pipe is inserted into the enlarged
diameter end of one pipe. Also called hub and spigot or bell-and-spigot joint.
caulker
One who caulks.
caulk fitting
A fitting connected to another fitting or a piece of pipe by means of caulking,
usually with lead and oakum.
caulking
A process used to make a water- or gas-tight seal in a joint or seam by applying a
mastic compound.
caulking coupling
A male and female assembly in which the annulus is packed to make a joint.
caulking ferrule
A brass bushing used to secure a pipe via caulking.
caulking iron
A tool used with a hammer or mallet to compress material by impaction or to
apply caulk to a seam.

Plumbineering Dictionary 65
caustic
A corrosive substance capable of burning or eating away by chemical reaction.
caustic embrittlement
The weakening of a metal resulting from contact with hydroxide ions.
cavitation
1. The formation and sudden collapse of vapor bubbles in a liquid, caused when
the pressure of the liquid falls below its vapor pressure.
2. A vacuum created when the discharge capacity of a pump exceeds the replace-
ment in the suction line, causing bubbling and vibrations that can damage the
pump over time.
cavitation corrosion
A type of metal erosion caused by the collapse of cavitation bubbles on the surface
of a liquid and characterized by pitting.
C clamp
A preformed device in a C shape that attaches to a flange or other part of a struc-
tural member and acts as an anchor for a hanger, support, or other device such
as a threaded rod.
CDA
Acronym for the Copper Development Association (copper.org), the market
development, engineering, and information services arm of the copper indus-
try, chartered to enhance and expand markets for copper and its alloys in North
America.
CDC
Acronym for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (cdc.gov), an agency
of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services whose mission is to pre-
vent and control disease and promote environmental health and health education
in the United States.
ceiling
The interior upper surface of a room.
ceiling flange
A projection or escutcheon used to cover an opening in a ceiling caused by a pipe
penetration.
ceiling iron
A tool used to caulk joints located very close to a ceiling.
cell
A circuit consisting of an anode and a cathode in electrical contact in a solid or
liquid electrolyte.

66 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


cellular glass
A type of insulation consisting of pure glass foam manufactured with hydrogen
sulfide and having closed-cell air spaces, with a smoke-developed rating of 0 and
a flame spread of 5.
cellulose
The chief substance composing the cell walls or woody parts of plants, used to
make fiber piping for sewers and conduits.
Celsius
A temperature scale that registers the freezing point of water as 0° and the boiling
point as 100° under normal atmospheric pressure. Also known as Centigrade.
cement
A substance that sets and hardens to form an adhesive.
center beam clamp
A jaw-type mechanical device used to connect, as a hanger or support, or used
to hold part of a piping system to a structural beam element (typically a steel
beam). Used with I beams and wide flange beams to provide a centered beam
connection.
centerline
A line dividing an area into two equal portions.
centerset
A bathroom sink faucet with a combined spout and handles.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
An agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services whose mission
is to prevent and control disease and promote environmental health and health
education in the United States (cdc.gov).
Centigrade
A temperature scale that registers the freezing point of water as 0° and the boiling
point as 100° under normal atmospheric pressure. Also called Celsius.
centrifugal pump
1. A pump in which the direction of discharge from the impeller radiates at a
right angle to the shaft.
2. A pump in which the pressure is developed principally by the action of rota-
tional force.
centrifuge
A machine using rotational force to separate substances of different densities, to
remove moisture, or to simulate gravity.

Plumbineering Dictionary 67
CERCLA
Acronym for the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and
Liability Act (Superfund), a U.S. federal act that limits the uncontrolled release
or threat of release of hazardous substances into the environment and provides for
methods to mitigate actual releases.
certificate of occupancy
A legal document issued to a building owner certifying that the structure meets all
appropriate codes so the premises can be occupied.
certified backflow assembly tester
An individual who has shown competence to test and maintain backflow assem-
blies to the satisfaction of the administrative authority having jurisdiction.
Certified in Plumbing Design (CPD)
An international certification program for engineers and designers of plumbing
systems administered by the American Society of Plumbing Engineers.
certified plumber
A master plumber.
ceruse
White lead used as a pigment.
cesspool
An underground cistern that receives the discharge of a drainage system and re-
tains the organic matter and solids, but permits the liquids to seep through the
bottom and sides.
cesspool strainer
A ladle-like tool with perforations used to clean a cesspool.
cfm
Abbreviation for cubic feet per minute, a volumetric unit of flow rate usually used
in relation to airflow.
CFR
Acronym for the Code of Federal Regulations, a set of books published by the
U.S. government containing the regulations of federal agencies currently in ef-
fect.
CGA
Acronym for the Compressed Gas Association (cganet.com), an organization ded-
icated to promoting the safe manufacture, transportation, storage, transfilling,
and disposal of industrial and medical gases and their containers.
CGMP
Abbreviation for current good manufacturing practice, a set of guidelines gov-

68 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


erning the safe manufacture and quality control of food, pharmaceuticals, and
medical devices.
CGPM
Acronym for the General Conference on Weights and Measures, from the French
term Conference Generale de Poids et Measures, one of the three organizations
established to maintain the International System of Units.
chainsaw
A cutting tool with teeth fit on an endless chain, powered by a gasoline engine,
electric motor, or compressed air.
chain pipe tongs
1. A gripping tool used to turn large pipes, consisting of a notched head with
teeth that engage the pipe and an adjustable, short chain that encircles the
pipe.
2. A lever handle with toothed jaws and a chain.
3. A form of wrench utilizing a chain.
chain vise
A holding device that holds a pipe in a V-shaped support by a chain.
chain wheel
A method of operating a valve by means of a chain-driven wheel.
chain wrench
A tool used to turn pipe in close quarters, with a chain provided for ratchet-like
action.
chalk line
A heavy string or twine covered with chalk, used to make a straight, accurate mark
on a surface.
change order
A contract amendment authorizing a change in the work, with any associated
changes in contract price and/or contract time.
channel
A trough through which any media may flow.
channel beam
A structural element having a U-shaped cross section.
channel clamp
A mechanical device with an adapter and hook rod that provides an off-center at-
tachment to the bottom flange of a channel beam for a hanger, support, or other
part of a piping system.

Plumbineering Dictionary 69
charcoal
A dark-colored form of carbon made from vegetable or animal substances, used
for fuel and in various mechanical, artistic, and chemical processes.
charcoal hearth cast iron
Cast iron from which silicon and phosphorous have been removed in a charcoal
hearth, but still containing so much carbon that it is distinctly cast iron.
chase
A recess in a wall or a space in which pipes can be run.
chaser
A threading tool, with either many teeth or a single cutting edge, shaped for cut-
ting or finishing external or internal screw threads to a specified pitch.
chasing threads
The re-cutting of threads after galvanizing to remove excess zinc gained during
the galvanizing process.
chatter
A sustained vibration magnified by the supply piping.
check damper
A valve or moveable plate in the flue or another part of a stove, furnace, or fire-
place that regulates the draft or the flow of air or other gas.
closing member
The moveable part of a valve that blocks flow.
chamfer
A beveled pipe end, usually done prior to threading.
check valve
An automatic, self-closing valve that permits flow in only one direction and auto-
matically closes by gravity when liquid ceases to flow in that direction.
check valve, straight way
An automatic, self-closing valve with the inlet and outlet in a straight line on
either a vertical or horizontal plane and permits flow in only one direction.
chemical disinfectant shower
A fixture that decontaminates laboratory safety suits after use by spraying a chemi-
cal disinfectant over the suit, allowing disinfection, and then rinsing with water.
chemical oxygen demand
A measurement of the amount of oxygen required to oxidize chemicals in water.
chemical precipitation
1. Precipitation induced by the addition of chemicals.

70 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


2. The process of softening water by adding lime or lime and soda ash as precipi-
tants.
chemical waste system
Piping that conveys corrosive or harmful industrial, chemical, or processed wastes
to a separate drainage system.
Chezy formula
A method to calculate mean flow velocity in pipes, expressed as v = c (R S)1/2,
where v is the mean velocity, c is the Chezy roughness and conduit coefficient, R
is the hydraulic radius of the conduit, and S is the slope of the conduit.
chiller
A mechanical device in which a liquid is chilled and circulated through an air-
handling unit to cool the air supplied to a building.
chimney
1. A vertical shaft enclosing one or more flues used to convey combustion gases
to the outside atmosphere.
2. A vertical shaft on a brick sewer or storm line used as a connection point.
china
A vitrified ceramic-ware composed chiefly of clay, feldspar, and flint, differing
from porcelain only in being made in two firings: one for the body and one for
the glaze.
china basin
A lavatory made of glazed, fired clay and supplied with water and waste connec-
tions.
china cap
A unit, usually ceramic, cemented in place to cover the bolts and or screwheads
of a plumbing fixture.
chipping knife
A tool used to cut lead or chip off uneven, thin edges of wiped joints.
chisel
A tool with a rectangular cutting edge used for cutting, dressing, and carving hard
substances, held by the handle and often driven by a mallet. Also used to cut cast
iron pipe.
chloralum
A disinfectant and antiseptic solution of chloride of aluminum.
chloride
An element commonly found in most natural groundwater and generally com-
bined with other minerals, such as sodium chloride.

Plumbineering Dictionary 71
chlorinate
To apply chlorine to water or sewage for sterilization, oxidation of organic matter,
or retardation of purification.
chlorinated lime
A bleaching powder made by passing chlorine gas over slacked or hydrated lime,
used as a bleaching agent, disinfectant, and deodorant.
chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC)
A thermoplastic produced by the chlorination of polyvinyl chloride resin, used for
hot and cold water pipe and industrial liquid handling.
chlorination
The process of adding chlorine to water to destroy organic (living) impurities.
chlorine
A nonmetallic element used as a bleach, oxidizing agent, and disinfectant in water
purification.
chlorofluorocarbon
An inert, nontoxic, and easily liquefied chemical used in refrigeration, air-condi-
tioning, packaging, and insulation, but can have a damaging effect on the Earth’s
ozone.
chloromine
A compound containing chlorine and nitrogen used as an antiseptic or disinfec-
tant.
churn
The maximum static head of a pump—typically the head when all flow is
blocked.
circuit
A directed flow route taken by a media from one point to another.
circuit vent
A branch vent that serves two or more traps and extends from before the last
fixture to connect with the vent stack.
circular saw
A cutting tool consisting of a rotating disk or plate with teeth around the edge.
circulating line
A run of pipe used to cause fluid to flow in a closed circuit.
circulator
A pump that forces the circulation of liquid in a system.
circumference
The length of the perimeter of a circle.
72 American Society of Plumbing Engineers
CISPI
Acronym for the Cast Iron Soil Pipe Institute (cispi.org), an organization that
advances interest in the manufacture, use, and distribution of cast iron soil pipe
and fittings in the plumbing industry.
cistern
A covered tank used for storing water, often placed underground.
city water
A potable water supply provided by a public utility.
clamp
A mechanical device used to connect, as a hanger or support, or used to hold part
of a piping system to a structural beam element without welding.
clamp coupling
A pipe fitting consisting of a tube of pliable material and a strap clamp to seal the
pipe or fitting ends to be coupled.
clapper
The disc of a swing-type check valve.
clarification
A process that reduces or removes turbidity, silt, and sediment present in a raw
water supply.
clarifier
A tank or basin in which wastewater is held for a period of time, during which the
heavier solids settle to the bottom and the lighter material floats to the surface.
Class I commodity
A noncombustible product that meets one of the following criteria: is placed di-
rectly on wooden pallets; is placed in single-layer corrugated cartons, with or
without single-thickness cardboard dividers, and with or without pallets; or is
shrink-wrapped or paper-wrapped as a unit load with or without pallets.
Class II commodity
A noncombustible product that is in slatted wooden crates, solid wood boxes,
multiple-layered corrugated cartons, or equivalent combustible packaging mate-
rial, with or without pallets.
Class III commodity
A product fashioned from wood, paper, natural fibers, or Group C plastics, with
or without cartons, boxes, or crates, and with or without pallets. May contain a
limited amount (5 percent or less by weight or volume) of Group A or Group B
plastics.

Plumbineering Dictionary 73
Class IV commodity
A product, with or without pallets, that meets one of the following criteria: is con-
structed partially or totally of Group B plastics; consists of free-flowing Group A
plastic materials; or contains within itself or its packaging an appreciable amount
(5 percent to 15 percent by weight or 5 percent to 25 percent by volume) of
Group A plastics.
Class A fire
A fire involving ordinary combustible materials such as wood, cloth, paper, rub-
ber, and many plastics (typical for wet-based sprinkler systems).
Class B fire
A fire involving flammable liquids, combustible liquids, petroleum greases, tars,
oils, oil-based paints, solvents, lacquers, alcohols, and flammable gases.
Class C fire
A fire involving energized electrical equipment.
Class D fire
A fire involving combustible metals such as magnesium, titanium, zirconium,
sodium, lithium, and potassium.
Class K fire
A fire involving cooking oils and fats.
clay puddle
An earthy mixture of clay, sand, and gravel worked while wet into a compact mass
that becomes impervious to water when dry.
clean agent
An inert gas or chemical agent used as a fire extinguisher that does not leave a
residue upon evaporation.
clean agent system
A fire suppression system using an inert gas or chemical agent to reduce the com-
bustion agent, heat, or oxygen or inhibit the chain reaction of these elements.
cleanout
An opening in a pipe that allows access for cleaning or examining the interior of
the pipe.
clean room
A particle-controlled area in which filtered air is supplied to maintain a specified
level of cleanliness.
Clean Water Act
A U.S. federal law that established a mechanism for setting uniform national
standards for wastewater discharge to surface waters and sewers.

74 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


clear-water waste
Clear wastewater drainage from equipment, rooms, and other areas that do not
contain contaminants considered harmful.
clevis
A connector device or metal shackle with drilled ends to receive a pin or bolt, used
for attaching or suspending parts.
clevis hanger
A support device providing for vertical adjustment, consisting of a clevis-type top
bolted to a formed steel bottom strap.
clinic
A healthcare facility where patients are seen on an ambulatory basis, but where
surgery involving general anesthesia is not performed.
close-coupled pump
A pump with a built-in motor in which the motor drive and pump impeller are
on the same shaft.
closed solar system
A solar energy system that has a completely enclosed collector subsystem circu-
lating the heat transfer fluid under pressure above atmospheric, except for an
expansion tank.
close-coupled water closet
A toilet in which the tank is bolted to the bowl.
closed-loop system
A type of hot water recirculation system in which dedicated hot water piping runs
from the heater, throughout the building, and back to the heater.
close nipple
A short piece of pipe threaded on both ends, used to connect various fittings.
close return bend
A short, cast or malleable, U-shaped pipe fitting with arms joined together. Also
called pattern return bend.
closet
A small room or cupboard used for storing clothes, household supplies, linens,
etc.
closet bend
An L-shaped soil pipe fitting used directly beneath a water closet that connects a
closet collar and a stack fitting. Also called a carrier fitting.
closet bolt
A T-headed bolt used to fasten a water closet to a drainage system.

Plumbineering Dictionary 75
closet bowl
The receptacle part of a toilet on which the user sits.
closet collar
A flanged fitting that fastens a water closet to a drainage system.
closet ell
The connecting pipe between a flushing tank or valve and a toilet bowl.
closet flange
A fitting connected to the waste pipe and secured to the floor to receive the closet
gasket and closet bolts used to secure a water closet to the drainage system.
closet gasket
A doughnut-shaped sealing device used to form a gas- and liquid-tight connection
between the outlet of a water closet bowl and the plumbing drainage system.
closet horn
The projection of the discharge spud or hollow base of a water closet.
closet offset
A fitting used to attach a water closet when the inlet and outlet are parallel but
not in straight alignment.
closet plunger
A bell-shaped rubber suction cup on a handle that is pumped over the toilet trap
to dislodge stoppage. Also called plumber’s friend.
closet reverse action bowl
A type of toilet bowl in which the waterway leads toward the front of the fixture.
closet screw
A wood-type screw usually with a detachable head, used for fastening a toilet to
the floor.
closet seat
A rim device placed on the edge of a toilet bowl that supports the user.
closet seat hinge
A hinge on a closet seat that allows the seat to swing above the toilet bowl.
closet siphon jet bowl
A type of toilet bowl in which a jetway allows water to influence flushing by
siphon action.
closet spud
An internal expanding device used to make connections to the flush water part
of a toilet bowl.

76 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


closet spud reducer
A fitting that decreases the initial bore of a spud.
closet tank
A reservoir that holds the liquid to flush a toilet.
closing member
The part of a valve that shuts off flow in the valve.
clothes dryer
A gas or electric appliance used to dry clothes.
clothes washer
An electric appliance used to clean clothes.
coagulant
A chemical added to water and wastewater to adsorb, entrap, and bring together
suspended matter so that it can be removed.
coagulation
The agglomeration of finely divided suspended matter in a liquid by the addition
of an appropriate chemical coagulant, by biological processes, or other means.
coalescence
The union of fluid particles to form larger drops or a continuous mass.
coalescing
1. The impingement of small-diameter aerosols that causes them to merge.
2. The separation of immiscible fluids (such as oil and water) with different spe-
cific gravities.
cock
A faucet.
cock hole cover
A slang expression for a cover over the opening for a valve, faucet, or spray on a
fixture.
code
The regulations, subsequent amendments thereto, and any emergency rules or
regulations that the department having jurisdiction may lawfully adopt.
Code of Federal Regulations (CFR)
A set of books published by the U.S. government containing the regulations of
federal agencies currently in effect.
coefficient of expansion
The numerical value describing the unit increase or decrease in length of a mate-
rial per 1°F increase or decrease in temperature.

Plumbineering Dictionary 77
coefficient of performance
The ratio of the rate of heat removal to the rate of energy input, in consistent units,
generally regarding a refrigeration system under designated operating conditions.
coefficient of permeability
A factor used to determine quantities of subsurface water, equal to gallons (liters)
of water per day through 1 square foot (0.09 square meter) of soil, with an increas-
ing head of 1 foot (0.3 meter) per every linear foot (0.3 meter).
coefficient of runoff
The percentage of precipitation that is not absorbed by the soil.
coefficient of transmissibility
A factor used to determine quantities of subsurface water, equal to the gallons
(liters) of water per day through an entire area, with the actual head increasing
every linear foot (0.3 meter).
cogeneration
The joint production and use of electricity and heat.
coherent unit system
A system in which relations between units contain as a numerical factor only the
number 1 (or unity).
cohesion
The force of attraction between molecules of any substance that tends to hold
them together.
coke plate
A sheet of coke iron.
coking
A reduction of hydrocarbons in a pump, resulting in the formation of carbon
residue that interferes with the movement of a mechanical seal. Often called car-
bonizing.
cold chisel
A tool with a flat blade made of steel of a strength, shape, and temper suitable for
chipping or cutting cold metal.
cold drawn
Pipe or tubing that is pulled through a die to reduce its diameter and wall and
increase its strength.
cold elevation
The design elevation after cold pull elevation.

78 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


cold fill pressure
The initial pressure needed at a pressure-reducing valve when a hydronic system
is filled.
cold flow
The deformation of a material attributed to the pressure or forces acting at ambi-
ent temperatures.
cold hanger location
The location of the pipe hangers, supports, and assemblies of an installed piping
system in reference to the building’s structure and structural elements prior to the
invoking of an operating environment.
cold load
The stress or loading put on a piping system prior to the occurrence of a normal or
steady-state operating environment (as measured at ambient temperature). Equals
the operating load plus or minus load variations.
cold-rolled steel
A type of steel characterized by a bright, smooth surface, made accurate to size so
that no machining is necessary.
cold rolling
A process that produces steel with a high tensile strength and smooth finish, but
sacrifices ductility and toughness.
cold setting
The position at which a mechanical control device indicator, such as that on a
spring hanger, is set to denote the proper non-operating position installation set-
ting of the unit.
cold shoe
A T-section hanger or support with integrated insulation that has been designed
for cold temperature piping system applications.
cold spring
The act of pre-stressing a piping system during installation to condition it for
minimal fluctuations, expansions, and other reactions when the finished piping
system and related equipment are used in the designed operating environment.
cold water
For test purposes, water at a temperature between 40°F (4°C) and 70°F (21°C).
coliform bacteria
A tiny organism found in the intestines of animals and humans that can cause
water pollution through fecal matter.

Plumbineering Dictionary 79
collar
1. A tapered sleeve around other parts in an assembly.
2. A flange used on a pipe where it passes through an opening in a wall or floor
to cover the opening.
collector
A device in a solar energy system installed in a convenient location to absorb the
sun’s energy.
collector, concentrating
A solar energy collector that uses reflectors, lenses, or other optical devices to con-
centrate the radiant solar energy passing through the aperture onto an absorber of
which the surface area is smaller than the aperture area.
collector efficiency
The ratio of the energy collected (or absorbed) to the total solar energy incident
on a solar energy collector, expressed in percent.
collector, evacuated tube
A solar energy collector consisting of rows of parallel transparent glass tubes, each
containing an absorber and covered with a selective coating. Also called vacuum
tube collector.
collector, flat-plate
A non-concentrating solar energy collector in which the absorbing surface is es-
sentially planar and usually approximately the same area as the aperture.
collector subsystem
The portion of a solar water-heating system used to absorb incident solar radia-
tion, convert it to thermal energy, and transfer it to a heat transfer fluid.
collector tilt
The angle above the horizontal plane at which a solar energy collector is mounted,
in degrees.
collector, transpired
A south-facing outside wall covered by a dark sheet-metal solar energy collector.
collector, trickle
A flat-plate solar energy collector over which non-pressurized liquids flow.
collet
A hollow clamping ring or holding device.
colloid
A finely divided solid that will not settle, but may be removed by coagulation or
biochemical action.

80 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


colored finish
A generic term that describes a color finish used as an identifier for product com-
patibility.
column
1. A supporting pillar.
2. A vertical shaft designed to bear axial loads in compression.
combination bath fitting
1. A valve or faucet that mixes hot and cold water for a bathtub.
2. A diverter valve, when a shower attachment is included in a bathtub.
combination drain and vent
A specially designed waste piping system in which a common drain and vent pipe,
adequately sized to provide free movement of air above the flow line of the drain,
serves the horizontal wet venting of one or more sinks or floor drains.
combination faucet
A faucet that discharges both hot and cold water through one spout.
combination fixture
A fixture that incorporates one sink and tray or a two- or three-compartment sink
and/or tray in one unit.
combination lavatory fitting
A valve or faucet that mixes hot and cold water delivered to a sink.
combination sewer
A wastewater collection system that carries both storm water and sewage. Also
called combined sewer.
combination sink and tray
A fixture with two compartments of unequal depth.
combination water closet
A fixture design in which the toilet bowl and flushing tank are made of one
piece.
combined dry pipe and preaction sprinkler system
A fire suppression system that employs automatic sprinklers attached to a piping
system containing air under pressure and a supplemental fire detection system
installed in the same area as the sprinklers.
combined hopper and trap
1. A receptacle with an integral or attached trap.
2. A funnel-type waste receptacle.

Plumbineering Dictionary 81
combined sewer
A wastewater collection system that carries both storm water and sewage. Also
called a combination sewer.
combined sewer overflow
A discharge of untreated wastewater from a combined sewer system before it
reaches the publicly owned treatment works.
combined sprinkler riser
An automatic sprinkler system and standpipe connection off the same riser.
combined waste and vent system
A specially designed waste piping system, a common waste and vent pipe, ad-
equately sized to provide free movement of air above the flow line of the drain,
serves the horizontal wet venting of one or more sinks, floor sinks, or floor
drains.
combustible
Capable of reacting with oxygen and burning.
combustible liquid
A liquid with a flash point at or above 100°F (37.8°C).
combustion
The act or process of burning.
combustion chamber
The portion of an appliance in which burning occurs.
combustion efficiency
The rated percentage of heat produced compared to the actual heat transferred to
the medium being heated.
combustion gas
A gas resulting from the process of burning, typically produced by gas appli-
ances.
combustion product
The gas, volatilized liquid and solid, particulate matter, and ash generated by com-
bustion.
commercial piping system
A system located in a commercial building structure that generally includes pip-
ing for fire protection, plumbing, heating, and cooling.
commercial standard
A document prepared by a recognized standard-setting organization that pre-
scribes methods and materials for the safe use and consistent performance of spe-
cific technologies, typically developed by consensus of the interested parties.

82 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


comminution
A wastewater treatment method in which the waste is mechanically shredded or
pulverized.
commissioning
The testing and adjusting of a building’s operating systems prior to occupancy.
commode
1. A toilet.
2. A bureau used to hold a washbowl and jug or to hide a chamber pot.
commodity
A combination of products, packing materials, and containers that determines a
room’s commodity classification for fire suppression purposes.
Class I commodity
A noncombustible product that meets one of the following criteria: is placed di-
rectly on wooden pallets; is placed in single-layer corrugated cartons, with or
without single-thickness cardboard dividers, and with or without pallets; or is
shrink-wrapped or paper-wrapped as a unit load with or without pallets.
Class II commodity
A noncombustible product that is in slatted wooden crates, solid wood boxes,
multiple-layered corrugated cartons, or equivalent combustible packaging mate-
rial, with or without pallets.
Class III commodity
A product fashioned from wood, paper, natural fibers, or Group C plastics, with
or without cartons, boxes, or crates, and with or without pallets. May contain a
limited amount (5 percent or less by weight or volume) of Group A or Group B
plastics.
Class IV commodity
A product, with or without pallets, that meets one of the following criteria: is con-
structed partially or totally of Group B plastics; consists of free-flowing Group A
plastic materials; or contains within itself or its packaging an appreciable amount
(5 percent to 15 percent by weight or 5 percent to 25 percent by volume) of
Group A plastics.
common
The part of a plumbing system designed and installed to serve more than one ap-
pliance, fixture, building, or system.
common vent
A vent that connects at the junction of two fixture drains and serves as a vent for
both fixtures. Also called dual vent.

Plumbineering Dictionary 83
companion flange
An internally threaded rim of a pipe that is drilled so it may be bolted to another
flange.
compass
1. A mathematical tool used to draw circles or arcs.
2. An instrument for determining direction by means of a freely rotating, mag-
netized needle that indicates magnetic north.
compass saw
A cutting tool that has a narrow, tapered blade, used to make both curved and
straight cuts.
component
An individual item or device that is combined with others to create an assembly.
composition joint
A way of joining bell and spigot pipe with packing materials such as rope and
rosin or cement and hemp.
composting
A way to recycle the nutrients and organic matter found in wastewater solids by
using oxygen to release water, heat, and carbon dioxide, which helps dry the or-
ganic material, while the generated heat increases the rate of decomposition and
kills pathogens.
composting toilet
A water closet that treats human waste via microbiological processes, typically
used in parks and remote areas.
compound
A cement with an oil base applied to threaded pipe connections to prevent leak-
age. Also called pipe joint.
compound drain
A drain that receives the discharge from more than one fixture.
compound leverage pipe wrench
A tool that enables the user to double the leverage via a hook jaw, which turns a
pipe or fitting one way, while an offset chain trunnion exerts pressure the opposite
way.
compound meter
A meter that measures low flows but can also measure higher flows, i.e., fire flow.
compound parabolic concentrator
A non-tracking solar energy collector consisting of two sections of a parabola of
second degree symmetrically located about the mid-plane of a collector.

84 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


computer-aided design (CAD)
The use of software to design detailed two- or three-dimensional models of build-
ings or systems.
compressed air
Ambient air stored and distributed at a pressure greater than atmospheric pres-
sure, typically used to power pneumatic tools or for laboratory use.
compressed cork
A widely used vibration and sound isolation material made of pure granules of
cork without any foreign binder and compressed and baked under pressure with
accurately controlled density.
compressibility
1. A measure of the relative volume change of a fluid or solid in response to a
pressure change.
2. The property of liquids, solids, and gases to decrease in volume under applied
pressure.
3. The deviance in the thermodynamic properties of a real gas from those ex-
pected from an ideal gas.
compressibility factor
The ratio of the actual volume of a real gas to the volume predicted by an ideal gas
at the same temperature and pressure as the actual volume.
compression
The process by which air or gas is made more compact.
compression, adiabatic
A reduction in the volume of a substance without heat flow.
compression efficiency
The ratio of the theoretical work requirement to the actual work required to com-
press a gas, expressed as a percentage, which accounts for leakage and fluid friction
losses.
compression faucet
A faucet or valve in which a disc is forced down onto its seat to terminate the
flow of water.
compression fitting
A connection designed to join pipe or tube by means of pressure or friction.
compression, isothermal
When the temperature of a gas remains constant during compression.

Plumbineering Dictionary 85
compression ratio
The ratio of the absolute discharge to the absolute intake pressure in a compres-
sor.
compression stress
Stress on a pipe wall due to external pressure or internal vacuum.
compression-type stop
A valve using a disc fitted to a seat to control the flow of liquids.
compression valve
A motor-operated valve using a disc fitted to a seat to control the flow of liquids.
compressive strength
The capacity of a material to withstand axially directed pushing forces.
compressive stress
A force that causes an elastic body to shorten in the direction of the force.
compressor
A mechanical device that increases the pressure of air or gas.
concave
1. A hollow within a mass or in a surface.
2. The inner face of a bowl.
concealed fouling surface
The surface of a plumbing fixture that is not readily visible and is not scoured or
cleansed with each fixture operation.
concealed sprinkler
A recessed fire sprinkler with a cover plate.
concentrate
In cross-flow filtration, reverse osmosis, nanofiltration, and ultrafiltration, the
amount of feed stream that does not permeate the membrane and thus concen-
trates the ions, suspended solids, and organics in the waste stream.
concentrating collector
A solar energy collector that uses reflectors, lenses, or other optical devices to con-
centrate the radiant solar energy passing through the aperture onto an absorber of
which the surface area is smaller than the aperture area.
concentrating ratio
The ratio of the aperture area to the absorber of a solar energy collector.
concentration cell
A cell involving an electrolyte and two identical electrodes that produces a voltage
as it attempts to reach equilibrium.

86 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


concentration cell attack
A type of corrosion that occurs when two or more areas of a metal are in contact
with different concentrations of the same solution.
concentration polarization
The buildup of molecules of dissolved substances on the surface of a membrane
filter during filtration processes.
concentrating solar collector
A solar energy collector that uses mirrors, lenses, reflectors, or other optical devic-
es to focus the radiant solar energy passing through the collector’s aperture onto
an absorber of which the absorber area is smaller than the aperture area.
concentrator
A reflector, lens, or other optical device in a concentration solar energy collector
used to focus the incident solar energy on the reduced absorber area.
concrete
A construction material consisting of portland cement, conglomerate gravel, peb-
bles, and stone in a mortar.
concrete fastener
A device installed in or attached to concrete by various means (often precast,
drilled, or epoxied) to which a pipe hanger or support can be attached.
concrete insert
An anchor device that is cast in place in a concrete structure for a hanger, support,
rod, or similar attachment to provide load assistance to a piping system.
concrete insert box
A box-type device that is cast in place in a concrete structure for the addition of a
hanger, support, rod, or similar attachment to provide load assistance to a piping
system.
concrete pipe
A tube made of concrete, typically used for sanitary sewers, storm sewers, culverts,
detention systems, and low-pressure force mains.
concurrent regeneration
When the flow is in the same direction as the service flow in all steps in the regen-
eration cycle of a water softener, except the backwash.
concussion
A loud thumping noise that results from a sudden stoppage of water flow in a
piping system. Also called water hammer.
condensate
1. Molecules that separate from a gas upon cooling.

Plumbineering Dictionary 87
2. The liquid that separates from a gas (including flue gas) due to a reduction in
temperature.
condensate collection system
A type of water recycling system that collects condensate from air-conditioning
systems and reuses the water in other systems such as mechanical makeup water
systems or landscape irrigation systems.
condensation
Water vapor that deposits on a surface whose temperature is below the dew-
point.
condensed steam
Saturated liquid at the same temperature as the steam from which it was formed.
condensate water
The wastewater resulting from water that has extracted heat while flowing through
a condenser.
condenser
A heat exchanger that removes heat from a vapor, changing it to its liquid state.
condensing water heater
A type of energy-efficient water heater that recovers the energy lost in flue gases by
using a larger heat exchanger or a second heat exchanger that reduces the flue-gas
temperature to the point where the water vapor condenses, thus releasing energy.
condition of service
An agreement between a water supplier and a consumer that specifies the obliga-
tions and responsibilities of each for water service to be provided.
conductance
The ability of a substance to conduct heat or electricity, measured with a conduc-
tivity meter and described as micro-siemens per centimeter, which is the same as
micro-ohms per centimeter. Also known as conductivity.
conduction
A heat transfer process by which heat flows from a region of high temperature to a
region of lower temperature within a solid, liquid, or gaseous medium by molecu-
lar contact or between different media in direct physical contact.
conductivity
The ability of a substance to conduct heat or electricity, measured with a conduc-
tivity meter and described as micro-siemens per centimeter, which is the same as
micro-ohms per centimeter. Also known as conductance.
conductor
1. Any vertical pipe that conveys rainwater, either inside or outside a building.
2. A material through which electric current can pass.
88 American Society of Plumbing Engineers
conduit
1. A pipe or channel that conveys fluids.
2. A tube or duct that encloses electric wires or cable.
Condy’s fluid
A mixture of calcium and potassium permanganates used for deodorizing cess-
pools and sewage.
cone washer
A cone-shaped faucet or basin washer that permits use with a beveled seat valve
and fits a variety of opening sizes.
confluent vent
A vent that serves more than one fixture or stack vent.
conformance
The degree of compliance with a regulation or code.
connected drain and overflow
A prearranged interconnection of a drain and a safety spillage conduit.
connected load
1. The total number of fixtures, equipment, or devices attached to a system.
2. The sum of the rated input to individual pieces of gas-using equipment con-
nected to a piping system, expressed in cubic feet (cubic meters) per hour.
connections
The joints, pipe, fittings, and valves in a piping system.
connector
A fitting or device used to join pipes, fittings, valves, and fixtures.
conservation
The practice of protecting against loss and waste and managing natural resources,
both renewable and nonrenewable.
constant-speed system
A system using a constant-speed pump (the pressure source) with a pressure-regu-
lating valve downstream (the regulating device), in which the pump never changes
speed because it is powered by a starter.
constant support hanger
A mechanical, spring-coil device that provides constant support for a piping sys-
tem, while permitting some dimensional movement.
constant support hanger indicator
A device attached to the movable arm of a constant support hanger that measures
vertical pipe movement.

Plumbineering Dictionary 89
constant velocity method
A pipe sizing method based on velocity only, plus the pressure drops not to exceed
the total allowable (used for short lengths and/or few connections).
construction documents
All drawings, specifications, and other written papers prepared or assembled for
the purpose of describing the design, location, and physical characteristics neces-
sary for obtaining permits and building any facility.
Construction Specifications Institute (CSI)
An association of commercial-level construction professionals that develops stan-
dards and specification formats (csinet.org).
consumer
A person receiving service from a potable water system purveyor.
consumer’s industrial piping system
A system used by a consumer to transmit or store a fluid, solid, or gaseous sub-
stance other than an approved water supply, including all pipes, conduits, tanks,
receptacles, fixtures, equipment, and appurtenances.
consumer’s potable water system
The portion of a privately owned potable water system between the point of deliv-
ery and the point of use, including all pipes, conduits, tanks, receptacles, fixtures,
equipment, and appurtenances.
consumer’s water system
A water system located on a consumer’s premises, whether supplied by a public
potable water system or an auxiliary water supply.
consumption
A measure of the volume of water used per toilet flushing cycle and all other
fixture usage.
contact corrosion
A type of corrosion that occurs when a metal contacts a nonmetallic material.
containment
1. A means of cross-connection control that requires the installation of a back-
pressure backflow preventer in the water service.
2. A method to isolate biohazardous material.
containment policy
A prescribed method to confine potential contamination caused by a cross-con-
nection within a facility by installing a backflow prevention assembly at the point
of service. Sometimes called premise isolation.

90 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


contaminant
A substance that impairs the quality of water to a degree that it creates a serious
health hazard to the public, leading to poisoning or to the spread of disease.
contamination
A degradation of quality in any material that creates a hazard to public health.
contaminator
A medium or condition that spoils the nature or quality of another medium.
continuous-feed food waste grinder
A food waste grinder that allows waste to be added as the unit runs and can be
charged with food waste continually.
continuous-flow trap primer
A device with a neoprene rubber poppet float that rises, allowing water to flow
through a water line into the floor drain trap.
continuous hot water recirculation system
The portion of a water distribution system that allows for continual circulation
and movement of the hot water supply within the piping between fixture outlets
and the hot water heating source, usually by means of a pump or gravity loop.
continuous insert
An anchoring device in the form of a channel that is cast in place in a concrete
structure for multiple hangers, supports, rods, or similar attachments to provide
load assistance to a piping system.
continuous pressure
A condition where upstream pressure is applied continuously (more than 12
hours) to a device or assembly, which can cause mechanical parts within a back-
flow preventer to become stuck or frozen in place, thus causing it to malfunc-
tion.
continuous vent
A vertical vent that is a continuation of the drain to which it connects.
continuous waste
A drain from two or three fixtures connected to a single trap.
contract documents
The legally enforceable requirements that become part of a construction contract
when the agreement is signed.
contractor
1. A person or company that agrees to furnish materials or perform services at a
specified price.
2. The successful bidder after the award of a construction contract.

Plumbineering Dictionary 91
control
A manual or automatic device that regulates a machine or process.
controlled-flow roof drainage system
A system utilizing drains that allow runoff to drain off a roof much more slowly
than the rate at which the runoff reaches the drain and collects excess runoff on
the roof, which is drained off at a controlled rate after the storm has abated.
controller
A cabinet containing the motor starter, circuit breaker, disconnect switch, and
other devices for the control of electric motors and internal combustion-engine-
driven pumps.
control stop
A valve used to control the flow of water into a pressurized flushing device.
control valve
A manual or automatic device used to direct (or control) the flow of water in a
certain direction.
convection
1. A process in which heat is transferred from one region to another by the mo-
tion of a fluid.
2. The large-scale movement of heat through a fluid (liquid or gas) due to differ-
ences in density between hot and cold fluids.
convection, forced
A heat transfer process caused by a mechanical device, such as a fan or injector.
convection, free
A heat transfer process caused by a density differential within a fluid, without the
involvement of a mechanical device.
conventional pollutant
A contaminant typically found in municipal sewage that can be treated by sec-
ondary treatment plants.
conventional roof drainage system
A system composed of roof drains designed and sized to handle runoff as fast as
it reaches the drain.
convex
1. Arched up.
2. The outer face of a bowl.
Cooling Technology Institute
An organization dedicated to advocating and promoting the use of environmen-

92 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


tally responsible evaporative heat transfer systems, cooling towers, and cooling
technology (cti.org).
cooling tower
A hydromechanical device used to recirculate water to release heat or energy so the
water may be used to cool.
cooling tower, dry
A cooling tower that works by transferring heat from warmer water to cooler air
by a sensible heat-transfer process.
cooling tower, evaporative
A cooling tower that works by transferring heat from warmer water to cooler air
mainly by an evaporation heat-transfer process.
cook sink
A special-purpose basin used in food preparation.
coordination drawings
Reproducible drawings showing plumbing work with horizontal and vertical
dimensions to avoid interference with structural framing, ceilings, partitions,
equipment, and lights, mechanical, electrical, and conveying systems, and other
services.
copolymer
A polymer of more than one monomer.
copolymerize
To bond two or more substances chemically.
copper
A tough, reddish brown, metallic chemical element that resists rust and is easily
shaped into thin sheets or fine wire, used extensively in piping systems and in al-
loys such as brass and bronze.
copperas
A green sulfate of iron, used as a disinfectant and in purifying water.
copper bit
A bar of copper used for soldering. Usually called soldering iron or copper bolt.
copper boiler
A water heater made of copper.
copper bolt
A bar of copper used for soldering. Also called copper bit or soldering iron.
Copper Development Association (CDA)
The market development, engineering, and information services arm of the cop-

Plumbineering Dictionary 93
per industry, chartered to enhance and expand markets for copper and its alloys
in North America (copper.org).
copper drainage
A system of drain or waste pipe made of copper.
copper drainage fitting
A fitting for assembling a drain or waste system made of copper.
copper drainage tube
A seamless tube furnished in drawn (hard) temper copper only, used in drain,
waste, and vent applications.
coppered steel hanger
A copper-plated steel device used to support pipes.
copper float
A buoyant device made of copper used to control a float valve.
copper-lined tank
A tank lined with sheet copper.
copper lining
Sheet copper formed into a box-like shape, minus a cover.
copper pipe
Plumbing pipe made from copper for water supply; drain, waste, and vent sys-
tems; boiler feed lines; refrigeration; and similar purposes.
copper-plated nipple
A short piece of pipe that is plated in copper.
copper plating
An electroplating process in which a copper coating is deposited on a substrate.
copper range boiler
A range water heater made of copper.
copper sheet
Copper drawn into sheets of various thicknesses or gauges.
copper-silver ionization
A method of injecting positive ions into the water stream, in which the positive
cations attach to the negative anions of organic pathogens, destroying their cell
structures. Used to eliminate Legionella and other waterborne organisms.
copper stop
1. A valve made to receive copper tube.
2. A sweat joint connection for inlet and outlet ports.

94 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


copper-to-thread adapter fitting
A fitting with one threaded (male or female) end and an opposite 180-degree
female socket for inserting copper tube.
copper tube fitting, drainage
A thin-walled copper fitting for use in a drainage system.
copper tube fitting, flared
A thin-walled copper fitting with a flared end for use in a drainage system.
copper tube fitting, sweat
A copper fitting with a female bore affixed to a tube by heating.
copper water tube
A seamless, almost pure copper pipe with three basic wall thickness dimensions,
designated as Types K, L, and M, with Type K being the thickest, Type L being of
intermediate thickness, and Type M being the thinnest.
core
The inner port or part of an object.
core grease
A non-water-soluble lubricant in paste form used in lubricating the core of valves
and cocks.
corner lavatory
A washbasin with sides in contact with two adjacent walls.
cork
A vibration and noise isolation material, typically used directly under machines or
under concrete foundations.
cork, compressed
A widely used vibration and sound isolation material made of pure granules of
cork without any foreign binder and compressed and baked under pressure with
accurately controlled density.
cornice roof drain
A drain for installation in gutters, cornices, balconies, and other overhanging con-
struction to prevent overflow to areas below.
corporation cock
A stopcock that controls the flow of water or gas from a main to an individual
customer, located where the service lateral is tapped into the main, so it usually is
not readily accessible. Also called corporation stop.
corporation ferrule
A tee connection to a water main, either threaded into the sidewall of the main
or joined by mating tapers.

Plumbineering Dictionary 95
corporation ferrule coupling
A boiler coupling at a 90-degree angle. Sometimes called bent coupling.
corporation stop
A stopcock that controls the flow of water or gas from a main to an individual
customer, located where the service lateral is tapped into the main, so it usually is
not readily accessible. Also called corporation cock.
corrode
To destroy a metal or alloy gradually, especially by oxidation or chemical action.
corrosion
The degradation of a material by its environment.
corrosion control
1. In water correction, preventing the discharge of the metallic ions of a conduit
by increasing the pH value of the water, removing the free oxygen from the
water, and controlling the carbonate balance.
2. Sequestering metallic ions to form protective films on metal surfaces by chem-
ical treatment to prevent corrosion.
corrosion fatigue
Reduction of a metal’s durability by a corrosive environment.
corrosion fatigue limit
The maximum repeated stress that can be endured by a metal without failure in
a stated number of stress applications under defined conditions of corrosion and
stressing.
corrosion mitigation
The reduction of metal loss or damage through the use of protective methods and
devices.
corrosion prevention
The halting or elimination of metal damage through the use of corrosion-resisting
materials, protective methods, and protective devices.
corrosion potential
The possibility that a metal will corrode under specific conditions of concentra-
tion, time, temperature, aeration, and velocity.
corrosion-resistant sprinkler
A fire sprinkler with special coatings or platings, used in an atmosphere that
would corrode an uncoated sprinkler.
corrosive
The ability of a chemical compound or material to attack, eat away, or otherwise
damage materials.

96 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


corrosive wastes
Acids and other unwanted wastes that are capable of causing corrosion in a piping
system.
corrugated stainless steel tubing (CSST)
A flexible gas piping system made from 300 series stainless steel, suitable for natu-
ral gas and propane.
cotter pin
A form of split pin that is inserted into a hole near the end of a bolt to prevent a
nut from coming loose.
cotton wicking
A packing material made of cotton strands of various thicknesses.
countercurrent
A situation that occurs when a liquid-heating medium in a heat exchanger flows
in a direction opposite to that of the fluid being heated.
countercurrent regeneration
When the flow is in the opposite direction of the service flow during the regenera-
tion of a water conditioner.
counter set lavatory
A preformed integral bowl and countertop or a drop washbasin set under or above
a countertop.
countersink
1. A hole in which the top part is enlarged so the head of a screw or bolt will lie
flush with or below the surface.
2. A tool to make such a hole.
couple
A cell developed in an electrolyte resulting from electrical contact between two
dissimilar metals.
coupling
A pipe fitting with female threads used only to connect two pipes in a straight
line.
cover plate
A sheet of glass or transparent plastic that covers a solar absorber in a flat plate
solar energy collector.
cowl
A hood on the top of a vent pipe or similar device, used to prevent downdrafts
and improve ventilation.

Plumbineering Dictionary 97
CPD
Acronym for Certified in Plumbing Design, an international certification program
for engineers and designers of plumbing systems administered by the American
Society of Plumbing Engineers.
CPVC
Abbreviation for chlorinated polyvinyl chloride, a thermoplastic produced by the
chlorination of polyvinyl chloride resin, used for hot and cold water pipe and
industrial liquid handling.
cracking
Separation of a material in a brittle manner along a single or branched path.
cradle-to-cradle
The reuse of materials at the end of their first useful life.
cradle-to-grave
The impact of a product from its source through the end of its useful life to the
disposal of all waste products.
craft union
A labor union whose membership is limited to those following the same trade.
crane
A siphon or bent pipe for drawing liquids out of a large vessel.
crapper
Slang for toilet.
creep
The elongation of a material due to heat or stress.
crevice corrosion
Localized corrosion resulting from the formation of a concentration cell in a
crack, which allows the accumulation of a corroding agent.
critical air gap
The air gap for implementing reverse flow under laboratory conditions with still
water, with the water valve fully open and one-half atmospheric pressure within
the pipe.
critical flow
The flow rate of a fluid equal to the speed of sound in that fluid.
critical level
A reference point on a backflow prevention device or vacuum breaker that deter-
mines the minimum elevation above the flood level rim of the fixture or receptacle
served at which the device may be installed.

98 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


critical level marking
A point on a backflow prevention device or vacuum breaker that specifies the
minimum elevation above the flood level rim of the fixture served.
critical point
The transition point at which a liquid and gas merge into one another.
critical pressure
The saturation pressure at the critical temperature and the highest vapor pressure
that a liquid can exert.
critical temperature
The highest temperature at which a gas can be liquefied.
critical zone
A part of a building that contains contaminant sources sufficiently strong enough
to require exact control of ventilation to ensure occupants’ comfort.
crockery
A product made with clay as the prime ingredient, molded or shaped, and then
baked or fired for firmness.
crooked thread
A pipe or nipple thread that is out of alignment, sometimes done purposely to
connect pipes that are out of alignment. Also called drunken thread.
cross
A pipe fitting with four branches each at 90 degrees to one another.
cross connection
A physical connection or arrangement between two otherwise separated piping
systems—one containing potable water and the other containing a substance of
unknown or questionable safety—whereby flow may occur from one system to
the other, the direction of flow depending on the pressure differential between
the two systems.
cross-connection control
A piping design or device together with frequent monitoring to prevent a reverse
flow of water at a cross connection.
cross-connection control program
A process consisting of both containment and point-of-use fixture or equipment
isolation to prevent cross connections.
cross-flow membrane filtration
The separation of a fluid’s components by a semi-permeable membrane.

Plumbineering Dictionary 99
cross-linked polyethylene (PEX)
A rupture-resistant polyethylene with cross-links formed into tubing, used pre-
dominantly in hydronic radiant heating systems and domestic water piping.
crossed-linked polyethylene, aluminum, crossed-linked polyethylene
(PEX-AL-PEX)
A composite pipe made of an aluminum tube laminated with interior and exterior
layers of cross-linked polyethylene bonded with an adhesive.
crossover
A pipe fitting with a double offset, or shaped like the letter U with the ends turned
out, used to direct the flow of one pipe past another when the pipes are in the
same plane.
crossover fitting
A fitting that allows pipes installed at the same elevation or parallel to cross.
cross valve
A valve fitted on a transverse pipe to open flow between two parallel pipes.
crowbar
A tough iron bar used as a lever for prying and lifting.
crown
The upper part of a trap where the direction of flow is changed from upward to
horizontal.
crown saw
A circular-shaped cutting tool attached to a drill, used to cut out circular shapes.
Also called cylinder saw or hole saw.
crown vent
A vent pipe connected at the topmost point of a trap.
crown-vented trap
An air-admittance valve attached to a drainpipe and protected by a check valve,
used to equalize pressure in a drain line and protect the trap seal.
crown weir
The highest part of the inside portion of the bottom surface at the crown of a
trap.
crow’s foot
A PVC tee with two outlets at right angles off the main.
crucible
A vessel made of refractory material used for melting or calcinating metal at high
temperatures.

100 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


crucible steel
A high-grade steel made by melting wrought iron in a crucible and adding char-
coal, pig iron, and other substances rich in carbon.
cryogenic
Relating to low temperature.
cryolite
A mineral consisting of sodium-aluminum fluoride, used for soldering copper
and alloys when mixed with phosphoric acid and for soldering aluminum bronze
when mixed with barium chloride.
cryptosporidium cyst
A parasitic protozoan in the gut of vertebrates that causes diarrhea.
CSA
Acronym for the Canadian Standards Association (csa.ca), a nonprofit, member-
ship-based association that develops standards for business, industry, government,
and consumers in Canada.
CSI
Acronym for the Construction Specifications Institute, an association of com-
mercial-level construction professionals that develops standards and specification
formats (csinet.org).
CSST
Abbreviation for corrugated stainless steel tubing, a flexible gas piping system
made from 300 series stainless steel, suitable for natural gas and propane.
cubic feet per minute (cfm)
A volumetric unit of flow rate usually used in relation to airflow.
cubic foot of gas
The amount of gas that would occupy 1 cubic foot (cubic meter) at a temperature
of 60°F (15.6°C), saturated with water vapor, and under a pressure equivalent to
30 inches of mercury (101.3 kilopascals).
cubic foot of mineral
The amount of high-capacity resin or ion exchange mineral used in a water soft-
ener.
culvert
A concrete conduit that passes under a road to allow drainage.
cup joint
A joint between two lead pipes in a straight line in which the tapered end of one
is fitted into the flared end of the other.

Plumbineering Dictionary 101


cup sink
A small, cup-shaped, acid-resistant receptacle generally used in chemical labora-
tories.
cup washer
A gasket or washer in the form of a disc with a hole in its center and raised
edges.
cuprichloramine
A chemical mixture of copper sulfate, ammonia, and chlorine used as an algae-
cide.
curb box
An enclosure or chamber located at a street curb that contains a shutoff valve on
the supply line for gas or water to a building.
curb box key
A long-handled wrench to reach the stop cock in the ground at the base of a deep
box.
curb cock
A valve that controls the flow of water or gas from a main to an individual cus-
tomer, located in an accessible box or near the curb line. Also called tee head.
curb inlet
A drainage structure that allows storm water to enter a drainage system from an
opening in a road.
curb valve
A valve in a public location that controls the water supply to a building.
current
The movement of electrons through a conductor, measured in amperes.
curtain rod
A tubular rod with flanges on its ends used to hang shower curtains with the aid
of curtain pins or rings.
curtain wall
An exterior wall that provides no structural support.
curved yarning iron
A blunt caulking iron with an offset or curved blade.
cuspidor
A receptacle for spitting.
cut muriatic acid
Less-than-full-strength hydrochloric acid.

102 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


cut short
The shortening or lengthening of a section of pipe to provide for reduced fluc-
tuations, expansions, and other reactions when the finished piping system and
related equipment are used in the designed operating environment.
cutting oil
A lubricant for pipe- and bolt-cutting equipment during the preparation of a
thread.
CWA
Acronym for the Clean Water Act, a U.S. federal law that established a mecha-
nism for setting uniform national standards for discharge to surface waters and
sewers.
cycle
The length of time something operates.
cycle of concentration
A measure of the mineral concentration in a cooling tower’s process water, essen-
tially the ratio of makeup water to bleed (uncontrolled and controlled).
cycle operation
The sequence of valve operations on automatic water softeners.
cylinder lining
An internal sleeve inside an outer shell.
cylinder manifold system
A system of compressed gases of various types in cylinders that acts as a primary
supply source.
cylinder saw
A circular-shaped cutting tool attached to a drill, used to cut out circular shapes.
Also called crown saw or hole saw.

Plumbineering Dictionary 103


Dalton’s law
D
A principle stating that the total pressure of a mixture of gases equals the sum of
the pressure each gas would exert if it alone occupied the volume of the mixture.
dampen
1. To check or reduce.
2. To deaden vibration.
damper
An adjustable plate in the flue of a boiler that controls the draft.
damper regulator
A device that automatically controls draft dampers due to the changing pressures
of the steam being produced in a boiler.
damping
A reduction of energy in equipment mounted on isolators by reducing or stop-
ping motion through friction or viscous resistance.
dandy cleanout
A straight piece of soil pipe with a threaded opening on the run with a brass
removable plug.
Darcy friction factor
A dimensionless quantity that describes friction losses in pipe flow, used in the
Darcy-Weisbach equation.
Darcy-Weisbach equation
An equation used to calculate the loss of head due to friction during the turbulent
flow of a fluid through a duct.
DCV
Abbreviation for double check valve, a backflow prevention device consisting of
two check valves assembled in a series, usually with a ball valve or gate valve in-
stalled at each end for isolation and testing.
deactivation
The removal of active corrosion constituents, usually oxygen, from a corrosive
liquid by controlled corrosion of expendable metal or by other chemical means.
dead end
A termination by means of a plug, cap, or other fitting that closes off the end of
a pipe.

Plumbineering Dictionary 105


dead-end pressure
The suction pressure attained by an ejector or positive-displacement vacuum
pump at zero capacity with the suction absolutely blanked off.
dead-end service
A type of service in which a pressure-regulating valve is required to close bottle-
tight when there is no demand on the system.
dead leg
Any area in a piping system where water is not continuously moving.
deadman
A concrete shape, usually rectangular, used as an anchor to counteract tank buoy-
ancy.
deadweight load
The combination of all stress or loading put on a piping system, including the
weight of the piping system and its contents.
deaeration
Bringing water to its boiling point to remove oxygen.
deaerator
A device in which oxygen, carbon dioxide, or other noncondensable gases are
removed from boiler feed water, steam condensate, or a process stream.
dealkalization
A process that reduces the alkalinity of feed water.
dealloying
The selective leaching or corrosion of a specific constituent from an alloy.
decarbonation
A process used to reduce the bicarbonate level in feed water.
decibel
1. The unit used to qualify the level of sound (or loudness) relative to an arbi-
trary reference point and also employed to quantify sound power.
2. The smallest increment of change in sound intensity that a normal human
being can detect.
decibel scale
1. A frequency-modified sound level in which low-frequency and high-frequen-
cy sounds are attenuated in a similar manner to that in which the human ear
responds to wide-range sounds.
2. The most common unit used for sound measurement to relate sound intensity
to normalized subjective loudness.

106 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


decomposition potential
The practical minimum potential difference necessary to decompose the electro-
lyte of a cell at a continuous rate.
decoupled
When a change in flow rate in one loop does not affect the flow in another.
decoupler bridge
The common piping between primary and secondary piping loops.
deep seal trap
A trap with a longer water seal than that required by code.
deferrization
The removal of the soluble compounds of iron from water.
deflection
Any change in the inside diameter of a pipe resulting from installation and im-
posed loads.
degradation
A harmful change in the chemical structure, physical properties, or appearance
of a plastic.
degree
A unit of a temperature scale.
degree Celsius (°C)
An incremental value in metric units used to measure temperature, where the
freezing point of water (0°C) and the boiling point of water (100°C) are divided
into 100 divisions.
degree day
The difference between the average daily temperature and 65°F, used as a baseline
to measure a building’s energy needs.
degree Fahrenheit (°F)
An incremental value in English units used to measure temperature, where the
freezing point of water (32°F) and the boiling point of water (212°F) are divided
into 180 divisions.
degree Kelvin (°K)
An absolute temperature scale created for laboratory use, based on a starting tem-
perature of absolute zero, -273.15°C.
degree of hazard
The potential of a substance to be detrimental to human health.

Plumbineering Dictionary 107


degree of saturation
The ratio of the weight of vapor existing in a given space to the weight that would
be present if the space were saturated at the space’s temperature.
degree Rankine (°R)
An absolute temperature scale, based on a starting temperature of absolute zero,
-459.67°F
deionization
An ion-exchange process used to remove ions to produce pure water.
deliquescent
A material that changes state in the presence of water.
delta T (∆T)
A term used to describe the temperature differential of a heating or cooling fluid
as it enters and leaves a heat transfer device.
delta P (∆P)
1. The pressure drop through a component
2. The difference in pressure between two points.
deluge system
A fire suppression system that quickly covers the entire area of a fire with water via
sprinklers or spray nozzles that are open at all times.
demand
1. The estimated flow or use expected under specific operating conditions.
2. The maximum amount of gas per unit time required for the operation of the
appliance supplied, usually expressed in cubic feet per hour (liters per minute)
or British thermal units (watts) per hour.
demand hot water system
A hot water heater that instantaneously produces and provides hot water rather
than storing heated water in a tank.
demineralization
A process that produces high-purity water completely free from minerals, most
particulate matters, and dissolved gases.
demineralized water
A high-purity water free from most minerals that can be used in most laboratories,
in laboratory glassware-washing facilities as a final rinse, and as pretreatment for
still feed water.
denitrification
The process of removing nitrates from water.

108 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


density
1. The ratio of the weight of a substance to its volume.
2. The weight of a given volume of gas, usually expressed in pounds per cubic
feet at standard pressure and temperature conditions.
dental cuspidor
A water-flushed device to receive fluids from the mouth in dentist offices.
dental lavatory
A fixture connected to water and waste, primarily for dental hygiene practices.
dental unit
A plumbing fixture that includes a cuspidor, used for the examination and treat-
ment of a patient’s teeth.
depth of thread
The radial distance from the crest of a screw thread to its base.
depolarization
The elimination or reduction of polarization by physical or chemical means, re-
sulting in increased corrosion.
deposit attack
Pitting corrosion resulting from accumulations on a metal surface that cause con-
centration cells.
depression storage
The quantity of storm water that is lost as a result of minor surface depressions,
the magnitude of which is largely a function of the land use.
descriptive specification
A detailed written description of the required properties of a product, material, or
piece of equipment and the workmanship required for its proper installation.
desiccant
A material that easily absorbs water vapor.
design/build
A construction method in which a single entity contracts both the design and
construction aspects of a project.
design compression ratio
The ratio of the absolute discharge pressure to the absolute inlet pressure at which
a compressor is designed to operate.
design conditions
The exterior and interior environmental parameters specified for HVAC and elec-
trical design.

Plumbineering Dictionary 109


design elevation
The overall mechanical drawing view of a piping system as designed.
design load
The combination of all stress or loading put on a piping system as defined in the
engineered drawing or as part of the engineered design specification.
design point
The specific point in a piping network where a pipe size is calculated.
design pressure
The maximum continuous operating pressure of a piece of equipment as designed
by the manufacturer.
design temperature
The baseline temperature used in energy-modeling calculations.
detector check valve
A valve that detects leakage or unauthorized use of water from fire or automatic
sprinkler systems on applications where no backflow assemblies are required.
detector, smoke
A device that senses the visible or invisible products of combustion and activates
an alarm.
detention
In storm water management, the ponding of runoff in basins for water-quality
improvement and flood prevention.
detention basin
A vessel used to collect and hold storm water until it seeps into the soil.
detergent
A synthetic cleansing substance similar to soap but made of chemical compounds
rather than fats and lye.
detergent brush
A hose and brush assembly with a detergent supply and a built-in diverter, at-
tached to a faucet and used for cleaning utensils.
detritus
The sand, grit, and other coarse material removed from water by differential sedi-
mentation in a relatively short period of detention.
detritus tank
A chamber in which suspended matter is removed during sewage treatment.
developed length
The length along the centerline of pipe and fittings.

110 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


developing tank
A fixture used to develop film or x-rays.
deviation
1. The variation from a specified dimension or design requirement, defining the
maximum upper and lower limits.
2. A measurement of difference, often expressed as a percentage, used to describe
the accuracy difference between actual and specified performance criteria.
dewpoint
1. The temperature at which water in the air will start to condense on a surface.
2. In a gas mixture, the temperature at which the highest boiling point constitu-
ent will start to condense.
DFU
Abbreviation for drainage fixture unit, a numeric value given to represent the
probable discharge of a fixture or device into a drainage system.
diameter
The circumference of a pipe.
diamond drill
A machine with a hollow, diamond-set bit, used for boring into rock.
diamond point
A cutting tool with a point that is ground at an angle across diagonal corners,
used in square and angled corners, grooves, and other close places where material
must be removed.
diaphragm
A flexible disc that is used as a closure member in some valves.
diaphragm gauge
Similar to a Bourdon gauge, a pressure-measuring device that relies on the defor-
mation of an elastic metal under pressure.
diaphragm packing
A thin membrane separation between two cavities or between a cavity and space,
held in position by another substance.
diaphragm valve
A simple valve in which a resilient diaphragm provides tight shutoff and isolates
the body from its operator, which consists of a plunger and a hand-wheel as-
sembly.
diatom
An organism commonly found in waters and considered by health officials to be
non-harmful, but occasionally may impart objectionable odors.

Plumbineering Dictionary 111


diatomite
A fine white powder material made up of fossilized diatoms, used as a filtering
material. Also called diatomaceous earth.
diatomaceous earth
A fine white powder material made up of fossilized diatoms, used as a filtering
material. Also called diatomite.
die
1. A tool for cutting external threads.
2. An internal screw used for cutting an outside thread.
die chaser
The threaded section of a screw-cutting die.
die head
A device that carries the threading dies in a screw-cutting machine.
dielectric
Something that doesn’t conduct direct electric current.
dielectric fitting
A fitting having insulating parts or material that prohibits the flow of electric cur-
rent, installed between ferrous and nonferrous piping to resist corrosion.
die stock
A device to hold dies used for cutting threads on pipe or fittings.
differential
The variance between two target values.
differential aeration cell
An oxygen concentration cell resulting from a potential difference caused by dif-
ferent amounts of oxygen dissolved at two locations.
differential pressure
1. The difference in pressure between two points in a piping system.
2. The pressure difference between the suction and discharge of a pump, typi-
cally measured in pounds per square inch gauge.
diffuser
1. A device, usually tubular with holes or openings in the wall, used in water
tanks to disperse the incoming fluid in a desired pattern.
2. A device used in water heaters to prevent or control turbulence caused when
inbound cold water hits the heated water.

112 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


digester
1. A covered tank in which sewage sludge is decomposed.
2. A tank used to store sewage sedimentation to permit aerobic decomposition.
digestion
In the sewage treatment process, the process of biochemical decomposition of
organic matter, resulting in the formation of simple organic and mineral sub-
stances.
digestion, mesophytic
When organic matter decomposes without the presence of oxygen at a tempera-
ture around 96.8°F (36°C).
digestion, thermophilic
When organic matter decomposes without the presence of oxygen at a tempera-
ture around 131°F (55°C).
digit
One of the 10 Arabic numerals (0 to 9).
dilution
1. The process of making a substance weaker or less concentrated.
2. The process of disposing of sewage by allowing it to mix with a large volume
of water.
dilution air
Air that enters a boiler’s draft hood or draft regulator and mixes with flue gases.
dilution system
A type of acid waste system in which the acid waste goes into a chemically resis-
tant basin where chemicals are introduced to dilute the waste and bring the pH
to an acceptable level.
dimension
A geometric element in a design or the magnitude of such a quantity.
dip of trap
The lowest portion of the inside top surface of the channel through a trap.
dip tube
1. A pipe or tube inside a reservoir to convey the incoming water to, or near, the
bottom of the container.
2. A water inlet pipe inside a water storage tank.
direct-acting, balanced-piston valve
A combination piston and diaphragm valve requiring little attention after installa-
tion and only slightly affected by variations in initial pressure due to the depend-
ability of the diaphragm and the simplicity of direct action.

Plumbineering Dictionary 113


direct-acting, diaphragm-actuated valve
A pressure regulator that does not regulate the delivery pressure with extreme
accuracy, but is simple in construction and operation and requires minimum at-
tention after installation.
direct cross connection
1. A continuous, enclosed interconnection or cross connection that enables flu-
ids to flow from one system to another.
2. An arrangement of pipes, fixtures, or devices connecting a potable water sup-
ply directly to a nonpotable source.
directional tee
A fitting that allows direct flow in one direction by use of an internal baffle.
direct return
When the first terminal to get water from the supply is also the first to return it,
making the path through that terminal the shortest.
direct vent
A system that pulls outside air for combustion and vents combustion gases di-
rectly outside without using a chimney.
disc
The movable seating surface in a valve.
discharge
1. Something that is released, emitted, or excreted.
2. Effluent released into a natural body of water.
discharge capacity
The carrying capacity in gallons per minute or liters per second of an air gap de-
vice, without spillage of water from the air gap to the atmosphere.
discharge fitting
A component installed downstream of a shutoff assembly.
discharge head
The difference in elevation between the liquid level of a discharge tank and the
centerline of a pump, including any additional pressure head that may be present
at the discharge tank fluid’s surface.
discharge pressure
1. The total gas pressure (static plus velocity) at the discharge flange of a com-
pressor.
2. The total liquid pressure (static plus velocity) at the discharge flange of a
pump.

114 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


discharge temperature
The temperature existing at the discharge flange of a compressor.
discharge tube
An outlet tube connecting a sump pump to a drain line.
discharge valve
A valve that reduced or increases the flow in a pipe, as opposed to a stop valve.
disc meter
A type of meter used to measure flow in one direction.
disc seat
A valve in which the seat is shaped to allow a circular-shaped stem or closure
member to fit closely.
dishwasher
A gas or electric appliance for washing dishes, glassware, flatware, and utensils.
dishwasher discharge connection
An opening that permits the discharge from a domestic kitchen dishwasher to be
drained into a garbage disposal or tailpiece connection.
disinfection
A process of destroying pathogenic organisms.
disinfection agent
Any nonhazardous calcium, sodium hypochlorite, or other approved disinfectant
material that can be drained to a sewer.
displacement
1. The net volume swept by the moving parts of a positive-displacement com-
pressor in a unit of time, usually one minute.
2. The volume or weight of a fluid displaced by a floating body.
displacement pump
A pump that raises or transfers a fluid by direct displacement with no transforma-
tion of energy into pressure due to the fluid’s motion.
disposal
A motor-driven appliance for reducing food and other waste by grinding so that
it can flow through the drainage system.
disposal field
A series of trenches that conveys the effluent from a septic tank and distributes it
with reasonable uniformity into the soil.

Plumbineering Dictionary 115


DISS connector
A threaded medical gas connector.
dissimilar metal corrosion
Corrosion damage induced when two dissimilar materials are coupled in a cor-
rosive electrolyte. Also called galvanic corrosion.
dissociation
A separation of compounds dissolved in water into ions.
dissolved gas
A gas that forms ion components between molecules of a fluid or other sub-
stance.
dissolved iron
In water treatment, dissolved, or ferrous, iron.
dissolved solids
The residual material remaining after a filtered solution evaporates.
distillation
The process of boiling feed water, condensing the steam produced from the feed
water, and collecting the condensate, which yields a product water theoretically
free from nonvolatile impurities.
distilled water
Water that has been freed of suspended solids and organisms by gasifying the
liquid and then recovering the liquid through cooling.
distribution box
A container-like device installed between a septic tank and the means used to
dispose of its effluent so that all branches of the subsurface disposal field receive
approximately the same amount of effluent.
distribution field
The portion of a septic field in a septic system that diverts the outfall liquid from
the tank.
distribution fitting
A general term for a connection used to provide multiple access points for a gas or
liquid to flow through a system.
distribution system
All pipes, fittings, and fixtures used to convey liquid or gas from one point to
another.
distributor
A device used within a water softener tank to circulate water throughout the tank
while preventing the resin from escaping into the lines. Also called a strainer.

116 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


disturbing frequency
The lowest frequency of vibration generated by equipment.
diversity factor
1. A percent of estimated usage compared to the connected load.
2. The ratio of the maximum probable demand to the maximum possible de-
mand.
diverter
A three-way valve that automatically directs flow from one outlet to another.
divider
A drafting instrument used to divide lines into equal parts or to transfer dimen-
sions from a ruler to a map or drawing.
dog-earing
Folding up the sides and ends of a metal pan and turning or folding the metal at
the corners to form an angle without cutting the metal.
domestic hot water
Water used for residential or commercial purposes (bathing, cleaning clothes,
dishwashing, hand washing, etc.).
domestic sewage
The liquid and waterborne wastes derived from ordinary living processes that can
be disposed of, without special treatment, into the public sewer or by means of a
private sewage disposal system. Also called sanitary sewage.
domestic water
Water primarily intended for direct human use.
domestic water application
Any place hot water is utilized in potable systems, such as sinks, lavatories, show-
ers and tubs, washing machines, and dishwashers.
domestic water heating
The supply of hot water for domestic or commercial purposes.
domestic water heating demand
The maximum amount of energy needed from a domestic water heating system
in a specified period.
domestic water heating system
The heating source and distribution piping that deliver hot water to fixtures for
domestic use.
dope
A thick lubricant used to seal pipe threads prior to making a connection.

Plumbineering Dictionary 117


dormant
A state in which biological activity is suspended.
dosing tank
A watertight tank in a septic system placed between the septic tank and the distri-
bution box, designed to discharge sewage intermittently to a disposal field so that
rest periods may be occur between discharges.
double acting
A mechanical device that provides resistance in both tension and compression
cycles.
double action pump
A pumping machine in which suction or pressure is created by the movement of
a piston in each direction of motion.
double-bend fitting
An S-shaped pipe fitting.
double caulking iron
A combination tool for caulking a joint with two separate ends.
double check detector assembly
An assembly consisting of two spring-loaded check valves, a bypass assembly with
a water meter and double check valve, and two tightly closing outside-screw-and-
yoke gate valves, primarily used in fire line installations to protect the potable
water supply from possible contamination from the fire system.
double check valve (DCV)
A backflow prevention device consisting of two check valves assembled in a series,
usually with a ball valve or gate valve installed at each end for isolation and test-
ing.
double-containment piping system
A double-wall piping system used when spill containment of the contents of the
piping is critical.
double disc
A gate valve design in which two wedges acting as a closure member are in contact
with the seating faces.
double-disc swing check
A swing check valve in which the disc is split into two separate discs, resulting in
a reduction of the mass of the single disc as well as shortening the travel distance
from the open to closed position. Also called double-door swing check.
double-door swing check
A swing check valve in which the disc is split into two separate discs, resulting in

118 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


a reduction of the mass of the single disc as well as shortening the travel distance
from the open to closed position. Also called double-disc swing check.
double extra-heavy pipe
A pipe with a wall thickness approximately twice the weight or thickness of extra-
heavy pipe. Also called double extra-strong pipe.
double extra-strong pipe
A pipe with a wall thickness approximately twice the weight or thickness of extra-
heavy pipe. Also called double extra-heavy pipe.
double hanger
A device used to support more than one pipe or piece of equipment. Sometimes
called twin or multiple hanger.
double horizontal tee
A PVC tee with two outlets of a smaller diameter than the inlet.
double-hub soil pipe
A cast iron soil pipe with a hub on both ends.
double-interlock system
A preaction system that uses automatic sprinklers and requires both a preceding
and supervised event (typically the activation of a heat or smoke detector) and an
automatic sprinkler activation to occur prior to water being introduced into the
system’s piping.
double offset
Two changes of direction installed in succession, or series, in continuous pipe.
double-ported valve
A valve having two ports to overcome line pressure imbalance.
double random length
A pipe of an average length greater than 35 feet.
double sanitary tee
A fitting used to bring two branch lines into a vertical drain pipe.
double suction pump
A high-capacity pump in which the rotor is suspended between two bearings and
the fluid enters on either side of the impeller.
double-sweep tee
A tee made with long-radius curves between the body and the branch.
double wye
A fitting with branches at an angle from each side of the main, used to bring two
branch lines into a horizontal drain pipe.

Plumbineering Dictionary 119


down
A term referring to any piping running to a lower level.
downfeed system
A system in which the supply moves from the top down.
downflow
When fluid flows in a downward direction.
downspout
A pipe located outside a building that conveys rainwater from a roof to its ulti-
mate point of disposal.
downstream
A location in the direction of flow after a referenced point.
draft control
A device used on boilers that regulates draft via temperature or pressure.
draft diverter
A device that diminishes the velocity of a gas flame in a boiler.
draft hood
A device designed to provide for the ready escape of flue gases from an appliance
in the event of no draft, backdraft, or stoppage beyond the draft hood.
draft inducer
A device, usually a fan, installed in a vent pipe to induce a positive draft. Some-
times call flue exhauster.
drag
1. The retarding force that acts on a portion of a hydraulic or mechanical device
as it moves through fluid, gas, or other friction-generating substances.
2. The force required to extend and retract a hydraulic or mechanical element of
a hanger or support device during activation at low velocity.
drain
A pipe that carries wastewater or waterborne wastes in a building drainage sys-
tem.
drainage
1. The removal, by natural or artificial means, of water or wastewater.
2. The conduction of current (positive electricity) from an underground metallic
structure by means of a metallic conductor.
drainage copper tube fitting
A thin-walled copper fitting for use in a drainage system.

120 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


drainage fitting
A connector with a wide radius used in drainage systems to allow a smooth flow
of wastewater with minimum obstructions.
drainage fixture unit (DFU)
A numeric value given to represent the probable discharge of a fixture or device
into a drainage system.
drainage load
An assigned fixture load value that represents the load-producing effect on a
plumbing system based on the probability of the number of fixtures operating
at one time.
drainage system
The piping within a public or private premises that conveys sewage, rainwater,
or other liquid wastes to an approved point of disposal immediately outside a
building.
drainage system air break
A piping arrangement in which a drain from a fixture, appliance, or device dis-
charges indirectly into another fixture, receptacle, or interceptor at a point below
the flood rim of the receptacle, installed to prevent backflow or siphonage.
drainage system air gap
The unobstructed vertical distance through the free atmosphere between the out-
let of a waste pipe and the flood rim of the receptacle into which it discharges.
drain cleaner
A chemical preparation used to clear obstructions from drains.
drain clean rod
An inflexible, coil-shaped device used to dislodge pipe obstructions.
drain cleaning machine, electric
An electrically powered device used to remove obstructions in drain or waste
pipes.
drain field
The area containing a piping arrangement from a septic tank where unwanted
liquid waste is disposed into the soil.
drain line
A pipe that carries wastewater or waterborne wastes in a building to a drainage
system.
drainline carry
A measure of the distance solids flow downstream of a fixture after a flush.

Plumbineering Dictionary 121


drain pipe solvent
A substance poured down a drain pipe to dissolve obstructions.
drain valve
A valve or line that directs or carries liquid wastes to the nearest drain of a waste
system.
drawdown
The distance the water level drops below the standing water level while a pump
is operating.
drawing knife
A cutting tool used for thin sheet lead (up to 10 pounds).
drench shower
A fixture that discharges a large volume of water to wash a victim in the event of a
chemical spill or burn or another hazardous material spill. Also called emergency
shower.
dresser
A tool used to shape metal, usually lead, a lead alloy, or soft copper.
dryer
1. A machine that blows air over a surface to dry it.
2. A gas or electric appliance that dries fabrics by evaporation.
drift
1. The deviation between actual values over time and a predetermined value.
2. Water carried out of a cooling tower in the discharge airstream.
drift eliminator
A device used on the outlet of a cooling tower to reduce uncontrolled water loss.
drift plug
A wooden lead-working tool used remove dents or uneven places in lead pipe
previous to working.
drill
1. To make a rounded hole in a solid by removing bits with a rotating tool.
2. An instrument with a pointed end used to make holes in hard substances by
revolving or by a succession of blows.
drill press
A powered, vertical machine in which a drill is pressed to the work automatically
or by a hand lever.
drilled strainer
A drain opening cover with numerous perforations in a pattern.

122 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


drilled well
A well that is made by boring a hole in the ground.
drinking fountain
A fixture that provides drinking water to users via a stream or bubble initiated by
a lever or button.
drip irrigation
A system of pipes with drip outlets that release small amounts of water near plants’
roots, thus reducing the amount of water lost to evaporation.
drip leg
A pipe placed at a low point in piping to collect and discharge condensate.
drip pan
A receptacle on a water heater located below the burner to collect water conden-
sate from the flue gases.
drive cap
A cavity device placed over a pipe to protect the pipe end from being driven.
driven well
A well that is made by driving a pipe into the ground.
drive pipe
A pipe with a sharp edge that is driven short distances into solid ground to reach
the ground water level or to make holes for concrete piles.
drive pipe hook
A U-shaped wire with sharp prongs or spikes that is driven into a building mem-
ber to support pipes or conduits.
drive point
A pointed and perforated vertical pipe driven or inserted into the ground.
droop
The amount a pressure, temperature, liquid level, or differential pressure deviates
from a set value. Also called reduced pressure falloff.
drop
A term referring to piping running to a lower elevation within the same floor
level.
drop elbow
An ell fitting with wings cast on each side with countersunk holes so they may be
fastened to a ceiling, wall, or framing timbers.
drop head ratchet threader
A tool that cuts smooth, clean threads with a 30-degree swing of the handle.

Plumbineering Dictionary 123


drop manhole
A drainage structure installed at the junction of two sewers when one is 2 feet
(0.66 meter) above the other.
drop tee
A T-shaped fitting with wings cast on each side with countersunk holes so they
may be fastened to a ceiling, wall, or framing timbers.
drought tolerance
The ability of a landscape plant to function in drought conditions.
dross
1. The scum that forms on the surface of a metal as a result of oxidation.
2. Waste or foreign matter mixed with a substance or left as a residue after that
substance has been used or processed.
drum trap
A trap consisting substantially of a cylinder with a vertical axis, larger in diameter
than the inlet or outlet pipe.
drunken thread
A pipe or nipple thread that is out of alignment, sometimes done purposely to
connect pipes that are out of alignment. Also called crooked thread.
dry air
Air containing a level of water vapor significantly below (40 percent or more) its
maximum concentration for the prevailing temperature and pressure.
dry-bulb temperature
1. The temperature of air as measured by an ordinary thermometer.
2. The ambient gas temperature.
dry chemical system
A fire suppression system utilizing dry powder mixtures as the fire extinguishing
agent.
dry cooling tower
A cooling tower that works by transferring heat from warmer water to cooler air
by a sensible heat-transfer process.
dry gas
1. A gas that contains no water vapor.
2. A gas whose constituents are substantially above their respective saturated va-
por pressures at the existing temperature.
dry pendent sprinkler
A fire sprinkler for use in a pendent position in a dry-pipe or wet-pipe system with
the seal in a heated area.

124 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


dry-pipe system
A fire suppression system in which water is not present in the piping until the
system operates, used in spaces in which the ambient temperature may be cold
enough to freeze the water in a wet-pipe system.
dry-pipe valve
A valve used with a dry-pipe fire protection sprinkler system that separates water
and air.
dry powder extinguishing agent
A chemical mixture used to control combustible metal fires by smothering and
heat absorption.
dry sewer
A cast iron sewer pipe from a house to the curb line installed at the time of con-
struction under the floor in anticipation of main laterals to be added at a future
date.
dry sprinkler, pendent
A fire sprinkler that hangs from the sprinkler pipe in a dry-pipe or wet-pipe sys-
tem, with the seal in a heated area.
dry sprinkler, upright
A fire sprinkler installed in an upright position in a wet-pipe system, that extends
into an unheated area but with a seal in a heated area.
dry standpipe
A standpipe that only contains water when the system is being utilized.
dry standpipe system
A standpipe system filled with pressurized air but no permanent water supply,
designed to admit water to the system automatically by the opening of a hose
valve.
dry unit
A machine that does not use liquid injection and/or liquid circulation for evapo-
rative cooling or sealing.
dry upright sprinkler
A fire sprinkler designed to be installed in an upright position, on a wet-pipe
system, to extend into an unheated area with a seal in a heated area.
dry vent
A vent that does not carry water or waterborne wastes.
dry-weather flow
Drainage collected during periods of no rain that contains little or no groundwa-
ter by infiltration and no storm water at the time of collection.

Plumbineering Dictionary 125


drywell
A structure placed in the ground with openings in its walls to allow water to es-
cape and be absorbed into the soil.
dual check valve
A backflow prevention device consisting of two check valves that operate sepa-
rately from one another.
dual check with atmospheric vent
A type of control with a piston combined with a downstream check valve.
dual-flush water closet
A toilet with one flush for disposing of urine and a heavier flush for disposing of
solids.
dual fuel
A device that is capable of using more than one heating medium to supply heat.
dual-gravity valve
A float valve operated by the interface between two liquids of different specific
gravities.
dual-use brace
A single brace that can be used as both a longitudinal and lateral brace in a single
location.
dual vent
A vent serving more than one inlet. Also called common vent.
duct
An enclosed passageway or conduit that carries a liquid or gas.
ductile iron pipe
A high-strength material, not as brittle as cast iron pipe, primarily used in water
and sewer systems for underground and industrial applications.
ductility
The extent to which a material can be elongated without fracturing.
dug well
A well that is made by excavating a large-diameter hole in the ground.
dummy
A lead-working tool consisting of a spring steel rod with one end bent into a small
loop, used to bend lead waste pipe.
duostrainer
A strainer within a strainer to prevent large particles from entering a fixture
drain.

126 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


duplex pumps
A set of various-style pumps that can be used as a single pump or in parallel, typi-
cally operated by an alternating controller.
duration
The period of time during which the heaviest rainfall occurs and, in theory, when
the greatest amount of runoff occurs in a given area, used in the design of a storm
water drainage system.
Durham system
The trade name for rigid, threaded soil or waste piping.
Duriron
The brand name for a high-silicon alloy that is resistant to almost all corrosive
wastes.
dutchman
A slang term for a short lead nipple that is placed in a wiped joint to make up the
desired length when joining two pipes that are too short.
duty cycle
The length of time a particular device is in operation.
duty point
The flow and head on a pump curve that represent a selected impeller’s diameter.
dwelling
A habitable unit with a potable water supply and integral or closely adjacent toilet
facilities, intended for people and used for living.
DWV
1. Abbreviation for drain, waste, and vent.
2. A name for copper or plastic tubing used for drain, waste, and vent pipe.
dynamic
1. Of or relating to power.
2. Having the characteristic of continuous movement.
dynamic compressor
A machine that operates over a relatively wide range of capacities at a relatively
constant discharge pressure.
dynamic force
The additional loading and stress conditions that must be taken into consider-
ation over and above a steady-state condition.
dynamic head
The water pressure necessary to produce velocity of flow.

Plumbineering Dictionary 127


dynamic load
The temporary stress or loading put on a piping system as the result of internal or
external forces that create movement or motion in the system.
dynamic pressure
The pressure on a surface at which a flowing fluid is brought to rest in excess of
the pressure on it when the fluid is not flowing.
dynamic pressure drop
The pressure drop through a device or fitting in a flowing system. Sometimes
called flow pressure drop.
dynamic properties of piping
The tendency of pipes to change in weight and size due to the movement and
temperature of fluids in them.
dynamic viscosity
The force required to move a fluid layer of 1 square meter and a thickness of 1
meter with a velocity of one meter per second, in newtons.

128 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


early suppression fast response (ESFR)
E
A fire sprinkler head designed to suppress fire via an extremely fast response cou-
pled with a strong water discharge using a large droplet size.
earth auger bit
A tool for drilling or boring into the ground.
earthenware basin
A sink made of china.
earthenware closet
A water closet made of china.
earthenware urinal
A urinal made of china.
earth load
The vertical weight of earth or backfill over a buried pipe.
eave
The lower portion of a roof that overhangs the wall.
eave trough
A gutter along an eave.
eccentric fitting
A fitting in which the openings on either end are offset.
eccentric fuller stem
1. The operating stem of a faucet.
2. Two cylindrical units in a single plain, but offset to each other.
eccentric reducer
A fitting that maintains the flow line at the same elevation as it reduces the size
of the run.
eductor
A device with a nozzle and a throat installed in a stream of water to create a partial
vacuum to draw air or liquid into the stream.
effective opening
The minimum cross-sectional area at the point of water-supply discharge, mea-
sured or expressed in terms of the diameter of a circle or, if the opening is not
circular, the diameter of a circle of equivalent cross-sectional area.

Plumbineering Dictionary 129


effective pressure
The lowest anticipated residual pressure at the connection to the city water main
(or the stop valve in a well system) when water is flowing.
efficiency
The ratio of the useful output to the total input in any system.
efficiency quotient
The ratio of the maximum force to the supporting structure, due to the vibration
of a machine, to the maximum machine force. Also known as transmissibility or
frequency quotient.
efficiency, thermal
The ratio of useful energy at the point of ultimate use to the energy input.
efflorescence
To change to a mealy or powdery substance upon exposure to air.
effluent
1. A substance entering or carried in a drainage system.
2. The water moving away from, or out of, a water conditioner.
ejector
A device that elevates liquids from a lower level to a point of discharge.
ejector basin
A tank located below the normal grade of a gravity system that receives sanitary
waste and is emptied by mechanical means.
ejector pump
A mechanical device for removing sanitary waste containing solids from an ejec-
tor basin.
elastic limit
The greatest stress that a material can withstand without permanent deformation
after the release of the stress.
elastomer
A rubber-like substance that when stretched to at least two times its length will
return to its original shape upon release.
elastomeric insulation
A flexible, expanded foam of closed-cell material that depends on its thickness to
fall below a specific smoke-developed rating. Commonly called rubber.
elbow
A fitting that makes a 90-degree angle between adjacent pipes. Also called ell.

130 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


elbow, 45 degree
An angular pipe fitting of 45 degrees. Also called a quarter bend when used in
drainage.
elbow lug
An elbow-shaped device with a pipe connector welded to it for use as an attach-
ment.
electric arc welding
A type of welding used to join different grades of commercial steel pipe.
electric drain cleaning machine
An electrically powered device used to remove obstructions in drain or waste
pipes.
electric drill
A tool or machine used to bore holes in metal, stone, or other hard substances.
electric hacksaw
An electrically driven, fine-toothed cutting tool, usually hand held, with inter-
changeable blades.
electric hammer
An electrically driven tool used to drive threaded inserts into concrete to hang or
support pipe.
electric pipe thawer
A device used to melt pipe contents by a flow of current.
electric sewer machine
A electric machine used to dislodge sewer pipe obstructions.
electric thermostat
A device that senses temperature changes and electrically actuates separate compo-
nents to control the flow of fuel to a burner to maintain a selected temperature.
electric-type automatic valve
A valve device actuated by electrical energy.
electric water cooler
A drinking water fountain operated by electrical energy, used to make, store, and
deliver refrigerated water.
electrode
A metal in contact with an electrolyte that serves as a site where an electrical cur-
rent enters the metal or leaves the metal to enter a solution.
electrodialysis
A method of creating pure water from saltwater, utilizing a cell containing two

Plumbineering Dictionary 131


electrodes and an array of semi-permeable membranes that separate the salt from
the water.
electrofusion
A heat-fusion joining process in which a heat source is an integral part of the
fitting.
electrogalvanized
A protective coating of electroplated zinc.
electrolysis
The process of producing chemical changes by passage of an electric current
through an electrolyte (as in a cell), where the ions present carry the current by
migrating to the electrodes where they may form new substances.
electrolyte
1. A dissolved impurity of water.
2. An ionic conductor (usually in aqueous solution).
3. A chemical that dissolves in water to form an ion.
electromotive force
A force that tends to cause a movement of electrical current through a conduc-
tor.
electromotive force series
A list of elements arranged according to their standard electrode potentials, the
sign being positive for elements having potentials that are cathodic to hydrogen
and negative for elements having potentials that are anodic to hydrogen.
electronegative potential
A potential corresponding in sign to those of the anodic members of the electro-
motive force series.
electronic mixing valve
A temperature control valve utilizing a programmable electronic actuator and an
integrated temperature sensor.
electroplated
A metal surface with a thin electrochemical deposit of a metal such as brass, zinc,
copper, cadmium, tin, or nickel.
electropositive potential
A potential corresponding in sign to potentials of the noble or cathodic members
of the electromotive force series.
electropotential series
A list of metals arranged according to their relative corrosion potential in some
specific environment. Also called galvanic series.

132 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


elevated tank system
A system in which water is pumped to an elevated tank, commonly a house or
gravity tank.
elevation
1. The height of something from the ground.
2. The vertical distance from where fluid enters a pipe to where it leaves.
3. A mechanical drawing view that is a geometrical projection as seen on a verti-
cal plane.
elevation head
The energy possessed by a mass by virtue of its being raised above a particular
point.
elevation pressure
The pressure change due to a change of elevation (0.433 per square inch per foot
for water).
ell
A fitting that makes a 90-degree angle between adjacent pipes. Also called elbow.
elongated bowl
A toilet bowl with an opening that extends 2 inches farther to the front of the
bowl than a typical bowl.
elutriation
A process of sludge conditioning in which certain constituents are removed by
successive decontaminations with freshwater or plant effluent, thereby reducing
the demand for conditioning chemicals.
embodied energy
The energy used in the work of making a product. Also called embedded energy.
embedded
A device or fastener that is cast in place in a concrete structure.
embedded energy
The energy used in the work of making a product. Also called embodied energy.
emergency overflow
A redundant roof drain installed in roofs with parapet walls that entraps and re-
moves rainwater from the roof into a leader/scupper, discharging above grade.
emergency pipe clamp
A curved piece of metal clamped around a pipe and secured by bolts as an emer-
gency repair.

Plumbineering Dictionary 133


emergency shower
A fixture that discharges a large volume of water to wash a victim in the event of
a chemical spill or burn or another hazardous material spill. Also called drench
shower.
emery cloth
A fabric covered with emery grit, used to clean and polish metal surfaces.
emission
The blowback of water or gas into an occupied space due to positive pressure.
emissivity
The ratio of the radiation emitted by a surface to the radiation emitted by a black
body at the same temperature.
emittance
The fraction of heat radiated by a solar energy collector, measured in percent of
the absorbed energy by the panel.
emitter
A tube receiving water from a solar energy collector or interceptor.
emissivity
A measurement of how well a solar absorber plate retains the radiant energy ab-
sorbed.
enamel
1. An opaque or semi-opaque vitreous composition baked onto the surface of
metal, glass, or pottery for ornament or protection.
2. A paint that dries to a glossy surface.
3. A coating of carbonized glue or shellac that forms the acid-resisting portion of
a metal photo-engraving plate.
enameled cast iron
Cast iron with a hard, glossy, opaque, and acid-resistant surface.
enameled grease trap
A vitrified-coated grease trap.
enameled ware
A plumbing fixture coated with enamel.
enclosure integrity
Proper containment of a clean agent for fire suppression within the protected area
or enclosure.
end body
A faucet valve in which both the inlet and outlet are at the end of the valve body.

134 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


end connection
A method of connecting the parts of a piping system.
endotoxin
A heat-resistant pyrogen found in the cell walls of bacteria.
end-suction pump
A single-suction pump with the suction nozzle on the opposite side of the cas-
ing from the stuffing box and the face of the suction nozzle perpendicular to the
longitudinal axis of the shaft.
end to center
A measurement from the ends to the middle of a pipe.
end to end
A measurement from one end of a pipe to the other end.
end venting
A method of venting a series of floor drains with a vent connected to the drainage
pipe at the beginning of the run before the first drain.
end wrench
A tool with parallel jaws open at one end, used to grip or turn.
energy
1. The force required to do work.
2. The capacity of a substance to exert a force through a distance.
energy conservation
The act of using less energy in a building.
energy cutoff valve
A safety device designed to automatically shut off an energy supply.
energy-efficiency ratio
The ratio of the net cooling capacity of an air-conditioner in British thermal units
per hour to the total rate of electric input in watts under designated operating
conditions.
Energy Policy Act of 1992
The U.S. federal government act that imposed a maximum flushing rate of 1.6
gallons per flush for toilets, 1.0 gpf for urinals, 2.5 gallons per minute for faucets,
and 2.5 gpm for showerheads.
energy, non-depletable
Energy derived from a renewable source, such as solar, wind, wave, and geother-
mal.

Plumbineering Dictionary 135


energy, recovered
A by-product of energy used in a primary system that otherwise would be wasted
from an energy utilization system.
Energy Star
A program administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that eval-
uates and certifies products based on their energy efficiency.
energy transport subsystem
The portion of a solar water heating system that contains the heat transfer media
and transports the energy throughout the system.
engineered drawing
A mechanical drawing that details the elements and components of a piping sys-
tem and incorporates a bill of material, load and movement data, location infor-
mation, and both general and specific identification.
engineered hanger assembly
A mechanical drawing that details the elements and components of a hanger as-
sembly and incorporates a bill of material, load and movement data, location
information, and both general and specific identification.
engineered system
A system that is not specifically addressed in the plumbing codes or differs some-
what from the prescriptive code criteria, but does have documentation, includ-
ing test reports and acceptable third-party listings, showing that it will function
properly. Also called alternative engineered design.
ensemble
A composition of segments that constitute a group or organic unity.
enthalpy
A thermodynamic function of a system, equivalent to the sum of the internal and
external energies.
entrainment ratio
In an injector, the amount of motive fluid required to entrain and compress a
given amount of suction fluid.
entropy
A measure of the unavailability of energy in a substance.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
A U.S. federal agency dedicated to protecting human health and safeguarding the
natural environment (epa.gov).
environmental stress cracking
Cracks that develop when a material is subjected to stress in the presence of spe-
cific chemicals.

136 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


EPA
Acronym for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (epa.gov), a federal
agency dedicated to protecting human health and safeguarding the natural en-
vironment.
EPDM
Abbreviation for ethylene propylene diene monomer, a durable, high-density rub-
ber.
equipment
The mechanical devices associated with pipes that have significant weight, such as
pumps, tanks, and electric motors.
equivalent air
The calculated pounds per hour of air at 70°F and 14.696 pounds per square inch
absolute and containing normal atmospheric moisture that is equivalent to, but
not necessarily equal to, the weight rate of the gas handled by an ejector at suction
conditions.
equivalent length
The length of straight pipe of a specific diameter that would produce the same
frictional resistance of a particular size fitting or valve.
equivalent length of run
The equivalent length of fittings plus the length along the centerline of the pipe
run.
equivalent pipe length method
A way to calculate the pressure loss in a piping system by adding the straight pipe
length to the equivalent length of the fittings and valves.
equivalent run
The measured length of pipe with an additional length to compensate for the fric-
tion lost to pipe flow, fittings, and valves.
erected elevation
The actual installed elevation versus the mechanical drawing design elevation.
erosion
The gradual destruction of a metal or other material by the abrasive or electrome-
chanical action of other substances.
erosion corrosion
A wearing away of a pipe wall, usually as a result of excessive fluid velocity or con-
stant wearing away by solids in the water striking the walls of the pipe.
errors and omissions
A type of insurance for design professionals in which the insurance company
provides coverage for oversights.

Plumbineering Dictionary 137


escharichia coli
Rod-shaped bacteria normally present in human intestines, which are pathogenic
and indicative of fecal contamination when found in water.
escutcheon
A flange used on a pipe to cover a hole or opening in a floor or wall through which
the pipe passes.
ESFR
Abbreviation for early suppression fast response, a fire sprinkler head designed to
suppress fire via an extremely fast response coupled with a strong water discharge
using a large droplet size.
essential facility
A building that must remain safe and usable for emergency purposes after a disas-
ter to preserve the health and safety of the general public.
essentially nontoxic transfer fluid
A heat-transfer fluid that is not harmful to human health.
essentially toxic transfer fluid
A heat-transfer fluid that may be hazardous to human health.
ethyl
An organic free radical derived from ethane by removing one hydrogen atom.
ethyl chloride
1. A gas that liquefies under pressure, used as a local anesthetic.
2. A refrigerant.
3. A solvent or agent in various chemical reactions.
ethyl chloride refrigerating system
A cooling system utilizing ethyl chloride.
ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM)
A durable, high-density rubber.
eutectic salt
A material that melts at low temperatures, absorbing large quantities of heat, used
in some types of solar collectors.
eutrophic
A lake or pond rich in dissolved nutrients, but frequently shallow and with sea-
sonal oxygen deficiency.
eutrophication
The process of becoming rich in dissolved nutrients but low in oxygen, due to
either a natural phase in the maturation of a body of water or artificial means.

138 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


evacuated tube collector
A solar energy collector consisting of rows of parallel transparent glass tubes, each
containing an absorber and covered with a selective coating. Also called vacuum
tube collector.
evaporation
The process in which a liquid or solid changes into a vapor.
evaporative cooling
A process that takes place when a liquid (usually water) is injected into the gas
stream before or during compression.
evaporative cooling tower
A cooling tower that works by transferring heat from warmer water to cooler air
mainly by an evaporation heat-transfer process.
evapotranspiration
Loss of water from the soil by both evaporation and transpiration from the plants
growing in the area.
excavation
The act of digging or scooping out earth, sand, or other material.
exceedance probability
The probability of a storm occurring during any one year that equals or exceeds
the rainfall rate used in the design of a storm water drainage system.
excess air
Air that passes through the combustion chamber and flues of an appliance in
excess of that which theoretically is required for complete combustion.
excess pressure pump
A low-flow, high-head pump for sprinkler systems not being supplied by a fire
pump.
exfoliation
Peeling, swelling, or scaling of stone or mineral surfaces in thin layers, caused by
chemical or physical weathering or by heat.
exhaustion
In water softening or ion exchange, the point where the resin no longer can ex-
change additional ions of the type for which the process was designed.
existing work
A plumbing system regulated by code, or any part thereof, that was installed prior
to the effective date of an applicable code.
exfiltration
When liquid leaks out of a sewer.

Plumbineering Dictionary 139


expanded pipe
A pipe whose circumference has been enlarged by mechanical or hydraulic pres-
sure.
expanded polystyrene
A rigid insulation material. Also called bead board.
expansion bolt
A bolt equipped with a split casing that acts as a wedge, used for attaching objects
to brick or concrete.
expansion coefficient
The rate of change in length due to temperature.
expansion joint
A joint whose primary purpose is to absorb expansion, designed to permit free
expansion and contraction and to prevent excessive bending at joints, hangers,
and connections.
expansion loop
A piping arrangement with sufficient length to absorb longitudinal thermal ex-
pansion due to heat without undue stress.
expansion reamer
A drill that can be increased in size, typically by means of a central bolt or screw,
the tightening of which causes an expansion of the drill. Also called adjustable
reamer.
expansion shield
A device used to anchor attachments to masonry or concrete surfaces, consisting
of a metal insert that is driven into a drilled hole and expands tightly against the
sides of the hole.
expansion tank
A vessel used to absorb excess pressure and volume due to thermal expansion in
a closed system.
expansion valve
A thermostatically controlled valve that controls liquid refrigerant.
exposed drain and supplies
Unconcealed plumbing pipe and conduits.
exposed fitting
A fitting whose body is mounted above or in front of the fixture.
external union
A type of compression fitting with male threads.

140 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


extended closet horn
A discharge outlet projecting below the floor line of a toilet.
extended-coverage sidewall sprinkler
A fire sprinkler with a special extended, directional discharge pattern.
extension cord
A flexible insulated wire with a male plug on one end and a female plug on the
other, used to transmit electrical power from a permanent outlet to portable ob-
jects.
extension riser clamp
An attachment device for the support of vertical piping that provides for the
transfer of the piping load to the bearing surface to which the clamp is attached.
extension shank
A tool used to extend the length of other tools.
extension stem
An extension device fitted onto a valve stem to operate the valve at a remote
distance.
external energy
The energy represented by the product of pressure and volume and may be re-
garded as the energy a substance possesses by virtue of the space it occupies.
extra boiler tapping
When a hot water storage tank has more than two openings in the top and one
in the bottom.
extra hazard 1
For fire suppression, a building in which a high quantity of combustibles with
high heat release and no flammable or combustible liquids are present (e.g., air-
craft hangers, saw mills).
extra hazard 2
For fire suppression, a building in which a high quantity of combustibles with
high heat release and flammable and combustible liquids are present (e.g., plastics
processing, flammable liquids spraying).
extra heavy
Piping material, usually cast iron, that is thicker than standard pipe. Also called
extra strong.
extra-heavy class cast iron soil pipe
A designation, based on wall thickness, that classifies cast iron soil pipe according
to its intended end use.

Plumbineering Dictionary 141


extras
Necessary project elements not included in the project documents that increase
the contract price or contract time.
extra strong
Piping material, usually cast iron, that is thicker than standard pipe. Also called
extra heavy.
extrude
To shape a malleable material by forcing it through a specially designed opening.
extrusion
A process in which heated plastic is forced through a shaping orifice to become
one continuous piece.
eye bolt
A bolt provided with a hole at one end instead of the usual head.
eye of the impeller
The center of a pump impeller where the fluid enters.
eye rod
A bolt with a circular or pear-shaped end that permits other components or de-
vices to be attached by means of a bolt or pin.
eye socket
A device that provides for the attachment of a threaded bolt or rod to the bolt or
rod of another component or device.
eyewash station
An emergency fixture designed to bathe the eyes in the event of a chemical spill or
burn or another hazardous material spill.

142 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


fabricated steel part
F
A component that is constructed from standard shapes of steel plate.
fabrication
A part constructed or manufactured out of standard parts or raw materials.
fabricator
A business engaged in the fabrication of parts.
faced bushing
A fitting with internal and external threads of the standard pipe type equipped
with two or more projecting lugs or bosses to twist or tighten the device into
position.
face-to-face dimensions
The dimensions from the face of the inlet port to the face of the outlet port of a
valve or fitting.
Factory Mutual (FM)
A commercial insurance company offering product certification and testing ser-
vices (fmglobal.com).
facultative anaerobic bacteria
A tiny organism that can live or thrive under more than one set of conditions,
with or without oxygen.
facultative parasite
An organism, usually a fungus, that normally lives on dead organic matter but is
able to grow during all or part of its development.
Fahrenheit
Relating or conforming to a thermometric scale on which, under standard atmo-
spheric pressure, the boiling point of water is 212° and the freezing point is 32°
above zero.
fall
The slope or pitch of a pipe needed for it to drain adequately.
falloff
The amount that pressure decreases from a set pressure to meet demand, which
depends on the quantity of flow (the greater the flow, the greater the falloff).

Plumbineering Dictionary 143


family
In a plumbing code, a unit of one or more individuals living together and sharing
the same facilities.
family restroom
A water closet and lavatory separately located from a men’s and women’s restroom
for families with small children or when a family needs assistance.
Fanning friction factor
A dimensionless number used in fluid flow calculations.
fatal
Causing or capable of causing death.
fats sewage
Triglyceride esters of fatty acids, erroneously used as synonymous with grease.
faucet
A device in which water is mixed and then flows through to a plumbing fixture.
faucet, combination
A faucet that discharges both hot and cold water through one spout.
faucet flange
A faucet flared out as in a flange shape to cover the edges of holes.
faucet nut
The nut that screws onto the shaft of a faucet to hold it in place.
faucet regulator
A device inserted in the supply line to a faucet to control the volume of liquid
that can be discharged.
faucet screw
A screw that holds the washer of a faucet handle to the stem.
faucet seat
The surface around or within the faucet orifice through which water or other liq-
uid flows and against which the closing member presses to terminate the flow.
faucet spout
The part of a faucet that carries the water from the mixing chamber to the dis-
charge point.
faucet, washerless
A faucet controlled by the juxtaposition of mating ceramic discs, O rings, or
resilient seals.
feat
An artificial water trench, especially one to or from a mill.

144 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


feature
An individual characteristic of a component or part.
fecal coliform
A bacteria present in the intestinal tracts and feces of warm-blooded animals that
is a common water pollutant.
federal specification
A specification promulgated and/or published by the federal government for work
in federal installations.
Federation Internationale de Natation Amateur (FINA)
An organization that issues reference standards for pools to meet international
standards (fina.org).
feed pump
A pump that supplies water to a boiler.
feed water
Water introduced into a boiler during operation, including makeup and return
condensate.
female nut
A compression fitting that has female threads.
female thread
Continuous, regularly spaced grooves and ribs in the internal wall of a fitting or
tube, used to connect fixtures. Sometimes called inside thread.
ferric iron
The insoluble form of iron.
ferrous
A material containing or derived from iron.
ferrous iron
The soluble form of iron.
ferrule
A tube or bushing used to make a tight joint between two tubes or to strengthen
the end of a tube.
fiber
An elongated, tapering, thick-walled plant cell that imparts elasticity, flexibility,
and tensile strength, used as a reinforcing agent in fiber pipe.
fiblerglass
A type of insulation manufactured from glass fiber bonded with a phenolic resin,
tested to fall below the index of 25 for flame spread and 50 for smoke developed,

Plumbineering Dictionary 145


that has low water absorption, limited combustibility, and poor abrasion resis-
tance.
fiberglass-reinforced epoxy tubing
A pipe or tube made of a thermosetting resin combined with glass fibers for added
strength.
fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP)
A composite material made of a plastic reinforced by fine fibers made of glass.
fiber pipe
A non-metallic pipe made by combining interwoven fibrous threads with an im-
pregnation of bituminous compound, used for sewers and drains.
fiber pipe fittings
A pipe fitting made for use with fiber pipe.
fiber pipe to clay sewer pipe adapter
An adapter with a female tapered joint on one end, the opposite end of which
encloses the spigot end of a clay pipe.
fiber pipe to soil pipe female adapter
An adapter with a female tapered joint on one end, the opposite end of which
encloses the spigot end of a soil pipe.
fiber pipe to soil pipe male adapter
An adapter fitting with a male tapered joint on one end, the opposite end of
which fits into the hub end of a soil pipe.
fiber pipe to threaded metal pipe adapter
An adapter with a female tapered joint on one end, the opposite end of which has
a female thread to enclose a male-threaded metal pipe.
fill valve
A water supply valve that opens and closes by means of a float. Frequently called
a ballcock.
filter
A device through which fluid is passed to separate contaminants from the fluid.
filter-ag
A ceramic-like, granular mineral used in a water clarifier to physically separate the
suspended matter.
filter media
A porous material used in the process of filtration.
filter media rate
The rate that water is allowed to pass through various types of filters, measured in
gallons per minute per square foot.
146 American Society of Plumbing Engineers
filtrate
Something that has been filtered.
filtration
The process of passing a fluid through a porous medium to physically remove
suspended solids, turbidity, taste, color, or odor.
FINA
Acronym for the Federation Internationale de Natation Amateur (fina.org), an
organization that issues reference standards for pools to meet international stan-
dards.
final completion
The stage in a project when all of the contractual responsibilities of the parties
have been satisfied.
fine solder
A solder consisting of equal parts of lead and tin with a melting point of 370°F.
fine thread
A tubing thread having more threads per inch than standard U.S. pipe thread.
finished grade
The actual elevation or level of the ground when the work on it is completed.
finished water
Water that has completed a purification or treatment process.
finishing
Plumbing work done after the rough-in.
fire alarm system
A functionally related group of devices that, when automatically or manually ac-
tivated, sounds an audible and/or visual warning either on or off the protected
premises to signal a fire.
fire cistern
1. A man-made cavity in the ground used to store water firefighting purposes.
2. In residential use, an underground tank that stores potable water and backup
water for firefighting.
fire class
A classification of a fire based on the materials involved in the fire and thus the
most appropriate extinguishing agent.
Class A
A fire involving ordinary combustibles.

Plumbineering Dictionary 147


Class B
A fire involving flammable liquids and flammable gases.
Class C
A fire involving electrical equipment.
Class D
A fire involving combustible metals.
Class K
A fire involving cooking oil or fat.
fire cock
A fire hydrant. Also referred to as mill cock.
fire damp
A combustible mine gas that consists chiefly of methane.
fire department connection
A piping connection on the outside of a building for fire department use to sup-
ply water for standpipes and sprinkler systems without having to go inside the
building.
fire extinguisher
An active fire protection device used to extinguish or control a fire, typically in
emergency situations, consisting of a handheld cylindrical pressure vessel contain-
ing an fire-extinguishing agent that can be discharged on the fire.
fire hazard
1. Something that increases the hazard or menace of fire to a degree greater than
what is considered normal.
2. Something that obstructs, delays, hinders, or interferes with the operations of
the fire department or the egress of occupants in the event of fire.
fire hose
A hose supplied with water for the explicit purpose of extinguishing fires, typi-
cally consisting of one or more outer layers of woven fabric with an inner layer
of rubber and manufactured in 50-foot (15.3-meter) lengths with threaded metal
connections on each end.
fire hose cabinet
A compartment built into an interior wall, covered by a glass or solid door, that
holds a coiled fire hose connected to a water line, ready for immediate use in
case of fire. Some contain s hose valve connection along with a handheld fire
extinguisher.
fire hydrant
A dedicated piping connection on a site or street used to supply water for fire
department use to extinguish a fire.
148 American Society of Plumbing Engineers
fire line
A system of pipes and equipment used exclusively for extinguishing fires.
fire load
The total amount of combustibles in a building, expressed in pounds per square
foot, with an assumed calorific value for ordinary cellulosic materials of 7,000 to
8,000 British thermal units per pound.
fire meter
1. A meter that measures the liquid installed as a bypass around a weighted check
valve in a fire system.
2. A full-flow meter that measures the total flow of water in a fire suppression
system.
fireproofing
A material applied to an object or structure to increase its fire resistance.
fire pump
An approved pump with a driver, controls, and accessories, used to supply water
at an adequate flow and pressure for fire protection service.
fire-resistance rating
The length of time a passive fire protection system can withstand a standard fire
resistance test.
firestop
A passive fire protection system used to seal openings and joints in fire-resistance
rated wall and/or floor assemblies.
firestopping
Obstructions placed across air passages to prevent the spread of hot gases and
flames.
fire tetrahedron
The four basic elements necessary to start and maintain a fire: oxygen, heat, fuel,
and a self-sustaining chemical reaction called combustion, which produces con-
tinued heat that keeps the fire burning.
firewall
A wall extending from a building’s foundation through the roof, constructed to
prevent the spread of fire through the structure.
firmer chisel
A woodworker’s hand chisel with a thin, flat blade.
first draw
Water that has been sitting in pipes or plumbing fixtures and is the first to be
discharged when taps are opened.

Plumbineering Dictionary 149


first flush diverter
A rooftop device used to collect the contaminants from the first inch of rain.
fitting
A device used to connect pipes or change the direction of straight runs of pipe.
fitting brushes
Wire-type brushes shaped and sized to clean the inside surfaces of fittings.
fitting, compression
A fitting designed to join pipe or tubing by means of pressure or friction.
fitting, drainage
A connector with a wide radius used in drainage systems to allow a smooth flow
of wastewater with minimum obstructions.
fitting, flange
A fitting that utilizes a radially extending collar for sealing and connection.
fitting, flared
A fitting that requires the pipe or tube to be expanded, or flared, to form a joint
or seal.
fixed compression ratio
The design (built-in) compression ratio for a rotary unit.
fixed flow restrictor
A component or accessory incorporating a flow-restricting orifice of fixed geomet-
rical construction to prevent flow from self-adjusting with pressure fluctuations.
fixture
1. A sanitary plumbing or related piece of equipment that receives water from a
branch line.
2. A receptor that receives water or waterborne wastes and discharges such wastes
into a drainage system.
fixture battery
A group of two or more similar, adjacent fixtures discharging into a common,
horizontal waste or soil branch.
fixture branch
A pipe, not considered a main, connecting several fixtures.
fixture carrier
A device designed to support a plumbing fixture.
fixture count
1. The total of all supply fixture unit values to determine the maximum probable
demand on a water supply system or source.

150 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


2. The total of all drainage fixture unit values to determine the maximum prob-
able discharge into a drainage or sewer system.
fixture drain
A drain from the trap of a fixture to the junction of that drain with any other
drain pipe.
fixture isolation
A cross-connection control in which a backflow preventer is installed at a fixture
or piece of equipment.
fixture opening
The location of the water supply to a plumbing fixture on a wall or floor.
fixture supply
A water supply pipe connecting to a fixture from a branch or main.
fixture unit, drainage (DFU)
A numeric value given to represent the probable discharge of a fixture or device
into a drainage system.
fixture unit flow rate
The total discharge flow in gallons per minute of a single fixture divided by 7.5,
which provides the flow rate of that particular plumbing fixture as a unit of flow.
fixture unit, supply (SFU)
A numeric value given to represent the probable hydraulic demand on a water
supply by a plumbing fixture, which depends on the fixture’s volume rate of sup-
ply, the time duration for a single operation, and the average time between suc-
cessive operations.
fixture unit, water supply (WSFU)
A numeric value that represents the probable rate of water supply used by a
plumbing fixture or piece of equipment.
fixture vent
A vent pipe leading from the trap of a fixture to the atmosphere or to another
vent.
flame arrester
A device that stops, hinders, or slows the motion, course, or progress of fire or
flame.
flame spread index
1. A numerical designation applied to a building material, representing a com-
parative measure of the ability of the material to resist flaming combustion
over its surface.
2. The rate of flame travel, as measured under the applicable ASTM test, in

Plumbineering Dictionary 151


which a selected species of untreated lumber has a designated value of 100 and
noncombustible cement-asbestos board has a value of 0.
flame trap
A device that prevents a flame from backing up into the supply pipe.
flammable
A material that, when in the presence of air at normal temperature and pressure,
is capable of burning.
flammable gas
A gas that will burn when mixed in any proportion with air, oxygen, or nitrous
oxide
flammable liquid
A liquid that gives off combustible vapors.
flange
A projecting rim on the end of a pipe provided with holes to allow the pipe to be
fastened to a similarly equipped adjoining pipe.
flange, adjustable
A two-section escutcheon used on a pipe to cover the hole opening through which
the pipe passes.
flange, cast iron
A raised-edge fitting made of cast iron.
flange, companion
A pipe projection threaded internally to receive a pipe length and drilled so it may
be bolted to another like projection.
flange covering tube
A chrome-plated tube used to cover an unfinished pipe, generally used on the
outlet side of a P trap.
flanged bonnet
A type of bonnet that attaches to the valve body by means of a projecting, bolted
connection.
flanged fitting
A pipe fitting used to connect pipes by means of holed, projecting edges extend-
ing outside the pipeway.
flanged nut
A type of nut used with fluoropolymer tubing in which a projecting edge is made
at the tube end.
flange end
A valve or fitting with a projecting edge for joining to other piping elements.
152 American Society of Plumbing Engineers
flange, faucet
A faucet flared out as in a flange shape to cover the edges of holes.
flange fitting
A fitting that utilizes a radially extending collar for sealing and connection.
flange, floor
A metal, disc-shaped fitting tapped in the center with a standard pipe thread and
equipped with holes for mounting, generally used with pipe rails to secure pipe
to a wall or floor.
flange, galvanized
A disc-shaped fitting coated with molten zinc.
flange, closet
A fitting connected to the waste pipe and secured to the floor to receive the the
closet gasket and closet bolts used to secure a water closet to the drainage system.
flange, hanger
The flared part of a hanger that secures to a wall or floor by means of bolts or
screws.
flange, joint
A soldered connection mating the annular flat surfaces extending outward from
the sides of adjoining pipes or fittings.
flange, roof
An annular fitting used around a stack terminal on the top side of a roof to make
a pipe leak-proof.
flange, shower rod
A finishing disc with a hole in its center, attached to walls to support a shower
rod.
flange, spun
A one-piece collar that fits over a pipe to cover the opening through which the
pipe passes.
flange union
A pair of flanges joined by bolts.
flange, valve
A valve constructed with a projecting edge on the input and output ends, as op-
posed to a threaded or sweat valve.
flange welding
A fitting with a projecting edge made to be welded onto a pipe or fitting.
flank
A valley or inclined channel formed by the meeting of two roofs.
Plumbineering Dictionary 153
flapper
A device mounted on a flush valve to keep water in a water closet tank until the
fixture is flushed. Also called flush ball.
flapper valve
A valve on the bottom of a toilet tank that allows water to flow from the tank into
the bowl when opened.
flare
A type of fitting that uses a socket and a union nut to form a connection with
minimal crevice, for ultrapure processes, typically seen on fluoropolymer or natu-
ral polypropylene valves.
flared copper tube fitting
A thin-walled copper fitting with a flared end for use in a drainage system.
flared end
A skirted tube end.
flared fitting
A fitting that requires the pipe or tube to be expanded, or flared, to form a joint
or seal.
flaring tool
A tool used to spread the walls of tubing outward to form a pressure joint against
the flange of the tube fitting.
flash attack
A heavily etched, dark surface that results when contaminated passivating solu-
tions with high chloride levels come into contact with metal.
flashing
A waterproof material fitted over a surface where water is expected to run.
flashing ring
A component that attaches to the waterproofing membrane to maintain the wa-
tertight integrity of a system.
flash point
The minimum temperature at which a liquid gives off vapor in sufficient concen-
tration to form an ignitable mixture with air.
flash steam
Condensate that is saturated liquid at the same temperature as steam.
flat back
A fixture with a straight or upright rear surface.

154 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


flat bastard file
A flat smoothing tool that is intermediate between the coarsest and the second
cut.
flat boring bit
A rectangular-shaped tool with two cutting edges that rotate to drill holes.
flat brick chisel
A wide, thin tool used to cut masonry by being hit with a hammer.
flat dresser
A wood lead-working tool used to flatten or boss lead sheet and shape or smooth
lead pipe and sheet lead.
flat-plate solar collector
A non-concentrating solar energy collector, usually a metal box with a glass or
plastic cover, in which the absorbing surface is essentially planar and approxi-
mately equal to the gross collector area.
flax packing
A graphite or asbestos rope treated with flax, used to prevent leaks.
flex coupling
A rubber connector used to join drain, waste, and vent pipe or PVC to clay or
cast iron.
flexible connector
A braided hose that is used at some pump connections or to connect a faucet or
toilet to the water supply stop valve.
flexible hose
A section of hose that can be used in a wide variety of applications, i.e., gas appli-
ances, fuel oil connections, water connections.
flexible supply
A tubing connector between a water supply and a fixture faucet that can be modi-
fied to accommodate different fixture designs.
floatation
A buoyant force that causes a buried object to rise.
flexural strength
The ability of a material to withstand bending.
float ball
A ball connected to a flush valve that rises and falls with the toilet tank’s water
level, thus causing the ballcock to open and close.

Plumbineering Dictionary 155


float rod
A nonferrous metal, threaded rod that connects a float device to the flush valve
mechanism in a water closet.
float valve
A valve with a ball that rises or falls with the level of a liquid within a tank, thus
opening and closing the valve.
floc
Suspended particles in water that have coagulated into larger pieces and may form
a mat on top of the mineral or resin bed in a water conditioner, thus reducing or
impairing the efficient operation of the equipment.
flocculate
To coalesce into small lumps or loose clusters.
flocculation
1. The separation of a solution.
2. A step in water and wastewater treatment in which small, suspended particles
are removed from the water or waste.
flocculation tank
A chamber in which water is agitated to aggregate a number of small, suspended
particles into small lumps during water treatment.
flocculator
A machine, typically of galvanized steel or stainless steel, used for waste or surface
water clarification to optimize particle coagulation and flocculation.
flood control valve
A device that automatically or semi-automatically controls the flow rate of flu-
ids.
flooded
The condition that occurs when liquid flows over the flood level rim of a fixture.
flood level
The elevation at which water overflows from its receptacle or basin.
flood level rim
The top edge of a fixture.
floor chisel
1. A caulking iron for decks and floors.
2. A tool with a broad edge and long shank, used for ripping out floorboards.
floor drain
A fixture that is the exception to the definition of a plumbing fixture because

156 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


it has no supply of cold and/or hot water, used as an emergency fixture in the
event of a leak or overflow of water as well as to assist in the cleaning of a toilet,
bathroom, or kitchen.
floor drain grate
A strainer at the floor plane over a drain.
floor drain trap
A P-shaped conduit under a floor drain.
floor flange
A metal, disc-shaped fitting tapped in the center with a standard pipe thread and
equipped with holes for mounting, generally used with pipe rails to secure pipe
to a wall or floor.
floor-mounted, back-outlet water closet
A toilet supported by a base on the floor yet connected to the piping through the
wall.
floor-mounted water closet
A toilet secured to the floor in which the outlet of the bowl trap empties down-
ward through the base.
floor plan
A drawing indicating the physical arrangements of all building components with-
in a specified area.
floor sink
1. A shallow, floor-mounted basin used to fill and empty buckets for janitorial
purposes.
2. A cast iron, terrazzo, stainless steel, or plastic waste receptor that may be either
square or round and installed at the floor level, with or without removable or
permanent top grates as well as sediment buckets and bottom dome strain-
ers.
floor stand
A fixture support, typically attached to studs or bolted to the floor.
flow
The volume of a substance passing a point per unit time.
flow-control device
A device in a controlled-flow roof drainage system that controls the rate at which
runoff is allowed to drain off the roof.
flow controller
An automatic device that limits the maximum flow through a line, incorporating
a pressure-compensating restriction to maintain a substantially constant flow of
fluid over its designed pressure range.
Plumbineering Dictionary 157
flow control valve
A device used to reduce flow to a plumbing fixture, typically to reduce costs and
conserve water.
flow passage
An opening within a device through which water or air flows from the inlet to the
outlet or atmosphere.
flowing pressure
The gauge pressure in a flowing plumbing supply line immediately upstream of a
fixture valve. Also called running pressure.
flowing pressure differential
The difference between the initial pressure and the lower flowing pressure.
flow pressure
The pressure that exists at any point in a system when water is flowing at that
point.
flow pressure drop
The pressure drop through a device or fitting in a flowing system. Sometimes
called dynamic pressure drop.
flow rate
The quantity of water flowing, in a unit of time, often given in gallons per minute
or gallons per hour.
flow regulator
A mechanical or automatic device used in water treatment equipment to control
the flow of the water at a specified maximum flow rate.
flow restrictor, fixed
A component or accessory incorporating a flow-restricting orifice of fixed geomet-
rical construction to prevent flow from self-adjusting with pressure fluctuations.
flow switch
A safety paddle switch that turns on or off in response to the flow or non-flow of
a fluid. Also called sail switch.
flow-through period
The actual time required for water to flow through a water treatment tank.
flow valve
A motor-operated valve that closes when the velocity or pressure gradient of a
fluid passing through it reaches a certain value.
flue
An enclosed passage, primarily vertical, from a boiler or other gas appliance that
removes the gaseous products of combustion to the outer air.

158 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


flue baffle
A device used to regulate the flow of combustion products through a flue.
flue cleaner
A powder chemical sprinkled onto the hot walls of a combustion chamber to dis-
solve unburned carbon in a heating appliance or flue.
flue collar
A projection or recess that accommodates the vent connection to a flue.
flue damper
An automatic door located in a flue or venting system that closes when the burner
turns off, used to reduce heat loss.
flue exhauster
A device, usually a fan, installed in a vent pipe to induce a positive draft. Some-
times called a draft inducer.
flue gas
A gaseous compound used as a fuel to generate heat.
flue gases
The product of combustion plus the excess air in appliance flues or heat exchang-
ers (before the draft hood or draft regulator).
flue loss
The sensible and latent heat above room temperature of the flue gases leaving an
appliance.
flue stopper
A disc with a spring-like metal attachment used to cover the top of a chimney.
fluid dynamics
The study of liquids in motion.
fluidics
The technology dealing with the control of flowing liquids, solids, or gases in
various devices such as flat-operated valves and flush valves to perform functions
usually performed by an electric current in electronic devices.
fluid solder flux
A liquid soaking agent used in soft soldering.
fluorocarbon
An organic compound similar to a hydrocarbon in which one or more hydrogen
atoms are replaced by fluorine, used mainly in coolants and can be damaging to
the Earth’s ozone.

Plumbineering Dictionary 159


flush
To wash out by drenching with copious supplies of water.
flush ball
A device mounted on a flush valve to keep water in a water closet tank until the
fixture is flushed. Also called flapper.
flush bushing
A fitting with a male and female thread along its entire length that inserts into a
larger fitting so threads are not exposed.
flush ell
A fitting with a 90-degree bend, used in the installation of a wall-hung closet and
a floor-mounted bowl.
flushing cycle
The complete operating sequence of a water closet or urinal in emptying the con-
tents, cleansing the inside surfaces, refilling the water seal, and increasing the
water surface to the level of the trap weir.
flushing performance
The flushing performance requirements for a water closet in ANSI and ASME
standards.
flushing surface
The surface, visible after installation, that may be wetted during the operation of
a fixture.
flushing-type floor drain
A floor drain equipped with an integral water supply that enables the drain recep-
tor and trap to be flushed.
flush joint
A connection in which male and female threads are cut directly into the pipe to
provide the same inside and outside diameters as in the middle of the tube once
the pipes are joined.
flushometer
A water closet valve that delivers a preset amount of water to a water closet, urinal,
and other types of fixtures.
flushometer water closet
A toilet bowl with a spud connection that receives the connection from a flush-
ometer valve. Also called top spud or back spud, depending on the location of the
connection for the flushometer valve.
flushometer valve
1. A pressurized device that supplies a predetermined quantity of water to a wa-

160 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


ter closet and similar fixture, closed by direct pressure or other mechanical
means.
2. A mechanism energized by water pressure that allows a measured volume of
water into a fixture for flushing purposes.
flush pipe
A straight tube through which flushing water is conveyed from the source to the
fixture.
flush pipe fitting
The connection from a flush tank, flushometer, or flush valve to a fixture.
flush pipe holder
A fitting designed to secure the flush pipe from a tank to a urinal, toilet, or other
fixture.
flush rim
A portion of a plumbing fixture through which water is induced to flood the
fixture’s inner surfaces.
flush rim closet bowl
The upper part of a toilet bowl, bedpan washer, or urinal through which water is
diverted to wet the sides of the fixture during the flushing action.
flush sprinkler
A fire sprinkler in which all or part of the body, including the shank thread, is
mounted above the lower plane of the ceiling.
flush tank
An atmospheric receptacle that holds water, designed to discharge a predeter-
mined quantity of water to flush a water closet.
flush valve
A pressurized device that supplies a predetermined quantity of water to water
closets and similar fixtures, closed by direct pressure or other mechanical means.
flush valve trap primer
A device installed on the tailpiece of a water closet’s flush valve that directs an
amount of water discharging from the flush valve to the piping connected to the
floor drain.
flush valve vacuum breaker
A control similar to an atmospheric vacuum breaker in function but with an
elastic disc that deforms with the presence of water supply pressure to allow the
water to pass through.
flux
1. A paste used to aid the flowing characteristics and to prevent oxidation of
brazed or soldered joints.
Plumbineering Dictionary 161
2. In cross-flow filtration, the unit membrane throughput, expressed as volume
per unit of time per area.
FM
Acronym for Factory Mutual (fmglobal.com), a commercial insurance company
offering product certification and testing services.
foamed plastic insulation
A rigid, closed-cell, insulating product made by the expansion of plastic beads or
granules in a closed mold or by using an extrusion process.
foam-water fire sprinkler system
A special fire suppression system that discharges a mixture of water and foam con-
centrate (usually aqueous film-forming foam in 1, 3, and 6 percent concentrates
of product), resulting in a foam spray from the sprinkler, used with special-hazard
occupancies associated with high-challenge fires.
FOG
Abbreviation for fats, oil, and grease, a solid or viscous substance consisting of
animal fats, vegetable fats, and oils used to cook and prepare food that can cause
obstructions in sewer systems if not properly disposed and treated.
FOG disposal system
A grease interceptor that reduces non-petroleum fats, oils, and grease in effluent
by separation and mass and volume reduction, accomplished by thermal, chemi-
cal, electrical, or biochemical means.
follower
Part of a threading tool intended to keep the thread straight.
food
Any raw, cooked, or processed edible substance, beverage, or ingredient for hu-
man or animal consumption.
food waste grinder
An electrical grinding device used with water to grind food waste into pulp and
discharge it into a drainage system.
food waste grinder, batch feed
A food waste grinder that requires a lid that must be locked before operation,
making it impossible to run the grinder when the user is trying to clear a jam by
hand and preventing cutlery from falling into the grinder.
food waste grinder, continuous feed
A food waste grinder that allows waste to be added as the unit runs and can be
charged with food waste continually.

162 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


food waste
The perishable food refuse resulting from the preparation, handling, serving, and
scrapping of food.
footbath
1. A tub for cleaning, warming, or disinfecting the feet.
2. A small, portable tub.
footing
The lowest part of a foundation wall or column resting on the bearing soil, rock,
or piling that transmits the building’s superimposed load to the bearing material.
footing drain
A special pipe installed at or below the lowest part of a foundation wall to remove
accumulated groundwater or rainwater.
footprint
The area of land on which a building sits, defined by the building’s perimeter.
foot-rest cup
A pedestal that fits under the leg of a radiator to raise it to a higher level.
foot valve
A check valve installed at the base of a pump-suction pipe to maintain pump
prime by preventing pumped liquid from draining away.
force cup
A rubber dome with a wooden handle used on plumbing fixtures to clear stop-
pages. Also called a plumber’s friend or plunger.
forced circulating control
A device that induces energy to cause circulation.
forced convection
1. In the solar energy field, the transfer of heat by the flow of warm fluids, driven
by fans, blowers, or pumps.
2. A heat transfer process caused by a mechanical device, such as a fan.
forced drainage
The application of electromotive force to underground metallic structures to in-
duce drainage.
force main
A pumped sewer under pressure.
forearm handle faucet
1. A type of faucet operated by the part of the arm between the wrist and el-
bow.

Plumbineering Dictionary 163


2. A surgeon’s sink faucet.
forged clevis
A connector device that has been formed as one piece.
fouling
Scaling that occurs on a heat transfer surface.
fouling factor
A percent reduction used in water heating devices to account for obstructions in
the heating coils.
fountain
1. A spring of water issuing from the earth.
2. An artificially produced jet of water and the structure from which it arises.
3. A reservoir containing a liquid that can be drawn off as needed.
four-way brace
An assembly consisting of lateral and longitudinal bracing that is designed to
control back-and-forth movement in four directions.
frame
1. The constructional system that gives shape or strength.
2. An underlying structure or skeleton, specifically the arrangement of support-
ing girders, beams, columns, joists, or trusses forming the main support.
3. A basic structural unit onto or into which other constituents of a whole are
fitted and attached.
4. An open case or structure made for admitting, enclosing, or supporting some-
thing.
frames and grates
1. A frame containing parallel or crossed bars forming an open latticework, per-
mitting the passage of light, air, liquid, or sound, commonly used to prevent
unwanted ingress or egress.
2. A frame, bed, or basket of iron bars used to hold fuel while it is burning.
3. An open, latticed or barred, frame for cooking over a fire.
framing chisel
A long, sturdy chipping tool designed for rough carpentry work.
framing steel
A structural steel member, normally less than 10 feet in length, used between
existing members for the attachment of hangers or supports.
free air
Air at ambient conditions at a specific location.

164 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


free air delivered
The quantity of air or gas actually compressed and delivered to a discharge system
at rated speed and under rated conditions. Also called actual capacity.
free board
The space above a bed of ion exchange resin or mineral in a water softener tank
that allows for the unobstructed expansion of the bed during the backwash cy-
cle.
free circulation
A plumbing and drainage system that keeps the air within the system in free
movement to prevent unequal air pressure that might blow, siphon, or affect trap
seals, retard the discharge from plumbing fixtures, or permit sewer air to escape
into the building.
free convection
A heat transfer process caused by a density differential within a fluid, without the
involvement of a mechanical device.
free water surface
A water surface in which the pressure against it equals the local atmospheric pres-
sure.
freeze-resistant vacuum breaker wall hydrant
A freeze-proof device on the exterior of a building used to supply potable water as
well as to protect against back-siphonage.
French drain
A ditch containing loose stones and covered with earth. Also known as rubble
drain.
French solder
A readily fusible silver solder.
frequency quotient
The ratio of the maximum force to the supporting structure, due to the vibration
of a machine, to the maximum machine force. Also known as transmissibility or
efficiency quotient.
fresh-air inlet
A vent line connected to the building drain upstream of the house trap and ex-
tending to the outer air that provides air circulation between the house drain and
the public sewer.
friction factor
A quantity indicating the head loss of a fluid’s velocity while it is flowing through
a specific length and diameter of pipe.

Plumbineering Dictionary 165


friction head difference
1. The difference in pressure required to move a mass of fluid from one position
to another at a specific flow rate.
2. The energy required to overcome friction in a system.
friction load
The stress put on a piping system as the result of frictional forces that exist be-
tween different surfaces that are in contact with each other.
friction loss
The pressure lost in a pipe due to turbulence created by the fluid traveling through
the pipe.
frost closure
When a buildup of ice or snow on a vent terminal restricts the passage of air and
gas to the exterior.
frost line
1. The depth to which frost penetrates the earth.
2. The latitude below which frost does not occur.
frost proof
A device containing water that will not freeze at low temperatures.
frost-proof water closet
A toilet with a pressurized tank and hopper-type bowl in which the trap is in-
stalled below the frost line.
FRP
Abbreviation for fiberglass-reinforced plastic, a composite material made of a plas-
tic reinforced by fine fibers made of glass.
fuel cell
A device that combines fuel energy and an oxidant to create useable electricity.
fuel gas
Natural or manufactured liquefied petroleum or a mixture of the two.
fuel oil
An oil used as a fuel source.
Fuller faucet
A faucet in which the flow is controlled by a rubber ball that is forced into the
opening of the pipe.
full hydraulic capacity
The design capacity of a pipe or conduit.

166 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


full port
When the area through a valve is equal to or greater than the area of standard pipe.
Also known as 100 percent area.
full S trap
An unvented trap that is S shaped when turned 90 degrees, generally not accepted
by most plumbing codes. Also known as S bend.
fume hood
1. A local ventilation device that is designed to limit the user’s exposure to haz-
ardous or noxious fumes, vapors, or dusts.
2. A large piece of ducted or recirculating equipment enclosing five sides of a
work area, the bottom of which is located at a standing work height, used in
laboratories to removes gases and odors within the enclosed area.
fumigator
A machine used to blow smoke or fumes to test drains or for fumigation.
fungi
Small, non-chlorophyll-bearing plants that lack roots, stems, or leaves and occur
in water sewage or sewage effluents and may cause disagreeable tastes and odors
in water.
fungus
A mold, rust, mildew, smut, or mushroom, usually bacteria.
funnel connection
A conical-shaped indirect connection used for drainage.
furnace
A device that generates heat by the combustion of a suitable fuel.
furnace fitting
A connection device installed in a water line inside the combustion space of a
furnace.
furnace pipe and fittings
Connections for a water heater or other appliance requiring a flue or chimney.
fuse
To join two materials via the application of heat, which causes the materials to
melt.
fusible link
A mechanical device consisting of two strips of metal soldered together with a fus-
ible alloy that is designed to melt at a specific temperature, thus allowing the two
pieces to separate, used as a triggering device in fire sprinkler systems.

Plumbineering Dictionary 167


fusible metal
An alloy, usually containing bismuth, lead, tin, or cadmium, that melts at a low
temperature, used in boiler safety plugs and automatic sprinkler fuses.
fusible plug
A threaded metal plug with a tapered hole drilled completely through its length,
used as a stopper that melts at a predetermined temperature and installed as a last-
resort safety device when water levels fall dangerously low.
fusion
1. The process of liquefying or turning a solid into a plastic by heat.
2. Uniting materials by melting.
fusion welding
The joining of plastic pipe and fittings by melting.
F value
A measurement of a firestopping material’s resistance to flames and water.

168 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


galena
G
A mineral consisting of native lead sulfide that constitutes the principle ore of
lead.
gallons per flush (gpf )
The amount of water used in a single toilet or urinal flush.
gallons per hour (gph)
The amount of fluid flowing past a single point in one hour, used as a measure-
ment of flow.
gallons per minute (gpm)
The amount of fluid flowing past a single point in one minute, used as a measure-
ment of flow.
galvanic action
An interchange of atoms carrying an electric charge between materials in which
the anode metal with the higher electrode potential corrodes while the cathode
is protected.
galvanic cell
A cell consisting of two dissimilar conductors in contact with an electrolyte or two
singular conductors in contact with dissimilar electrolytes that converts the en-
ergy liberated by a spontaneous chemical reaction directly into electrical energy.
galvanic corrosion
1. Metal damage induced when two dissimilar materials are coupled in a cor-
rosive electrolyte. Also called dissimilar metal corrosion.
2. Metal damage that is increased because of the current caused by a galvanic
cell.
3. Metal damage that occurs in a liquid medium when a more active metal and
a less active metal in contact with one another form an electrode potential.
galvanic series
A list of metals arranged according to their relative corrosion potential in some
specific environment. Also called electropotential series.
galvanize
1. To cover iron or steel with a thin coating of zinc to help resist rust and corro-
sion.
2. To subject metal to the action of an electric current.

Plumbineering Dictionary 169


galvanized flange
A disc-shaped fitting coated with molten zinc.
galvanized pipe
Steel pipe covered with a thin coating of zinc to help resist rust.
galvanizing
A process in which the surface of iron or steel is covered with a layer of zinc.
gang hanger
A hanger assembly utilizing a common cross member to provide support for par-
allel runs or banks of piping.
garden hose
A flexible tubing equipped with a female-threaded inlet fitting and a standard
male-threaded outlet, typically used for watering landscaping.
gas booster
A device used to increase gas volume and pressure for both natural gas and lique-
fied petroleum gas.
gas cock
A core-type shutoff valve incorporated in a gas line, used to control the flow of
gas.
gas cock wrench
An open-end or box-type tool used to operate square or oblong-headed core
valves used in gas fittings.
gas dome
In sludge digestion tanks, a steel cover floating on the gas overlying the sludge.
gaseous oxygen
The physical state of oxygen at atmospheric temperature and pressure.
gas log
1. A gas burner designed to look like a log for use in a fireplace.
2. An unvented, open-flame room heater consisting of a metal frame or base
supporting simulated logs, designed for installation in a fireplace.
gasket
A seal or packing placed between two surfaces to make a water- or gas-tight
joint.
gasket, closet
A doughnut-shaped sealing device used to form a gas- and liquid-tight connection
between the outlet of a water closet bowl and the plumbing drainage system.

170 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


gasket tool
A device that cuts gaskets.
gasket, wedge
A sealing device with a triangular cross-section.
gas meter riser
A fitting in the form of a tube, usually metal, that connects an underground gas
line to the aboveground meter and supports the weight of the meter.
gas pipe
A conduit that carries fuel gas, fuel oil, medical gas, vacuum, or compressed air.
gas pliers
A stout tool designed for gripping small pipe, rods, or other round objects.
gas pressure regulator
A device that controls and maintains a uniform gas pressure in an appliance.
gas scrubber
A device used to remove dust, ammonia, and other impurities from gas.
gas stop and wrench
A core-type gas valve with a removable operating handle.
gas train
A series of devices located on the upstream side of a fuel gas appliance, consisting
of pipe, fittings, fuel, air-supervisory switches, and safety shutoff valves.
gas-train vent
A vent piped to atmosphere from a device on a gas train.
gas-transfer pump
An air compressor that uses a vacuum system as its inlet and discharges com-
pressed air to the atmosphere.
gas vent
Factory-built vent piping and fittings used to convey flue gases to the outside
atmosphere.
gate
1. A moveable opening that allows passage through a wall, fence, or other bar-
rier.
2. A door, valve, or other device used to control the passage of fluid or other
material through a sluice, channel, or pipe.

Plumbineering Dictionary 171


gate valve
A valve consisting of a wedge that is either raised out of or lowered into a double-
seated sluice to permit full flow or completely shut off flow through a pipe.
gauge
A device used to measure and determine whether the dimensions of a part are
within specified limits.
gauge glass cutter
A tool that scores glass tubing either internally or externally before cutting.
gauge pressure
The pressure of a gas or liquid minus the value of atmospheric pressure.
gauge siphon
A pipe formed in the shape of a pig’s tail used between a gauge and a steam boiler
to prevent water or steam from entering the gauge by means of an air cushion.
gauge, tank
An external gauge that measures the contents or pressure of a tank.
gauge washer
A peripheral resilient sealing member used around gauge glass tubing at its con-
nection to metal fittings.
geared valve
A valve with gears that provide easier opening and closing.
gel coat
A coating of epoxy or resinous material applied to seal the surface of reinforced
resin.
general contractor
A person or company that secures a contract to build, repair, renovate, or main-
tain work by supplying the materials to complete all phases of the work agreed
upon in the contract.
general corrosion
Metal damage that occurs in a uniform manner.
generally accepted standard
A method of design or construction accepted by the administrative authority and
referred to in local criteria or codes.
geothermal
Relating to heat generated by the Earth.
ghost flow
The unintentional flow of heated water in a hydronic system. Also called thermal
siphoning.
172 American Society of Plumbing Engineers
gilding metal
A type of brass rich in copper used to make items that look like gold.
gimlet
A small tool with a screw point, grooved shank, and cross handle, used to bore
small holes by hand pressure.
gland
The part of a pump that holds half of the mechanical seal and attaches to the
stuffing box.
gland bushing
A metal fitting installed between a packing nut and packing to transmit the force
exerted by the packing nut against the packing.
gland ring
A circular-shaped metal fitting used to reduce friction.
glass cutter
A metal hand tool equipped with a small wheel of hardened steel or a tooth with
a diamond point, used to cut or score glass.
glass gauge
A visual gauge mounted on the side of a tank used to observe the liquid level of
the fluid within the tank.
glass pipe
A clear pipe made of glass that is the piping system least susceptible to fire and is
acid resistant.
glass, tempered
Glass that has been pre-stressed by heating followed by sudden quenching to give
it two to four times the strength of ordinary glass, used in plumbing fixtures.
glass tubing cutter
A tool used to scale the surface of glass pipe so it can be broken cleanly.
glauconite
A hydrous silicate of potassium, iron, aluminum, or magnesium found in green-
sand and used as a fertilizer and water softener.
glazier putty
A mastic used by glaziers to set glass and similar substances.
glazing
A transparent covering over a solar collector that allows light to enter while pro-
viding weather protection.
globe radiator valve
A compression supply or return valve used on steam radiators.
Plumbineering Dictionary 173
globe valve
A round valve used to throttle or regulate flow through a pipeline, consisting
of a movable disc-type element that is raised off or lowered against a stationary,
horizontal ring seat.
globe valve disc
The moveable member of a compression valve.
go-devil
A cleaning tool rotated and propelled through a pipeline by the force of flowing
oil or water.
gold
A malleable, ductile, yellow, metallic element sometimes used to plate faucets.
gold solder
1. An alloy containing gold used as a joiner requiring heat application.
2. A hard solder comprised of gold, silver, copper, or brass.
gooseneck
1. The J bend of a faucet commonly used for a pantry sink.
2. A flexible connection between water service pipe and a water main that allows
ease of installation, the settlement of the overlying material, or expansion and
contraction due to temperature variations.
gouge chisel
A specialized tool with a hollow-shaped blade used to cut rounded grooves.
gpf
Abbreviation for gallons per flush, the amount of water used in a single toilet or
urinal flush.
gpg
Abbreviation for grain per gallon, a common basis of reporting water analysis
equaling 17.1 parts per million.
gph
Abbreviation for gallons per hour, the amount of fluid flowing past a single point
in one hour, used as a measurement of flow.
gpm
Abbreviation for gallons per minute, the amount of fluid flowing past a single
point in one minute, used as a measurement of flow.
grab bar
A safety bar installed in a bathtub or shower that users can grasp for balance.

174 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


grade
1. The surface of the ground in reference to a horizontal plane, expressed as a
fraction of an inch or percentage slope per foot.
2. The fall of a line of pipe in reference to a horizontal plane, expressed as a frac-
tion of an inch or percentage slope per foot or length of pipe.
3. The quality of a material.
grain capacity
The amount of hardness mineral (calcium or magnesium) that is removed by a
water softener mineral or resin within a specified length of time or by a specific
quantity of the resin.
grain per gallon (gpg)
A common basis of reporting water analysis equaling 17.1 parts per million.
graphite packing
A string-like material consisting of several strands impregnated with graphite,
used around an object for protection.
graphitization
1. Corrosion of gray cast iron in which the metallic constituents are converted to
corrosion products, leaving the graphite flakes intact.
2. The decomposition of iron carbide to form iron and graphite.
grating
A device that allows storm water to enter the top of a drainage structure while
preventing the entrance of debris.
gravel
Small, loose rock used as ballast.
gravity circulation
1. A non-pumped water circuit that relies on the principle that hot water rises
and cold water sinks, therefore, in the presence of a heating source, circulation
occurs.
2. A system in which circulation is induced by the pressure difference between
the outdoor air and the air in the vent piping, used to keep a sanitary system
free of foul odors and to prevent the growth of slime and fungi.
gravity convection
The natural movement of heat through a fluid that occurs when a warm fluid rises
and a cool fluid sinks under the influence of gravity.
gravity filter
When the flow of water through a filter is caused by gravity.

Plumbineering Dictionary 175


gravity flush
A flushing method used with tank-type water closets in which the water is not
under pressure and flushes by gravity.
gravity grease interceptor
A large device, typically located outdoors, that is installed in a sanitary drain-
age system to intercept non-petroleum fats, oils, and greases from wastewater
discharge.
gravity tank
An elevated reservoir that receives water to be distributed, usually by gravity, to a
building’s water system. Sometimes called a house tank.
gravity toilet
A water closet that relies on the natural downward pressure of water in the tank
to flush.
gray iron
Cast iron or pig iron that has a high carbon content, which causes a fractured
section to appear dark gray.
graywater
Wastewater from plumbing fixtures such as lavatories, bathtubs, showers, and
clothes washers that does not include fecal matter.
graywater reuse
Treating graywater for reapplication in irrigation or for flushing fixtures.
grease
1. A mixture of fats and free fatty acids discharged from kitchen appliances that
can cause blockages in sewer systems if not appropriately treated and dis-
posed.
2. A lubricant for machinery.
grease cup
A lubricating fitting shaped as a cup.
grease gun
A small hand pump used to force grease under pressure into bearings.
grease interceptor
An automatic or manual device used to separate and retain grease from wastewa-
ter prior to discharge.
grease removal device
A grease interceptor that automatically, mechanically removes non-petroleum
fats, oils, and greases from wastewater prior to discharge.

176 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


grease skimmer
A device that removes grease or scum floating on fluid in a tank.
grease trap
An automatic or manual device that replaces a fixture trap, used to separate and
retain grease from wastewater prior to discharge.
grease trap draw-off valve
A special valve used on some types of grease traps for the removal of contained
grease.
grease trap, pot-type
A cylindrical unit with a height equal to its diameter, installed in a drainage sys-
tem to retain the entrapped grease, while allowing the continued flow of other
materials.
green
A product or process that is environmentally responsible.
green building
Design and construction practices utilizing environmentally sound principles of
material and energy use.
Green Globes
An environmental assessment system that rates buildings on their energy and en-
vironmental practices operated by the Green Building Initiative in the United
States and BOMA in Canada.
Green Guide for Health Care
A best practices guide for healthy and sustainable building design, construction,
and operations for the healthcare industry (gghc.org).
greenhouse effect
A phenomenon that occurs when gases collect in the Earth’s atmosphere and trap
solar radiation, allowing the sun’s rays to pass through but preventing heat from
escaping.
greenhouse gas
An atmospheric gas that traps heat in the atmosphere.
green roof
A roof that contains living plants on top of a membrane and drainage system,
installed to reduce storm water runoff, modulate temperatures in the building,
and create thermal insulation.
greensand
1. A sand or sediment with a dark-green color caused by the presence of glauco-
nite.

Plumbineering Dictionary 177


2. A natural mineral, primarily composed of complex silicates, that possesses ion
exchange properties.
greenwash
Incorrect or misleading information regarding a product’s environmental ben-
efits.
grinder
A rotating solid stone or abrasive wheel used for grinding, sharpening, and shap-
ing.
grinder pump
A special class of solids-handling pump that grinds sewage solids to a fine slurry.
grit cloth
A sheet of cloth imbedded with bits of abrasive material, used generally in met-
alwork.
grooved fitting
A gasketed mechanical pipe fitting that is clamped onto a groove in a pipe rather
than screwed onto threads.
ground joint
A machined metal joint that fits tightly without a gasket or packing.
ground key valve
A valve or faucet that controls the flow rate water by a circular plug that fits closely
in a cylindrical or conical machined seat.
groundwater
Water found at or below grade and extending down to an impervious layer of
the Earth.
groundwater monitoring
1. The monitoring of below-grade water levels
2. Sensing of contaminates floating on the surface of groundwater.
group vent
A branch vent servicing two or more fixtures.
grout
A mixture of non-shrinking cement, sand, and water that is poured into a pump
base, up to the top of the base rails, to lock the pump to the foundation.
guaranty
An expressed and/or implied promise regarding the quality of a product or service
that is provided to another party.

178 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


guide
1. A device used to allow axial pipe movement only.
2. A device used to permit pipe movement in a predetermined direction while
restraining movement in other directions.
guide arm
A valve that controls water flow into a toilet tank.
guide rails
Vertical rails attached to the inside of a wet well used to lift out submersible
pumps for ease of maintenance.
gunmetal
1. A type of bronze used for parts subject to wear or corrosion, especially cor-
rosion by sea water.
2. An alloy of copper, tin, and a small amount of zinc.
gutter
1. An open horizontal channel that carries storm water from a roof surface or
road surface.
2. A channel along the rim of a swimming pool used to collect water at the top
of a pool.
gypsum
A mineral used for making drywall, plaster of Paris, and fertilizer.

Plumbineering Dictionary 179


hacking knife
H
A tool used for cutting heavy sheet lead with a wide back on the blade that can be
struck with a hammer.
hacksaw
A hand-held tool with a narrow blade set in a bow, used primarily for cutting
metal.
hacksaw blade
A thin blade of metal with cutting teeth, commonly with a hole at each end for
attachment to the holder.
hair felt
A matted-together insulation material made of either animal or human hair.
half round file
A semi-circular smoothing tool.
halocarbon agent
A clean agent that suppresses fires primarily through a chemical reaction that
interrupts the combustion process.
Halon 1301
A colorless, odorless, electrically nonconductive gas that can extinguish fires but
no longer is used due to its damaging effects on the Earth’s ozone.
hammer
A tool for striking, consisting of a relatively long handle with a heavy metal
head.
hammer drill
A hammer driven by electricity or compressed air. Also called rotary hammer.
hammerhead chisel
A tool used to cut through floors or timbers.
hand hole
1. A small hole through which a hand can fit to lift or clean an object.
2. A shallow form of manhole that provides access to a top row of ducts in an
underground electrical system.
hand-hole gasket
A round sealing device that covers a cleanout opening.

Plumbineering Dictionary 181


hand pump and spray
A manually operated pump with a suction inlet and pressure outlet.
hand saw
A cutting device worked with one hand and operated by a backward and forward
motion.
hand wheel
A disc-shaped device that turns around a stem to lift or lower an attached device.
hanger
A device that is suspended from a structure and used to carry or support a load.
hanger assembly
A series of components that make up a device that is connected to or suspended
from a structure, used to carry or support a load in tension or carry a load under
compression.
hanger drawing
A drawing showing specific hanger types, loading, bracing, and supports.
hanger flange
The flared part of a hanger that secures to a wall or floor by means of bolts or
screws.
hanger load
The specific load type and capacity of a pipe hanger.
hanger rod
A round steel bar, normally threaded, used to connect components for hangers
and supports.
hard lead
A type of lead to which alloys have been added for strength.
hardness
A measure of the total minerals that contribute to the hard feel of water due to
scaling deposited on pipe and boiler walls.
hardness leakage
The presence of hardness minerals after water has passed through a water softener,
encountered primarily because of hardness retained in the resin bed from a previ-
ous service run.
hardness minerals
Calcium and magnesium calcium, magnesium, iron, and other metallic elements
that contribute to the hard feel of water.
hard pressure
A condition in which the pressure in a nonpotable system is greater than the pres-
182 American Society of Plumbing Engineers
sure in the potable water distribution system, which causes nonpotable liquids to
flow into the potable system through cross connections.
hard solder
A solder with a high melting point used for joining metals such as copper, silver,
gold, and brass.
hard water
Natural water consisting of a high mineral content such as calcium or dissolved
solids.
haunch
The portion of a buried pipe below the centerline.
harrington joint
A machined-tapered pipe end connected to a matching tapered sleeve coupling.
hazard
1. A possible source of danger or peril.
2. A condition that tends to create or increase the possibility of loss or harm.
hazard, high
A connection made to a potable water system whereby the risk of backflow occur-
ring is from toxic or chemically charged sources.
hazard, low
A connection made to a potable water system whereby the risk from backflow
occurring is from objectionable but nontoxic substances.
hazardous material
A substance that has been determined to be capable of posing an unreasonable
risk to health, safety, and property when transported in commerce.
hazardous substance
A substance, other than oil, that presents an imminent and substantial danger to
the public’s health or welfare when it is discharged into the water supply.
hazardous waste
A solid, liquid, or gaseous waste material that, if improperly managed or disposed
of, may pose a substantial hazard to human health and the environment.
Hazen-Williams equation
An empirical formula used to calculate friction loss in piping.
HCFC
Abbreviation for hydrochlorofluorocarbon, a refrigerant used in building equip-
ment that depletes the Earth’s ozone layer, but to a lesser extent than CFCs.
HDPE
Abbreviation for high-density polyethylene, a strong form of polyethylene.
Plumbineering Dictionary 183
head
The energy of a fluid at any particular point of a flow stream per weight of the
fluid.
head coefficient
A ratio expressesing pump head by the square of an impeller tip’s velocity.
head loss
The energy loss of a fluid as it passes through a flow passage. Also called pressure
drop.
header
1. A pipe that does not diminish in size.
2. A horizontal framing member installed above a door or window to transfer the
building’s load from above the opening to the supporting wall structure.
head shower and stop
An elevated water distributor equipped with an integral water flow control valve.
health department
The organization established by law to have jurisdiction over the quality of the
public water supply and/or subsurface drainage systems.
healthcare facility
A buildings or portion of a building in which medical, dental, psychiatric, nurs-
ing, obstetrical, or surgical care is provided.
health hazard
An actual or potential threat of contamination or pollution of a physical or toxic
nature to the potable water system.
heat
A type of energy that is produced by the movement of molecules.
heat capacity
A measure of heat or thermal energy required to increase the temperature of a unit
quantity of a substance by one unit. Also called specific heat.
heat drying
A process using direct or indirect heat to reduce the moisture in biosolids to
eliminate pathogens, reduce volume, and create a product that can be used as a
fertilizer or soil amendment.
heater
An appliance that produces heat.
heater, water
An appliance that heats and supplies water for domestic or commercial purposes
other than for space heating.

184 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


heat exchanger
A device designed to transfer heat efficiently from one medium to another.
heating medium
A substance used to heat another substance to a higher temperature.
heating surface
A surface that transmits heat from flames or flue gases to the medium to be heat-
ed.
heating value
1. The amount of heat produced by combustion of a unit quantity of a fuel.
2. The number of British thermal units produced by the combustion, at constant
pressure, of 1 cubic foot (cubic meter) of gas when the products of combus-
tion are cooled to the initial temperature of the gas and air, the water vapor
formed during combustion is condensed, and all the necessary corrections
have been applied.
heat island effect
A phenomenon that occurs when built-up areas are hotter than surrounding areas
because solar energy is retained on man-made surfaces such as streets, parking
lots, and buildings.
heat, latent
1. The heat energy required to turn 1 pound of saturated water from a liquid to
vapor steam.
2. The quantity of heat required to effect a change in state.
heat loss
1. The transfer of heat from one space to another
2. Energy or power transmitted out of a system in the form of heat.
heat of saturated liquid
1. The amount of heat energy required to take 1 pound of water from a tem-
perature of 32°F (0°C) to the boiling point, or saturation temperature, for any
given system pressure.
2. Heat that results in a temperature change but not a change in state. Also re-
ferred to as sensible heat.
heat pump
A device designed to simultaneously or alternately use heat extracted at a low
temperature and heat rejected at a high temperature for cooling and heating pur-
poses
heat resistance
The measure of an object’s ability to prevent heat from flowing through it, equal

Plumbineering Dictionary 185


to the difference between the temperatures of opposite faces of the body divided
by the rate of heat flow. Also known as thermal resistance.
heat, sensible
1. The amount of heat energy required to take 1 pound of water from a tem-
perature of 32°F (0°C) to the boiling point, or saturation temperature, for any
given system pressure.
2. Heat that results in a temperature change but not a change in state. Also re-
ferred to as heat of saturated liquid.
heat trace
A thermostatically controlled resistance heater that is installed between a pipe and
the pipe insulation to maintain the temperature of the fluid in the pipe.
heat tracing
A continuous or intermittent application of heat to a pipe or vessel to replace the
heat lost to ambient air.
heat transfer
The movement of heat energy from one substance or area to another.
heat transfer fluid
In a solar water heating system, the air, water, or other fluid that is used to carry
thermal energy from one subsystem to another.
heat transfer medium
Fluid used in the transport of thermal energy.
heat trap
1. A device incorporating a return designed to prevent auto-circulation of heated
water in the outlet fitting of a water heater, thus preventing heat loss.
2. A valve or loop of pipe that allows water to flow into a water heater tank but
prevents unwanted hot water from flowing out of the tank.
heavy bracket
A bracket, usually made of steel, used to support heavy loads.
heel outlet elbow
A pipe fitting in which the outlet is in the same place as the run, on the outside of
the large radii curve. Also referred to as back-outlet ell.
height of building
The height of a building measured at the centerline of its principal front, from the
street grade to the highest part of the roof.
hematite
An iron ore, most of which occurs in a soft, fine-grained, earthy form called red
ocher, used as a paint pigment or to polish plate glass.

186 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


hermetic
Completely sealed against the escape or entry of air, water, or gas.
hertz
The unit of frequency internationally accepted to be equivalent to cycles per sec-
ond of sound.
HET
Abbreviation for high-efficiency toilet, a water closet with a flush volume less than
1.28 gallons.
hex key
A tool with a hexagonal cross-section used to drive bolts and screws that have a
hexagonal socket in the head.
hex plug
A pipe fitting with one threaded end and one hex-shaped head.
HFC
Abbreviation for hydrofluorocarbon, a refrigerant that does not deplete the Earth’s
ozone layer.
h fitting
A drainage fitting designed exclusively for venting purposes.
HI
Acronym for the Hydraulic Institute, a nonprofit trade association for pump
manufacturers and suppliers and a pump standards development organization
(pumps.org).
hidden conditions
Unknown conditions underground or buried inside an existing structure that may
lead to extra contract costs or increased contract time.
high-capacity resin
A manufactured material, in the form of beads or granules, that can take hard-
ness-forming ions and give up softness-forming ions and the reverse cycle thereof,
used in water softening.
high-density polyethylene (HDPE)
A strong, relatively opaque form of polyethylene.
high efficiency
A product or system that uses little energy, water, or other inputs to operate.
high-efficiency toilet (HET)
A water closet with a flush volume less than 1.28 gallons.

Plumbineering Dictionary 187


high hazard
A connection made to a potable water system whereby the risk of backflow occur-
ring is from toxic or chemically charged sources.
high purity
A term describing highly treated water with attention to microbiological reduc-
tion or elimination, commonly used in the electronic and pharmaceutical indus-
tries.
high-purity water
Pure water that is free from minerals, dissolved gases, and most particulate mat-
ters, created by various filtration techniques.
high rise
A building with an occupied floor that is 75 feet or more above the lowest level
where firefighting apparatus is staged.
hinged hook
A hook or joint on which a door or lid turns.
hinged pipe clamp
An attachment device that permits installation before or after piping is in place,
used primarily on non-insulated piping. Also known as split ring.
hinge pin
The portion of a check valve on which the disc or clapper swings.
holdback
A hook and chain, usually nickel or chrome plated, used to retain a shower curtain
in the full open position.
hold down
A pipe anchor consisting of a U-strap bolted at either end onto a horizontal
plate.
hole cover
A convex disc used to close unused holes or drillings in plumbing fixtures.
hole saw
A circular-shaped cutting tool attached to a drill, used to cut out circular shapes.
Also called crown saw or cylinder saw.
holiday
1. An area of a tank or vessel that has a discontinuity or an electrical resistance
less than the specified value.
2. A surface area where a coating was not properly applied.

188 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


hollow plug
A valve with both left- and right-hand threads used to restrict or isolate the flow
of a liquid or gas through a pipe.
hoop stress
The tensile stress in the circumference of a pipe wall when the contents are under
pressure.
hopper
1. The entry part of a food waste disposer that receives and contains food waste
prior to and during the reduction process.
2. A funnel-shaped water closet bowl.
hopper trap
The waste trap at the bottom of a hopper.
horizontal
At right angles to the vertical.
horizontal branch
A drain pipe extending laterally from a soil or waste stack or building drain.
horizontal caulked joint
A bell and spigot caulked connection in a horizontal run.
horizontal pipe
A pipe installed in a horizontal position or that makes an angle of less than 45
degrees with the horizontal.
horizontal pump
A pump in which the shaft normally is in a horizontal position.
horizontal run
The horizontal distance between where a fluid enters a pipe and where it leaves.
horizontal split-case pump
A centrifugal pump characterized by a housing that is split parallel to the shaft.
horizontal traveler
A hanger or support device that accommodates horizontal piping movement.
horsepower (hp)
A unit of work done over time, equal to 33,000 pound feet per minute.
hose bibb
A faucet installed on the inside wall of a building for the supply of potable wa-
ter.

Plumbineering Dictionary 189


hose bibb backflow preventer
An assembly composed of a check valve and an atmospheric vent that protects a
potable water supply from contamination through a hose bibb.
hose connection vacuum breaker
A control similar to an atmospheric vacuum breaker in function but with an
elastic disc that deforms with the presence of water supply pressure to allow the
water to pass through.
hose coupling
A device used to interconnect two or more pieces of garden, wash-down, or fire
hose.
hose faucet
A faucet or valve equipped with hose threads to which a hose may be connected.
hose gate valve
A valve with one threaded end for hose application.
hose globe valve
A globe valve with a hose thread at one end.
hose rack
A framework, usually made of steel, for storing hose.
hose station
Part of a fire-extinguishing or washdown system consisting of a valve, hose, noz-
zle, and hose rack.
hose thread
A specific screw thread pattern used on fittings to provide attachment for a gar-
den, wash-down, or fire hose.
hose washer
A disc with a hole in its center used as a seal between a hose connector and its
mate, usually ¾ inch in diameter.
hospital
A building or part thereof that is used for medical, obstetrical, psychiatric, or
surgical care on a 24-hour basis for four or more patients.
hot air damper
A shutter-type device used to control air passing through a pipe, duct, or door.
hot-dip galvanized
A corrosion protection coating of zinc applied to steel or other metals.
hot elevation
The mechanical drawing view of a piping system as it will appear in its full operat-
ing environment.
190 American Society of Plumbing Engineers
hot hanger location
The location of the pipe hangers, supports, and assemblies of an installed piping
system in reference to the building’s structure and structural elements within the
operating environment.
hot load
The stress put on a piping system as the result of a normal or steady-state operat-
ing environment.
hot setting
The position at which a mechanical control device indicator, such as that on a
spring hanger, is set to denote the proper operating position.
hot shoe
A tee-section hanger or support with integrated insulation that has been designed
for hot temperature piping system applications.
hot water
1. Water that is heated to a temperature higher than ambient, established by gen-
erally accepted practices or codes as being suitable for a specific application.
2. Water at a temperature not less than 120°F (49°C).
hot water boiler
A vessel that heats and/or stores water.
hot water boiler flow control fitting
An automatic, semi-automatic, or manually operated valve that controls the out-
let flow of heated water from a water heater.
hot water boiler relief valve
A safety device that relieves overheated water or excessive pressure in a boiler.
hot water boiler thermometer
A heat-registering device installed in a water heater to indicate the internal tem-
perature.
hot water generator
An enclosed vessel in which water is heated for domestic or industrial use.
hot water meter
A device that measures hot water volume.
hot water recirculation
The process of constantly circulating water in a continuous hot water pipe loop
through a water heater so there is no wait for hot water at the delivery point.
hot water supply and return
A piping system that circulates heated water.

Plumbineering Dictionary 191


house drain
A horizontal drain in a basement that receives waste from stacks.
house sewer
A pipeline connecting a house drain with the public sewer.
house slant
A tee or wye connection between a house sewer and the pubic sewer.
house tank
An elevated reservoir that receives water to be distributed, usually by gravity, to a
building’s water system. Sometimes called a gravity tank.
house trap
A running trap on the outlet side of a house drain that prevents the passage of
odors between the public sewer and the house.
hub
The enlarged end of a pipe into which the end of another pipe inserts. Also called
bell.
hub and spigot
A pipe connection in which the plain end of one pipe is inserted into the en-
larged diameter end of one pipe. Also called bell-and-spigot or caulked joint.
hubless
Soil piping with plain ends.
hubless coupling
A connector that slips over the plain ends of hubless pipe and fittings to seal the
joint.
humidity
The percent of water vapor in the air compared to the saturated amount of water
vapor possible at the temperature when measured.
humidity, relative
1. The amount of water vapor in the air at any given time, usually less than that
required to saturate the air.
2. The percent of saturation humidity, generally calculated in relation to satu-
rated vapor density.
3. The ratio of the actual partial vapor pressure in an air/vapor mixture to the
saturated vapor pressure at the existing dry-bulb mixture temperature, usu-
ally expressed in percent.
humidity, specific
1. The mass of water vapor per unit mass of air.

192 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


2. The ratio of the weight of water vapor in an air/vapor mixture to the weight of
dry air, expressed as pounds of vapor per pound of dry air.
humus
A brown or black material formed by the slow decomposition of vegetable and
animal matter, used as a fertilizer.
Hunter method
A method to determine the peak demand of a water distribution system by adding
the water supply fixture units of each fixture on the system.
Hunter’s curves
Two graphs that convert fixture units directly into gallons per minute, based on
use patterns observed in actual buildings, taking into account the demand factor
for domestic water systems.
HVAC
Abbreviation for heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning.
hydrant
1. A valve or faucet for drawing water from a pipe in large quantities, usually
applied to a fire department water supply.
2. An upright pipe with a spout, nozzle, or other outlet, usually in the street, for
drawing water from a main or service pipe, especially for fighting fires.
hydraulic
Operated by or employing water or other liquids in motion or under pressure.
hydraulically remote
The furthest point in a system from the source of supply in terms of total pressure
lost through the entire system.
hydraulic diameter
A unit using the dimensionless Reynolds number to determine if a flow is tur-
bulent or laminar: laminar if Re < 2,300; transient for 2,300 < Re < 4,000; and
turbulent if Re > 4,000.
hydraulic gradient
1. The direction of groundwater flow due to changes in the depth of the water
table.
2. The slope of the surface of sewage or drain water in a pipe, which depends on
the velocity head.
hydraulic head
The energy possessed by a unit weight of water at any particular point, consisting
of elevation head, pressure head, and velocity head.

Plumbineering Dictionary 193


hydraulic jump
1. The increase in the water depth in a horizontal drain at the base of a stack
caused by the reduced velocity of water flowing in the horizontal pipe when
receiving flow from a vertical stack.
2. A sudden change in water level (shock wave)) commonly seen below weirs
and sluice gates in which a smooth stream of water suddenly rises at a foaming
front.
Hydraulic Institute (HI)
A nonprofit trade association for pump manufacturers and suppliers and a pump
standards development organization (pumps.org).
hydraulic mean depth of flow
The ratio of the cross-sectional area of flow to the wetted perimeter of a pipe sur-
face. Also called hydraulic radius.
hydraulic pipe cutter
A chain pipe-cutter utilizing hydraulic ram to cut cast iron pipe.
hydraulic pressure
Pressure exerted by water.
hydraulic radius
The ratio of the cross-sectional area of flow to the wetted perimeter of a pipe sur-
face. Usually referred to as hydraulic mean depth of flow.
hydraulic ram
1. The utilization of gravity flow to increase pressure.
2. A hydraulic transformer that takes in water at one hydraulic head and flow
rate and outputs water at a higher hydraulic head and lower flow rate.
hydraulic shock
1. The momentary pressure rise in a piping system that results when the liquid is
starts or stops quickly.
2. An impact that occurs when fluid flowing through a pipe is subjected to a
sudden and rapid change in velocity, causing the kinetic energy of the fluid to
convert into a dynamic pressure wave that travels at the rate of 3,000 miles per
hour.
hydraulic snubber
A rotating device used to control shock or sway in piping systems, while allowing
for normal thermal expansion. Also called a hydraulic sway brace.
hydraulic sway brace
A rotating device used to control shock or sway in piping systems, while allowing
for normal thermal expansion. Also called a hydraulic snubber.

194 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


hydrochloric acid
A colorless or faintly yellow, corrosive, fuming aqueous solution of hydrogen
chloride, used chiefly in chemical and industrial processes.
hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC)
A refrigerant used in building equipment that depletes the Earth’s ozone layer, but
to a lesser extent than CFCs.
hydrodynamics
1. The study of liquids in motion.
2. The branch of fluid dynamics that deals with liquids, including hydrostatics
and hydrokinetics.
hydrofluorocarbon (HFC)
A refrigerant that does not deplete the Earth’s ozone layer.
hydrogen
A non-metallic univalent chemical element with the atomic number 1, meaning
that it is the simplest and lightest of the elements, used especially in the produc-
tion of its economic compounds.
hydrogen embrittlement
A weakening of a metal by the entrance of hydrogen into the metal and a major
cause of fastener failure.
hydrogen overvoltage
1. A higher-than-expected difference in potential associated with the liberation
of hydrogen gas.
2. An overvoltage occurring at an electrode as a result of the liberation of hydro-
gen gas.
hydrogen sulfide
A highly corrosive gas often found in water supplies that imparts a boiled or rot-
ten egg odor.
hydrojet
A cold inlet tube used to reduce sediment buildup and increase efficiency in a
water heater.
hydrokinetic
1. The phenomena of the motions of fluids or the forces that produce or affect
such motions.
2. A branch of kinetics that deals with liquids.
3. A process that generates electricity from waves or directly from the flow of
water in ocean currents, tides, or inland waterways.

Plumbineering Dictionary 195


hydrologic cycle
The exchange of water between the atmosphere and the Earth’s surface.
hydrology
The science dealing with the properties, distribution, circulation, and movement
of water throughout the Earth.
hydrolysis
1. The decomposition of organic compounds when they interact with water.
2. A chemical reaction during which molecules of water are split into hydrogen
cations (conventionally referred to as protons) and hydroxide anions in the
process of a chemical mechanism.
hydromechanical grease interceptor
A device installed in a sanitary drainage system that incorporates air entrapment,
the buoyancy of grease in water, and hydromechanical separation with interior
baffling to remove non-petroleum fats, oils, and greases from wastewater dis-
charge.
hydromechanics
The study of the mechanics of fluids or the laws of equilibrium and motion con-
cerning fluids.
hydronic heating
A space heating system in which water circulates through a radiant floor, base-
board system, convection system, or fan coil system.
hydronics
The science and practice of heating or cooling an internal area using fluids in
either vapor or water form as the heat transfer medium.
hydropneumatic
Operated by a combination of water and air or other gas.
hydropneumatic test
A leakage test in a piping system in which the tested portion of the piping system
is sealed with water under air pressure to determine the location of leaks, indi-
cated by pressure drop.
hydrostatic joint
A connection in which sheet lead or other sealant material is forced tightly into
the bell of a pipe by means of the hydrostatic pressure of a liquid, typically used
in large water mains.
hydrostatic load
The stress put on a piping system as the result of hydrostatic testing.

196 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


hydrostatic lock
1. A condition in which a supplemental restraint temporarily locks or holds
moveable parts in place during a hydrostatic test.
2. A supplemental restraint often used in conjunction with spring devices to
provide for a fixed position, enabling a load to be transferred to a supporting
structure in a desired placement during construction or installation.
hydrostatic pressure
1. Pressure exerted by or existing within a liquid at rest with respect to adjacent
bodies.
2. Pressure exerted uniformly and perpendicularly to all surfaces by a homoge-
neous fluid.
3. Pressure at a given depth in a static liquid as a result of the weight of the liquid
acting on a unit area at that depth, plus any pressure acting on the surface of
the liquid.
hydrostatics
The study of the characteristics of fluids at rest, particularly regarding the pressure
exerted by a liquid on an immersed body.
hydrostatic test
1. A pre-operational test in which a piping system is subjected to a pressurized
fluid in excess of the specified operational pressure to ensure the integrity of
the system.
2. A procedure used to locate leaks in pressure vessels.
hydrostatic test load
The temporary stress, consisting of the total load weight of the piping, insulation,
and test fluid, put on piping systems during a hydrostatic test.
hydrostatic test pressure
The pressure applied to a vessel or pipe to test its ability to operate safely at its
rated water working pressure.
hygroscopic
A water-seeking material, or one that readily absorbs water, usually from the at-
mosphere.
hygroscopic material
A material that readily takes up and retains moisture.
hyperbaric
Of, relating to, producing, operating, or occurring at pressures higher than nor-
mal atmospheric pressure.

Plumbineering Dictionary 197


hypobaric
Relating to conditions of low air pressure and low oxygen content (below atmo-
spheric), such as atmospheric conditions at high altitudes or in special chambers
used to establish low-pressure conditions.

198 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


IAPMO
I
Acronym for the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials
(iapmo.org), a membership-based association utilizing a consensus process to de-
velop the Uniform Plumbing Code and the Uniform Mechanical Code, among
others.
IBC
Acronym for the International Building Code, a model building code developed
by the International Code Council.
ICC
Acronym for the International Code Council (iccsafe.org), a membership associa-
tion that develops codes used to construct residential and commercial buildings,
including the International Plumbing Code, among others.
icebox
An insulated cabinet with a compartment for ice, used for refrigeration.
icebox waste
A drain that carries away the condensate from the cooler coils of a food storage
unit.
ice machine
A piece of equipment used to make and/or store and dispense potable ice. Also
called ice maker.
ice maker
A piece of equipment used to make and/or store and dispense potable ice. Also
called ice machine.
ID
Abbreviation for inside diameter, the measurement of the inside circumference
of a pipe.
Imhoff cone
A conically shaped, graduated vessel used to measure the amount of suspended or
settled solids in sewage or liquids.
Imhoff tank
A sewage treatment tank in which digestion and settlement take place in compart-
ments one below the other.
immersion
Submerged in water or other liquids.

Plumbineering Dictionary 199


immiscible
1. A liquid that cannot be dissolved in water.
2. Two or more liquids incapable of being mixed to form a homogeneous sub-
stance.
impact isolation class
A scale rating the impact of noise between building floors, ceilings, walls, or ad-
jacent spaces.
impact wrench
An electrically or pneumatically operated tool that gives a rapid succession of
sudden torques.
impeller
A rotating component of a centrifugal pump that transfers energy from the motor
driving the pump to the fluid being pumped by accelerating the fluid outward
from the center of rotation.
impervious
Incapable of being penetrated.
imperviousness factor
The portion of rain that falls on an area and flows off as free water, expressed as a
decimal and used to estimate or predict cumulative water resource impacts.
impingement attack
Accelerated corrosive attack on a metal by moving liquids, usually resulting from
erosion of a protective surface layer.
impurity
1. A physical, chemical, or biological substance found in a liquid, gas, or solid
that makes it differ from the chemical composition of the material or com-
pound.
2. A substance found in water makes it unsuitable as a source of potable water.
inch
A unit of measure equal to one-twelfth of a foot or one-thirty-sixth of a yard.
inch of mercury
A unit of measurement of atmospheric pressure, defined as the pressure exerted by
a column of mercury1 inch in height at 32°F (0°C) at the standard acceleration of
gravity, equal to 0.491098 pounds per square inch and 3,386 pascals.
inch-pound
A unit of work done by a force of 1 pound acting through a distance of 1 inch.
incinerator
A furnace or container used for burning waste materials.

200 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


incoming inlet temperature
The temperature of water entering a vessel.
incomplete combustion
A phenomenon that occurs when inadequate ventilation restricts the flow of air
into an appliance, which may lower oxygen content in the surrounding air.
increaser
1. A fitting used to enlarge the size of a pipe.
2. A fitting shaped so that one end receives a smaller pipe size in the direction of
flow.
independently acting check valve
A check valve that shares no common parts with another check valve except for
the body housing.
index sludge volume
The volume in milliliters occupied by 1 gram of a suspension after 30 minutes of
settling, typically used to monitor the settling characteristics of activated sludge
and other biological suspensions.
indicator post
A mechanically operated post that indicates the open/shut status of buried gate
valves (with a non-rising stem), recommended for use in fire protection systems
or installations where it is critical to know valve status.
indigenous planting
The use of native plants in landscaping to reduce irrigation needs.
indirect cross connection
A potential cross connection in which the interconnection is not continuously
enclosed and the completion of the cross connection depends on the occurrence
of one or more abnormal conditions.
indirect water heater
A fluid-to-fluid heat exchanger (usually double walled for domestic use) that uses
one hot fluid to heat a secondary colder fluid.
indirect vent
A pipe installed to vent a plumbing fixture trap that connects with the vent system
above the fixture served or terminates into the open air.
indirect waste
A discharge to a drainage system or receptacle through an air gap as a method to
avoid a cross connection.
indirect waste pipe
A drain pipe that does not connect directly into the building’s drainage system

Plumbineering Dictionary 201


but flows into a drain system via an air gap above a receptacle, interceptor, vented
trap, or vented and trapped fixture.
indirect waste receiver
A receptacle that receives wastes from other fixtures or plumbing units.
individual sewage disposal system
1. A system for the disposal of domestic sewage by means of a septic tank, cess-
pool, or mechanical treatment, designed for use apart from a public sewer to
serve a single establishment or building where a public sewer is not available.
2. A system that provides wastewater treatment and disposal, primarily for in-
dividual homes (as well as some commercial and business establishments) in
areas not served by central sewer systems and wastewater treatment plants.
individual vent
The part of a vent pipe line that connects directly with an individual waste pipe,
underneath or at the back of a fixture, and extends either to the main or branch
vent pipe. Also known as revent.
individual water supply
A private supply system including wells, pumps, piping, storage, and/or treatment
equipment other than an approved public water supply for human consumption
that serves one or more families.
indoor air pollution
Chemical, physical, or biological air contaminants within or around buildings
and structures.
indoor air quality
The nature of air inside a building.
induced siphonage
1. The drawing away of water that forms a trap seal due to a pressure differential
between the inlet and outlet of a trap, often caused by the discharge of another
fixture.
2. Siphonage of water from a fixture trap usually due to an improperly installed
vent pipe, induced when another fixture on the same vent pipe discharges.
industrial piping system
1. A single- or double–wall piping system located in an industrial complex that
generally includes fire protection, plumbing, heating, and cooling piping sys-
tems, as well as process, vacuum, air, steam, or chemical piping systems.
2. A process piping, acid waste, double containment, and leak detection or spe-
cialty piping system serving chemical, pharmaceutical, and biotechnical facili-
ties.

202 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


industrial waste
1. All liquid or waterborne waste from industrial or commercial processes that
have properties other than domestic sewage.
2. Non-sanitary plumbing effluent, such as that typically found in chemical,
pharmaceutical, and other manufacturing facilities.
3. Storm water runoff discharged from any industrial activity site considered
harmful by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
inert
A colorless, odorless, tasteless gas that does not react with other materials during
chemical synthesis or analysis at ordinary temperatures and pressures. Also called
noble gas.
inert gas agent
A clean agent that suppresses fires by reducing the oxygen concentration in the
protected area to a level below 14 percent, which yields an atmosphere insufficient
to support combustion.
infiltration
1. The leaking of a liquid into a sewer.
2. In storm water management, the movement of water through and into soil.
Also called percolation rate.
infiltration rate
The amount of water that can be absorbed by soil in a specified time.
infiltrative capacity
The absorption capacity of soil, based on soil texture, structure, color, depth,
consistency, boundary charactistics, and redoximorphic features.
inflow
Surface water flowing into a catch basin, manhole, or other collection device.
influent
The water moving toward, or into, a water softener or other piece of equipment.
infrared radiation
Electromagnetic radiation that humans can sense as heat but not see, with wave-
lengths greater than visible light but less than radio waves.
inhibitor
A substance that, when added in small amounts to water, acid, or other liquids,
sharply reduces corrosion.
injection
The drawing of primary air into a gas burner by fuel gas flow.

Plumbineering Dictionary 203


injection burner
The site of combustion in a gas appliance in which air is injected into the burner
by a jet of gas.
injection burner, atmospheric
The site of combustion in a gas appliance in which air at atmospheric pressure is
injected into the burner by a jet of gas.
inlet
The supply opening to a plumbing fixture or device.
inlet filter
A device in compressed air service that cleans the air entering a compressor.
inlet or outlet valve
A gate valve on the inlet or outlet piping of a water conditioner.
inlet pressure
The total pressure (static plus velocity) at the inlet flange of a compressor.
inlet temperature
The temperature at the inlet flange of a compressor.
inlet time
The number of minutes it takes a drop of water to travel on the surface of the
ground from the farthest point of the area contributing flow to a drainage inlet
until it spills into the inlet. Often called overland flow time.
inline offset
One or more fittings close coupled to control the flow rate of waste in a stack.
inline pump
A centrifugal pump in which the drive unit is supported by the pump, with its
suction and discharge flanges on approximately the same center line.
inorganic
A chemical substance of mineral origin.
inorganic matter
Anything other than plant or animal matter.
inorganics
Minerals that dissolve in water to form positive and negative ions, including so-
dium chloride, hardness ions such as calcium and magnesium, and dissolved car-
bon dioxide.
input
The amount of supply required for proper operation of a device.

204 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


input rating
The gas-burning capacity of an appliance in British thermal units per hour as
specified by the manufacturer.
insanitary
A condition that is contrary to sanitary principles or is injurious to health.
insert
An anchor device that is cast in place in a concrete structure to which a hanger,
support, or rod can attach to provide load assistance to a piping system.
insert box
A box-type device that is cast in place in a concrete structure for the addition of a
hanger, support, rod, or similar attachment to provide load assistance to a piping
system.
insert nut
A female-threaded anchor device that is locked into position as part of an insert
and receives a threaded rod or bolt.
insertable sisson joint
1. A bell and spigot connection in which the hub or bell depth is several pipe
diameters long.
2. A specialty fitting used only in a vertical line of waste or soil installations.
inside caulk
A type of connection used when a pipe extends up into the drain body, in which
the joint is packed with oakum, and molten lead is poured into the joint.
inside diameter (ID)
The measurement of the inside circumference of a pipe.
inside soil pipe cutter
A tool with cutting wheels fixed radially near the end of a shaft, which revolve and
extend to develop sufficient pressure to cut a pipe.
inside thread
Continuous, regularly spaced grooves and ribs in the internal wall of a fitting or
tube, used to connect fixtures. Sometimes called female thread.
in situ
In place.
insolation
1. The solar radiation striking the surface of the Earth or another planet.
2. The rate of delivery of solar radiation per unit of horizontal surface.

Plumbineering Dictionary 205


inspection
The process of reviewing components of a system to determine if they are installed
and functioning properly.
inspector
A person certified by the authority having jurisdiction to review components of a
system to determine if they are installed and functioning properly.
installation sequence
1. The proper sequence to install a system
2. In water treatment, the proper sequence to install a system for satisfactory
operation.
installed
Something set in place and readied for operation.
instantaneous water heater
A water heater designed to heat water only upon demand.
institutional lavatory
A vandal-proof washbasin.
institutional piping system
A series of piping for fire protection, plumbing, heating, and cooling systems, as
well as process, vacuum, air, or chemical gas piping systems, located in an institu-
tional environment or building structure.
insulated pipe support
A hanger or support with an integrated insulation insert designed for use with
insulated pipe.
insulated pipe unit
A prefabricated, complete unit of one or more pipes insulated usually with fiber-
glass and protected by a tube or conduit against external damage.
insulating cement
A plastic substance manufactured from fibrous and/or granular material and ce-
ment mixed with water. Sometimes referred to as mastic.
insulation
A material with a relatively high resistance to heat flow that is wrapped around
piping to prevent heat loss.
insulation protection saddle
A device used to prevent damage to insulation on a pipe at the support point.
Insurance Services Organization (ISO)
An organization that reviews and establishes insurance ratings for fire protection
systems.

206 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


integral attachment
When connector pieces and devices have been welded together as hangers and
supports or an assembly.
integral seat
A toilet seat that is not a separate unit but integral with a water closet fixture, typi-
cally found in prison or detention-type buildings for safety reasons.
integral stop
A stop that allows the water supply at a faucet to be shut off without shutting off
the supply to the entire building.
integral vacuum breaker
A device used in a sink or shower sprayer to keep water from backflowing into the
fresh water supply.
interactive play attraction
A water attraction consisting of manufactured devices using sprayed, jetted, or
other water sources but not incorporating standing or captured water.
intercepting sewer
A large sewer or conduit that receives the discharges from many smaller tributary
sewers. Sometimes called a trunk sewer.
interceptor
A device that separates, retains, and removes a specific material suspended in a
waste stream, while permitting acceptable liquids to flow freely into a drainage
system.
interconnection
A cross connection in a plumbing system.
intercooling
The cooling of gas between stages of compression to reduce the temperature and
volume of the gas to be compressed, to liquefy condensable vapors, and to save
power.
intergranular corrosion
A type of cracking that occurs along the grain boundaries of a metal.
interlock
A device connected to a system that is used to shut down the system, such as a gas
valve connected to a kitchen hood fire suppression system designed to turn off the
gas in the event of a fire.
intermediate anchor
An attachment point used to control the distribution, loading, and movement of
a flexible piping system.

Plumbineering Dictionary 207


intermediate-level sprinkler
A fire sprinkler equipped with an integral shield to protect the operating elements
from the discharge of sprinklers installed at higher elevations.
internal energy
The energy a substance possesses due to the motion and configuration of its at-
oms, molecules, and subatomic particles.
internal pipe wrench
A tool with jaws designed to grip a pipe or tube internally.
internal union
A type of compression fitting with female threads.
internal strainer
A perforated plate, screen, or mesh within the body of a valve.
International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials
(IAPMO)
A membership-based association utilizing a consensus process to develop the Uni-
form Plumbing Code and the Uniform Mechanical Code, among others (iapmo.
org).
International Building Code (IBC)
A model building code developed by the International Code Council.
International Code Council (ICC)
A membership association dedicated to building safety and fire prevention that
develops codes used to construct residential and commercial buildings, including
the International Plumbing Code, among others (iccsafe.org).
International Existing Building Code
A building code containing requirements intended to encourage the use and reuse
of existing buildings.
International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
An organization that sets standards in many businesses and technologies, includ-
ing computing and communications (iso.org).
International Plumbing Code (IPC)
A model code in the United States developed by the International Code Coun-
cil.
International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA)
A trade association for companies that manufacture safety and personal protective
equipment (safetyequipment.org).

208 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


International System of Units (SI)
A preferred international measurement system that evolved from earlier decimal
metric systems.
interstitial monitoring
A space between tanks or piping systems used to contain and detect any leakage
from a primary tank or system.
invert
1. The lowest point on the interior of a horizontal pipe.
2. A drawing elevation view from the bottom or underneath.
inverted joint
A fitting reversed in position, upside down, or turned in a contrary direction.
inverted key curb stop
A core-type valve in which the larger diameter of the core is at the bottom and the
operating device is on the smaller diameter end.
inverted poured joint
A molten lead joint made with the bell pointed downward and the male inserted
end pointing upward.
invert elevation
The elevation of the interior bottom of a pipe.
invert iron
An S-shaped caulking or yarning tool used in awkward locations.
ion
An atom or group of atoms that has an electrical charge.
ion exchange
A water treatment process in which specific ions in a feed-water stream are trans-
ferred into an exchange medium and exchanged for different ions of equal charge.
It is called water softening when used to remove hardness from water and deion-
ization or demineralization when used remove ions from water to produce pure
water.
IPC
Acronym for the International Plumbing Code, a model code in the United States
developed by the International Code Council.
IPS
Abbreviation for iron pipe size, the nominal inside dimension of a pipe.
irradiance
The amount of light energy striking a surface.

Plumbineering Dictionary 209


irradiation
The quantity of a solar radiation striking a surface in British thermal units per
hour per square foot (watts per square meter).
iron
1. A silvery-white, lustrous, malleable, ductile, magnetic, metallic element oc-
curring abundantly in combined forms and used as an alloy in a wide range of
structural materials.
2. An element common to most underground water supplies, though not pres-
ent in the large quantities that calcium and magnesium can be.
iron drain
A waste-carrying conduit made of iron, usually cast iron.
iron pipe
Conduit made of iron, usually cast iron or wrought iron.
iron pipe size (IPS)
The nominal inside dimension of a pipe.
iron water filter
A filter used to remove iron from water or other liquid.
irrigation
The artificial supply of water to land, plants, or crops to promote growth.
Irrigation Association
A membership organization for irrigation equipment and system manufacturers,
dealers, distributors, designers, consultants, contractors, and end users (irrigation.
org).
irrigation water
Water distributed on or toward plant life to promote growth.
ISEA
Acronym for the International Safety Equipment Association (safetyequipment.
org), a trade association for companies that manufacture safety and personal pro-
tective equipment.
ISO
1. Acronym for the International Organization for Standardization (iso.org), an
organization that sets standards in many businesses and technologies, includ-
ing computing and communications.
2. Acronym for the Insurance Services Organization, which reviews and estab-
lishes insurance ratings for fire protection systems.

210 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


isobaric process
A compressing of air under constant pressure.
isochoric process
A compressing of air under constant volume.
isolation
1. To confine a potential source of contamination to the nonpotable system be-
ing served.
2. To provide a backflow prevention mechanism at each actual or potential cross-
connection.
isolation valve
A valve that can be turned off to separate sections of a distribution network.
isometric view
An open drawing of a component of an assembly shown separately in its relative
position.
isothermal
Action that takes place with no change in temperature.
isothermal compression
When the temperature of a gas remains constant during the compression pro-
cess.
Italian corrugation
A type of roof with no boards under the metal roofing.

Plumbineering Dictionary 211


jacket
J
A metal covering placed around the insulation on a pipe to protect it from dam-
age.
jackhammer
A pneumatic rock drill usually held by the operator.
jackscrew
A screw-operated tool used for lifting or exerting pressure.
J bend
A return bend with a 180-degree turn.
jet
A device in a toilet that directs water into the trapway to start a siphoning action
for flushing.
jet cleaning machine
A high-pressure-water jet device used to remove obstructions in drain or waste
pipes.
jet pump
A centrifugal pump with a motor and impeller on the ground surface, using a
jet of water flowing down the bore hole to create a partial vacuum at the bottom
that draws an additional amount of water into the discharge pipe, used for small
flow rates.
jetted well
A well constructed by the cutting action of a downward-directed stream of wa-
ter.
J hook
A J-shaped pipe hanger.
jigsaw
A narrow cutting device mounted vertically in a frame, used for cutting curves.
jockey pump
A water-moving device with controls and accessories used to maintain pressure in
a fire protection system without operation of the fire pump. Also called pressure
maintenance pump.
joint
The juncture of two pipes.

Plumbineering Dictionary 213


joint chisel
An arc-shape tool with a cutting edge at right angles to the center of the tool.
joint component
Any gasket, collar, clamp, or other device used to connect pipe to pipe or pipe
to fitting.
joint flange
A soldered connection mating the annular flat surfaces extending outward from
the sides of adjoining pipes or fittings.
joint responsibility
The responsibility shared by the purveyor of water and the building owner for
ensuring and maintaining the safety of potable water.
joint runner
1. A piece of asbestos rope with clamps placed around a pipe or joint that retains
poured molten metal that will be caulked in.
2. An incombustible type of packing, generally used as a guide and to hold lead
in a bell during the pouring of a joint.
joint thread
A connection in which the internal and external fittings are threaded and screwed
together.
joint wiping
To form a joint between lead pipes by applying solder in repeated increments
individually spread and shaped with greased cloth pads.
joule
The international unit of energy or work in the meter-kilogram-second (MKS)
system, equal to one watt per second or 0.737 foot-pounds.
journey plumber
1. A plumber who does plumbing work for another for hire.
2. A plumber who has served his apprenticeship.
3. A person who by himself does work in plumbing, subject to inspection under
any law, ordinance, or regulation.
junction manhole
A manhole at the joining point of two or more sewers.

214 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


Kelvin
K
An absolute temperature scale created for laboratory use, based on a starting tem-
perature of absolute zero, -273.15°C.
kerosene
A flammable hydrocarbon that is less volatile than gasoline, usually obtained by
the distillation of petroleum and used as a fuel or solvent.
keyhole saw
A hand-held, long, bladed saw set into a pistol grip for cutting out or around
objects.
K factor
1. A measure of thermal conductivity.
2. The heat that will flow in one hour through a material 1 inch thick, with a
temperature difference of 1°F over an area of 1 square foot (watts per square
meter per degree Kelvin).
kill tank
A vessel into which steam or chemical disinfectant is injected to destroy any or-
ganisms.
kilocalorie
The heat required to raise 1 kilogram of water 1°C.
kilopascal
A metric unit for pressure, equaling 1 atmosphere.
kilowatt
A unit of power equal to 1,000 watts, usually used as a measure of electrical
power.
kilowatt-hour
A measure of energy equal to the amount of power multiplied by the amount of
time the power is used.
kinetic
Relating to the motion of material bodies and to the force and energy associated
with them.
kinetic energy
The energy a substance possesses by virtue of its motion or velocity.

Plumbineering Dictionary 215


kitchen sink
A washbasin used for culinary purposes.
knee brace
A stiffener between a column and a supported truss or beam that provides greater
rigidity in a building frame under transverse loads.
knockout
1. Something that can be loosened or forced out, typically to release something
else.
2. The hole produced when such a piece is forced out.
K type copper tube
The thickest type of copper tube, commonly used for deep underground burial.

216 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


labeled
L
Equipment or materials certified by and bearing the label of a listing agency.
laboratory
A facility or room in which research occurs and flammable, combustible, harmful,
or oxidizing materials or agents typically are used.
laboratory outlet
A small faucet in a bench used for dispensing water or gas in a laboratory.
labor union
A trade organization dedicated to advancing by collective bargaining its members’
interests regarding wages and working conditions.
ladder
A device of wood, metal, or rope for climbing, consisting of two parallel pieces
connected by cross pieces at regular intervals that serve as footholds.
ladle
A spoon or cup-shaped tool with a long handle, used to pour substances.
lag bolt
A screw having a wrench head and woodscrew threads terminating in a point.
Also called lag screw.
lagging
1. The covering of a previously insulated pipe or piece of equipment with a cloth
or fiberglass jacket
2. A type of thermal insulation for pipes and tanks.
lag hook
A course, threaded rod with a hook on the protruded end.
lag screw
A screw with a wrench head and woodscrew threads terminating in a point. Also
called lag bolt.
laminar flow
Fluid flow in which the fluid particles move in layers in straight, parallel paths and
the viscosity of the fluid is dominant.
lamp hole
1. An opening in the side or top of a tank into which a light may be inserted to
see the interior.

Plumbineering Dictionary 217


2. A vertical pipe or shaft between manholes that enables inspection of a sewer’s
interior.
Langelier Saturation Index
A measure of the tendency of water to form deposits of mineral scale on heat
transfer equipment, expressed as the difference between the actual system pH and
the saturation pH.
lap joint
A pipe connection in which the edges of the joined areas are overlapped.
lap weld
A type of weld in which one metallic surface overlaps another, sometimes used in
making small-size iron pipe from sheet metal.
large bore
An opening that is larger than the standard for a given fitting.
large calorie
The heat required to raise 1 kilogram of water 1°C, equivalent to 1,000 small
calories or 1 kilocalorie.
large-drop sprinkler
A fire sprinkler head that generates water droplets of significant size and velocity
to effectively penetrate a high-velocity fire plume.
latent heat
1. The heat energy required to turn 1 pound of saturated water from a liquid to
vapor steam.
2. The quantity of heat required to effect a change in state.
latent load
The cooling load resulting from thermal energy released when moisture in the air
goes from a vapor to a liquid state.
lateral
1. A secondary pipeline.
2. A common sewer that receives sewage from building sewers to which no other
common sewer is tributary.
lateral brace
A support designed to restrain a piping system against transverse loads.
lateral force
A force acting on a pipe in the horizontal plane.
lateral sewer
A drainage pipe that does not receive sewage from any other common sewer ex-
cept house connections.
218 American Society of Plumbing Engineers
lateral sewer line
A line that connects one sewage pipe with another.
lateral stability
The state or degree of control of a piping system transverse to the run of the
pipe.
latrine
A communal water closet consisting of a continuous trough extending under two
or more adjacent seats.
laundry faucet
A valve that controls the flow of water to a laundry tray.
laundry tray
A washbasin located in a laundry room, used in conjunction with washing
clothes.
lavatory
A washbasin used for personal hygiene.
lavatory, corner
A washbasin with sides in contact with two adjacent walls.
lavatory, counter set
A preformed integral bowl and countertop or a drop washbasin set under or above
a countertop.
lavatory, dental
A fixture connected to water and waste, primarily for dental hygiene practices.
lavatory, institutional
A vandal-proof washbasin.
lavatory leg
A pedestal or other vertical member that supports a washbasin.
lavatory, pedestal
A washbasin supported by a base.
lavatory supply pipe
A water-carrying conduit from the branch supply pipe to the lavatory faucet.
lavatory, surgeons
A washbasin used by doctors to scrub up.
lavatory, wall-hung
A washbasin attached to a wall, with no supporting member.

Plumbineering Dictionary 219


LCA
Abbreviation for life-cycle assessment, the study of a product’s environmental im-
pact over its entire life cycle.
LCI
Abbreviation for life-cycle inventory, an accounting of the energy and waste as-
sociated with a product through its use and disposal.
leach
To remove soluble substances by means of a percolating liquid.
leachate
Water with collected contaminants from wastes, pesticides, or fertilizers.
leach field
A system of trenches and perforated pipes used to remove impurities from a liquid
discharged from a septic tank.
leaching
The corrosive destruction of one element of an alloy. Also called selective attack.
leaching cesspool
A pit or cistern that receives sewage, retains the solids, and permits the liquid to
seep into the surrounding soil.
leaching well
A pit or receptacle with porous walls that permit the contents to seep into the
ground.
lead
A heavy, soft, malleable but inelastic metallic element used in pipes, cable sheaths,
solder-type metal, and shields against radioactivity, that can be hazardous to
health if breathed or swallowed and thus has been sharply restricted or eliminated
from plumbing systems.
lead bend
A 90-degree lead fitting between a water closet’s vertical discharge opening and
the entry into a soil pipe system.
lead burning
The act of welding lead.
lead caulking
A gray-blue soft metal used for caulking.
leader
1. Piping containing only storm water.
2. An exterior drainage pipe that conveys storm water from a roof or gutter
drains.

220 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)
An environmental rating and certification system for residential and commercial
buildings developed by the U.S. Green Building Council.
lead joint
A type of connection made by pouring molten lead on top of oakum into the an-
nular space between a bell and spigot and then caulking it tight.
lead of a screw thread
The distance that a nut or female-threaded fitting will move forward if it is turned
one revolution on the thread.
lead, pig
Crude lead cast into bars at the conclusion of the smelting process.
lead pipe
Conduit fabricated from 99.7 percent pig lead.
lead pipe cutter
A tool with thin rotating discs that cut through the wall of a lead pipe when
rotated around the pipe.
lead pipe expanding pliers
A tool designed to do the work of several sizes of turn pins.
lead pot
A portable pot containing molten lead for caulking.
lead screw anchor
An envelope unit between a screw and its hole in solid materials.
lead sheet
Thin but large, square or rectangular piece of lead used to line tanks, roofs, or
chimney flashings.
lead stick
Thin bars of lead used to repair caulked joints.
lead tacks
Pieces of lead that are soldered, burned, or welded to lead pipe so it can be secured
or supported.
lead trap
A plumbing trap made of lead.
lead wool
A type of caulk made of lead in the form of fine shreds or shavings.
leak cement
A compound that stops leaks by swelling or causing corrosion.

Plumbineering Dictionary 221


leather-side
The finished side of a leather washer.
leather-side washer and packing
Leather materials treated and finished on one side.
LEED
Acronym for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, an environmental
rating and certification system for residential and commercial buildings developed
by the U.S. Green Building Council.
LEED AP
Acronym for LEED Accredited Professional, a certification program developed
by the U.S. Green Building Council that recognizes individuals as experts in the
field of sustainable design.
Legionella
A water-dwelling, airborne-spread, and pathogenic bacteria that causes Legion-
naires’ disease.
Legionnaires’ disease
A potentially fatal respiratory illness caused by Legionella bacteria.
leisure river
A water attraction consisting of a stream of near-constant depth in which the wa-
ter is moved by pumps or other means of propulsion to provide a river-like flow.
length of pipe
The overall distance of a pipe as measured along the centerline.
level
An instrument for ascertaining a level surface, for testing whether objects are on
same horizontal line, or for determining whether different parts of a surface are
horizontal.
level 1 vacuum system
A system used in healthcare facilities consisting of central vacuum-producing
equipment with pressure and operating controls, shutoff valves, alarm warning
systems, gauges, and a network of piping extending to and terminating at suitable
station inlets where patient suction might be required.
level 3 vacuum system
A wet- or dry-piping vacuum system used in healthcare facilities to remove liq-
uids, air, gases, or solids from the treated area.
level III alarm system
A warning system for a nonflammable medical gas system, typically oxygen, ni-
trous oxide, and medical air in dental and medical care facilities.

222 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


lever handle faucet
A valve operated by means of a lever that turns flow to a faucet on and off.
level control valve
A non-modulating, hydraulically operated diaphragm valve used to accurately
control the liquid level in a tank via a pilot control and float mechanism mounted
on the cover of the valve.
life cycle
The consecutive stages of a product, from raw material acquisition to manufacture
to its use and concluding with disposal or recycling.
life-cycle assessment (LCA)
The study of a product’s environmental impact over its entire life cycle.
life-cycle cost
The cost of a product over its entire life, including operating and maintenance
costs.
life-cycle inventory (LCI)
An accounting of the energy and waste associated with a product through its use
and disposal.
lift check valve
A check valve with a disc that lifts off the seat to allow flow and then closes to
prevent reverse flow.
lift station
An ejector and/or sump for a large project.
light bracket
A hanger used to support light loads.
light-hazard occupancy
For fire suppression, a building classification in which a low quantity of combus-
tibles with low heat release are present (e.g., churches, hospitals, museums).
lime stabilization
Adding lime to stabilize biosolids by raising the pH and temperature.
limestone
A common rock composed primarily of calcium that combines with the carbon
dioxide present in groundwater to form calcium carbonate, which causes water
hardness.
lime wash
A form of whitewash.

Plumbineering Dictionary 223


limited-care facility
A healthcare facility used on a 24-hour basis for the housing and care of four or
more persons who are incapable of self-preservation due to illness, accident, men-
tal retardation, or chemical dependency.
limit control
An electrical device used to control steam pressure or water or air temperature.
limit stop
An internal device built into a mechanical device to prevent overstressing of a
spring coil, over-travel, or release of a load.
line pipe
A welded or seamless pipe, available with the ends plain, beveled, grooved, ex-
panded, flanged, or threaded, principally used to convey gas, oil, or water.
liner
Material placed between hangers, supports, or an assembly to protect a piping
system from damage or other undesirable effects.
lining
A coating applied to the inside surface of piping, tanks, or vessels.
lining, copper
Sheet copper formed into a box-like shape, minus a cover.
linseed oil
A yellowish oil extracted from the seeds of flax, used as a drying oil in paints and
varnishes and in linoleum, printing inks, and synthetic resins.
linseed oil, boiled
Linseed oil whose drying properties have been improved by heating.
linseed oil, raw
Uncooked linseed oil that is slow to evaporate.
lip union
A special form of union with a seat that prevents a gasket from being squeezed
into a pipe.
lipped urinal
A urinal in which the front lip projects toward the user.
liquefaction
1. The changing of the organic matter in sewage from an insoluble state to a
soluble state, causing a reduction in its solid contents.
2. The act or process of making or becoming liquid by heat.
3. The act or process of making a gas into a liquid by cold or pressure.

224 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


liquefied petroleum gas (LPG)
A mixture of propane and butane, used as a fuel.
liquid fuel underground storage tank
A stationary receptacle designed to hold hydrocarbons derived from crude oil.
liquid oxygen
The state of oxygen existing at cryogenic temperature, approximately -300°F
(-184.4°C) at atmospheric pressure. When allowed to warm to room temperature
at atmospheric pressure, it evaporates and expands to fill a volume 860 times its
liquid volume.
liquid solar system
A solar energy system that uses liquid as the primary heat transfer fluid.
liquid waste
Discharge from a fixture or appliance that does not include solids.
liquid-waste decontamination system
A system that collects and sterilizes liquid waste.
liquor
Liquid, water sewage, or industrial sewage or a combination of the three.
liquor, mixed
In sewage treatment, a mixture of activated sludge and sewage undergoing acti-
vated sludge treatment in an aeration tank.
liquor, supernatant
1. The liquid overlying deposited solids.
2. The liquid in a sludge-digestion tank that lies between the sludge at the bot-
tom and the floating scum at the top.
listed
Equipment and materials certified by an organization acceptable to the authority
having jurisdiction.
listing agency
An agency accepted by the administrative authority that certifies certain models of
a product and maintains a periodic inspection program on the current production
of listed models for the purpose intended.
litharge
A fused lead monoxide used as a threaded joint compound when mixed with
boiled linseed oil or glycerin.
litmus
A blue coloring matter from lichens that turns red in acid solutions and remains
blue in alkaline solutions, used as an acid-base indicator.

Plumbineering Dictionary 225


litmus paper
Paper treated with litmus, used in acid-base tests.
little inch
Pipe and pipe lines that are less than 24 inches in diameter.
load
The demand made on a machine or system.
load adjustment scale
A measuring device on a mechanical device, used to indicate the degree of load
adjustment.
load bolt
A pin used to support the weight carried by a hanger or assembly.
load, connected
1. The total number of fixtures, equipment, or devices attached to a system.
2. The sum of the rated input to individual pieces of gas-using equipment con-
nected to a piping system, expressed in cubic feet (cubic meters) per hour.
load coupling
An adjustment device used to connect hanger and support components.
load factor
The percentage of the total connected fixture unit flow that is likely to occur at
any point in a drainage system, determined by the average flow rates of the fix-
tures, average frequency of use, duration of flow during one use, and number of
fixtures installed.
load indicator
A pointer, dial, or gauge for reading or determining the settings of a device.
load rated
The rating of a particular size of component or assembly to withstand a specified
force with a safety factor applied.
load scale
A measurement pointer, dial, or gauge attached to a device to provide a means of
determining the static or dynamic aspects of a supported load.
load variation
The difference in the elevations at a support point between the time of installation
and the actual operating environment.
local alarm system
A warning system that provides visible and audible signals for the monitoring
functions of medical gas and vacuum system source equipment at the equipment
site.

226 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


localized corrosion
A type of material degradation that occurs on small areas of a surface, usually at
a high rate.
local vent
A conduit that conveys foul air from a plumbing fixture, room, or other space
to the outer air, not connected to waste, soil, or pressure equalization piping sys-
tems.
lock up
The operational period when a hydraulic, mechanical, or spring device used for
the control of shock and sway in piping systems is actuated.
locknut
A supplementary nut that holds a cock or valve in place.
lodestone
A naturally magnetized piece of magnetite that attracts iron and steel.
long-nosed caulking iron
A packing tool of long length, used to reach deep into crevices or narrow spaces.
long-radius fitting
A fitting in which the radius of the elbow turn between openings is greater than
the standard radius for that size fitting.
longitudinal brace
A brace designed to restrain a piping system against axial loads.
longitudinal force
A lateral force that happens to be in the same direction as a pipe.
long screw
A nipple with one thread 6 inches longer than a standard thread.
loop vent
A vent serving two or more traps and extending from the front of the last fixture
to a stack vent.
loose key faucet
A valve that requires a tool to operate to prevent unauthorized use or vandalism.
louver
1. A device placed on the air inlet of a cooling tower to reduce uncontrolled
water loss
2. A grill placed on an outside wall to allow combustion air to exhaust from a
space.

Plumbineering Dictionary 227


low-extractable PVC
A specially developed type of PVC piping used for the conveyance of ultra-pure
water.
low-flow showerhead
A fixture dispensing water onto a bather from above that uses less than 2.5 gallons
per minute.
low flow shutdown
A device used to control a pump in the event of insufficient pressure or flow.
low-flow water closet
A toilet that uses 1.6 gallons per flush.
low hazard
A connection made to a potable water system whereby the risk from backflow
occurring is from objectionable but nontoxic substances.
low head pressure
The pressure considered to be equal to or less than 10 feet (3 meters).
low water cutoff
A water-leveling control whose function is to break electric contact when water in
a heating device is lower than a safe operating level.
low VOC
A material or finish that releases a small amount of volatile organic compounds.
LPG
Abbreviation for liquefied petroleum gas, a mixture of propane and butane, used
as a fuel.
LP gas-air mixture
Liquefied petroleum gas distributed at a relatively low pressure and normal atmo-
spheric temperature that has been diluted with air to produce a desired heating
value.
L type copper
The second-thickest type of copper pipe, typically used for water lines, medical
gases, and water service.
lug
A welded device that provides an attachment point to a structural member or
piping.
lute
A substance used to pack a joint or coat a porous surface to make it impervious
to gas or liquid.

228 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


macerator
M
A device installed in the drain line between a toilet and the soil stack to reduce
solids to liquid form.
machine bolt
A metal bolt with a wrench head at one end and threads at the other.
magnesium
A light, silvery-white, moderately hard metallic element that, along with calcium,
is responsible for hardness in water.
magnesium anode rod
A bar of magnesium used in a water heater tank as a sacrificial element to produce
an electrical potential in the hot water to prevent corrosion.
magnetite
1. The mineral form of black iron oxide.
2. An iron ore that is strongly magnetic.
main
The principal artery of a system of continuous piping to which branches con-
nect.
main control valve
A valve in a gas line before all regulating devices and the branch to the pilot (ex-
cept when the pilot has an independent shutoff valve) used to completely turn on
or shut off the gas supply to the appliance.
main shutoff valve
The first valve in a system, usually just after a meter, used to completely turn on
or shut off the system supply.
main soil or waste vent
The part of a stack above the highest installed branch or fixture connection.
main vent
A vent header to which vent stacks are connected.
major diameter
The largest diameter of a thread on a pipe or fitting. Also called outside diam-
eter.

Plumbineering Dictionary 229


makeup
Water supplied to a system to replace that lost by blowdown, leakage, evapora-
tion, etc.
male nut
A compression fitting with male threads.
male thread
An external thread on a pipe or fitting. Also called outside thread.
malleable
Capable of being extended or shaped.
malleable drop ell
A 90-degree fitting made of heat-treated cast iron with two internal threads and
extended flanges with holes to facilitate anchoring.
malleable ell, outside outlet
A fitting made of heat-treated cast iron with three female-threaded outlets and an
opening with a 90-degree included angle.
malleable iron
Cast iron that has been heat treated to render it less brittle.
malleable iron fitting
A plumbing fitting made of heat-treated cast iron.
malleable iron hanger
A hanger made of heat-treated cast iron consisting of a lag screw, a piece of pipe,
a socket, and an adjustable ring.
malleable iron pattern return bend
A small-radii fitting made of heat-treated cast iron that provides a 180-degree
change in direction.
mallet
A wood hammer with a strong handle and a boxwood head, used in working
lead.
mandrel press
A machine that forces an arbor or a mandrel into drilled or bored parts prepara-
tory to turning or grinding. Also called arbor press.
manganese
A grayish-white, hard, and brittle metallic element that resembles iron but is not
magnetic, used to increase the strength, hardness, and soundness of steel.
manhole
A drainage structure that allows access into a sewer, is used when sewer mains
increase in size, or is used an easy connection between two sewers.
230 American Society of Plumbing Engineers
manhole gasket
A seal used to make a tight joint between a manhole cover and the manhole
opening.
manifold
1. The conduit of an appliance that supplies gas to the individual burners.
2. A fitting or pipe with many outlets or connections relatively close together.
Manning coefficient (n)
An empirically derived coefficient of roughness used in the Manning formula to
determine flow in open flow channels.
Manning formula
An empirical formula used to determine the velocity of flow that is achieved in
open channels of constant shape and size and uniform slope.
manometer
An instrument consisting of a U-shaped tube filled with mercury, used to measure
gas and vapor pressure.
manual dry standpipe system
A standpipe system not consistently filled with water that does not have a perma-
nent water supply attached to the system.
manual standpipe system
A standpipe system that relies exclusively on the fire department connection to
supply the system water demand, in which the system is not pressurized until the
responders attach a pumper truck to the fire department connection.
manual wet standpipe system
A standpipe system connected to a small water supply for the purpose of main-
taining water within the system, but not having a water supply capable of deliver-
ing the standpipe system demand.
Manufacturers Standardization Society (MSS)
A nonprofit technical association organized for development and improvement
of industry, national, and international codes and standards for valves, fittings,
actuators, flanges, hangers, and seals (mss-hq.org).
manway
An access opening into a tank for human entry.
marsh gas
A combustible gas comprised chiefly of methane produced by the decomposition
of organic matter in stagnant water.
masonry nail
A spiral-fluted nail designed to be driven into mortar joints in masonry.

Plumbineering Dictionary 231


master alarm system
A warning system that provides visible and audible signals for the monitoring of
medical gas and vacuum sources and systems, consisting of alarm panels and as-
sociated actuating devices.
MasterFormat
A uniform classification system used in construction specifications.
Master Plumber
An individual who is licensed and authorized to install plumbing systems, to as-
sume responsibility for contractual agreements pertaining to plumbing, and to
secure any required permits.
master valve
An automatic or manual valve installed at the supply point that controls water
flow into a system.
mastic
A plastic substance manufactured from fibrous and/or granular material and ce-
ment mixed with water. Sometimes referred to as insulating cement.
material safety data sheet (MSDS)
A form containing data for a particular substance, intended to inform workers on
the proper handling of the substance.
Matheson joint
A type of bell and spigot joint made out of wrought pipe.
matter
Anything that occupies space.
matter, inorganic
Anything other than plant or animal matter.
matter, organic
Matter relating to, or derived from, living organisms.
matter, suspended
Material floating in a liquid.
maximum demand
The greatest flow requirement for all of the fixtures on a particular system.
maximum design flow
The sum of all loads at maximum capacity for all fixtures and equipment that
could possibly be required to operate simultaneously for a particular system.
maximum discharge pressure
The maximum absolute static recovery pressure against which a pump will operate
with stability.
232 American Society of Plumbing Engineers
maximum outlet pressure
The maximum and required supply pressures for the various fixtures and equip-
ment being supplied on a system.
maximum possible flow
The flow that will occur if the outlets on all fixtures on a system are opened si-
multaneously.
maximum probable demand
The most connected devices on a system that may expected to be in use at any
one time.
maximum probable flow
The maximum flow that will occur in all system piping under peak conditions.
maximum projected roof area
The adjusted roof area plus the projected roof area.
MCAA
Acronym for the Mechanical Contractors Association of America (mcaa.org), a
trade association of mechanical, plumbing, and service contractors.
MDPE
Abbreviation for medium density polyethylene, a resin typically used in gas pipes
and fittings.
Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA)
A trade association of mechanical, plumbing, and service contractors (mcaa.org).
mechanical coupling
A fitting with self-centering, lock-in-place grooves or shouldered ends used to
provide angular pipe deflection, contraction, and expansion.
mechanical efficiency
The ratio of the indicated horsepower to the actual shaft horsepower (or steam-
indicated horsepower in an integral steam-driven unit), expressed as a percent.
mechanical joint
A gas- and watertight joint connected to a pipe via a flange integrally cast with the
bell of a pipe, a rubber gasket that fits into the recess in a pipe socket, a follower
ring that compresses a gasket, or nuts and bolts.
mechanical snubber
A mechanical device used to control shock or sway in piping systems, while allow-
ing for normal thermal expansion. Also called a mechanical sway brace.
mechanical sway brace
A mechanical device used to control shock or sway in piping systems, while allow-
ing for normal thermal expansion. Also called a mechanical snubber.

Plumbineering Dictionary 233


mediation
A nonbinding process for dispute resolution in which a neutral construction ex-
pert acts as an intermediary to attempt settlement of a construction dispute.
medical air
Clean, compressed air used for patient ventilation in healthcare facilities.
medical air compressor
A compressor that is designed to exclude oil from the air stream and compression
chamber and that does not under normal operating conditions or by any single
fault add toxic or flammable contaminants to the compressed air.
medical gas
A gaseous substance that meets medical purity standards and has application in a
medical environment, such as oxygen and nitrous oxide.
medical gas system
A piping system that distributes medical gases for direct application from a central
supply system (bulk tank, manifold, or medical air compressor) to station outlet
valves at use points.
medical vacuum system
A system consisting of central vacuum-producing equipment, pressure and op-
erating controls, shutoff valves, alarm warning systems, gages, and distribution
piping, used in healthcare facilities where suction is required.
medium bracket
A hanger used to support moderate loads.
medium density polyethylene (MDPE)
A resin typically used in gas pipes and fittings.
medium soil pipe
Soil pipe of a thickness between service and extra heavy weights.
medium solder
A soft solder made of lead and tin.
melting point
The temperature at which a solid begins to liquefy.
membrane filter technique
A procedure to determine fecal coliform bacteria densities in drinking water.
memory
The ability of a plastic or metal to return to its original physical characteristics
after deformation.

234 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


MEP
Abbreviation for mechanical, electrical, and plumbing.
merchant pipe
A pipe that is 5 to 8 percent lighter than full-weight pipe.
mercury
A heavy, silver-white, poisonous metallic element used in scientific instruments,
mercury boilers, mercury pumps, and mercury vapor lamps.
mercury gauge
A gauge that uses liquid mercury to measure positive and negative pressures.
mercury switch
A switch that is closed and opened by tilting a reservoir of liquid mercury.
mesophytic digestion
When organic matter decomposes without the presence of oxygen at a tempera-
ture around 96.8°F (36°C).
metal
A shiny, electropositive element that generally can conduct heat and electricity,
can be melted or fused, and can be drawn into wires.
metal fatigue
A breakage caused by the bending and flexing or the expansion and contraction
of a metal beyond its endurance limit.
meter
A device that measures and records flow.
metering faucet
A manual or automatic valve that measures and maintains the flow of a liquid to
a desired rate.
meter set assembly
The piping and fittings installed by the gas or water supplier to connect the inlet
side of the meter to the gas or water service and the outlet side of the meter to the
customer’s building or yard piping.
meter tailpiece
An adapter connecting a water meter to the water supply line.
methane
An odorless, colorless gas, nearly insoluble in water, that produces water and car-
bon dioxide when burned.

Plumbineering Dictionary 235


metric hanger
A hanger or support that conforms to metric measurements and, where appropri-
ate, contains a metric threaded connection.
microbiologically influenced corrosion
When microbes react and cause the corrosion or influence other corrosion pro-
cesses of metallic materials.
micron
A unit of measure equal to one-thousandth of a meter, used to describe the pore
size of filters.
microorganism
A microscopic-size organism, especially bacteria and protozoa.
mid-weld
Two or more joints welded to form a longer joint.
mill cock
A fire hydrant. Also referred to as fire cock.
mill file
A single-cut shaving tool with a rectangular cross-section.
mill galvanized
The process of applying a corrosion-protection coating of zinc at the point of
fabrication.
mill length
Pipe of run-of-the-mill length, usually 16 to 20 feet (4.9 to 6 meters). Also called
random length.
millivolt
One-thousandth of a volt.
mineral wool
An inorganic, fibrous insulating and filtering material made by steam blasting and
cooling molten glass or a similar substance.
minimum design flow
The minimum flow that could exist for a particular system.
minimum inlet pressure
The minimum pressure that can be expected during peak flow demands. Often
for local gas companies it is known as the minimum guaranteed gas pressure from
their system.
minimum required air gap
The critical air gap with an additional amount.

236 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


minium
A red lead used as a pigment.
minor diameter
The smallest thread diameter on pipe or fitting.
minor repairs
Small fixes such as stopping leaks, removing obstructions, or restoring defective
valves designed to restore a system to sound condition.
mirror
A polished, smooth substance that reflects images.
mission coupling
A neoprene flex coupling, used to connect PVC to PVC or clay to PVC.
mist
An aerosol composed of liquid particles suspended in the air.
miter box
A slotted device used to guide a handsaw in cutting miter joints or making cross-
cuts.
mixed liquor
In sewage treatment, a mixture of activated sludge and sewage undergoing acti-
vated sludge treatment in an aeration tank.
mixing valve
A valve or faucet that mixes liquid of different temperatures to arrive at a set
temperature.
modulating temperature control
A valve that mixes hot and cold water via slow reactance.
modulating valve
A valve that can be positioned anywhere between fully on and fully off to vary
the rate of flow.
module
1. A self-contained assembly of components installed as a unit.
2. The dimensions of a structural component used as a unit of measurement or
standard for determining the proportions of the rest of the construction.
mold
1. A fungus that causes the disintegration of organic matter.
2. A cavity for shaping a fluid or plastic.
3. To form a malleable material, hot or cold, by pressing it into a cavity.

Plumbineering Dictionary 237


Monel
A trademark alloy of nickel, copper, and other elements.
monitor
To observe, sample, or test at designated locations.
monkey wrench
A tool with an adjustable jaw used to turn nuts of different sizes.
Montreal Protocol
An agreement signed by 24 countries of the United Nations in September 1987
that phased out production of refrigerants and halons that are detrimental to the
Earth’s ozone layer.
Moody chart
A non-dimensional graph that relates friction factor, Reynolds number, and rela-
tive roughness for fully developed flow in a circular pipe, used to determine flow
rate or pressure drop.
mop sink
A deep basin used to fill and empty buckets for janitorial services. Also called
service sink and slop sink.
most probable number
A method used to test the bacterial density of water via dilution.
mother liquor
The part of a solution remaining after crystallization.
motor-operated valve
A valve opened or closed by a motor.
MSDS
Abbreviation for material safety data sheet, a form containing data for a particular
substance, intended to inform workers on the proper handling of the substance.
MSS
Acronym for the Manufacturers Standardization Society of the Valve and Fit-
tings Industry Inc. (mss-hq.org), a nonprofit technical association organized for
development and improvement of industry, national, and international codes and
standards for valves, fittings, actuators, flanges, hangers, and seals.
M type copper
The thinnest type of copper pipe, generally suitable for condensate and other
drains, but sometimes illegal for pressure applications, depending on local codes.
multiple dwelling
A residential building containing several separate living units.

238 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


multiple hanger
A device used to support more than one pipe or piece of equipment. Sometimes
called twin or double hanger.
multiport valve
A rotary-type backwash valve that can replace up to six gate valves.
multistage pump
Where two or more centrifugal pumps are joined in a series by combining all of
the impellers on a common shaft and arranging the casing to direct the flow of a
volute into the eye of the next impeller.
multistory
A building with several stories/levels.
municipal separate storm sewer system
A publicly owned conveyance including storm drains, pipes, and/or ditches, used
to collect or convey storm water.
municipal wastewater
Residential, commercial, and industrial liquid waste, and sometimes storm water,
discharged into a publicly owned sewer system.
municipal water
City-supplied water for public use.
muriatic acid
A commercial name for hydrochloric acid.
muriatic acid, cut
Less-than-full-strength hydrochloric acid.
muriatic acid, raw
Undiluted hydrochloric acid.

Plumbineering Dictionary 239


n
N
The Manning coefficient, an empirically derived coefficient of roughness used in
the Manning formula to determine flow in open flow channels.
nail
A pointed piece of metal used as a fastener by driving it into a material with a
hammer.
nail, masonry
A spiral-fluted nail designed to be driven into mortar joints in masonry.
nail puller
A bar with a notched end used to draw a nail out of a material.
nail set
A tool used to drive a nail so that the nail head is flush with or just below the
surface of the material into which it is driven.
NAIMA
Acronym for the North American Insulation Manufacturers Association (naima.
org), a trade association of manufacturers of fiber glass, rock wool, and slag wool
insulation products.
nanofiltration
A filtering system employing a loose membrane that rejects most polyvalent ions
but allows the monovalent ions of sodium and chloride to pass through.
naphtha
A volatile, flammable, liquid hydrocarbon mixture used as a fuel or solvent.
National Bureau of Standards (NBS)
The previous name of the National Institute of Standards and Technology.
National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA)
A trade association for companies that manufacture products used in the genera-
tion, transmission, distribution, control, and end use of electricity (nema.org).
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
A nonprofit trade and professional organization dedicated to reducing the world-
wide burden of fire and other hazards on the quality of life by providing and ad-
vocating consensus codes and standards, research, training, and education (nfpa.
org).

Plumbineering Dictionary 241


National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
A non-regulatory federal agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce that
promotes U.S. innovation and industrial competitiveness by advancing measure-
ment science, standards, and technology (nist.gov).
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
A part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that is the primary
federal agency for conducting and supporting medical research (nih.gov).
National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA)
A professional member association dedicated to promoting the kitchen and bath
industry (nkba.org).
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
A federal agency focused on studying the condition of the oceans and the atmo-
sphere (noaa.gov).
national pipe thread (NPT)
A U.S. standard for pipe and fitting threads with a 1/16 taper.
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES)
A federal permit program run by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that
controls water pollution by regulating point sources that discharge pollutants into
U.S. waters.
National Sanitation Foundation (NSF)
A nonprofit, non-governmental organization that writes standards, certifies prod-
ucts, and provides HACCP, food safety, water quality, public health, and product
testing services (nsf.org).
national standard thread (NST)
The most common type of thread on fire hose couplings used in the United States,
in which the male and female straight threads screw together and the connection
is sealed with a gasket.
National Swimming Pool Foundation (NSPF)
A nonprofit organization dedicated to training and certifying pool and spa profes-
sionals who service and operate public and private pools and spas and for public
health officials who are responsible for pool safety (nspf.org).
National Weather Service (NWS)
A U.S. federal agency that provides weather, hydrologic, and climate forecasts
and warnings, for the protection of life and property and the enhancement of the
national economy (nws.noaa.gov).
natural drainage
The flow of liquid from an underground metallic structure to a more negative
structure.

242 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


natural frequency
The frequency at which a vibration isolator naturally oscillates when compressed
and released rapidly.
natural gas
A colorless, odorless fuel consisting primarily of methane.
natural water
Water containing dissolved inorganic solids, largely mineral salts, introduced into
the water by a solvent action as the water passes through, or across, various layers
of the earth.
NBS
Acronym for the National Bureau of Standards, the previous name of the Na-
tional Institute of Standards and Technology.
needle valve
A valve with a slender point that fits into a conical seat, used where accurate regu-
lation of flow is required.
negative pressure
Pressure that is less than atmospheric, used as a way of expressing vacuum.
negligence
1. Carelessness.
2. Not meeting one’s responsibilities and causing harm.
negligent act
An act that results from a failure to exercise reasonable care to prevent foreseeable
incidents from occurring or when another problem is created when correcting a
potential problem.
negligible movement
The calculated minimum movement at a support point for a portion of a piping
system with inherent flexibility.
NEMA
Acronym for the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (nema.org), a
trade association for companies that manufacture products used in the genera-
tion, transmission and distribution, control, and end use of electricity.
neoprene rubber
A type of elastomer insulation recommended for applications with continuous
exposure to oil.
net expansion
The percentage increase in water volume, minus the small increase in the volume
of the piping system itself.

Plumbineering Dictionary 243


net positive suction head (NPSH)
The sum of static head, velocity head, and equivalent atmospheric head at a pump
inlet minus the absolute vapor pressure of the liquid being pumped.
net positive suction head available (NPSHA)
The amount of net positive suction head that is calculated or available to the
pump in the system.
net positive suction head required (NPSHR)
The amount of pressure required on the pump suction to prevent cavitation.
neutralization system
A type of acid waste system in which the acid waste is neutralized in a chemically
resistant basin containing either limestone or marble chips.
neutral solution
A solution with a pH of 7.
NFPA
Acronym for the National Fire Protection Association (nfpa.org), a nonprofit
trade and professional organization dedicated to reducing the worldwide burden
of fire and other hazards on the quality of life by providing and advocating con-
sensus codes and standards, research, training, and education.
nickel
A silver-white, hard, malleable, ductile, metallic, corrosion-resistant element ca-
pable of a high polish, used to increase the strength and toughness of steel.
nickeled
Plated with nickel.
nickel plated
Coated with nickel by electroplating or other means.
nickel silver
A silver-white, corrosion-resistant alloy of copper, zinc, and nickel used as a struc-
tural element of hospital and restaurant equipment.
NIH
Acronym for the National Institutes of Health (nih.gov), a part of the U.S. De-
partment of Health and Human Services that is the primary federal agency for
conducting and supporting medical research.
nippers
A tool used for squeezing.
nipple
1. A short piece of pipe.
2. An opening through which the discharge of a liquid can be regulated.

244 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


3. A pipe coupling threaded on both ends.
4. A small projection through which oil or grease is injected into machinery.
nipple extractor
A tool inserted internally into a nipple to loosen it.
nipple holder
A device used to receive the threaded end of a nipple to protect the thread from
damage while the other end is being threaded.
NIST
Acronym for the National Institute of Standards and Technology (nist.gov), a
non-regulatory federal agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce that
promotes U.S. innovation and industrial competitiveness by advancing measure-
ment science, standards, and technology.
nitrate
A salt or ester of nitric acid, commonly used as a fertilizer, that can cause health
problems when found in excessive amounts in drinking water.
nitric acid
A corrosive, liquid, inorganic acid used as an oxidizing agent and in making dyes
and explosives.
nitrification
The process of oxidizing an ammonia compound into nitric acid by bacteria.
nitrification field
A soil absorption system used to dispose of septic tank effluent, similar to a leach
field.
nitrogen
An element that, at atmospheric temperatures and pressures, exists as a clear, col-
orless, odorless, nontoxic, and tasteless gas, used in a healthcare facility for power-
ing pneumatic surgical instruments.
nitrogen purge
A process that uses nitrogen gas to purge impurities and debris from a piping
system.
nitrohydrochloric acid
A very corrosive, fuming yellow liquid made by mixing hydrochloric and nitric
acids that dissolves gold and platinum and converts lead into a chloride. Also
called aqua regia.
nitrous oxide
A nonflammable gas commonly used as an analgesic and, in combination with
one or more agents, for the production of a balanced anesthesia.

Plumbineering Dictionary 245


NKBA
Acronym for the National Kitchen and Bath Association (nkba.org), a profession-
al member association dedicated to promoting the kitchen and bath industry.
NOAA
Acronym for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (noaa.gov),
a federal agency focused on studying the condition of the oceans and the atmo-
sphere.
noble gas
A colorless, odorless, tasteless gas that does not react with other materials during
chemical synthesis or analysis at ordinary temperatures and pressures. Also called
inert gas.
noble metal
A metal or alloy not readily oxidized or corroded (i.e., gold, silver, and plati-
num).
noble potential
A potential equaling or approaching that of the noble elements of the electromo-
tive series.
no-flow pressure
The pressure maintained in a system when a pressure-regulating valve is shut tight
so that high pressure at the inlet of the valve is not permitted to enter the sys-
tem.
noise criteria curve
A graph used by designers and engineers to determine loudness or annoyance on
an octave band basis.
noise transmission
The sound of fluids passing through a piping system.
nominal pipe size
1. The approximate inside diameter of a pipe.
2. A North American set of standard sizes for pipes used for high or low pressures
and temperatures.
nominal size
The identified size, which may vary from the actual size.
nominal value
A value assigned for the purpose of convenient designation, existing in name
only.
nonabsorbent
Unable to soak up liquids.

246 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


non-health hazard
A cross-connection involving a pollutant that does not create a health hazard,
but can create a nuisance or be aesthetically objectionable if introduced into the
potable water supply.
non-integral attachment
An assembly in which the connector pieces and devices do not require welding.
non-interlock system
A type of preaction system that admits water to the sprinkler piping upon the
operation of either a detection device or automatic sprinklers.
nonpotable water
Water unsafe for drinking, personal, or culinary use.
nonrenewable energy
Energy derived from oil, gas, or coal, which exists in limited quantities.
nonrenewable resource
A natural resource that cannot be replaced because it develops at a rate much
slower than its consumption.
nonrising stem
A type of stem in which the screw does not raise the stem, but rather raises and
lowers the disc. It generally is limited to use with gate valves and is ideal where
headroom is limited.
nonsiphon trap
A trap in which the diameter is 4 inches or less, the seal depth is from 3 to 4
inches, and the volume of water held in the trap is at least 1 quart.
nontoxic
A substance that will not cause illness or discomfort if consumed.
nonvitreous china
A porous ceramic that requires glazing to prevent water absorption, used for lava-
tories and similar fixtures because of its low shrinkage rate, which allows the fix-
ture to be more ornately designed.
normal air
Average atmospheric air at sea level in a temperate zone where it contains some
moisture, defined in the ASME Test Code for Displacement Compressors as be-
ing at 14.696 pounds per square inch atmospheric, 68°F, 36 percent relative hu-
midity, and weighing 0.075 pound per cubic feet.
normal pressure
The design or expected force per unit area at any point of a system.

Plumbineering Dictionary 247


normal recovery capacity
1. In a water heater with a thermal efficiency of 70 percent, the amount of water
(in gallons) raised 100°F (38°C) per hour.
2. The water heated by a gas input of 1,190 British thermal units per cubic
foot.
normal supply pressure
The water pressure typically provided by a supply system.
normal test pressure
For testing a water heater, the pressure at which burner ratings and primary air
adjustments are made.
Normandy joint
A connection between two unthreaded pipes made with a sleeve and tightened by
rings of packing compressed between bolting rings and the sleeves.
North American Insulation Manufacturers Association (NAIMA)
A trade association of North American manufacturers of fiber glass, rock wool,
and slag wool insulation products (naima.org).
nozzle
1. The outlet of a faucet, pipe, or hose that discharges and projects the fluid or
gas flowing through it.
2. A device for use in applications requiring a special discharge pattern.
nozzle sprinkler
A fire sprinkler device for use in applications requiring a special discharge pattern,
directional spray, fine spray, or other unusual discharge characteristic.
NPDES
Acronym for the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System, a federal per-
mit program run by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that controls
water pollution by regulating point sources that discharge pollutants into U.S.
waters.
NPS
Abbreviation for nominal pipe size, a North American set of standard sizes for
pipes used for high or low pressures and temperatures.
NPSH
Abbreviation for net positive suction head, or the sum of static head, velocity
head, and equivalent atmospheric head at a pump inlet minus the absolute vapor
pressure of the liquid being pumped.

248 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


NPSHA
Abbreviation for net positive suction head available, the amount of net positive
suction head that is calculated or available to the pump in the system.
NPSHR
Abbreviation for net positive suction head required, the amount of pressure re-
quired on the pump suction to prevent cavitation.
NPT
Abbreviation for national pipe thread, a U.S. standard for pipe and fitting threads
with a 1/16 taper.
NSF
Acronym for the National Sanitation Foundation (nsf.org), a nonprofit, non-
governmental organization that writes standards, certifies products, and provides
HACCP, food safety, water quality, public health, and product testing services.
NSPF
Acronym for the National Swimming Pool Foundation (nspf.org), a nonprofit
organization dedicated to training and certifying pool and spa professionals who
service and operate public and private pools and spas and for public health of-
ficials who are responsible for pool safety.
NST
Abbreviation for national standard thread, the most common type of thread
on fire hose couplings used in the United States, in which the male and female
straight threads screw together and the connection is sealed with a gasket.
nuisance
1. Something that is obnoxious, inconvenient, or insanitary.
2. A use of property or course of conduct that interferes with the legal rights of
others by causing damage, annoyance, or inconvenience.
nursing home
A facility providing long-term nursing care and housing on a 24-hour basis for
patients who, because of physical or mental incapacity, may be unable to provide
for their own needs without the assistance of another person.
nut
A female-threaded anchor device that is locked into position as part of an assem-
bly from a threaded rod or bolt.
NWS
Acronym for the National Weather Service (nws.noaa.gov), a U.S. federal agency
that provides weather, hydrologic, and climate forecasts and warnings for the pro-
tection of life and property and the enhancement of the national economy.

Plumbineering Dictionary 249


oak tank shell
O
A tank lining made of oak.
oakum
Loosely twisted hemp or jute fiber used for packing pipe joints.
occupancy
The purpose for which a building, structure, or portion thereof is utilized.
occupancy classification
A classification based on a building’s usage used for building and fire code en-
forcement.
occupancy load
A calculation based on building square feet and other factors to determine the
maximum amount of people that can safely occupy a building as reviewed by the
building and fire code enforcement agencies.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
A federal agency dedicated to preventing work-related injuries, illnesses, and
deaths (osha.gov).
octave
The most common frequency division for the specification of filters employed for
acoustical analyses.
OD
Abbreviation for outside diameter,
1. The circumference of the outside wall of a pipe.
2. The largest diameter of a pipe or fitting thread. Also called major diameter.
odor control
In water or sewage treatment, the elimination or reduction of odors by chlorina-
tion, aeration, or other means.
off-gassing
The release of volatile chemicals from a product.
offset
1. A combination of fittings that takes a pipe out of line and places it parallel to
the original pipe.
2. A relative displacement between a structural attachment point and a piping
system that is incorporated into the design to accommodate movement.
Plumbineering Dictionary 251
offset caulking iron
A right- and left-hand corner iron used to caulk the backside of pipe in corners.
offset coupling
A fitting used to change the straight run of a pipe.
offset flush pipe
1. A pipe that changes the direction of a return to the original direction of flow.
2. A pipe connecting a water closet tank and an offset bowl.
offset hex wrench
A tool with a smooth hex jaw opening parallel to the handle, used to reach ob-
structed fittings and nuts.
offset pipe wrench
A tool with a jaw opening parallel to the handle, used to grip or turn objects in
confined areas.
offset soil pipe
A fitting that stops flow and returns it to the original direction, used in drainage
conduits.
ohm (Ω)
A unit of electrical resistance equal to 0.5 × 10–6 parts per million or 10–6 micro-
siemens.
ohmmeter
An instrument that measures the resistance of a conductor in ohms directly.
Ohm’s law
An electrical principle stating that volts multiplied by amps equals watts.
oil can
A small container of oil used to lubricate cutting and threading equipment.
oiler
A device that supplies lubricant to a pipe surface while cutting and threading.
oil interceptor
A device that traps, removes, or separates oil or grease from waste conveyed
through it, permitting normal sewage to discharge into the disposal terminal by
gravity.
oligotrophic
Lakes or ponds that lack plant nutrients and have abundant dissolved oxygen.
one-piece water closet
A toilet in which the tank and bowl are molded as one unit.

252 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


open air
Free air outside any structure.
open-circuit potential
The measured potential of a cell during which no significant current flows in the
external circuit.
open-loop system
A hot water recirculation system in which the existing cold water line is used to
return cooled water in the hot water line back to the water heater.
open plumbing
Pipes that are exposed to aid access, ventilation, and inspection.
open return bend
A short, cast or malleable, U-shaped pipe fitting with separate, but parallel,
arms.
open solar system
A solar energy system that exchanges heat directly with the end use application.
open sprinkler
A fire sprinkler from which the actuating element has been removed.
operating load
The stress put on a piping system as the result of a normal or steady-state operat-
ing environment.
operating pressure
The pressure of a system at normal operating conditions.
ordinary hazard 1
For fire suppression, a building in which a moderate quantity of combustibles
with moderate heat release and 8-foot stockpiles are present (e.g., mechanical
rooms, restaurant kitchens, laundry facilities).
ordinary hazard 2
For fire suppression, a building in which a moderate quantity of combustibles
with moderate heat release and 12-foot stockpiles are present (e.g., stages, library
large stack rooms, repair garages).
organic matter
Matter relating to, or derived from, living organisms.
organics
Chemical contaminants containing carbon that can be naturally occurring from
the decay of vegetation or man-made such as industrial chemicals, detergents,
and pesticides.

Plumbineering Dictionary 253


organoleptic
Related to sensory perception.
organoleptic assessment
A testing process using taste and smell to determine leaching or degrading of pipe
materials into drinking water.
orifice
1. In a water heater, the opening through which the flow of gas is limited and
discharged.
2. An opening in a fitting that allows a certain amount of gas or liquid to pass
through based on a given pressure.
orifice insert
A removable flow-metering device.
orifice spud
A removable plug containing an orifice that permits gas flow adjustment.
O-ring
An circular-shaped gasket that can be used as a face seal on a valve or on rotating
shafts inside a valve.
ornamental sprinkler
A sprinkler that has been painted or plated by the manufacturer.
ORP
Abbreviation for oxidation reduction potential, the ability of a chemical to attract
electrons and be reduced, measured in volts.
OS&Y
Abbreviation for outside screw and yoke, a type of bonnet in which the operating
threads of the stem are outside the valve housing.
OSHA
Acronym for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (osha.gov),
a federal agency dedicated to preventing work-related injuries, illnesses, and
deaths.
OSHPD
Acronym for the California Office of Statewide Health Planning and Develop-
ment, a state governmental agency that monitors the construction, renovation,
and seismic safety of hospitals and skilled nursing facilities and has become a
recognized authority in seismic restraint guidelines and requirements.
osmosis
The passage of one fluid or gas into another through a semi-permeable mem-
brane.

254 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


ounce
A unit of weight in the U.S. customary system equal to 1/16 of a pound.
outfall sewer
A sewer that receives the discharge from a collection system and carries it to the
point of final discharge or treatment, usually the largest sewer of an entire sys-
tem.
outlet
The discharge opening from a flushometer, faucet, hydrant, or similar device.
output
The energy, power, or work produced by a system.
outside diameter (OD)
1. The measurement of the outside wall of a pipe.
2. The largest diameter of a thread on a pipe or fitting. Also called major diam-
eter.
outside drop
A drainage structure installed at the junction of two sewers when one is 2 feet
(0.66 meter) above the other. Also called drop manhole.
outside-outlet malleable ell
A fitting made of heat-treated cast iron with three female-threaded outlets and an
opening with a 90-degree included angle.
outside screw and yoke (OS&Y)
A type of bonnet in which the operating threads of the stem are outside the valve
housing.
outside thread
An external thread on a pipe or fitting. Also called male thread.
oval basin
An oval-shaped lavatory.
overfill prevention
A device used to prevent the overfilling of tanks.
overflow
A secondary drain or piping system used to drain off excess flow.
overflow roof drain
An emergency roof drain installed in roofs with parapet walls that traps rainwater
and removes it from the roof surface into a leader, discharging above grade.
overflow tube
A conduit that collects liquid or gas after the desired amount has been supplied.

Plumbineering Dictionary 255


overland flow time
The number of minutes it takes a drop of water to travel on the surface of the
ground from the farthest point of the area contributing flow to a drainage inlet
until it spills into the inlet. Often called inlet time.
overload
The maximum output of a fire pump determined by multiplying the rated capac-
ity by 150 percent and multiplying the rated pressure by 65 percent.
overpotential
A voltage greater than that at which a device or circuit is designed to operate. Also
known as overvoltage.
over-rim tub fitting
A valve or faucet installed above the highest liquid level of a bathtub.
overvoltage
A voltage greater than that at which a device or circuit is designed to operate. Also
known as overpotential.
oxidant
A nonflammable gas that supports combustion.
oxidation
Reaction of a chemical compound with oxygen.
oxidation reduction potential (ORP)
The ability of a chemical to attract electrons and be reduced, measured in volts.
oxidation, sewage
When the organic matter contained in sewage converts into a more stable form
due to living organisms in the presence of oxygen.
oxidize
To combine with oxygen.
oxidizing gas
A gas that supports combustion.
oxyacetylene
A mixture of oxygen and acetylene, used to create high temperatures for cutting
or welding metals.
oxyacetylene welding
A type of welding that completely melts commercial metals to form a bond.
oxygen
1. A nonmetallic, colorless, odorless, and tasteless element essential for plant and
animal respiration and required for nearly all combustion.
2. The most widely used of all medical gases.
256 American Society of Plumbing Engineers
oxygenate
To infuse, combine, or treat with oxygen.
oxygen concentration cell
A galvanic cell caused by a difference in oxygen concentration at two points on a
metal surface.
oxygen-delivery equipment
Any device used to transport and deliver an oxygen-enriched atmosphere to a
patient in a healthcare facility.
oxygen-enriched atmosphere
An atmosphere in a healthcare facility in which the concentration of oxygen ex-
ceeds 23.5 percent by volume.
oxygen, gaseous
The physical state of oxygen at atmospheric temperature and pressure.
oxygen index
The minimum concentration of oxygen in a mixture of oxygen and nitrogen that
just supports combustion of a material, expressed as a percent by volume.
oxygen, liquid
The state of oxygen existing at cryogenic temperature, approximately -300°F
(-184.4°C) at atmospheric pressure. When allowed to warm to room temperature
at atmospheric pressure, it evaporates and expands to fill a volume 860 times its
liquid volume.
oxygen toxicity
Physical impairment resulting from breathing gaseous mixtures containing oxy-
gen-enriched atmospheres at elevated partial pressures for extended periods.
ozone
1. A highly reactive oxidizing gas generated from gaseous oxygen or catalytically
from water, used to deodorize air, purify water, and treat industrial wastes.
2. Gas that builds up in the lower atmosphere as smog pollution.
3. Gas in the upper atmosphere that forms a protective layer against ultraviolet
radiation.
4. A form of disinfectant capable of inactivating biological organisms.
ozone layer
The protective layer in the atmosphere that absorbs some of the sun’s ultraviolet
rays.

Plumbineering Dictionary 257


packing
P
A material used to affect a tight joint and prevent leaks in piping.
packing, asbestos graphite
A fibrous, ropelike material made from asbestos and infused with graphite, used
to affect a tight joint.
packing gland
A device that holds and compresses packing and provides for additional compres-
sion by manual adjustment of the gland as the packing wears.
packing nut
A nut that is screwed into place and presses down upon a gland bushing, which
transmits the force exerted by the packing nut to the packing.
packing, yarn
A string-like, woven or twisted material used to affect a tight joint.
pantry faucet
A faucet with an elevated discharge, used with a food service sink.
pap
1. A downward outlet from an eaves gutter.
2. Something that resembles a nipple.
PAPA
Abbreviation for positive air pressure attenuator, a device used to neutralize posi-
tive air transients in the drain, waste, and vent system of a multistory building.
paraffin oil
A hydrocarbon oil obtained from petroleum, used for burning or lubrication.
parallel pumps
Two or more pumps installed with the same suction header and the same dis-
charge header.
parapet roof drain
A scupper drain that allows drainage through parapet walls.
parasitic bacteria
A tiny organism that lives in or on another organism for existence or support,
without making a useful or adequate return.

Plumbineering Dictionary 259


paring chisel
A long-handled tool with a short, thin blade, used for paring wood surfaces.
Parmalee head
The first true, heat-actuated automatic sprinkler invented by Henry S. Parmalee
in 1878.
particulate
1. A small particle that is visible to the naked eye.
2. Sub-micron suspended matter (colloids).
parts per million (ppm)
A method of reporting water analyses, commonly considered equivalent to mil-
ligrams per liter.
passivation
The act of reducing the reactivity of a chemically active metal surface by electro-
chemical polarization.
passive
The state of a metal when its behavior is much more noble (resists corrosion) than
its position in the electromotive force series would predict.
passive solar system
A solar energy system in which solar energy utilization is the prime objective and
the flow of heat is achieved by natural convention, conduction, and radiation.
pasteurization
A process that kills microorganisms in foods or beverages by heating or radia-
tion.
pathogen
An organism that causes disease.
pathogenic bacteria
A tiny organism that causes illnesses, such as typhoid, dysentery, and cholera.
patient vacuum
A vacuum system used in a healthcare facility to provide a source for patient
drainage, aspiration, and suction to remove body fluids from an affected patient
area.
patina
A greenish film that forms on copper due to corrosion.
pattern return bend
A short, cast or malleable, U-shaped pipe fitting with arms joined together. Also
called close return bend.

260 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


PB
Abbreviation for polybutylene, a flexible thermoplastic previously manufactured
to pipe and tubing specifications.
PCA
Acronym for Plumbing Contractors of America (mcaa.org/pca), an organization
that represents the interests of union plumbing contractors on a national level.
PDI
Acronym for the Plumbing and Drainage Institute (pdionline.org), an association
of manufacturers of engineered plumbing products for drainage systems.
PE
1. Abbreviation for Professional Engineer, someone who is registered or licensed
to offer professional engineering services directly to the public.
2. Abbreviation for polyethylene, a polymerized ethylene resin, used for tubing
or in sheets for packaging.
peak demand
The time at which demand for hot water is highest.
peak load
The maximum design flow rate calculated by multiplying the connected load by
the diversity factor.
PE-AL-PE
Abbreviation for polyethylene/aluminum/polyethylene, a type of resin limited to
cold water applications or applications with other suitable fluids up to 110°F at
150 pounds per square inch (43°C at 1,034 kilopascals) of pressure.
peat acid
A combination of peat, vegetable matter, and moisture.
pedestal lavatory
A washbasin supported by a base.
pedestal urinal
A urinal not connected to the wall, but mounted on a single base for support.
peen
To tighten a joint by compression via hammering.
pendent sprinkler
A sprinkler designed to be installed in such a way that the water stream is directed
downward against the deflector.
percent transmissibility
The percentage of the maximum force transferred to a building’s structure through
vibration isolators.

Plumbineering Dictionary 261


percolation rate
The rate at which a liquid will flow into soil. Also called infiltration.
perforated pipe
1. Conduit with small holes used in subsoil drainage systems that provides good
drainage with little soil seepage.
2. Tubing that discharges water through multiple small, closely spaced holes,
used for irrigation purposes.
performance specification
A type of specification that includes a statement of the results and criteria the
specifier has required to verify compliance.
permanent set
A permanent deformation after an applied load is removed.
permeable
Something through which fluids or gases can pass.
persuader
A slang term for an extension added to a pipe wrench for additional leverage when
taking a pipe system apart.
pet cock
A small valve used to drain water, steam, or air.
petroleum
A flammable liquid hydrocarbon that can be separated into natural gas, gasoline,
naphtha, kerosene, and oils.
pewter
An alloy whose chief component is tin.
PEX
Abbreviation for cross-linked polyethylene, a rupture-resistant polyethylene with
cross-links formed into tubing, used predominantly in hydronic radiant heating
systems and domestic water piping.
PEX-AL-PEX
Abbreviation for crossed-linked polyethylene, aluminum, crossed-linked polyeth-
ylene, a composite pipe made of an aluminum tube laminated with interior and
exterior layers of cross-linked polyethylene bonded with an adhesive.
pH
A measure of the acidity or alkalinity of a solution.
pH value
A number from 0 to 14 that denotes the alkaline or acid nature of a solution,

262 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


with 7 being the accepted neutral point, below 7 indicating acidity, and above 7
indicating alkalinity.
PHCC
Acronym for the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association (phccweb.
org), a trade association dedicated to the promotion, advancement, education,
and training of plumbing, heating, and cooling contractors.
phosphorus
A nonmetallic element of the nitrogen family, sometimes used to enhance the
strength of steel.
photosynthesis
The formation of carbohydrates when a plant’s chlorophyll-containing tissues are
exposed to light.
photovoltaics
A semiconductor-based technology (similar to the microchip) that converts light
energy directly into an electric current that can be either used immediately or
stored, such as in a battery or capacitor, for later use.
physical disconnection
The removal of pipe, fittings, or fixtures connecting a potable water supply to a
nonpotable system.
picking out chisel
A picking iron used to remove the lead from a caulked joint.
piezometer
An instrument consisting of a transparent tube that measures the pressure of a
fluid.
piezometer orifice
A small hole drilled in a pipe through which pressure can be measured.
pig ear
A soldered tab used to fasten lead pipe as a support.
pig iron
Crude iron in block form.
pig lead
Crude lead in block form.
pilot
A small flame used to ignite gas at a burner.
pilot-operated relief valve
A type of pressure-relief valve that uses system pressure to seal the valve, typically
used for emergency relief during overpressure events.
Plumbineering Dictionary 263
pilot valve
An automatic valve used to regulate air pressure in a compressor.
pin
The external threaded end of a pipe or fitting.
pineapple strainer
A pineapple-shaped vertical strainer added to trough urinals.
pipe
A cylindrical conduit.
pipe attachment
A component or device used to connect a pipe to a hanger, support, or assembly.
pipe bending tool
A device that bends pipe or tubing.
pipe brace
A preformed appliance or assembly consisting of various components used to
hold and/or restrain an object from horizontal, vertical, and lateral forces.
pipe channel
A channel that is cast in place within concrete structural elements to provide
for the passing through of pipe, placed horizontally throughout the structure to
facilitate future access.
pipe chase
A recess in a wall or a space in which pipes can be run.
pipe clamp
A bolted attachment that connects a pipe to a hanger, support, assembly, or struc-
tural element.
pipe clip
An attachment device used to connect a pipe directly to a structural element.
pipe covering
An insulating material applied around a pipe to prevent heat exchange between
the pipe’s contents and its surroundings.
pipe covering protection saddle
A protective curved, rigid insert designed to prevent damage to insulation sur-
rounding a pipe at hanger and support points.
pipe cutter
A hand tool consisting of a clamp with three cutting wheels that are forced inward
by screw pressure to cut into a pipe as the tool rotates around it.

264 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


pipe die
A screw plate used to cut pipe threads.
pipe equivalent length
The resistance of valves, controls, and fittings expressed as equivalent length of
straight pipe.
pipefitter
A tradesman who lays out, assembles, fabricates, maintains, and repairs mechani-
cal piping systems.
pipe fitting
A device used to connect pipes.
pipe hanger
A device that is attached to or suspended from a structural element to support a
piping system load in tension.
pipe hanger assembly
An assembly of devices used to support a piping system.
pipe hanger drawing
A mechanical drawing that details the elements and components of a piping sys-
tem and incorporates a bill of material, load and movement data, location infor-
mation, and both general and specific identification.
pipe hanger load
A specific load requirement to be used in designing pipe hangers, i.e., wind load,
seismic load, dead weight.
pipe hanger plan
The engineered design and elevations that fully detail the hangers, supports, and
anchors of a piping system, including the appropriate offsets as a result of move-
ment and displacement expectations.
pipe insulation shield
A rigid insert device designed to protect pipe insulation passing through hangers,
supports, and assemblies.
pipe joint
A cement with an oil base applied to threaded pipe connections to prevent leak-
age. Also called compound.
pipeless furnace
A furnace with a single, short pipe connecting it to the space to be heated.
pipeline
A run of pipe including fittings, valves, and control devices used to convey sub-
stances.

Plumbineering Dictionary 265


pipe load
A specific load requirement based on the type of pipe, its contents, and other load
types, i.e., cold load, hydrostatic load, thermal load, water hammer, seismic load,
dead weight.
pipe opening
A channel that is cast in place within concrete structural elements to provide for
the passing through of pipe, typically used for short, vertical conduit in concrete
slabs to eliminate the subsequent drilling of core holes.
pipe rack
A structural frame that is used to support piping systems.
pipe reamer
A tapered bit with sharp, spiral, fluted cutting edges along the shaft, used to cut
burrs from the inside of pipe.
pipe ring hook
A circular-shaped hanger used to support pipes.
pipe roll
A pipe hanger or support that utilizes a roller or bearing device to provide the
ability for lateral axial movement in a piping system.
pipe saddle support
A pipe support with a curved section that cradles the pipe.
pipe schedule (sprinkler) system
A fire sprinkler system in which the sizing of the pipes supplying the sprinklers is
determined from a schedule based on occupancy classification.
pipe shoe
A hanger or support (typically T shaped) attached to a pipe to transmit the load
or forces to adjacent structural elements.
pipe size
Nominal pipe size, unless otherwise specified.
pipe sleeve
A channel that is cast in place within concrete structural elements to provide for
the passing through of pipe, typically used for short, vertical conduit in concrete
slabs to eliminate the subsequent drilling of core holes, but may be placed hori-
zontally throughout a concrete structure to facilitate future access.
pipe sleeve hanger
A device that surrounds a pipe and connects to a hanger or support to provide for
alignment and limited movement.

266 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


pipe slide
A hanger or support that incorporates a slide plate to accommodate horizontal
pipe movement.
pipe stock
A device that holds a die.
pipe strap
An attachment device used to connect a pipe directly to a structural element.
pipe support
A device or stanchion by which a pipe is carried or supported from beneath.
pipe tap
A tool that cuts female screw threads.
pipe tape
An adhesive strip wound around pipe ends that are screwed together to prevent
leakage.
pipe thread
A screw thread on the outisde or inside of pipe ends, characterized by a fine pitch
and tapering diameter.
pipe thread chaser
A tool used to cut, clean, or restore pipe threads.
pipe thread dope
A plastic compound used to lubricate pipe threads to achieve maximum seal.
pipe threader
A tool used to cut threads into pipe ends.
pipe threading
The act of cutting threads in a pipe.
pipe tongs
A hand tool used to grip or turn pipe.
pipe union
A type of fitting used to disconnect piping systems for the easy removal of a piece
of equipment.
pipe vise
A gripping tool with two V-shaped serrated jaws, used to hold pipes while they
are being threaded or cut.
pipe wrench
A tool designed to grip pipe.

Plumbineering Dictionary 267


piping
An assembly of pipes or conduit with fittings of compatible design that serves a
plumbing system.
piston
A solid disc that fits snugly into a cylinder and moves under fluid pressure, as in
a reciprocating engine, or displaces or compresses fluids, as in pumps and com-
pressors.
piston displacement
1. For a reciprocating compressor cylinder, the net volume displaced by the pis-
ton at rated machine speed, generally expressed in cubic feet per minute.
2. For single-acting cylinders, the displacement of the compressing end only.
3. For double-acting cylinders, the total displacement of both ends.
4. For multistage compressors, the displacement of the first stage only (com-
monly stated as that of the entire machine).
piston pump
A type of pump in which a piston-type plug results in either pressure or suction.
pitch
The amount of downward slope or grade given to horizontal piping, expressed in
inches per foot on a horizontally projected run of pipe.
pitch of screw threads
The distance from the center of one thread to the center of the next thread, some-
times used to denote the number of threads per inch of thread surface.
Pitot tube
A tube set parallel to the direction of fluid-stream movement and attached to a
manometer, used to measure the total pressure of the fluid stream.
pitting
Localized light corrosion resulting in a deep penetration at a small number of
points, concentrated in small cells without affecting the entire surface.
pitting corrosion
A type of corrosion characterized by deep pits as a result of the localized break-
down of a protective film or layer of corrosion products.
plain end pipe
A pipe with no end treatment such as threads.
plaster of paris
A paste made from a fine white powder mixed with water, used chiefly for casts
and molds, building materials, and surgical bandages.

268 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


plaster trap
A drain trap used in schools and medical offices where clays and plaster moulds
for art projects and surgical bandages are used.
plastic
An organic compound produced by polymerization, capable of being molded or
extruded.
plastic fitting
A nonmetallic fitting made of a resinous material.
plasticizer
A substance added to a material to make it pliable.
Plastic Pipe and Fittings Association (PPFA)
A national trade organization comprised of companies that manufacture plastic
piping, fittings, and solvent cements (ppfahome.org).
plastic pipe or tube
A nonmetallic conduit made of a resinous material.
plate
1. A flat sheet of metal forming part of a machine.
2. To cover with a thin layer of metal.
plate flange
A flat-face, slip-on flange.
platina
An impure form of platinum.
plating
An electroplating process whereby a metallic coating (e.g., copper, chrome, or
zinc) is deposited on a substrate.
plenum
A space in which air or other gas is at a pressure greater than that of the outside
atmosphere.
plenum space
An enclosed space used for heating, ventilating, and/or air-conditioning airflow.
pliers
Small pinchers used to hold small objects or bend or cut wire.
plot plan
The overview of an entire property as seen from directly above.

Plumbineering Dictionary 269


plug
A pipe fitting with a male thread used to close the opening of another fitting.
plug flow
A flow pattern created when the normal wave propagation across the free surface
of a liquid reaches a height that comes into contact with the crown of the pipe,
creating air pockets trapped between two waves of the liquid, causing the air to be
dragged along with the liquid toward the stack.
plug valve
A fitting with a quarter-turn design similar to a ball valve, with a plug instead of
a ball.
plumb
1. To seal with lead.
2. To supply with a system of plumbing.
3. To be vertical.
plumb bob
A metal weight attached to the end of a plumb line.
plumber
Someone who installs and repairs piping and plumbing systems.
plumber’s friend
A bell-shaped rubber suction cup on a handle that is pumped over a toilet trap to
dislodge stoppage in a water closet. Also called plunger.
plumber’s furnace
A portable, gasoline-fired heater used to melt solder or lead.
plumber’s rasp
A tool used to file lead.
plumber’s round iron
A soldering iron used to solder tank seams.
plumber’s soil
A mixture of lampblack and glue used in lead work.
plumber’s tape
An adhesive material used to seal joints.
plumber’s test plug
A device inserted into a pipe or fitting to form a temporary stoppage.
plumbing
The practice, materials, and fixtures used in the installation, maintenance, exten-

270 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


sion, and alteration of all piping, fixtures, appliances, and plumbing appurte-
nances within or adjacent to any structure in connection with sanitary or liquid
waste drainage, storm drainage, venting systems, public or private water supply
systems, and natural and other gases to their connection with any point of supply,
public disposal, or other acceptable terminal.
Plumbing and Drainage Institute (PDI)
An association of manufacturers of engineered plumbing products for drainage
systems (pdionline.org).
plumbing appliance
A special type of plumbing fixture that is intended to perform a special plumbing
function.
plumbing appurtenance
A manufactured device, prefabricated assembly, or on-the-job assembly of com-
ponent parts that is an adjunct to a basic piping system or plumbing fixture, pre-
sumed to perform some useful function in the operation, maintenance, servicing,
economy, or safety of a plumbing system.
plumbing code
A legal minimum requirement for the safe installation, maintenance, and repair
of plumbing systems, including the water supply system.
plumbing contractor
A person or company that agrees to furnish materials or perform services to install
a plumbing system at a specified price.
Plumbing Contractors of America (PCA)
An organization that represents the interests of union plumbing contractors on a
national level (mcaa.org/pca).
plumbing engineer
A professional skilled in the design and specification of plumbing systems.
plumbing engineering
The application of scientific principles to the design, installation, and operation of
efficient, economical, ecological, energy-conserving, and code-compliant systems
for the transport and distribution of liquids and gases.
plumbing fixture
An installed receptacle, device, or appliance other than a trap that dispenses water
and discharges wastes in a building.
plumbing hazard
An integral cross-connection in a potable water system that may be a pollutant
or a contaminant.

Plumbineering Dictionary 271


Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association (PHCC)
A trade association dedicated to the promotion, advancement, education, and
training of plumbing, heating, and cooling contractors (phccweb.org).
plumbing inspector
A person who, under the authority of the department having jurisdiction, is au-
thorized to inspect plumbing and drainage systems to ensure they comply with
the code for the municipality.
plumbing system
A fluid and/or gas (including medical gas) supply and distribution system and as-
sociated waste disposal system, including piping, plumbing fixtures and traps, and
drainage and vent pipes, including their respective joints, connections, devices,
receptacles, and appurtenances.
plumbing trap
A fitting placed in a drainline to form a seal to prevent gases or odors from passing
from the drainpipe into the building.
plumbing tree
A prefabricated set of drain waste, vent, and supply lines.
plumbism
Lead poisoning.
plumb line
A line with a suspended weight used to determine verticality or depth.
plunge pool
A pool greater than 24 inches (61 cm) deep located at the exit end of a waterslide
flume, intended and designed to receive slide users emerging from the flume.
plunger
A device used to remove stoppages at plumbing fixtures. Also called plumber’s
friend.
pneumatic
A tool, control, or other device operated by air pressure.
pneumatic hammer
A hammering device powered by compressed air. Also called air hammer.
point of cross-connection
The specific location where a potable water system and a system carrying waste or
nonpotable water intersect.
point loading
The location of the application of a load between two surfaces, typically between
a curved and a flat surface.

272 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


poison
A substance that can injure, impair, or kill a living organism.
polarization
A shift in electrode potential resulting from the effects of current flow, measured
with respect to the zero-flow (reversible) potential, i.e., the counter-electromotive
force due to products formed or concentration changes in the electrode.
policy
A course of action that guides and determines present and future decisions.
polished brass
A brass material with a high sheen, rather than unfinished.
pollutant
A foreign substance that, if permitted into a public water system, will degrade
the water’s quality so that it constitutes a moderate hazard or is not effective for
domestic use.
pollution
The presence of a substance that produces undesirable environmental and health
effects.
polybutylene (PB)
A flexible thermoplastic previously manufactured to pipe and tubing specifica-
tions.
polyester
A synthetic resin used to make fibers and plastics.
polyethylene (PE)
A flexible, lightweight polymerized ethylene resin, used for tubing or in sheets
for packaging.
polyethylene/aluminum/polyethylene (PE-AL-PE)
A type of resin identical to PEX-AL-PEX composite pipe, except for the physical
properties of the polyethylene. Its use is limited to cold water applications or ap-
plications with other suitable fluids up to 110°F at 150 pounds per square inch
(43°C at 1,034 kilopascals) of pressure.
polymer
A chemical compound or mixture of compounds of high molecular weight formed
by the polymerization of monomers.
polymerization
A chemical process, normally with the aid of a catalyst, that joins two or more
monomers to form a polymer.

Plumbineering Dictionary 273


polypropylene (PP)
A hard, tough thermoplastic resin used for a wide range of industrial liquids, salt
water disposal, and corrosive waste systems.
polystyrene
A rigid, clear thermoplastic polymer that can be molded or made into a foam used
to insulate refrigerators.
polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)
A heat- and chemical-resistant thermoplastic resin used for gaskets, seals, and
hoses.
polytropic process
A thermodynamic expansion or compression of gas.
polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
A rigid, chemical- and corrosion-resistant vinyl resin used for pressure and drain-
age pipe.
polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC)
A tough, chemical- and corrosion-resistant thermoplastic with a relatively low
solubility and decomposition temperature, used as rigid pipe for water-treatment
and underground applications.
polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF)
A strong, tough, abrasion-resistant fluorocarbon material used in high-purity
electronic or medical-grade water or chemical piping systems that need to remain
pure but function at high temperatures.
pond
A small body of water.
pool
1. A structure, basin, or tank containing water for swimming, diving, or recre-
ation.
2. A plunge or other bath designed to accommodate more than one bather at a
time.
pool skimmer
A devices with a floating weir (flapper door) that creates a skimming action at the
water surface of a pool to collect debris into a basket strainer for removal.
poppet
A valve that rises perpendicularly to or from its seat.
population equivalent
Regarding industrial waste, the estimated number of people contributing sewage
equal in strength to a unit volume of the waste.

274 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


porcelain
A fine, hard, translucent, sonorous, and nonporous ceramic.
porcelain enamel
Vitreous enamel.
porcelain enameled steel
A substantially vitreous or glossy inorganic coating that is bonded to sheet steel
by fusion.
pore
The space between particles of a soil.
porous
Capable of absorbing liquid.
porous paving
A paving surface designed to allow storm water infiltration and reduce runoff.
port
An opening in a water heater burner through which gas is discharged for igni-
tion.
portland cement
A hydraulic cement containing about 60 percent lime, 25 percent silica, 10 per-
cent alumina, iron oxide, and gypsum. Named after the Isle of Portland, Eng-
land.
positive air pressure attenuator (PAPA)
A device used to neutralize positive air transients in the drain, waste, and vent
system of a multistory building.
positive air transient
A low-amplitude, high-speed air pressure wave traveling through a drain, waste,
and vent system.
positive attachment
A mechanical device designed to resist seismic forces that connects a nonstruc-
tural element, such as a pipe, to a structural element, such as a beam.
positive displacement compressor
A constant-volume, variable-pressure machine capable of operating over a wide
range of discharge pressures at a relatively constant capacity.
positive displacement pump
A fluid-moving machine that delivers energy in successive isolated quantities
by the direct application of a moving plunger, piston, diaphragm, or rotary ele-
ment.

Plumbineering Dictionary 275


posthole auger
A tool with a threaded shank, used to dig postholes.
post hydrant
A special-purpose fire hydrant installed vertically on a rigid structure, used to sup-
ply water for fire-fighting purposes to remote locations such as parks, golf courses,
and cemeteries.
post indicator valve
A valve installed in the main underground fire line serving a building in such a
location that the fire department can visibly determine if the valve is in the open
or closed position.
potable water
Water that is free from impurities and conforms to the bacteriological and chemi-
cal quality requirements of the public health authority having jurisdiction.
potential energy
The energy of a body due to its elevation above a given level.
pothook
A hook used to lift a solder pot from the heating device.
pot metal
A copper and lead alloy formerly used to make plumbing fixtures.
pot sink
A basin used to clean cookware.
potty parity
Equal provision of restrooms for women and men in a commercial or public
facility.
pot-type grease trap
A cylindrical unit with a height equal to its diameter, installed in a drainage system
to retain entrapped grease, while allowing the continued flow of other materials.
POTW
Abbreviation for publicly owned treatment works, a system of devices owned by
the state or municipality used in the storage, treatment, recycling, and reclama-
tion of municipal sewage or industrial wastes of a liquid nature.
pound
A unit of weight equal to 16 ounces.
pounds per square inch (psi)
A unit of pressure equal to the pressure resulting from a force of 1 pound-force
applied to an area of 1 square inch.

276 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


pounds per square inch absolute (psia)
A unit of absolute pressure, equal to gauge pressure plus local atmospheric pres-
sure.
pounds per square inch gauge (psig)
A unit of the pressure relative to the surrounding atmosphere.
pouring rope
A type of rope, usually asbestos, that is wrapped around a pipe joint while caulk-
ing to retain the molten lead.
power
The rate at which energy is consumed or produced, expressed in watts.
power burner
A water heater burner in which gas or air or both are supplied at pressures exceed-
ing the line pressure or atmospheric pressure.
power vise
A motor-operated tool used to grip things.
POWTS
Abbreviation for private onsite wastewater treatment system, a septic system in-
tended to treat domestic wastewater, used and maintained by a private individual
or organization, not connected to a public wastewater treatment system.
pozzolan
A volcanic ash used to produce hydraulic cement.
PP
Abbreviation for polypropylene, a hard, tough thermoplastic resin used for a wide
range of industrial liquids, salt water disposal, and corrosive waste systems.
PPFA
Acronym for the Plastic Pipe and Fittings Association, a national trade organiza-
tion comprised of companies that manufacture plastic piping, fittings and solvent
cements (ppfahome.org).
ppm
Abbreviation for parts per million, a method of reporting water analyses, com-
monly considered equivalent to milligrams per liter.
preaction system
A fire suppression system that is a hybrid of wet, dry, and deluge systems, com-
prising automatic sprinklers attached to a piping system and controlled by a sup-
plemental fire detection system installed in the same area as the sprinklers.
double interlock system
A preaction system that uses automatic sprinklers and requires both a preceding

Plumbineering Dictionary 277


and supervised event (typically the activation of a heat or smoke detector) and an
automatic sprinkler activation to occur prior to water being introduced into the
system’s piping.
non-interlock system
A type of preaction system that admits water to the sprinkler piping upon the
operation of either a detection device or automatic sprinklers.
single interlock system
A preaction system that requires a preceding and supervised event (typically the ac-
tivation of a heat or smoke detector) to occur prior to water being introduced into
the system’s piping by the opening of a mechanically latched preaction valve.
preaction valve
A mechanically operated valve that controls water flow to a preaction system.
pre-charge tank
A water storage tank that is pre-charged with air and includes a vinyl bag to sepa-
rate water from the air to prevent waterlogging.
precipitate
A solid residue formed in the process of removing certain dissolved chemicals out
of a solution.
precipitation
Water directly discharged from the clouds as snow, rain, hail, or sleet.
precipitation, chemical
1. Precipitation induced by the addition of chemicals.
2. The process of softening water by adding lime or lime and soda ash as precipi-
tants.
precision
The degree of mutual agreement between individual measurements, namely re-
peatability and reproducibility.
precooler
1. A heat exchanger located immediately preceding an ejector to condense and
remove a portion of the vapor in the mixture and thus reduce the total pounds
per hour to be handled.
2. A device that reduces the temperature of a working fluid before it is used by a
machine.
preheated water
Inlet supply water that has been tempered.
pre-mixing burner
A power burner in which most or all of the air for combustion is mixed with gas.

278 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


premise isolation
A prescribed method to confine potential contamination caused by a cross-con-
nection within a facility by installing a backflow prevention assembly at the point
of service. Also called containment policy.
prep sink
A type of commercial sink, usually a single basin, used in conjunction with food
preparation.
preset
Prior installation adjustment of hangers, supports assemblies, equipment, and
devices.
press-fitted end
Crimping the ends of a pipe with a crimping tool to form a water-tight connec-
tion.
pressure
The force applied uniformly over a surface by a homogeneous liquid or gas.
pressure-balancing valve
A valve that maintains a constant water temperature by constantly adjusting the
pressure of the hot and cold water supply.
pressure burner
A water heater burner supplied with an air-gas mixture under pressure.
pressure control valve
A pilot-operated, pressure-reducing valve designed to reduce the downstream
water pressure to a specific value under both flowing (residual) and nonflowing
(static) conditions.
pressure differential
The difference in pressure between two points in a piping system.
pressure drop
1. The energy loss of a fluid as it passes through a flow passage. Also called head
loss.
2. The loss in static pressure due to friction or obstruction during flow through
pipe, valves, fittings, regulators, and burners.
pressure envelope
The outer portion of a fitting, tank, or vessel that contains the interior water
pressure.
pressure-equalizing valve
A valve within a drainage system used as a shunt to equalize the pressure between
two points.

Plumbineering Dictionary 279


pressure filter
A filter used to strain solids from a gas or liquid when the material to be strained
is under higher-than-atmospheric pressure.
pressure fluctuation
A change in pressure caused by the various effects of fluids, gases, and semisolids
being transported in an enclosed environment.
pressure gauge
An instrument that measures the pressure of fluids, gases, or air.
pressure head
The pressure of a substance relative to atmospheric pressure.
pressure loss
A loss of pressure that occurs due to friction when water moves through a pipe.
pressure maintenance pump
A water-moving device with controls and accessories used to maintain pressure
in a fire protection system without operation of the fire pump. Also called jockey
pump.
pressure rating
The estimated maximum force per unit area that a medium in a pipe can exert
continuously with a high degree of certainty that failure of the pipe would not
occur.
pressure recorder, sensitive electronic
A pressure gauge with an electronic transducer capable of recording pressure in
specified increments.
pressure-reducing station
A machine designed to lower a building’s incoming pressure to the operating pres-
sure of a particular system.
pressure-reducing valve
A valve used to maintain a predetermined, uniform pressure via an automatic
controller.
pressure-regulating valve
A device designed to reduce, regulate, control, or restrict water pressure.
pressure regulator
A diaphragm-operated device used to reduce a variable high inlet pressure to a
constant lower outlet pressure.
pressure relief valve
A safety valve held closed by a spring or other means that automatically relieves
pressure in excess of its setting.

280 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


pressure-restricting device
A device that prevents a valve from being opened more than part way to reduce
residual pressure.
pressure seal bonnet
A type of bonnet used in high-pressure and high-temperature applications where
seals that provide compact and safe body-to-bonnet connections are required.
pressure surge
A sudden increase in pressure caused by turbulence in a contained liquid.
pressure tank
An airtight water tank in which air is compressed to exert pressure on the con-
tained fluid.
pressure transducer
A instrument component that produces an electric signal proportional to the
pressure to which it is subjected.
pressure-type flushing system
A system that uses the water supply to create a pressurized discharge to flush
fixtures.
pressure vacuum breaker
A device that contains two independently operating valves—a spring-loaded check
valve and a spring-loaded air inlet valve—that protects against back-siphonage by
allowing air into a water system.
pressure valve
A device used maintain, control, or release pressure.
pressure vessel
A metal container capable of withstanding bursting pressures.
pressure, working
The maximum pressure in a water piping system or its appurtenances allowable
under normal working conditions.
pretreatment
The reduction, elimination, or alteration of pollutants in wastewater prior to
treatment.
primary air
The air introduced into a water heater burner that mixes with the gas before it
reaches the port.
primary air inlet
An opening through which primary air is admitted into a water heater burner.

Plumbineering Dictionary 281


primary branch
The largest single branch of a water supply system.
primary drainage branch
The single sloping drain from the base of a stack to its junction with the main
building drain.
primary-secondary pumping
A system with two separate circuits, in which the primary circuit serves the source
equipment and the secondary circuit serves the load.
primary barrier
A specific piece of equipment used to control biohazardous material, such as a
biological safety cabinet.
primary treatment
The removal of some portion of suspended solids and organic matter in wastewa-
ter through sedimentation.
priming jet
The opening in a water closet bowl that allows water from the tank to flow into
the bowl and flush the contents.
priority pollutant
A chemical pollutant regulated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and
for which the EPA has developed analytical test methods.
private dwelling
A building used only for living purposes.
private onsite wastewater treatment system (POWTS)
A septic system intended to treat domestic wastewater, used and maintained by
a private individual or organization, not connected to a public wastewater treat-
ment system.
private sewage disposal system
A system not connected to any public sewer or point of disposal that conveys sew-
age to a tank, where it is reduced to a liquid and then discharged into a subsurface
disposal field or seepage pit.
private sewer
A system of pipes that is not directly controlled by the public authority used to
carry away sewage.
private use
Plumbing fixtures in residences and apartments, private bathrooms in hotels and
hospitals, and restrooms in commercial establishments containing restricted-use
single fixtures or groups of single fixtures intended for the use of a family or an
individual.

282 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


privy
An outdoor toilet.
privy vault
A pit beneath an outdoor toilet in which excrement collects.
probe
A slender, blunt-ended instrument used to explore or ascertain depth.
process wastewater
Water that results from the production or use of any raw material, intermediate
product, finished product, byproduct, or waste product during manufacturing.
professional
An individual who, because of their training and experience, is held to a higher
standard of care than the untrained individual or layman and can be exposed to
liability for their action and/or inaction.
Professional Engineer (PE)
Someone who is registered or licensed to offer professional engineering services
directly to the public.
project closeout
A number of procedures required to finish a building project as the construction
phase comes to an end.
projected roof area
1. The area of a roof as seen on an elevation drawing.
2. Total roof area.
propane
A colorless gas used as a fuel.
propane vaporizer
A piece of equipment used to satisfy appliance BTU requirements, used when
equipment or appliance demand exceeds the vaporizing capacity of a tank.
propeller meter
A type of meter used where low flows never exist.
prophylaxis
The process of adding fluoride to a water system with the intent of reducing
dental cavities.
proprietary specification
A construction specification that identifies the products to be used by the manu-
facturer’s name, the brand name of a given product, the model number, type
designation, or unique characteristics.

Plumbineering Dictionary 283


protected cross connection
A cross connection between a potable and nonpotable system where adequate
methods are provided to prevent backflow.
protected waste pipe
A waste pipe from a fixture that is not directly connected to a drain, soil, vent,
or waste pipe.
protection saddle
A protective covering or coating used to prevent damage to pipe or to the insula-
tion surrounding a pipe at hanger and support points.
protection shield
A rigid or flexible device designed to protect pipe or insulation at contact points
with hangers and supports.
protective potential
The minimum potential required to suppress corrosion in cathodic protection.
protozoan cyst
The infectious form of many parasites.
psi
Abbreviation for pounds per square inch, a unit of pressure equal to the pressure
resulting from a force of 1 pound-force applied to an area of 1 square inch.
psia
Abbreviation for pounds per square inch absolute, a unit of absolute pressure,
equal to gauge pressure plus local atmospheric pressure.
psig
Abbreviation for pounds per square inch gauge, a unit of the pressure relative to
the surrounding atmosphere.
psychrometer
An instrument consisting of two thermometers, one with a dry bulb and one with
a wet bulb, used to measure the relative humidity of air.
psychrometric chart
A graphical representation of the thermodynamic properties of moist air.
psychrometry
The science related to measuring the properties of air and water vapor mixtures
in the atmosphere.
PTFE
Abbreviation for polytetrafluoroethylene, a heat- and chemical-resistant thermo-
plastic resin used for gaskets, seals, and hoses.

284 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


p trap
A P-shaped trap that forms a seal in water and waste pipes, used for sinks, lavato-
ries, bathtubs, and other types of fixtures.
public building
A building with non-restricted access.
publicly owned treatment works (POTW)
A system of devices owned by the state or municipality used in the storage, treat-
ment, recycling, and reclamation of municipal sewage or industrial wastes of a
liquid nature.
public potable water system
A publicly or privately owned water system operated as a public utility under a
valid health permit to supply water for domestic purposes.
public sewer
A common sewer directly operated by a public authority.
public use
Toilet rooms and bathrooms used by employees, occupants, visitors, or patrons,
in or about any premises, and locked toilet rooms or bathrooms to which several
occupants or employees possess keys and have access.
public water main
A water supply pipe for public use controlled by a public authority.
puddle
1. A small pool of liquid.
2. A mixture of wet clay and sand that is impervious to water when dry, used to
line a pond.
3. To compact loose soil by first soaking it and then permitting it to dry.
pump
A machine that moves liquids.
pump affinity laws
Pumping principles that state that flow varies directly with the speed or impeller
size, head varies by the square of the speed or impeller size, power varies by the
cube of the speed or impeller size, and torque varies by the square of the speed or
impeller size.
pump cavitation
The formation and collapse of vapor bubbles in the liquid stream in a pump,
which causes vibrations that can decrease the pump’s efficiency.

Plumbineering Dictionary 285


pump gauge
An instrument that measures the pressure or volume of flow associated with the
liquid a pump is moving.
pumping
1. The act of moving up and down, as a pump.
2. The reversal of flow within a dynamic compressor that takes place when the
capacity being handled is reduced to a point where insufficient pressure is be-
ing generated to maintain flow.
pumping level
The lowest water level during pumping operation.
pump, jockey
A water-moving device with controls and accessories used to maintain pressure in
a fire protection system without operation of the fire pump. Also called pressure
maintenance pump.
punch
A tool used for piercing; forcing a pin, bolt, or rivet in or out of a hole; stamping
a design on a surface; or making a countersink.
punch list
A list of uncompleted items, or items needing correction, at the time of substan-
tial completion, agreed to by a project’s participants.
pure tone
A detectable and generally audible frequency component with characteristics sim-
ilar to whistles or shrieks, generally regarded as being more obtrusive and more
likely to annoy than other broadband sounds devoid of such components.
pure water
Water that is free from particulate matters, minerals, bacteria, pyrogens, organic
matters, and dissolved gases, generally required in pharmacies, central supply
rooms, laboratories, and laboratory glassware-washing facilities.
purification
The natural or artificial removal of objectionable matter from water.
purity monitor
A device that tests the purity of distilled water coming from a still with a temper-
ature-compensated conductivity cell.
purple pipe system
A municipal reclaimed water system distributed in high-density polyethylene
pipe, typically colored purple.

286 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


push-on joint
A ribbed neoprene joint that is pushed into a drain outlet.
push-seal gasket
A ribbed neoprene stopper installed on a section of pipe and pushed into the
drain outlet.
putrefaction
Biological decomposition of organic matter with the production of ill-smelling
products, usually occurring in a deficiency of oxygen.
putrescibility
Something capable of producing ill smells due to biological decomposition.
putty
A dough-like cement used to fasten glass in sashes and fill holes in wood.
PVC
Abbreviation for polyvinyl chloride, a rigid, chemical- and corrosion-resistant vi-
nyl resin, used for pressure and drainage pipe.
PVDC
Abbreviation for polyvinylidene chloride, a tough, chemical- and corrosion-re-
sistant thermoplastic with a relatively low solubility and decomposition tempera-
ture, used as rigid pipe for water-treatment and underground applications.
PVDF
Abbreviation for polyvinylidene fluoride, a strong, tough, abrasion-resistant fluo-
rocarbon material used widely in high-purity electronic or medical-grade water
or chemical piping systems that need to remain pure but function at high tem-
peratures.
pyrolysis
The decomposition of a chemical by extreme heat.

Plumbineering Dictionary 287


quadraplex pump
Q
Four pumps that can be used as a single pump, two pumps, three pumps, or all
four pumps in operation based on loading, typically controlled with an alternat-
ing-type controller.
quality assurance
Ensuring that the delivered products meet the established performance and tech-
nical requirements of the project and that design standards have been met.
quality control
A process of ensuring the technical accuracy, completeness, and correctness of the
design, cost estimate, and all architectural and engineering aspects and details of
a project, including coordination of all disciplines with one another and with the
specifications.
quarter bend
A fitting with a 90-degree change in direction.
quick-compress faucet stop
A quick-shutoff valve in a water supply pipe to a faucet.
quick-coupling valve
A constantly pressurized valve that provides supplemental water when a coupler
key is inserted and turned.
quick-disconnect
A slip fitting used to quickly disconnect a piece of equipment from a piping
system.
quick-opening valve
A valve that opens quickly, usually via a lever.
quick-response sprinkler
A type of fire sprinkler that is both a fast-response and a spray sprinkler.

Plumbineering Dictionary 289


radiant barrier
R
A material used to block the transfer of radiant heat across a space.
radiant emittance
The radiant flux per unit area that emerges from a surface. Also called exitance.
radiant energy
Energy in the form of electromagnetic waves that travels outward in all directions
from its source.
radiant flux
Power emitted, transferred, or received in the form of electromagnetic waves or
photons.
radiant heat
1. Heat transferred from one body to another that are not in contact. Also called
thermal radiation.
2. A heating system that uses hot water, steam pipes, or electric resistance coils to
heat the floors, walls, or the ceilings of a room.
radiant intensity
A measure of the degree of electromagnetic radiation.
radiation
1. A heat transfer process by which heat flows from a body at a high temperature
to a body at a lower temperature, when the bodies are separated in space or
when a vacuum exists between them.
2. Emission or transfer of energy in the form of electromagnetic waves or pho-
tons.
radiator
A heating device that circulates steam or hot water.
radiator valve
A shutoff valve that controls the flow of steam or hot water in a radiator.
radioactivity
1. The total release of radiation of all types from a source, measured in disinte-
grations per second.
2. The spontaneous emission of harmful particles from an unstable nucleus of an
atom.

Plumbineering Dictionary 291


radius
The length of a straight line from the center of a circle to its perimeter.
radon
A heavy, gaseous radioactive element.
rainbow gasket
A red-colored sheet of rubber used to make gaskets.
rainfall intensity
The amount of rain that falls in a particular location, measured in inches per hour.
Commonly called the rate of rainfall.
rainfall rate
1. The amount of rain that falls in a location over a certain period.
2. The annual rainfall in a city.
rainwater catchment
A system of pipes, storage vessels, and treatment devices used to collect, treat, and
reuse rainwater in plumbing systems.
rainwater conductor
A pipe located in the interior of a building that conducts water from the roof to
the storm drain.
rainwater harvesting
The process of collecting and treating rainwater for use in other plumbing sys-
tems.
rainwater leader
A pipe on the exterior of a building that conducts water from the roof. Also called
roof leader.
raised-face flange
A flange with a face approximately 1/32 inch higher inside the bolt circle.
rake angle
The angle of the cutting edge of a tool.
random hanger
A hanger or support that requires field fabrication and the exact location, shape,
and type of which are left to the discretion of the installer.
random length
Pipe of run-of-the-mill length, usually 16 to 20 feet (4.9 to 6 meters). Also called
mill length.
range boiler
1. A system in which water is heated by circulating it from within a water stor-

292 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


age tank through a heat exchanger inside of or connected to the exterior of a
heating boiler.
2. The reservoir that stores the water in a range boiler system.
range boiler coupling
A fitting containing an outer thread and two pipe connections inside and outside
a range boiler.
range boiler covering
Insulation protecting a range boiler.
range boiler elbow
A combination elbow and one-half union fitting for a range boiler.
range boiler flue tube
A tube that passes longitudinally through a range boiler, through which the prod-
ucts of combustion can escape.
range boiler stand
A support on which a range boiler rests.
range boiler tube
A tube that delivers the inlet cold water to the bottom of a range boiler.
range burner
A device where combustion occurs in a range.
range closet
A latrine with multiple seats.
range lining
A lining made of fire clay used on the inside of a range fire box.
range water closet
A line of toilet seats placed close together, or one continuous opening in a seat,
placed above a single water-bearing trough designed to receive human excre-
ment.
rasp
A coarse file used to smooth rough surfaces.
ratchet
A tool used to tighten bolts, consisting of a toothed wheel engaged with a pawl,
which permits it to move in only one direction.
ratchet screwdriver
A screwdriver with a ratchet that permits the blade to turn in only one direction
and a blade that rotates with downward pressure on the handle.

Plumbineering Dictionary 293


ratchet wrench
A wrench in which torque is applied in one direction only by means of a ratchet.
rated capacity
The maximum flow and/or pressure for a piece of equipment.
rated flow
The normal operating flow rate for which a vessel or process system is designed.
rated storage volume
The quantity of water stored in a tank.
rate of flow
The amount of water passing through a pipe, which depends on the cross-section-
al area of the pipe and the velocity of the water.
rate of rainfall
The amount of rain that falls in a particular location, measured in inches per hour.
Also called rainfall intensity.
ratio of specific heat
The ratio of a materials’ specific heat at constant pressure to the specific heat con-
stant volume, which may vary considerably with pressure and temperature.
rational method
A method of storm drainage design based on the principle that peak discharge is
approximately equal to the product of the area drained, the runoff coefficient, and
the maximum rainfall intensity, used to determine the theoretical water inflow
into a storm sewer system.
raw
A material in its natural state.
raw linseed oil
Uncooked linseed oil that is slow to evaporate.
raw muriatic acid
Undiluted hydrochloric acid.
raw sewage
Untreated water-borne wastes.
raw water
Water used as the intake to any device or process, generally used to describe a
water supply from a natural source such as a river, lake, or stream.
RCRA
Abbreviation for the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, federal legislation
that regulates hazardous wastes from ongoing manufacturing activities.

294 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


readily accessible
A fixture, appliance, or piece of equipment that can be reached directly without
the removal of any panel, door, or similar obstruction and without the use of a
portable ladder, step stool, or similar device.
reagent
A substance that causes a chemical reaction.
ream
To cut a burr from the inside of a pipe or to enlarge a pipe by cutting it with a
circular motion.
reamed and drifted
The end treatment of a pipe in which the burrs have been removed and the circu-
lar shape defined by a special tool called a drift.
reamer
A tool with a cutting edge used to bore or enlarge holes.
reasonable care
Working to standards that are known and accepted by the industry and applying
those standards in a practical way to prevent injury or harm via predictable and
foreseeable circumstances.
recalescence
A phenomenon that occurs when the latent heat of a metal is liberated, causing
the metal to glow.
receiver
A vessel used to store gas under pressure.
receptor
A plumbing fixture or device of such material, shape, and capacity that can ad-
equately receive the discharge from indirect waste pipes and constructed and lo-
cated that it can be readily cleaned.
recessed cast iron fitting, black
A naked iron drainage fitting in which the female thread terminates in an enlarged
annulus.
recessed cast iron fitting, galvanized
A fitting that has been coated with molten zinc in which the female thread termi-
nates in an enlarged annulus.
recessed drainage fitting
A drainage fitting in which the female thread terminates in an enlarged annulus.

Plumbineering Dictionary 295


recessed roof connection
A rainwater leader fitting installed in a flat roof in which most of the fitting is
below the roof, supported by the flange at the roof plane level.
recessed sprinkler
A fire sprinkler in which part of the sprinkler body, other than the shank thread,
is mounted within a recessed housing.
reciprocating compressor
A positive-displacement compressor with one or more cylinders fitted with a pis-
ton driven by a crankshaft through a connecting rod.
reciprocating pump
A type of positive-displacement plunger pump, often used with a relatively small
quantity of liquid and a high delivery pressure.
reclamation
The reuse of materials found in a waste stream.
reclaimed water
Wastewater that has been treated and may be used in certain applications, but is
not safe for human consumption. Also known as graywater.
recovered energy
A by-product of energy used in a primary system that otherwise would be wasted
from an energy utilization system.
recovery pressure
The pressure of either the motive fluid or discharge that an ejector requires for
stable operation following a period of unstable operation due to having previously
reached the breaking pressure.
recovery rate
The amount of water capable of being heated to the design temperature per unit
of time.
red lead
A poisonous lead powder used in storage battery plates, glass, and ceramics, as
a paint pigment to protect metals from corrosion, and as a threaded joint com-
pound.
reduced-flow pressure
The pressure maintained at the valve outlet when water is flowing.
reduced pressure
The ratio of a fluid’s actual absolute pressure to its absolute critical pressure.

296 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


reduced pressure falloff
The amount a pressure, temperature, liquid level, or differential pressure deviates
from a set value. Also called droop.
reduced-pressure principle backflow preventer
A device consisting of two separate and independently acting spring-loaded check
valves, with a differential pressure-relief valve situated between them, designed
to maintain a higher pressure on the supply side of the backflow preventer than
found downstream of the first check valve to prevent backflow. Also called re-
duced-pressure-zone backflow preventer.
reduced-pressure-zone backflow preventer (RPZ)
A backflow prevention device consisting of two independently acting check valves
separated by an intermediate chamber, intended to discharge water that backflows
into the chamber. Also called reduced-pressure principle backflow preventer.
reduced temperature
The ratio in absolute units of a fluid’s actual temperature to its critical tempera-
ture.
reducer
A pipe fitting that is larger at one end than at the other, used to connect pipes of
different sizes.
reducer, eccentric
A fitting that maintains the flow line at the same elevation as it reduces the size
of the run.
reducing elbow
A 90-degree fitting in which the inlet and outlet are different sizes.
reducing flange
A flange tapped or bored smaller than the original pipe size.
reductant
A reducing agent.
reference standard specification
The use of a nationally or internationally recognized standard to specify a product,
materials, or workmanship instead of writing a detailed description.
refill tube
A tube that directs water from a ballcock into the overflow tube to refill a toilet
bowl after a siphon break.
reflecting pool
A shallow pool of water used for decorative purposes.

Plumbineering Dictionary 297


refrigerant
A volatile substance used as a working fluid in a cooling system.
refrigerator
An appliance kept at a low temperature, used to store food.
refusal of services
A formal policy that allows a utility to refuse or discontinue service where a known
or potential hazard exists and corrective measures are not undertaken to eliminate
the hazard. Also called shutoff policy.
regeneration
The reverse of deionization, a water treatment method used to displace the ions
removed from feed water.
regenerative turbine pump
A centrifugal pump in which the outer edge of the impeller and its volute inten-
tionally employ higher velocities through the recirculation of a portion of the flow
from the volute to just inside the tip of the impeller.
registered design professional
An architect or engineer who is licensed to practice, as defined by the statutory
requirements of the professional registration laws of the state in which the project
is to be constructed.
regular caulking iron
A caulking tool with beveled blades of different lengths to caulk either the inside
or outside edge of a joint.
regulating agency
A local, state, or federal authority that issues rules or regulations that have the
force of law to provide uniformity in procedures.
regulator
A device intend to reduce a variable inlet pressure to a constant outlet pressure
under variable-flow conditions.
regulator, gas pressure
A device used to control and maintain a uniform gas pressure that is lower than
the supply pressure at the inlet of a regulator.
regurgitate
To rush or surge back.
reinforced concrete pipe
A durable and economical concrete pipe made by the addition of steel wire or
steel bars, recommended for installations where low, moderate, or severe cover
and/or live load conditions exist and structural failure might endanger life or
property.

298 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


reinforced resin
A structural resin that is strengthened with fibers or fragments such as glass, hemp
metal, or particles.
relative humidity
1. The amount of water vapor in the air at any given time, usually less than that
required to saturate the air.
2. The percent of saturation humidity, generally calculated in relation to satu-
rated vapor density.
3. The ratio of the actual partial vapor pressure in an air/vapor mixture to the
saturated vapor pressure at the existing dry-bulb mixture temperature, usually
expressed in percent.
relief device
A safety device used to relieve built up pressure, temperature, or vacuum.
relief valve
A safety device designed to prevent the development of a potentially dangerous
condition in a closed piping system.
relief valve diaphragm
A thin membrane used in place of a spring in some relief valves.
relief valve, hot water boiler
A safety device that relieves overheated water or excessive pressure in a boiler.
relief vent
A vent designed to equalize the pressure of air between drainage and vent systems
or to act as an auxiliary vent.
remote earth
A location away from a structure at which the potential gradient of the structure
to the earth is constant. Also called remote electrode.
remote electrode
A location away from a structure at which the potential gradient of the structure
to the earth is constant. Also called remote earth.
remote fixture
A fixture located on a branch line farther than 20 feet from the upstream end of
the branch line.
renovation
An upgrade to an existing building or space that maintains the original struc-
ture.
reoxygenation
The replenishment of oxygen in a system.

Plumbineering Dictionary 299


representative sample
A sample whose mean maximum flow rate is within ±5 percent of the true mean
maximum flow rate of the substance, used for establishing a rated flow.
request for information (RFI)
A contractor-issued document used to gather information, generally as a result
of the contractor’s discovery of a hidden condition or a discrepancy in the docu-
ments.
request for proposal (RFP)
A formal document initiated by the owner or design professional requesting bids
from contractors for a defined portion of the work.
resealing trap
A drain pipe trap designed so that the flow rate at the end of discharge seals the
trap and doesn’t cause self-siphonage.
reseating tool
A facing tool used to resurface worn faucet seats.
reservoir
A vessel used in conjunction with a fluid- or gas-using device that stores a supply
of the fluid or gas.
residential sprinkler
A fire sprinkler that has been listed specifically for use in residential occupancies.
residual pressure
1. The minimum pressure required at the most remote fixture in the plumbing
system (i.e., the pressure at the highest fixture).
2. Water pressure less than static pressure that varies with flow rate.
resilient support
A hanger, support, or device that provides for vertical, horizontal, lateral, or axial
movement.
resin
1. A polymerized synthetic or chemically modified natural resin used with fillers,
stabilizers, pigments, and other components to form plastics.
2. A synthetic polystyrene ion exchange material.
resistivity
A measurement of the resistance of a substance to the passage of an electrical cur-
rent, measured in ohms.
resonant amplification
A phenomenon that occurs when the natural frequency of a vibration isolator and
the disturbing frequency equal one another.

300 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)
Federal legislation that regulates hazardous wastes from ongoing manufacturing
activities.
respirator mask
A breathing apparatus worn over mouth and nose to prevent the inhalation of
gas fumes.
response
The capability of a valve to react to a change in outlet pressure.
responsible charge
The control an engineer is required to maintain over engineering decisions made
personally or by others over which the engineer exercises supervisory direction
and control authority.
restraining control device
Any hydraulic, mechanical, spring, or other rigid or flexible hanger, support, or
device used to control movement.
restraint
A device that prevents, resists, or limits unplanned or random movement.
restriction
A blockage or reduction within a plumbing system that reduces flow.
restroom
A room equipped with toilets and lavatories for public use.
retaining strap
A device used in conjunction with clamps and other components to secure hang-
ers and supports to structural elements.
retention basin
A reservoir intended to collect rainwater and allow discharge at a rate that is
slower than the rate of inflow into the basin.
retention period
The theoretical time that water is held in a grease interceptor.
retention tank
A vessel that holds fluids until a prescribed release time.
retrofitting
The addition to or upgrade of equipment, systems, or buildings.
return bend
A pipe fitting, equal to two ells, used to connect parallel pipes so that fluid flowing
into one will return in the opposite direction through the other.

Plumbineering Dictionary 301


return line
Part of a circulating system that returns a fluid to its source point.
return offset
A double offset installed to return a pipe to its original alignment.
return period
The statistical amount of time that must elapse to produce the most severe design
storm, used in designing storm water drainage systems.
revent
The part of a vent pipe line that connects directly with an individual waste pipe,
underneath or at the back of a fixture, and extends either to the main or branch
vent pipe. Also known as individual vent.
reverberatory furnace
A furnace kiln in which the flame is reflected from the roof onto the treated
material.
reverse impact
The pressure applied to a pipe wall opposite the lined wall.
reverse osmosis (RO)
A broad-based water-purifying process involving osmosis and ionic repulsion,
which produces a high-purity water that does not have the high resistivity of
demineralized water and is not biopure.
reverse trap
A type of water closet flushing using a reverse siphoning action in the trap created
by the flow of water in the bowl.
revolutions per minute (rpm)
A unit that measures how many times an object revolves about its axis.
Reynolds number
A dimensionless term expressing the ratio of inertia and viscous forces.
RFI
Abbreviation for request for information, a contractor-issued document used to
gather information, generally as a result of the contractor’s discovery of a hidden
condition or a discrepancy in the documents.
RFP
1. Abbreviation for request for proposal, a formal document initiated by the
owner or design professional requesting bids from contractors for a defined
portion of the work.
2. Abbreviation for fiberglass-reinforced plastic, a composite material made of a
plastic reinforced by fine fibers made of glass.

302 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


rigging
Devices, including chain, rope, and cable, used to erect, support, and manipu-
late.
right-angle drill
A drilling tool with a right angle.
rigid brace
A support capable of controlling and limiting movement, providing restraint in
both tension and compression.
rigid coupling
A connector used to attach rotating members.
rigid hanger
A hanger or support that controls or limits vertical and horizontal movement.
rigid sway brace
An assembly of components added to a standard pipe support or hanger system to
limit sway during movement such as a seismic event, including solid strut or pipe,
pipe attachments, and an attachment to the structure.
rim
An unobstructed, open edge of a fixture.
rim sink
A sink made of different sheet metals in which the peripheral edges are folded to
provide strength and eye appeal.
ring band
A device consisting of a circular strap with an attached knurled swivel nut used
for vertical adjustment.
rinse
Part of the regeneration cycle of a water softener where freshwater is passed
through the softener to remove excess salt prior to placing the water softener into
service.
ripening
The completion of the sludge digestion process.
riprap
Rough stone placed irregularly along a surface to prevent scouring or erosion by
water or debris.
riser
A vertical water supply pipe that extends one full story or more to convey water to
branches, fixtures, or the fire protection system above or below grade.

Plumbineering Dictionary 303


riser clamp
A device used to provide connections to and support for upright or vertical mem-
bers, structural or otherwise.
riser hanger
A support used in conjunction with a riser.
riser pressure drop
The total supply pressure plus the return main pressure drop.
rising stem
A threaded component that is unscrewed or screwed through the bonnet to open
or close a valve.
rising stem with outside screw
A stem design in which the screws are outside the valve body, used where the valve
is used infrequently and the possibility of sticking constitutes a hazard.
rising stem with inside screw
A stem design in which the position of the hand wheel indicates the position of
the disc, opened or closed. It is the simplest and most common stem design for
gate, globe, and angle valves.
RO
Abbreviation for reverse osmosis, a broad-based water-purifying process involving
osmosis and ionic repulsion, which produces a high-purity water that does not
have the high resistivity of demineralized water and is not biopure.
rock wool
A mineral wool made by blowing a jet of steam through molten rock or slag, used
chiefly for heat and sound insulation.
rod
A slender bar with a circular cross section, available in a variety of materials.
rod coupling
A device used to join two rods.
rod hanger
A hanger or support that has an integrated rod as part of its construction.
rod stiffener
A device used to provide additional rigidity to a rod.
roll and plate
A combination of a pipe roll and a slide plate used for minimal lateral and axial
movement where minimal or no vertical adjustment is required.
roll groove
A form of mechanical joining that does not require heat.
304 American Society of Plumbing Engineers
roll hanger
A device that utilizes a pipe roll for lateral and axial movement when used to carry
a load in suspension or tension.
rolling diaphragm
A type of seal that also senses pressure, formed in a convoluted shape, frequently
used to seal the gap between a linear moving shaft and a valve body.
roll plate
A flat device, typically a steel or alloy plate, that permits movement and/or facili-
tates a sliding motion.
roll stand
A pipe roll mounted on a stand and used for support.
roll trapeze
A combination device utilizing a pipe roll and a trapeze hanger.
roof area
The total drainage surface of a roof.
roof collar
A metallic flange used to prevent weather damage between a pipe stack and a
roof.
roof cutter
A drain used to collect storm water from a roof.
roof drain
A conduit installed to remove water from a roof.
roof flange
An annular fitting used around a stack terminal on the top side of a roof to make
a pipe leak-proof.
roof leader
A pipe on the exterior of a building that conducts water from the roof. Also called
rainwater leader.
roof receptor
A device used to receive wastewater from air-conditioning units, cooling towers,
and other mechanical devices.
roof tank
A vessel mounted on a roof to store water.
rope
A thick, strong length of intertwined fibers.

Plumbineering Dictionary 305


rope caulk
A preformed bead of tacky caulking compound.
rosin
A friable resin made by chemical means from the dead wood of pine trees, used in
making varnishes, lacquers, printing materials, soldering fluxes, and polishes.
rotary compressor
A positive-displacement machine in which a rotor causes fluid compression.
rotary globe valve
A valve consisting of a cammed plug and segmented V-ported balls, operated via
rotary motion.
rotary hammer
A hammer driven by electricity or compressed air. Also called hammer drill.
roughing in
The installation of all parts of a plumbing system that can be completed prior to
the installation of fixtures.
round basin
A circular-shaped lavatory.
round dresser
A wooden lead-working tool used to boss sheet lead or bend lead pipe.
round file
A circular-shaped file used generally to enlarge holes and shape hollow curves.
rpm
Abbreviation for revolutions per minute, a unit that measures how many times an
object revolves about its axis.
RPZ
Abbreviation for reduced-pressure-zone backflow preventer, a backflow preven-
tion device consisting of two independently acting check valves separated by an
intermediate chamber, intended to discharge water that backflows into the cham-
ber. Also called reduced-pressure principle backflow preventer.
rubber
An elastic substance obtained from the milky juice of various tropical plants or
made synthetically.
rubber bumper
An elastic device used to absorb shock or dampen noise.
rubber closet seal
An elastic gasket used between the outlet of a water closet bowl and drain pipe
flange.
306 American Society of Plumbing Engineers
rubber gasket
A flat elastic material used as a seal.
rubber mallet
A hammer with a rubber head.
rubble drain
A ditch containing loose stones and covered with earth. Also known as French
drain.
rule
A measuring instrument consisting of a strip of material marked in units of
length.
run
The portion of a pipe or fitting continuing in a straight line in the direction of
flow.
running pressure
The gauge pressure in a flowing plumbing supply line immediately upstream of a
fixture valve. Also called flowing pressure.
running rope
A braided asbestos rope used with a spring-loaded clamp to retain hot lead poured
in caulked joints that are not level.
running thread nipple
A short section of pipe on which the external thread is continuous from one end
to the other, made by threading a length of piping and sectioning the resulting
product. Also called all-thread nipple.
running trap
A depressed U-shaped section of a drainpipe that allows the free flow of fluid but
always remains full to prevent the passage of gases.
runout
A horizontal drainage line connected to a vertical line at its lowest level.
rust joint
A joint to which an oxidizing agent is applied to cure a leak or to withstand high
pressure.
rust
A reddish, porous, brittle coating that forms on iron exposed to moisture.
rusting
When an iron or an iron-base alloy corrodes and forms a reddish-brown product
that is primarily hydrated ferric oxide.

Plumbineering Dictionary 307


R-value
The measure of a material’s ability to resist heat, expressed in square feet per hour
per degree Fahrenheit per British thermal units, used to compare the insulating
properties of different materials.
Ryzner stability index
An empirical method used to predict the scale-forming tendencies of water. Often
called stability index.

308 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


saber saw
S
A powered jigsaw used to make straight or curved cuts.
sacrarium
A basin with a drain used in religious ceremonies.
saddle
A curved appliance or device designed to cradle a pipe and used in conjunction
with a hanger or support.
saddle connection
A means of making a branch connection using a saddle and girth.
saddle fitting
A fitting clamped to the outside of an installed pipe and sealed with a gasket.
safe
A tray with a waste pipe placed beneath a pipe or fixture to catch overflow.
Safe Drinking Water Act
A federal act passed in 1974 that established national standards for potable wa-
ter.
safety chain
A chain of sheet metal links with an elongated hole through each broad end, in
which each link doubles on itself and slips through the next link.
safety device
A device that protects against unintended functioning.
safety glasses
Transparent protective eyewear that prevents fluids or particulates from entering
the eyes of the wearer.
safety eye shield
A transparent guard that protects the eyes of the wearer from flying objects.
safety factor
1. The ultimate strength of a material divided by the allowable stress.
2. The ultimate strength of a device divided by the rated capacity.
safety rubber apron
A protective body covering made of rubber commonly used by people working
with dangerous chemicals.

Plumbineering Dictionary 309


safety shower
A deluge shower used to wash down the entire body of someone exposed to toxic,
corrosive, or flammable materials.
safety shutoff device
A device designed to shut off the gas supply to a controlled burner or appliance in
the event that the source of ignition fails.
safety valve
An automatic valve in a pressure container that automatically opens when the
pressure reaches a dangerous level.
safe waste
Overflow from a pipe or fixture that collects in a safe storage area.
sag pipe
A section of sewer line installed deeper than the rest of the line to avoid obstruc-
tions.
sail switch
A safety paddle switch that turns on or off in response to the flow or non-flow of
a fluid. Also called flow switch.
salt
A high-grade sodium chloride of a pellet or briquette type used to regenerate a
water softener.
salt recycling system
A hardware modification available for both new and existing water softeners that
immediately reduces the amount of salt needed to regenerate a softener by 25
percent, without any loss of resin capacity or treated water quality.
sand bending
Filling a pipe with dried sand before bending it to prevent flattening.
sand box
A basin designed to allow sand and grit to settle out of a fluid.
sand catcher
A filter used to prevent dirt, sand, and other sediment from entering a drainage
system.
sand cloth
A type of sandpaper made of cloth.
sand filter
A water treatment device used to remove solid or colloidal material with sand as
the filter medium.

310 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


sandpaper
A tough paper covered on one side with an abrasive material, used to smooth
surfaces.
sand trap
A small catch basin designed to collect sand or other debris to prevent it from
entering a drainage system.
sanitarian
A professional public health or sanitation expert.
sanitary
Free from elements that may endanger health.
sanitary drainage system
A system of piping that conveys sewage from a building to an approved point of
disposal.
sanitary engineer
A professional specializing in the design water supply and sewage systems.
sanitary fitting
A connector used to join pipes in a drain, waste, and vent system, designed to
allow solid material to pass through without clogging.
sanitary sewage
The liquid and waterborne wastes derived from ordinary living processes that can
be disposed of, without special treatment, into the public sewer or by means of a
private sewage disposal system. Also called domestic sewage.
sanitary sewer
A conduit that carries wastewater or water-borne wastes from homes, businesses,
and industries to the publicly owned treatment works.
sanitary sewer overflow
Untreated or partially treated sewage that overflows from a sanitary sewer collec-
tion system.
sanitary system
1. A drainage system that carries human waste.
2. A system that is clean or sterile for pharmaceutical purposes.
sanitary tee
A soil pipe fitting in which the inlet has a curved downward pitch.
sanitation
The neutralization or disposal of sewage.

Plumbineering Dictionary 311


saprophytic bacteria
A tiny organism that can obtaining food by absorbing dissolved organic decay.
SARS
Abbreviation for severe acute respiratory syndrome, a viral pneumonia that can
be transmitted via a building’s stack and introduced into living spaces through
depleted traps.
saturated
A state of being the most concentrated solution possible at a given temperature
and unable to dissolve more of a substance.
saturated air and vapor mixture
A substance in which the space occupied by the mixture is saturated with water
vapor at the mixture temperature.
saturated vapor pressure
The pressure existing at a given temperature in a closed vessel containing a liquid
and the vapor from that liquid after equilibrium conditions have been reached.
Also called saturation pressure.
saturation
A condition the occurs when vapor is at the dewpoint or saturation temperature
corresponding to its partial pressure.
saturation pressure
The pressure existing at a given temperature in a closed vessel containing a liquid
and the vapor from that liquid after equilibrium conditions have been reached.
Also called saturated vapor pressure.
saturation temperature
The temperature corresponding to a given saturated vapor pressure for a given
vapor.
SAVE International
The Society of American Value Engineers, an international society devoted to the
advancement and promotion of the value methodology, value engineering, value
analysis, and value management (value-eng.org).
S bend
An unvented trap that is S shaped when turned 90 degrees, generally not accepted
by most plumbing codes. Also known as full S trap.
scaffold
A temporary platform on which workers stand while performing a job.
scald
To burn with very hot water or steam.

312 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


scale
A solid deposit on the walls of a pipe resulting from the precipitation of dissolved
mineral solids in the fluid stream.
scale plate
A device attached to hangers, supports, and assemblies to detect changes in load
or movement.
scavenger pump
A pump that returns liquid for reuse.
scent test
A test to detect leaks in a piping system performed by introducing a pungent
chemical into the piping and tracing the scent to its source.
scfm
Abbreviation for standard cubic feet per minute, the unit used to express the mea-
sure of the volume of a gas flowing at standard conditions (a temperature of 68°F
[20°C] and a pressure of 1 atmosphere [29.92 inches Hg]).
schedule
A system of pipe sizes that provides for standardized outside diameters and wall
thicknesses.
schematic
A structural or procedural diagram of an electrical, mechanical, or plumbing sys-
tem.
schematic plan
A scale drawing of a floor plan used in construction planning to determine the
most effective placement of building elements.
scoria
The refuse from a melted metal. Also called slag.
scratch awl
A pointed tool used to scribe plastic or wood.
scratch cloth
A tool resembling a fine wire brush used to prepare lead pipe and fittings for
soldering.
screw
1. A metal pin with spiral threads and a slotted head, driven into a material via a
rotating motion to connect it to another material.
2. To drive something via a rotating motion.

Plumbineering Dictionary 313


screwdriver
A tool shaped like a chisel with a blunt edge, used to drive screws.
screwed end
A connection in which the threads on the ends of two pipes are twisted together
to form a leak-proof seal, suitable for all pressures, but usually confined to small
pipe sizes.
screwed fitting
A threaded type of pipe fitting.
screwed bonnet
A simple and inexpensive bonnet construction with running threads, used to
make a durable, pressure-tight seal and recommended where frequent disman-
tling is not needed.
screwed union-ring bonnet
A type of bonnet construction in which a separate union ring applies a direct load
on the bonnet to hold a pressure-tight joint with the body, used where valves need
frequent inspection or cleaning or for quick renewal or changeover of the disc in
composition disc valves.
screw thread joint
A pipe connection with spiral threads.
scriber
A sharp, pointed hand tool used to mark other metals with a fine line.
scrub sink
A washbasin used by surgeons to clean their hands prior to surgical procedures.
scrubber
An apparatus used to remove impurities from water or gas.
scullery sink
A basin used to clean pots, pans, and dishes for cooking.
scum
A filmy layer of impurities that floats on the surface of liquids.
scupper
An opening in a parapet wall above the roof line that serves as an overflow drain.
SDR
Abbreviation for standard dimension ratio, the minimum wall thickness for pipe,
found by dividing the outside diameter by the wall thickness.
sealant
An adhesive agent used to close joints to prevent seepage of moisture or air.

314 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


sealing ring
A soft, circular-shaped gasket.
sealing tape
An adhesive material used to form a sealed joint.
seamless pipe
Pipe without a longitudinal seal, created by extrusion through a die.
seasonal efficiency
The ratio of solar energy collected and used to that striking a solar energy collector
over an entire season.
seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER)
The ratio of cooling output during a typical season divided by the total electric
energy input of an air-conditioner during the same period.
seat
The fixed portion of a valve that receives the moving stem.
seat key
A hand tool used to remove and replace faucet seats.
seat union
A pipe fitting without a gasket.
secondary air
Air externally supplied to a burner flame to enhance combustion.
secondary branch
A branch in a building drain that is not the primary branch.
secondary barrier
A feature surrounding and supporting primary containment of biohazardous ma-
terials, such as a hand wash sink and work surfaces that are easy to clean.
secondary containment
A system that confines accidental discharge from a primary system in the event
of a failure.
secondary roof drain
A redundant (emergency) roof drain installed in roofs with parapet walls that
entraps and removes rainwater from the roof into a leader/scupper, discharging
above grade.
second-foot
A unit of stream flow equal to 1 cubic foot per second.

Plumbineering Dictionary 315


secondhand
A plumbing fixture or material that has been removed from its first installation
and reused.
sectional pipe covering
A 3-foot length of material used to cover pipes.
sediment
Any substance that settles out of water.
sedimentation
A water treatment process in which suspended solids in water settle out due to
gravity.
sediment bucket
An additional internal strainer designed to collect debris that gets by the regular
strainer, required wherever a drain can receive solids, trash, or grit that could plug
the piping.
seeding, sludge
Inoculating undigested sewage with sludge to accelerate digestion.
seepage pit
An excavation in the ground that receives the discharge of a septic tank, designed
to permit effluent from the tank to seep through its bottom and sides.
SEER
Abbreviation for seasonal energy efficiency ratio, the ratio of cooling output dur-
ing a typical season divided by the total electric energy input of an air-conditioner
during the same period.
seismic
Related to an earthquake.
seismic bracing
A system used to brace various parts of building construction to meet seismic de-
sign requirements, including metal channels, cables, or hanger angles that prevent
pipes from breaking away from a structure during an earthquake.
seismic control device
A device used to provide structural stability in the event of a change in the steady-
state environment affecting a building’s structure, such as would occur during an
earthquake.
seismic load
The temporary stress or loading put on a piping system as the result of a change in
the steady-state environment affecting a building’s structure, such as would occur
during an earthquake.

316 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


selective attack
The corrosive destruction of one element of an alloy. Also called leaching.
self-actuated
Something that requires no external energy source to function.
self-closing faucet
A valve that automatically closes upon release of the operating handle.
self-extinguishing
The ability of a material to resist burning when the source of heat has been re-
moved.
self-regulating heating cable
An insulating cable attached directly to hot water supply piping that adjusts its
power at each point along its length to maintain a nominal temperature through-
out the piping system.
self-scouring flow
A flow of sufficient volume and velocity in a full conduit to cause a cleaning ac-
tion.
self-siphonage
The removal of water from a trap, thereby breaking the seal, caused by the si-
phonic action of the fixture’s discharge.
semi-automatic standpipe system
A standpipe system attached to a water supply capable of supplying the system
demand at all times, which requires activation of a control device to provide water
at hose connections.
semi-engineered drawing
A mechanical drawing that details the elements and components of a piping sys-
tem and incorporates a bill of material, load and movement data, and other gen-
eral identification.
semi-engineered hanger assembly
A mechanical drawing that details the elements and components of a hanger as-
sembly and incorporates a bill of material, load and movement data, and other
general identification.
semi-water gas
A mixture of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, hydrogen, and nitrogen created
by passing a mixture of air and steam continuously through incandescent coke.
sensible heat
1. The amount of heat energy required to take 1 pound of water from a tem-
perature of 32°F (0°C) to the boiling point, or saturation temperature, for any
given system pressure.

Plumbineering Dictionary 317


2. Heat that results in a temperature change but not a change in state. Also re-
ferred to as heat of saturated liquid.
sensible load
The heating or cooling load required to meet the air temperature requirement for
human comfort.
sensing element
A device that can sense variations in temperature.
sensitive electronic pressure recorder
A pressure gauge with an electronic transducer capable of recording pressure in
specified increments.
sensitivity
The ability of a valve to sense a change in pressure.
septicization
A type of anaerobic decomposition in which bacteria liquefy and gasify solid or-
ganic material.
septic tank
A watertight receptor that receives the discharge of a drainage system, designed
and constructed to digest organic matter over a period of detention and then
discharge the wastewater into the soil.
sequence
The order in which devices are brought online.
sequestering agent
A chemical compound fed into water to keep undesirable ions in solution and
reduce their effects.
service clamp
A saddle-like connection used to attach a service connection to a water main.
service condition
The operating environment and conditions of a supplied utility, including operat-
ing pressure and temperature.
service connection
A connection between a utility company’s conductors to the customer’s wiring.
service ell
A 45- or 90-degree-bend fitting with one male thread and one female thread.
service factor
A percent number used to reduce the strength value used to obtain an engineered
stress.

318 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


service hot water
Hot water for other than potable use, intended for commercial or industrial pur-
poses.
service pressure
The range of pressure in a pressure tank during the pumping cycle.
service run
The operating cycle of a water softener, during which the hard water passes
through the ion exchange resin and enters the service lines as soft water.
service sink
A deep basin used to fill and empty buckets for janitorial services. Also called a
slop sink and mop sink.
service tee
A T-shaped fitting with a male thread on one end of the run and a female thread
on the other end as well as on the branch.
service water
Domestic hot water used for kitchen, laundry process, or other high-temperature
requirements.
service weight
A class of cast iron soil pipe.
set pressure
The pressure at the outlet of a pressure-relief valve at which the valve starts to
open.
settling tank
A tank in which entrained solids settle by gravity during storage.
sewage
Any liquid waste containing human, animal, vegetable, or chemical wastes in
suspension or solution.
sewage ejector
A mechanical device or pump for lifting sewage.
sewage oxidation
When the organic matter contained in sewage converts into a more stable form
due to living organisms in the presence of oxygen.
sewage pump
A permanently installed mechanical device, other than an ejector, for removing
sewage or liquid waste from a sump.

Plumbineering Dictionary 319


sewer
An underground conduit that carries off sewage, rainwater, or both.
sewer gas
The mixture of gases found in a sewer due to the decomposition of sewage, typi-
cally methane and hydrogen sulfide.
sewerage
A system of sewers, pumping stations, and treatment works to collect, treat, and
dispose of sewage.
sewer cleaning machine
An auger used to probe and dislodge obstructions from a sewer.
sewer pipe
A conduit through which sewage is conveyed.
sewer rod
A flexible metal probe used to help dislodge obstructions in sewer pipes.
SFPE
Acronym for the Society of Fire Protection Engineers, a professional organization
representing engineers engaged in fire protection, dedicated to advancing the sci-
ence and practice of fire protection engineering (sfpe.org).
SFU
Abbreviation for supply fixture unit, a numeric value given to represent the prob-
able hydraulic demand on a water supply by a plumbing fixture, which depends
on the fixture’s volume rate of supply, the time duration for a single operation,
and the average time between successive operations.
shallow well
A well that is less than 25 feet deep.
shampoo bowl
A washbasin with a depression on its rim on which a person can rest their head
when being shampooed at a beauty or barber shop.
shampoo faucet
A special valve on a shampoo bowl in a beauty or barber shop.
shave hook
A tool consisting of a sharp-edged steel plate set transversely at the end of a shank
fixed in the handle, used to work lead.
shear lug
A device primarily used to transfer axial stress (shear stress) and load to a support
element.

320 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


shears
An extremely tough, scissor-like tool used to cut metal sheets.
shear steel
A type of steel made from short lengths of blister steel heated to a high tem-
perature, hammered or rolled, and finished under the hammer at the same high
temperature.
sheer stress
The amount of force required to deform or damage an object by twisting.
sheet
A thin piece of metal with a large area.
sheet packing
A gasket used around joints or gears that generate high temperatures.
shellac
A purified resin produced as thin orange or yellow flakes, used chiefly in varnishes,
polishing and sealing waxes, binding agents, stiffening agents, electric insulators,
and other molded products.
shield
A protective device.
shock
The force generated in a piping system by water hammer.
shock arrestor
An engineered device used to absorb shock in a pipe that occurs when flow is
obstructed suddenly.
shock intensity
The intensity of a pressure wave directly related to valve closure time.
s-hook
An S-shaped hook.
shop drawings
Drawings of construction components prepared by the supplier and submitted
to the design professional via the contractor responsible for installing the com-
ponent.
short-nosed caulking iron
A short tool used to pack or join materials.
shoulder nipple
A short piece of pipe with an unthreaded space between the threaded spaces at
its ends.

Plumbineering Dictionary 321


shovel
A spade-like tool used to dig into the earth.
shower
A fixture designed to allow full-body cleansing.
shower arm
A bent pipe that accommodates a showerhead.
shower bath
A fixture used for bathing in which the water showers from above or from the
sides of the shower enclosure while the user sits.
shower cabinet
A three-wall enclosure designed for use with a showerhead for bathing.
shower compartment
An enclosure equipped with a showerhead, water supply, control valves, and floor
drain, used for bathing.
showerhead
A nozzle from which water flows in a shower.
shower regulator
A device used in the supply line of a shower valve to regulate or control the vol-
ume of water discharging from the showerhead.
shower rod flange
A finishing disc with a hole in its center, attached to walls to support a shower
rod.
shower valve
A type of valve that controls the flow and temperature of the water to a shower-
head.
shrink fit
A joint made by heating a piece of pipe that is placed over the end of another,
cooler pipe and then allowing the assembly to return to ambient temperature.
shutoff policy
A formal policy that allows a utility to refuse or discontinue service where a known
or potential hazard exists and corrective measures are not undertaken to eliminate
the hazard. Also called refusal of services.
SI
Acronym for the International System of Units, a measurement system that
evolved from earlier decimal metric systems and is devised around seven base
units and the convenience of the number 10.

322 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


siamese connection
A multiple fire protection water inlet connection on the outside of a building in
the form of a wye, which permits water to be supplied to a building and combines
the flow from two or more lines into a single pipe.
side beam bracket
A bracket that attaches in a vertical position to a structural element, thus provid-
ing mounting capability for a hanger or support.
side beam clamp
A clamp that provides for an off-center attachment to a structural beam.
side outlet cross
A tee fitting with five openings.
side outlet ell
An ell fitting in which the outlet is at a right angle to the plane of the run.
side outlet tee
A tee fitting in which the outlet is at a right angle to the plane of the run.
side vent
A type of vent that connects to a drainpipe through a fitting at an angle not
greater than 45 degrees to the vertical.
sidewall area
The sum of all vertical surfaces that contribute runoff to a storm water drainage
system.
sidewall sprinkler
A fire sprinkler with special deflectors that discharge most of the water away from
a nearby wall in a pattern resembling a quarter of a sphere, with a small portion
of the discharge directed at the wall behind the sprinkler.
siemens
A unit of electrical conductance in the International System, equal to one ampere
per volt.
significant digit
Any digit necessary to define a value or quantity. Also called significant figure.
significant movement
The calculated movement at a proposed support point for a hanger or support.
significant surface
An exposed surface that would ruin the appearance of an item if marred.
silencer
A piece of equipment installed on a system to reduce noise.

Plumbineering Dictionary 323


silent check valve
A valve designed to close at the instant of zero-flow velocity before flow reversal
occurs, thus eliminating any possibility of water hammer and slam.
silica
A material found naturally in various crystalline and amorphous forms, e.g.,
quartz, opal, sand, flint, agate.
sill cock
A type of faucet found on the outside of a building to which a garden hose can be
attached. Also known as a wall hydrant.
silt density index (SDI)
A measure of the fouling potential of the water source feeding a reverse osmosis
system.
silver
A white metallic element that is sonorous, ductile, malleable, and capable of a
high degree of polish, usually used as an alloy to increase the hardness of copper
or as an ingredient of hard solders.
silver solder
A high-temperature type of solder used in joining copper pipe and fittings. Usu-
ally used in medical gas systems.
single acting
A mechanical device that provides resistance in either tension or compression
cycles, but not both.
single control mixing valve
A valve with one control that turns the flow on and off as well as changes the
volume and temperature of the discharge flow.
single interlock system
A preaction system that requires a preceding and supervised event (typically the ac-
tivation of a heat or smoke detector) to occur prior to water being introduced into
the system’s piping by the opening of a mechanically latched preaction valve.
single-lever faucet
A mixing valve that is operated by one handle.
single-occupant toilet room
A toilet room for use by both sexes.
single pipe roll
A pipe roll used in a trapeze hanger.

324 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


single-stack system
A combination drainage and vent system consisting of a single stack instead of the
more conventional separate drainage and vent stacks.
single sweep tee
A tee fitting in which the side inlet merges with another waste flow stream into
one flow stream.
sink
A general classification for lavatories that are neither kitchen sinks nor service
sinks or those fixtures typically not required but installed for the convenience of
building users.
sink funnel
The outlet at the bottom of a sink that connects to the drain.
sink, cook
A special-purpose basin used in food preparation.
sink, floor
1. A shallow, floor-mounted basin used to fill and empty buckets for janitorial
purposes.
2. A cast iron, stainless steel, or plastic waste receptor that may be either square
or round and installed at the floor level, with or without removable or perma-
nent top grates as well as sediment buckets and bottom dome strainers.
sink, pot
A basin used to clean cookware.
sink, scullery
A basin used to clean pots, pans, and dishes for cooking.
sink, service
A deep basin used to fill and empty buckets for janitorial services. Also called a
slop sink and mop sink.
siphon
A pipe in an inverted U shape with one leg longer than the other, used to force
fluid from a higher reservoir to a lower reservoir via atmospheric pressure.
siphon break
When air is re-introduced into a toilet trapway, causing the siphoning action to
cease, characterized by a gurgling noise.
siphon breaker
A type of backflow preventer that works by breaking a vacuum to prevent reverse
flow.

Plumbineering Dictionary 325


siphonic roof drainage
A system in which the roof drain baffle allows and sustains negative atmospheric
pressure in the connected piping and inhibits the admission of air into the piping
system, hence sustaining full-bore flow and higher flow volumes and velocities.
The full-bore or siphonic action allows for the installation of horizontal drainage
manifold piping serving multiple roof drains.
siphoning
The suction that occurs when water pressure drops in a pipe or trapway and causes
water or waste to be pulled through a descending outlet channel.
siphon jet
A type of water closet that uses a jet of water at the bottom of the bowl to induce
a siphon, thus clearing the bowl more efficiently.
siphon-jet urinal
A urinal flushed by inducing a jet stream of water in the trap seal.
siphon-jet water closet
A toilet flushed by a siphon action in the trap created by a jet of water in the
bowl.
skimmer, grease
A device that removes grease or scum floating on fluid in a tank.
skimmer, pool
A devices with a floating weir (flapper door) that creates a skimming action at the
water surface of a pool to collect debris into a basket strainer for removal.
slag
The refuse from a melted metal. Also called scoria.
slant
A sloping branch that connects a house sewer to a common sewer.
slanting-disc check valve
A swing check valve that incorporates features for lower head loss and non-slam
operation.
sleeper
A horizontal support, usually located at grade.
sleeve
A hollow, cylindrical tube that surrounds a pipe for protection.
sleeve coupling
A hollow, cylindrical piece of pipe that covers a joint or connects two pieces of
pipe.

326 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


slick
A film of floating oil.
slide plate
A flat device, typically a steel or alloy plate, that permits movement and/or facili-
tates a sliding motion.
slide rule
A device consisting of two logarithmically scaled rules mounted to slide along
each other, used for making mathematical calculations.
sliding disc
The control mechanism in a gate valve that moves in and out of the flow passage
of the body.
sliding stem
A type of stem applied where quick opening and closing are required, in which a
lever replaces the hand wheel and the stem threads are eliminated.
sliding support
A device that provides for only frictional resistance to horizontal movement.
slim taper file
A thin triangular tool used to sharpen cutting blades.
slip
The internal leakage within a rotary compressor, representing gas at least partially
compressed but not delivered.
slip coupling
A type of coupling designed to slip at heavy loads, used to limit torque on me-
chanical devices.
slip fitting
A device used to help align and provide for limited movement of a pipe.
slip joint
A fitting used in drainage systems usually from a fixture, in which one pipe slides
into another.
slip-on flange
A solid, circular flange that surrounds a pipe and is welded in place, after align-
ment both inside and outside, to prevent leaks.
slip rpm
The speed required of a rotary compressor to maintain a given discharge pressure,
supplying leakage only (zero actual output).

Plumbineering Dictionary 327


slope
The degree to which something inclines or declines from grade.
slop sink
A deep basin used to fill and empty buckets for janitorial services. Also called
service sink and mop sink.
slough
The action associated with trickling filters and contact aerators in which accumu-
lated solids in the media discharge with the effluent.
sludge
The accumulated waste solids of sewage deposited in tanks, beds, or basins, mixed
with water to form a semi-liquid mass.
sludge drying bed
A depression containing porous material upon which digested sewage sludge is
dried by drainage and evaporation.
sludge seeding
Inoculating undigested sewage with sludge to accelerate digestion.
slug
A discharge of liquid in which the flow volume exceeds the average daily flow
volume by five times for 15 minutes or longer.
small bore pipe
A pipe that is 2 inches (50 mm) in diameter or smaller.
smelt
To melt or fuse an ore to separate its metallic constituents.
smoke-developed index (SDI)
An arbitrary scale measuring the concentration of smoke a material emits as it
burns, ranging from 0 (asbestos-cement board) to 100 (red oak wood).
smoke test
A leak-testing procedure in which smoke is introduced into a piping system to
find the location of a leak.
snap cutter
A tool used to cut cast iron pipes and fittings.
snifter valve
A pump valve used to inject air into or from a system.
snips
Heavy-duty shears used to cut sheet metal.

328 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


snow guard
A device used to stop snow from sliding off a roof.
snubber
A hydraulic, mechanical, or spring device used to control pressure transients in
fluid systems.
soaker
A metal flashing used on slate and tile roofs to create a weather-tight seal between
the roof and the vertical walls.
soap, soldering
A finely powdered rosin with a strong ammonia solution used to solder copper
wires.
soapstone
An extremely heavy and very durable material used predominantly in the manu-
facture of laundry trays and service sinks.
Society of Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE)
A professional organization representing engineers engaged in fire protection,
dedicated to advancing the science and practice of fire protection engineering
(sfpe.org).
socket-eye hanger
A cavity into which something is fit endwise.
socket fitting
A connection in which a pipe is inserted into the fitting and welded in place.
socket plug
A plug with a recessed face.
socket weld
The process by which one pipe is placed inside another and only one end of the
exposed pipe is actually welded around the exterior of the other pipe.
soda ash
Partly purified sodium carbonate, used as an industrial chemical.
soda water
Carbonated potable water.
sodium
An element usually found in water supplies (depending on local soil conditions)
that is a basic part of common salt (sodium chloride).
sodium carbonate
A powdery white salt used to soften water and as a neutralizing agent.

Plumbineering Dictionary 329


sodium chloride
Common salt.
sodium hydroxide
Caustic soda.
sodium hypochloride
A crystalline salt used as an insecticide and disinfectant.
sodium phosphate
A colorless, crystalline or white, granular salt of sodium and phosphorus, used as
a water softener.
sodium tetraborate
A hydrated sodium borate used as a cleaning compound or in the manufacture of
glass and ceramics.
softening
A process that reduces calcium and magnesium in a water supply.
soft solder
A solder that melts easily.
soft water
Water without hardness material (calcium and magnesium), which has been re-
moved either naturally or through ion exchange.
soil branch
A pipe that projects horizontally from a vertical sanitary sewage system.
soil
1. The top layer of earth.
2. Sewage or refuse.
soil map
A map indicating the capacity of an area’s soil to absorb and transmit water.
soil pipe
A pipe that conveys the discharge of human or animal bodily waste.
soil pipe cutter
A tool consisting of a cutting wheel, chain, and vise, used to cut soil pipes.
soil pipe joining tool
A special-purpose tool used to assemble and disassemble gasketed soil pipe.
soil plug
A plug of dirt that forms in an open-ended pipe when it is driven into the
ground.

330 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


soil stack
A vertical soil pipe that carries waste to the sewer line.
soil vent
An extension to the atmosphere of a soil stack that is above the highest fixture
waste connection.
solar
Related to the sun.
solar absorber
The part of a solar energy collector that absorbs solar radiation and transforms it
into thermal energy.
solar absorber area
The total heat transfer area in which the absorbed solar radiation heats the transfer
fluid.
solar absorptance
The fraction of the solar irradiance that is absorbed.
solar angle of incidence
The angle at which a ray of solar irradiation hits an absorber plate.
solar angle of refraction
The angle at which a ray of solar irradiation reflects from an absorber plate.
solar aperture area
The maximum projected area of a solar collector module.
solar auxiliary energy subsystem
A system of equipment and components used to transfer solar radiation into ther-
mal energy.
solar collector, concentrating
A solar energy collector that uses reflectors to concentrate the solar radiation onto
a smaller absorber.
solar collector cover
A protective transparent material placed over a solar energy collector to reduce
thermal losses.
solar collector efficiency
The ratio of the energy absorbed to the total solar energy incident on a solar
energy collector.
solar collector gross area
The maximum projected area of a solar energy collector.

Plumbineering Dictionary 331


solar collector subsystem
A system comprising a solar energy collector, related piping or ducts, and regulat-
ing devices, used to collect solar radiation, transform it into thermal energy, and
transfer it to the heat-transfer medium.
solar collector tilt
The angle at which a solar energy collector is mounted.
solar collector, trickle
A flat solar energy collector over which non-pressurized liquids flow.
solar concentrating ratio
The ratio of the aperture area of a solar energy collector to its absorber area.
solar concentrator
A reflector in a concentrating solar energy collector used to focus the solar radia-
tion on the absorber area.
solar constant
The solar radiation intensity that is incident on a surface normal to the sun’s rays,
outside the Earth’s atmosphere, at a distance from the sun equal to the mean dis-
tance between the Earth and the sun, typically accepted as equal to 428.8 British
thermal units per square foot (1,353 watts per square meter).
solar degradation
The process by which exposure to sunlight deteriorates the properties of materi-
als.
solar emittance
The percent of the energy absorbed by a solar energy collector radiated as heat.
solar energy
The photon (electromagnetic) energy originating from the sun or electrical energy
derived from the conversion of incident solar radiation.
solar energy collector
A device used to absorb solar radiation.
solar energy system
Equipment and components arranged in a manner to collect, convey, store, and
convert solar energy into thermal energy.
solar energy transport subsystem
The part of a solar energy system that contains the heat-transfer medium and
transports the solar energy.
solar heat transfer medium
A fluid used to transport thermal energy in a solar energy system.

332 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


solar hot water system
All piping, devices, and equipment necessary to convert solar energy into thermal
energy and use this energy to heat water for domestic purposes.
solar irradiation
The light of the sun.
solar insolation
The quantity of solar radiation that strikes a solar energy collector.
solar performance factor efficiency
The ratio of the useful output capacity of a solar energy system to the input re-
quired to obtain the capacity.
solar radiant emittance
The amount of power per unit area emerging from the surface of a solar energy
collector. Also called solar radiant exitance.
solar radiant exitance
The amount of power per unit area emerging from the surface of a solar energy
collector. Also called solar radiant emmittance.
solar radiant intensity
The energy emitted per unit time per unit angle from a solar energy collector.
solar radiation flux
The power received or transferred in the form of electromagnetic waves or pho-
tons.
solar reflection
The scattering of solar radiation after it hits a solar energy collector.
solar selective surface
A covering or other means of increasing the operating efficiency of a solar energy
collector.
solar system, air
A solar energy system that uses air as the primary heat transfer fluid.
solar system, active
A solar heating or cooling system that requires external mechanical power to move
the collected heat.
solar system, closed
A solar energy system that has a completely enclosed collector subsystem circu-
lating the heat transfer fluid under pressure above atmospheric, except for an
expansion tank.

Plumbineering Dictionary 333


solar system, liquid
A solar energy system that uses liquid as the primary heat transfer fluid.
solar system, open
A solar energy system that exchanges heat directly with the end use application.
solar system, passive
A solar energy system in which solar energy utilization is the prime objective and
the flow of heat is achieved by natural convention, conduction, and radiation.
solar system, thermosyphon
A passive solar energy system in which fluids circulate due to their temperature
differentials, rather than under the influence of pumps or fans.
solder
A metal or metallic alloy that is melted and used to join metallic surfaces.
soldered dot
A device used to attach sheet lead to woodwork.
soldered joint
A type of soldered pipe connection used with copper tubing for plumbing and
heating lines and for many low-pressure industrial services.
solder flange
A ring-shaped piece of metal placed over a pipe or fitting to which solder ad-
heres.
solder flux
1. A chloride of zinc used as a solder for brass, copper, gun metal, gold, silver,
and tinned steel.
2. A chemical cleaning agent that facilitates soldering, brazing, and welding by
removing oxidation from the metals to be joined.
solder flux, fluid
A liquid soaking agent used in soft soldering.
soldering
The joining of two pipes using a filler metal that has a melting point less than
1,000°F.
soldering, autogenous
The process of uniting pipes and fittings by fusion, without hammering and with-
out the addition of metal.
soldering grease
A mixture of olive oil, tallow, rosin, and salammoniac used as a solder.

334 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


soldering iron
A tool used to join pipe and fittings with solder.
soldering paste
A neutral soldering liquid thickened with starch paste.
soldering soap
A finely powdered rosin with a strong ammonia solution used to solder copper
wires.
solder joint
A type of joint used in joining copper tubing and fittings.
solder nipple
A plumbing nipple with a pipe thread on one end and a plain end on the other.
solder pot
A metal container used to hold solder and caulk.
solenoid valve
A valve that opens and closes via an electrically operated, magnetic switching
device to control the flow of liquids or gases.
solid diestock
A device that holds the dies that cut external threads on metal cylinders, suitable
for only one thread size.
solid wedge
A type of valve with one solid-piece wedge to which the valve stem is attached,
which seals against the valve’s seating surfaces to ensure a tight seal when the valve
is closed.
solubility
The amount of a substance that will dissolve in another substance.
soluble
Capable of being dissolved in a fluid.
solute
A substance dissolved in another substance.
solvent
A substance capable of dissolving another substance.
solvent welding
A joining process in which the surfaces to be joined are dissolved and then placed
together to cure.
solvent, drain pipe
A substance poured down a drain pipe to dissolve obstructions.

Plumbineering Dictionary 335


sound power
The total acoustical energy radiated by a device or fitting operating under normal
working conditions.
sound power level
The acoustical output, in decibels, radiated by a device or fitting with reference to
a sound power of watts, typically given in octave bands.
sound pressure
The oscillation in pressure that gives rise to a sound field in a gas or a liquid.
sound pressure level
The logarithmic value of sound pressure referenced to a point of absolute zero to
provide a convenient numerical value, in decibels.
Sound Transmission Class
The noise performance of a building system, which measures the ability of the
system to isolate airborne noise.
source of water supply
The local origin of water used in supply lines.
sovent drainage system
A single-stack drainage, waste, and vent system that uses special fittings (aerator
and deaerators) to maintain the differential pressure within the system near atmo-
spheric, thereby protecting the trap seals of the connected fixtures.
Sovent system
A patented combination drainage and vent system that uses a single stack instead
of a conventional two-pipe drainage and vent stack.
spaghetti
A slang term for small-diameter, soft, annealed metal tubing that can be hand
bent.
sparge pipe
A perforated water pipe for flushing a urinal.
sparkling water
Carbonated water.
spatter stick
A wooden tool used to splash melted metal onto pipe and fittings to join them.
Also called spit stick.
special component
A device that is designed and fabricated on an as-required basis.

336 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


special sprinkler
A fire sprinkler that has been tested and listed as having special limitations.
special tool
A tool peculiar to a specific device and necessary for the service and maintenance
of that device.
special waste
A type of waste that requires some special method of handling prior to discharge
to the municipal sewer system, such as the use of indirect waste piping and recep-
tors; corrosion-resistant piping; sand, oil, or grease interceptors; condensers; or
other pretreatment methods.
special waste pipe
Piping used to transmit special wastes, typically thermoplastics, borosilicate glass,
high-silicon cast iron, fiberglass-reinforced plastic, and stainless steel.
specification
A detailed statement of requirements, including materials, dimensions, and qual-
ity of work for something to be built, installed, or manufactured.
specific conductance
A measure of the ability of a 1-centimeter cube of a sample solution at a given
temperature to conduct an electrical current.
specific gravity
The ratio of the weight of one substance to another standard of equal volume,
usually with water being the base (i.e., lead has an SG of 11.35, so it is 11.35 as
dense as water and will sink).
specific heat
A measure of heat or thermal energy required to increase the temperature of a unit
quantity of a substance by one unit. Also called heat capacity.
specific humidity
1. The mass of water vapor per unit mass of air.
2. The ratio of the weight of water vapor in an air/vapor mixture to the weight of
dry air, expressed as pounds of vapor per pound of dry air.
specific resistance
The resistance of a 1-centimeter cube of water to the passage of electricity under
standard conditions, expressed in ohms-cm.
specific speed
The speed in revolutions per minute at which a pump impeller would operate if it
were of such a size as to deliver 1 gallon per minute against 1 foot of head.

Plumbineering Dictionary 337


specific volume
The volume of a given weight of gas at standard pressure and temperature condi-
tions, usually expressed as cubic feet per pound.
specific weight
The weight of a substance per unit volume.
specular iron
A black or gray hematite in a brilliant crystalline form.
spelter
Zinc in slab form for commercial use.
spelter solder
A zinc solder.
spider guide
1. A device used with insulated piping to maintain alignment during axial ex-
pansion and contraction cycles.
2. A device used in double-wall piping to support the inner pipe uniformly in-
side the outer containment pipe.
spigot
1. The end of a pipe that fits into a bell.
2. A faucet.
spigot joint
A connection in which the spigot end of a pipe is inserted in the bell end of
another pipe.
spill prevention
A device used to catch spills from delivery hose disconnects.
spill-resistant vacuum breaker
A device employing a diaphragm joined to a vacuum breaker disc, used to isolate
a water supply from a high hazard system and eliminate splashing from the vent
port.
spirit level
A glass tube filled with liquid used to determine level.
spit stick
A wooden tool used to splash melted metal onto pipe and fittings to join them.
Also called spatter stick.
Spitzglass formula
An empirically developed flow equation used to size gas piping in systems operat-
ing at a pressure of less than 1 pound per square inch.

338 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


split hanger
A pipe support consisting of two halves of a ring and a bracket.
split ring
An attachment device that permits installation before or after piping is in place,
used primarily on non-insulated piping. Also known as hinged pipe clamp.
split wedge
A type of valve with a wedge consisting of two pieces into which the valve stem is
screwed, which expands the two pieces against the valve seating surfaces to ensure
a tight seal when the valve is closed.
spontaneous combustion
The spontaneous initiation of combustion of some or all of a fuel-air mixture in
the combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine. Also called autoigni-
tion.
spout
The nozzle at the end of a pipe or tube through which liquid discharges.
spray unit
An assembly that attaches to a faucet consisting of a flexible hose, spray head, and
a built-in diverter.
spring cushion hanger
A simple, noncalibrated, single-rod spring support used to provide a cushioning
effect.
spring cushion roll
A pair of spring coils with retainers for use with a pipe roll.
spring hanger
A device using a spring or springs to permit vertical movement.
spring line
The centerline of a buried pipe.
spring-loaded relief valve
A relief valve that is opened and closed by a spring device.
spring sway brace
A spring device used to control vibration or shock or to brace against sway.
sprinkler
1. A device used in irrigation systems to disperse water via a spray mechanism,
usually in a circular pattern.
2. A typically heat-activated fire suppression device that sprays water over a certain
area.

Plumbineering Dictionary 339


sprinkler alarm, water supply
An alarm set to operate when a fire sprinkler system actuates to alert occupants.
sprinkler, concealed
A recessed fire sprinkler with a cover plate.
sprinkler, corrosion-resistant
A fire sprinkler with special coatings or platings to be used in an atmosphere that
would corrode an uncoated sprinkler.
sprinkler, dry pendent
A fire sprinkler for use in a pendent position in a dry-pipe or wet-pipe system with
the seal in a heated area.
sprinkler, dry upright
A fire sprinkler designed to be installed in an upright position, on a wet-pipe
system, to extend into an unheated area with a seal in a heated area.
sprinkler, early suppression fast response (ESFR)
A fire sprinkler head designed to suppress fire via an extremely fast response cou-
pled with a strong water discharge using a large droplet size.
sprinkler, extended-coverage sidewall
A fire sprinkler with a special extended, directional discharge pattern.
sprinkler, flush
A fire sprinkler in which all or part of the body, including the shank thread, is
mounted above the lower plane of the ceiling.
sprinkler hanger
A ring-type hanger for fire sprinklers with a threaded rod and flange support.
sprinkler head
An outlet nozzle in a fire suppression system.
sprinkler, intermediate-level
A fire sprinkler equipped with an integral shield to protect the operating elements
from the discharge of sprinklers installed at higher elevations.
sprinkler, large-drop
A fire sprinkler that generates large drops of such size and velocity as to enable
effective penetration of a high-velocity fire plume.
sprinkler, nozzle
A fire sprinkler device for use in applications requiring a special discharge pattern,
directional spray, fine spray, or other unusual discharge characteristic.
sprinkler, open
A fire sprinkler from which the actuating element (fusible link) has been re-
moved.
340 American Society of Plumbing Engineers
sprinkler, ornamental
A fire sprinkler that has been painted or plated by the manufacturer.
sprinkler, pendent
A fire sprinkler designed to be installed in such a way that the water stream is
directed downward against the deflector.
sprinkler, quick-response
A type of fire sprinkler that is both a fast-response and a spray sprinkler.
sprinkler, recessed
A fire sprinkler in which all or a part of the body, other than the shank thread, is
mounted within a recessed housing.
sprinkler, residential
A fire sprinkler that has been listed specifically for use in residential occupancies.
sprinkler, sidewall
A fire sprinkler with special deflectors that are designed to discharge most of the
water away from a nearby wall in a pattern resembling a quarter of a sphere, with
a small portion of the discharge directed at the wall behind the sprinkler.
sprinkler, special
A fire sprinkler that has been tested and listed as having special limitations.
sprinkler, upright
A fire sprinkler designed to be installed in such a way that the water spray is di-
rected upward against the deflector.
sprinkler system
An integrated system of underground and overhead piping designed in accor-
dance with fire-protection engineering standards, including one or more auto-
matic water supplies, a network of specially sized or hydraulically designed pip-
ing, sprinklers, valves, and a device for actuating an alarm when the system is in
operation.
sprue
1. The hole through which melted metal is channeled into a mold.
2. The waste protruding from this hole after filling.
spud
A short connection between a supply line and a fixture.
spud wrench
A tool used to fix or loosen large square nuts at plumbing fixtures.
spun flange
A one-piece collar that fits over a pipe to cover the opening through which the
pipe passes.

Plumbineering Dictionary 341


square
A right-angle standard used for marking or testing work.
square feet
A unit of area given in feet.
square file
A fine rasp.
stability index
An empirical method used to predict the scale-forming tendencies of water. Also
called Ryzner stability index.
stack
The main vertical pipe that carries away discharge from water closets and urinals
(soil stack) or other clear water waste from equipment and non-sanitary fixtures
(waste stack).
stack effect
When air moves upward in a vertical pipe because it is warmer than the ambient
atmosphere.
stack group
A cluster of fixtures located near the same stack, installed to reduce the number
of vents used in the system.
stacking
A condition that occurs when short draws of hot water (3 gallons or less) are taken
from a water heater tank, causing increased cycling of the burner and resulting in
increased water temperatures at the hot water outlet.
stack vent
The extension of a soil waste stack to the outside air, located above the highest
horizontal drain connected to the stack.
stack venting
A method of venting a fixture or fixtures through a soil or waste stack.
stainless steel
A clean, durable, corrosion-resistant, and long-lasting steel alloy containing nickel
and at least 12 percent chromium, manufactured in three basic types: martensitic
(hardenable, straight chromium alloy), ferritic (straight chromium, for corrosive
service where nickel steel is undesirable), and austenitic (18 percent chromium
and 8 percent nickel, for general corrosive service).
stainless steel jacket
A corrugated or smooth insulating jacket material used on piping systems for
hygienic purposes or for piping protection.

342 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


stall
A compartment enclosing a shower or water closet.
stall urinal
A urinal in which the base and sides are molded in one piece and the entire fixture
rests on the floor.
stanchion
A straight length of structural material used as a support in a vertical or upright
position.
standard
A generally accepted method of design or construction, published by a recog-
nized authority, that is referenced by inclusion in such codes and requires con-
formance.
standard air
Air with a relative humidity of 0 percent, a temperature of 60°F (15.6°C), and a
pressure of 14.7 pounds per square inch (101.4 kilopascals).
standard dimensional ratio (SDR)
The minimum wall thickness for pipe, found by dividing the outside diameter by
the wall thickness.
standard method
A method generally accepted in a particular industry as the typical way of doing
something.
standard port
When the area through a valve is less than the area of standard pipe.
standard temperature and pressure (STP)
1. A temperature of 32°F (0°C) and a pressure of 1 atmosphere.
2. For gas, a temperature of 60°F (15.6°C) and a pressure of 30 inches of mer-
cury.
3. For compressed gas, a temperature of 68°F (20°C) and a pressure of 1 atmo-
sphere.
standard tool
Any tool typically carried by a plumber for standard plumbing installation and
maintenance.
standard weight pipe
Schedule 40 pipe.
standpipe
1. A vertical pipe generally used for the distribution of water for fire extinguish-
ing.

Plumbineering Dictionary 343


2. A theoretical vertical pipe placed at any point in a piping system so that the
static head can be identified by observing the elevation of a liquid
standpipe system
An arrangement of piping, valves, hose connections, and allied equipment with
connection to a water supply installed in a building or structure in such a manner
that water can be discharged in streams or spray patterns through attached hose
and nozzles, for the purpose of extinguishing a fire and protecting a building and
its contents and occupants, including pumps, tanks, and other equipment neces-
sary to provide an adequate supply of water to the hose connections.
Class I standpipe system
For use by fire departments and those trained in handling heavy fire streams
(2½-inch hose).
Class II standpipe system
For use primarily by building occupants until the arrival of the fire department
(1½-inch hose).
Class III standpipe system
For use either by fire departments and those trained in handling heavy hose
streams (2½-inch hose) or by building occupants (1½-inch hose).
standpipe system, dry
A standpipe system filled with pressurized air but no permanent water supply,
designed to admit water to the system automatically by the opening of a hose
valve.
standpipe system, wet
A standpipe system with an open supply valve and constantly maintained water
pressure at all times.
star drill
A hammer-operated tool with a star-shaped point used to drill into stone or ma-
sonry.
static deflection
The degree to which a vibration isolator deflects under the weight of the equip-
ment.
static head
1. The maximum height a pump can lift water.
2. The pressure exerted at any point by the height of the substance above that
point.
3. The elevation of water in a standpipe relative to the pipe centerline of a piping
system.

344 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


static height
The elevation of the most remote fixture above the incoming supply main, de-
termined by the number of and distance between stories or from architectural
elevations.
static pressure
The pressure measured at any point in a system when no water is flowing, created
by the weight of water in the system.
static temperature
The actual temperature of a moving gas stream, indicated by a thermometer mov-
ing in the stream and at the same velocity.
static water level
The height of a liquid in a piping system or tank when the liquid is exerted under
a no-flow condition.
station inlet
An inlet point in a piped medical gas distribution system at which the user makes
connections and disconnections.
station outlet
An outlet point in a piped medical gas distribution system at which the user
makes connections and disconnections.
steam boiler
A heater that produces steam.
steam cock
A valve through which steam passes.
steam cock, three-way
A valve that directs the flow of steam in one of two directions.
steam trap
An automatic valve that opens in the presence of condensate and non-condens-
able gases and closes in the presence of live steam.
steel pipe
Any pipe made from steel.
steel spring isolator
A device used to isolate vibration and shock, which approaches 100 percent ef-
fectiveness.
stem
A usually threaded shaft attached to a valve disc by which the valve is opened or
closed.

Plumbineering Dictionary 345


stench trap
A trap in a cellar drain to prevent sewer gas from entering a building.
sterilization
The use of a physical or chemical procedure to remove bacteria and other micro-
organisms from a substance.
sterilizer
A fixture, either pressurized or non-pressurized, used to wash and disinfect instru-
ments, utensils, or other equipment to remove bacteria or other harmful micro-
organisms prior to use.
stiffener
An angle iron or channel that is attached to a plate or tube to increase its rigidity
and prevent buckling.
still
A device used in distillation consisting of a tank in which the liquid being distilled
is vaporized and then condensed via a cooling device.
stillson wrench
A hand tool with an L-shaped adjustable end, used to grip pipe.
stock
A tool used to hold the dies when cutting pipe threads.
Stokes’ law
A principle that describes the rate at which a particle less dense than water will
ascend at a given rate relative to the specific gravity and viscosity of the two fluids,
the size of the particle, the velocity of the incoming water, and the temperature
of the fluids.
stop
A device used to limit movement in a specific direction.
stop-and-waste cock
A stopcock with a drain in the valve that opens when the water supply is shut off,
so water in the pipe downstream can be drained.
stop-and-waste valve
A gate or ball valve with a side opening through which water upstream of the
shutoff can drain.
stopcock
A valve used to restrict or shut off the flow of fluid or gas through a pipe.
stopper
A rubber device used to plug a drain or other opening.

346 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


stop plug
An adjusting screw that extends through the body of a check valve, used to adjust
and control the extent of movement of the disc or clapper.
stop valve
A valve used to shut off the water supply, usually to a single fixture.
storage cylinder
A device used to store high-pressure gases.
storage device (thermal)
The containers, including all contents such as the heat transfer fluid, heat exchang-
ers, flow control devices, valves, and baffles, used for storing thermal energy.
storage medium (thermal)
The material in a thermal storage device, independent of the containing structure,
in which the major portion of the energy is stored.
storage subsystem
An assembly of components necessary for storing energy so it can be used when
required, including all related regulating devices.
storage vessel
A container that stores hot water under pressure.
storm drain
A conduit that receives and conveys rainwater, surface water, and ground water
away from a building or surface area.
storm sewer
A sewer used for conveying rainwater, snow, or ice.
storm water
Rainwater, snow, or ice from site or roof surfaces.
storm water conductor
A pipe located within a building that transmits rainwater from the roof to the
drainage system.
storm water runoff
The part of precipitation that is not lost by infiltration into the soil, ponding in
surface depressions, or evaporation from plant surfaces.
story rod
A pole cut to the exact length from the floor to the ceiling, used as a measuring
device during construction.
stove bolt
A coarsely threaded bolt with a slotted head used for joining metal parts via a
square nut.
Plumbineering Dictionary 347
straight edge
A tool used to guide a marking instrument in making a straight line.
straight stop
An emergency stop valve installed before the water supply line to a toilet or fau-
cet.
straight thread
A continuous spiral pipe thread with a consistent diameter.
straight way check valve
An automatic, self-closing valve with the inlet and outlet in a straight line on
either a vertical or horizontal plane and permits flow in only one direction.
strain
A change in the shape or size of a body produced by the action of stress.
strainer
A device used within a water softener tank to circulate the water throughout the
tank while preventing the resin from escaping into the lines. Sometimes called a
distributor.
strainer fitting
A perforated cover through which drainage flows, used to prevent large solids
from entering the drainage system.
S trap
A trap shaped like the letter S, which exits vertically from the bottom of the fix-
ture it drains. It is prone to self-siphonage, thus is not allowed by many codes.
strap
An attachment device used to connect a pipe directly to a structural element.
strap hanger
A metal strap attached to a ceiling, used to support pipes.
strap wrench
A hand tool consisting of a handle and a flexible strap used to hold round or odd-
shaped objects or to protect finish material on pipe and fittings.
stratification
A condition found inside water-heating tanks in which water remains in layers
according to temperature instead of mixing.
stray current corrosion
A type of corrosion caused by the effects of a direct current source such as a ca-
thodic protection rectifier.

348 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


street ell
A pipe elbow with a female thread and a male thread on opposite ends.
street pressure
The incoming pressure of the water supply from a public water main.
street tee
A fitting with three openings, two of which are female threaded and one male
threaded.
stress
The reactions that occur within a body when resisting the external forces acting
on it.
stress analysis
An analytical report that evaluates material, structural, or component stress lev-
els.
stress, compression
Stress on a pipe wall due to external pressure or internal vacuum.
stress corrosion
Spontaneous cracking of a metal under the combined action of corrosion and
stress.
stress corrosion cracking
A physical deterioration and cracking of a pipe wall caused by a combination of
high operating temperature, tensile stress on the pipe, and chemicals in the fluid
stream.
stress, tensile
Stress on a pipe wall due to internal positive pressure.
stress, torsional
The shear stress that results when a material is twisted.
structural adhesive
A two-part epoxy adhesive specially formulated for joining copper, brass, and
bronze metals.
structural attachment
A device used to connect a hanger, support, or assembly to a structural element.
structural stress
The internal and external influences along with contraction and expansion forces
that can be found in every natural and manmade material.
strut
A rigid tension/compression member.

Plumbineering Dictionary 349


strut clamp
A device used to secure a pipe to a strut.
stub out
Short pieces of pipe installed during rough-in to which fixtures and drains will
be attached.
stud
An upright post in the framework of a wall for supporting sheets of lath, wall-
board, or similar material.
stud bolt
A bolt with threads on both ends that is screwed into a structural member for the
attachment of another part.
stuffing box
The part of a pump that holds the mechanical seal.
styrene
A fragrant, oily liquid of unsaturated hydrocarbon chiefly used in making syn-
thetic rubber, resins, and plastics.
subdrain
That portion of a drainage system that cannot drain by gravity to the building
sewer.
sublimation
The process by which a solid is transformed directly to the vapor state, or a gas is
transformed directly to the solid state, without passing through the liquid phase.
submerged inlet
1. The opening of a water supply inlet below the flood level rim of a receptacle.
2. The terminal end of a waste system discharge pipe from a fixture to a device in
the drainage system.
submersible pump
A centrifugal pump that is entirely self-contained in a housing, consisting of an
electrical motor close-coupled with an impeller and an attached discharge pipe to
the surface, that can be completely submerged in the fluid being pumped.
subsoil drain
A drain that receives only subsurface or seepage water and conveys it to an ap-
proved place of disposal.
substantial completion
A point in a construction project that triggers project closeout procedures, gener-
ally the date when the project, or a portion thereof, is sufficiently complete for the
intended use or beneficial occupancy by the owner.

350 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


substitution
An element of a project proposed by the contractor that differs from that specified
by the design professional.
suction control valve
A pilot-operated valve used to limit flow, which works via a pressure balance be-
tween the fluid on top of a diaphragm and the fluid flowing across the valve’s
main body.
suction head
The pressure required on the inlet side of a pump to raise the fluid from the supply
well to the level of the pump. Also called suction lift.
suction lift
The pressure required on the inlet side of a pump to raise the fluid from the supply
well to the level of the pump. Also called suction head.
suction pressure
The absolute static pressure prevailing at the suction of an ejector.
suds pressure zone
The portion of a waste stack where the formation of soap suds could create pres-
sure higher than atmospheric pressure.
suds venting
A method of relieving suds being forced from a stack through the trap and into
the facility.
suit laboratory
A type of laboratory in which personnel wear one-piece, positive-pressure suits,
and a chemical shower is provided to decontaminate the suit’s surface before the
worker leaves the area.
sulfate
A salt of sulfuric acid commonly found in water that causes water hardness.
sulfur
A pale yellow, non-metallic element occurring widely in nature, used in rub-
ber vulcanization, the manufacture of insecticides and pharmaceuticals, and in
the preparation of sulfur compounds such as hydrogen sulfide and sulfuric acid.
It causes cast iron to become hard and white and produces a red shortness in
wrought iron and steel.
sullage
Refuse or sewage.

Plumbineering Dictionary 351


sump
A tank or pit located below the normal grade of a gravity system that receives clear
liquid waste and must be emptied by mechanical means.
sump pump
A mechanical device for removing clear liquid waste from a sump.
super flush
A test used in stadiums and places of assembly before they are put into use in
which all flush fixtures are activated at the same time.
Superfund
The federal program that funds the U.S. EPA’s solid waste emergency and long-
term removal and remedial activities.
supernatant liquor
1. The liquid overlying deposited solids.
2. The liquid in a sludge-digestion tank that lies between the sludge at the bot-
tom and the floating scum at the top.
supervisory (tamper) switch
A device attached to the handle of a valve that, when the valve is operated, an-
nunciates a trouble signal at a remote location.
supply fixture unit (SFU)
A numeric value given to represent the probable hydraulic demand on a water
supply by a plumbing fixture, which depends on the fixture’s volume rate of sup-
ply, the time duration for a single operation, and the average time between suc-
cessive operations.
supply pressure
The initial pressure of water or gas from its supply source.
supply pipe
A pipe used to convey supply gas or water.
supply stop
A valve that controls the water supply to a plumbing fixture.
support
1. A device for securing pipe, fixtures, and equipment to walls, ceilings, floors, or
structural members.
2. A device that attaches to or rests on a structural element and is used to carry a
load in compression.
surface pump
A mechanical device that removes water or wastewater from a sump or wet well.

352 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


surface water
Rainwater that remains on the ground’s surface instead of being absorbed into
the earth.
surge
1. All water that comes off the top of a pool, either displaced by swimmers or
splashed into the gutters.
2. A phenomenon that occurs in centrifugal compressors when a reduced flow
rate results in a flow reversal and unstable operation.
surgeons lavatory
A washbasin used by doctors to scrub up.
surge pressure
A sudden high pressure in a branch line caused by the rapid closure of valves.
surge vessel
A large holding tank that accepts water flowing by gravity from the top of a pool
and holds it until the circulation pump can move it through the filter.
survey
1. A field inspection within and around a building, by a qualified professional,
to identify and report cross-connections.
2. To determine the boundaries, area, or elevations of land or structures on the
Earth’s surface by means of measuring angles and distances, using the tech-
niques of geometry and trigonometry.
suspended matter
Material floating in a liquid.
suspended solid
A solid particle in water that is not in solution.
suspension
A mixture in which colloids, particles, etc. are suspended in solution and do not
settle under the influence of just gravity.
sustainability
1. The ability to meet the environmental or operating needs of the present, with-
out compromising the needs of the future.
2. Design and construction practices that significantly reduce or eliminate the
negative impact of buildings on the environment and occupants.
swab
A rake-like tool used to remove obstructions from inside pipes.

Plumbineering Dictionary 353


swage
A tool used to shape metals.
swage joint
A connection between pipe or fitting ends made by expanding the bore of one so
the other can be fit into it.
sway brace
A lateral brace or restraining control device or assembly.
sweat copper tube fitting
A copper fitting with a female bore affixed to a tube by heating.
sweated joint
A gas-tight connection between metal pipes created by heat soldering.
sweating
1. The collection of moisture on a surface caused by condensation of the mois-
ture in the air.
2. The joining of metals by soldering or brazing.
sweep fitting
A fitting with a long radius curve.
swept entry
An angled flow into the stack of a gravity drainage system.
swimming pool
A structure, basin, or tank containing water for swimming, diving, or recreation.
swing
The capacity or diameter of a lathe, referred to in inches.
swing check valve
A check valve that uses a hinged disc or clapper to limit the direction of flow.
swing joint
A pipe joint that allows the parts to move relative to each other.
swivel joint
A pipe joint with a swivel that allows one part to move relative to the other.
swivel pipe ring
An appliance or device consisting of a circular strap with an attached knurled
swivel nut used for vertical adjustment.
swivel turnbuckle
A device that provides flexibility and linear adjustment capability, used in con-
junction with hangers and supports.

354 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


symbol
On drawings, a sign used to represent a part of a plumbing system.
system
An arrangement of components (including controls, accessories, interconnecting
means, and terminal elements) by which water, gas, drainage, energy, etc. is trans-
ferred or transformed to perform a specific function.
system hazard
The threat of a pollution contamination to a potable water system.
system leakage
A measurement of leakage based on the volume of a system. Some systems have
an allowable or acceptable amount.
system pressure
The pressure in a piping manifold after the pressure booster.
system resistance curve
An exponential plot of points indicating a piping system’s total resistance over a
range of flow rates, based on pump head and flow.

Plumbineering Dictionary 355


tailpiece
T
A pipe tee used to connect the outlet of a fixture to its drain.
takeoff estimating method
A construction cost-estimating method in which the estimator uses plumbing
and architectural drawings to determine the length of each size and type of pipe,
number of fixtures, etc.
tallow
A hard fat used to make candles, soap, and lubricants.
tampion
A hardwood tool used by plumbers to increase the diameter of lead pipe.
tank
1. A vessel used to store liquids or gases.
2. The part of a water closet that holds the water for flushing.
tank ball
A device located at the bottom of a toilet tank and connected to the trip lever that,
when the trip liver is activated, releases water in the tank to the toilet bowl.
tank, detritus
A chamber in which suspended matter is removed during sewage treatment.
tank gauge
An external gauge that measures the contents or pressure of a tank.
tank, flocculation
A chamber in which water is agitated to aggregate a number of small, suspended
particles into small lumps during water treatment.
tank, Imhoff
A sewage treatment tank in which digestion and settlement take place in compart-
ments one below the other.
tankless heater
A water heater that does not have a water storage vessel.
tank, septic
A watertight receptor that receives the discharge of a drainage system, designed
and constructed to digest organic matter over a period of detention and then
discharge the wastewater into the soil.

Plumbineering Dictionary 357


tank shell
The outer lining of a tank.
tank valve guide
A device that guides the mechanism in a water closet tank.
tannin
An organic color or dye.
tap
1. A tool used to cut the thread of an internal screw.
2. A valve and spout at the end of a pipe through which fluid or gas flows.
tap adapter
A fitting with one plain end and one threaded female end, used to increase the
variety of connections that can be attached to a tap.
tap bolt
A bolt with a head that can be screwed into a hole and secured without use of a
nut. Also called cap screw and tap screw.
tap borer
A boring instrument used by plumbers to make or enlarge holes in lead pipes.
tape measure
A narrow strip of flexible metal or cloth contained in a reel, marked off in units of
length to measure objects or distances.
tape, pipe
An adhesive strip wound around pipe ends that are screwed together to prevent
leakage.
tapered joint
A firm, leak-proof connection between two pipes with threads that have a slightly
tapering diameter.
tapered pipe thread
A continuous helical ridge that is cut or rolled deeper at the end of a pipe than at
any other portion and gradually enlarges to a point of nonexistence.
tapered plug disc
A flow-control element with a wide seating in contact with the tapered seat, which
results in a directly proportionate seat opening size to the number of handwheel
turns.
taper file
A shaving tool with a sharp edge.

358 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


taper key
A slightly tapered, rectangular machine key.
tapped tee
A bell-end tee with a tapped branch into which a threaded pipe or fitting fits.
tap screw
A bolt with a head that can be screwed into a hole and secured without use of a
nut. Also called cap screw and tap bolt.
tap water
Water provided to a residential plumbing system.
tap wrench
A tool used to clamp a tap while cutting pipe threads.
T-bolt
A bolt used to anchor a toilet to the floor.
TDH
Abbreviation for total dynamic head, the outlet, or discharge, head minus the
inlet, or suction, head (for pumps placed below the inlet water level) or discharge
head plus suction lift (for pumps placed above the inlet water level).
tee
A pipe fitting with two outlets, one at right angle to the main run.
tee handle
A T-shaped handle used to turn a bolt.
tee handle air cock
A valve with an operating handle that extends an equal distance from the center
of the valve’s movable core.
tee head
A valve placed in a water service pipe, usually at a point near the street curb. Also
called curb cock.
tee, street
A T-shaped fitting in which the straight portion has one female and one male end,
and the third outlet is female.
Teflon
A trademark name for polytetrafluoroethylene, a thermoplastic resin that resists
chemical attack, used as a coating on gaskets, seals, and hoses.
tell-tale
A device used to indicate the level of the water surface in a tank.

Plumbineering Dictionary 359


temper
To bring a metal or glass to a specific consistency.
temperature
The property of a substance that gauges the potential or driving force for the flow
of heat.
temperature, absolute
The temperature of a body referred to as absolute zero, at which point the volume
of an ideal gas theoretically becomes zero. On the Fahrenheit scale: -459.67°F.
On the Celsius scale: -273.15°C. Engineering values of -460°F and -273°C are
typically used.
temperature actuated
A device driven by fluid temperature changes.
temperature and pressure relief valve
1. A safety device that controls both temperature and pressure.
2. A temperature- and pressure-actuated relief safety valve in a water heater that
automatically opens when the temperature of the water being heated exceeds
a preset value.
temperature cross
When a liquid being heated has an outlet temperature that falls between the inlet
and outlet temperatures of the heating medium, possible only when flows are 100
percent countercurrent.
temperature-limiting device
A valve in a water heater that regulates the temperature of the hot water pro-
duced.
temperature regulator
A device that opens or closes at a set temperature.
temperature relief valve
A temperature-actuated safety valve in a water heater that automatically opens
when the temperature of the water being heated exceeds a preset value.
temperature, static
The actual temperature of a moving gas stream, indicated by a thermometer mov-
ing in the stream and at the same velocity.
tempered
1. Glass that has been strengthened and hardened to resist breakage.
2. A type of steel that has been hardened by high heating and sudden cooling.
3. Hot water that has been mixed with cold water to a warm temperature.

360 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


tempered glass
Glass that has been pre-stressed by heating followed by sudden quenching to give
it two to four times the strength of ordinary glass, used in plumbing fixtures.
tempered water
Hot and cold water mixed to obtain an intermediate temperature, generally from
80°F to 100°F (29°C to 43°C).
tempering valve
An inline valve that mixes hot and cold water.
tensile strength
A material’s ability to resist being pulled apart.
tensile stress
Stress on a pipe wall due to internal positive pressure.
terminal element
The means by which the transformed energy from a system is ultimately deliv-
ered.
terminal fitting
The last shutoff fitting on a line.
terminal length
The distance a sheet of water must fall to attain its terminal velocity.
terminal velocity
The ultimate vertical velocity a sheet of water attains while falling down a stack.
terne plate
Sheet iron or steel coated with a lead/tin alloy, used as a roofing material.
terra cotta
A brownish-orange clay used to make vitrified clay pipe.
tertiary
A term used to describe a three-level hydronic heating or cooling system.
tertiary loop
In a hydronic heating or cooling system, a crossover bridge from the secondary
supply to the return, used as a site for a new common pipe, thus making the sec-
ondary loop and the new building loop independent of each other.
test block
A factor of safety added to design criteria.
test cock
A temporary valve used by maintenance workers while testing an assembly.

Plumbineering Dictionary 361


test plug
A rubber plug inflated by an air compressor to block a portion of a drain during
testing.
tetrafluoroethylene
A colorless, nonflammable gas used to make heat- and acid-resistant polytetra-
fluoroethylene polymers such as Teflon.
thawing machine
A device that creates heat via an electric current to thaw pipes.
thawing steamer
A device that creates steam to thaw pipes.
theoretical power
The power required to compress a gas isothermally through a specified range of
pressures.
therm
A measurement of heat equal to 100,000 British thermal units.
thermal break
An element of low conductance placed between elements of higher conductance
to reduce the flow of heat.
thermal capacity
The quantity of heat needed to bring a solar energy collector to its operating
temperature.
thermal compressor
An ejector used to compress waste or exhaust steam or any other gas through a
moderate range of compression above atmospheric pressure.
thermal conductivity
1. The ability of a specific solid to conduct heat, measured in British thermal
units per hour. Referred to as the k factor.
2. The heat that will flow in one hour through a material 1 inch thick, with a
temperature difference of 1°F over an area of 1 square foot (watts per square
meter per degree Kelvin).
thermal efficiency
The ratio of the energy output from a solar energy system to the energy input to
the system.
thermal element
A temperature-responsive device that activates the hot and cold water inlet ports
in a mixing valve to maintain a desired discharge water temperature.

362 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


thermal energy
The kinetic energy of molecular motion, measured as temperature and perceived
as heat.
thermal expansion
The dimensional change in an object or substance due to temperature changes
when pressure is constant.
thermal expansion relief valve
A check valve that isolates the pressure created by thermal expansion from other
parts of a plumbing system.
thermal expansion tank
A tank with an interior rubber diaphragm used to control the expansion of water
due to temperature changes.
thermal load
The stress or loading put on or introduced to a piping system as the result of
regular or abrupt changes in the steady-state temperature of a pipe’s contents or
the surrounding environment.
thermal pollution
The addition of heat to a body of water, which may lead to a disruption in the
ecological balance.
thermal resistance
The measure of an object’s ability to prevent heat from flowing through it, equal
to the difference between the temperatures of opposite faces of the body divided
by the rate of heat flow. Also known as heat resistance.
thermal siphoning
The unintentional flow of heated water in a hydronic system. Also called ghost
flow.
thermal shock
The effect on an object due to a large and rapid change of temperature.
thermal storage device
The containers used to store thermal energy created in a solar energy system,
including the transfer fluid, heat exchangers, flow switching devices, valves, and
baffles.
thermal stress
The thermal internal and external influences resulting in contractions and expan-
sion, which can be gradual or sudden movements.
thermal transmittance
The rate of flow, measured in thermal resistance, through several different layers

Plumbineering Dictionary 363


of materials taken together as a whole, measured in British thermal units per hour
per square foot per degree Fahrenheit. Also known as the U factor.
thermocouple
A thermoelectric device for measuring temperatures made of two dissimilar metal
wires joined at one end and connected to a voltage-measuring instrument.
thermometer
An instrument used to measure temperature, typically consisting of a glass tube
filled with mercury or colored alcohol that rises and falls with changes in tem-
perature.
thermophilic digestion
When organic matter decomposes without the presence of oxygen at a tempera-
ture around 131°F (55°C).
thermoplastic
A polymer that softens when heated and hardens when cooled, including acry-
lonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polybutylene (PB),
polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), cross-linked polyethylene (PEX), and
chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC).
thermoset
A synthetic resin that permanently hardens when heated or cured.
thermostat
An automatic device that regulates temperature in a heating, air-conditioning,
or refrigeration system by responding to temperature changes and activating the
heating or cooling equipment.
thermostatic mixing valve
A valve that adjusts the temperature of water by maintaining a constant tempera-
ture once the water temperature is set via thermally sensing controls that modify
the quantity of hot and cold water supplied.
thermostatic trap
A thermally actuated device that expands and closes the discharge port of a radia-
tor when steam flows through it and contracts and allows steam condensate to
flow through when the temperature of the fluid drops to a set value.
thermoset plastic
A type of resin that is permanently rigid, such as epoxies and phenolics.
thermosyphon
1. The natural circulation of a fluid caused by temperature differentials within
the fluid system.
2. A passive pumping system using natural convection to circulate liquid.

364 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


thermosyphon solar system
A passive solar energy system in which fluids circulate due to their temperature
differentials, rather than under the influence of pumps or fans.
thickener tank
A vessel in which suspended solids in industrial liquids collect.
thimble
A sleeve through which a bolt passes or that joins two rods or tubes.
thimble coupling
A permanent connection in which two rods are joined in a common thimble.
thread
A continuous, regularly spaced spiral groove around a pipe, tube, or fitting.
threaded and coupled pipe
A pipe with threaded ends and an attached coupling.
threaded bushing
A fitting with internal and external threads.
threaded rod
A rod threaded along its full length.
threaded rod coupling
A device used to join two threaded rods.
threader
A device used to cut screw threads.
thread, female
A thread located on internal surface of a pipe, tube, or fitting.
thread lubricant
A substance applied to pipe or fitting threads to prevent corrosion and ease tight-
ening.
thread makeup
The number of threads in contact in a threaded assembly.
thread, male
A thread on the external surface of a pipe, tube, or fitting.
thread sealant
A liquid or tape applied to pipe or fitting threads to ensure a water-tight seal.
three-bolt pipe clamp
A pipe clamp typically used for horizontal, insulated piping that utilizes bolts to
attach the clamp to the pipe and a separate load bolt to transfer the piping weight

Plumbineering Dictionary 365


to the remainder of the pipe hanger assembly from a point outside the insulation.
Previously known as double-bolt pipe clamp.
three-way cock
A valve with three openings in which the turning core directs flow to the cor-
responding opening.
three-way steam cock
A valve that directs the flow of steam in one of two directions.
three-way switching valve
A ball, plug, or globe design valve with three ports used to converge and divert
fluid flow in a piping system.
through-type bore
A bore that is slightly larger than the outside diameter of the pipe it is connect-
ing.
thrust block
A heavy, solid material placed at a fitting of an underground water pipe on undis-
turbed soil, used to resist the force generated by flowing water on the fitting.
thrust load
The temporary stress or loading put on a piping system caused by a change in the
steady-state operating environment of the pipe contents due to changes in the
associated equipment or mechanical devices.
thumb nut
A nut that can be tightened without the use of tools.
tide valve
A device installed in sewer systems that acts as a dam obstruction in the pipe to
prevent water flooding backwards.
time in pipe
The number of minutes that a theoretical drop of water takes to flow from the
drainage inlet to the design point.
time of concentration
The amount of time that it takes runoff from a roof to reach the collection device
from the most remote portion of the tributary area.
tinfoil
A thin, flexible sheet of tin or a tin/lead alloy.
tin plate
1. Thin sheets of iron or steel coated with tin.
2. To coat with tin.

366 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


tinned
Covered or coated with tin.
Title 40
The Code of Federal Regulations section containing environmental regulations.
titration
A laboratory method of determining the presence and amount of chemical in a
solution by slowly adding a titrant to the fluid until a color change is observed.
toggle bolt
A fastener consisting of a threaded bolt and a nut with pivoted flanged wings that
open against the inside of thin walls.
toilet
A plumbing fixture consisting of a bowl and sometimes a tank connected to a
water supply and a drain, designed to receive and dispose of human excrement.
Also called water closet.
tolerance
1. The total range of variation permitted.
2. The upper and lower limits between which a dimension must be maintained.
tongs
A hand tool consisting of two legs joined by a spring, used to grip objects.
tool box
A container especially designed and used for storing tools.
top beam clamp
A mechanical device used to connect objects or to hold part of a piping system
to the top of a structural beam element (typically a steel beam) without the use
of welding.
topography
The features on the surface of an area of land.
top spud water closet
A toilet bowl with a spud connection that receives the connection from a flush-
ometer valve. Also called flushometer or back spud, depending on the location of
the connection for the flushometer valve.
torch
A portable device that emits a hot flame, used to heat or melt metal or to solder.
torque
1. A measure of the tightness of a fitting, usually stated in foot pounds.
2. A turning or twisting force.

Plumbineering Dictionary 367


torque wrench
A hand or power tool that applies force to tighten a nut or bolt and that measures
the amount of turning and twisting force applied.
torr
A unit of pressure equal to approximately 1.316 × 10-3 atmospheres or 133.3
pascals.
torsional stress
The shear stress that results when a material is twisted.
total discharge head
The sum of static head and velocity head at a pump discharge.
total dissolved solids
1. The sum of all dissolved minerals in a solution, including chlorides, sulfates,
and carbonates.
2. All dissolved materials in water that cannot be removed by mechanical filtra-
tion, generally expressed in parts per million.
total dynamic head (TDH)
The outlet, or discharge, head minus the inlet, or suction, head (for pumps placed
below the inlet water level) or discharge head plus suction lift (for pumps placed
above the inlet water level).
total head
The pressure at the pump discharge minus the suction head or plus the suction
lift.
total organic carbon
A measurement of the organic carbon compounds found dissolved in water.
total suspended solids
The sum of all suspended material found in a water sample, commonly measured
in either parts per million or milligrams per liter, which measures the weight of
the material per volume of the sample.
toxic
The ability of a substance to produce injurious or lethal effects.
trade union
An organization of workers of a particular trade formed to advance its members’
interests in respect to wages and working conditions.
trailer park sewer
The part of the horizontal piping of a drainage system beginning 2 feet (0.6 me-
ter) downstream of the last trailer site connection that receives the discharge of the
trailer site and conveys it to an approved point of disposal.

368 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


trail water
The water remaining in a flat-bottom fixture after the main body of water has
drained.
transfer fluid, heat
The medium that flows through solar energy collectors and carries the absorbed
energy away.
transfer valve
A valve that changes the direction of flow from one outlet to another.
transmissibility
The ratio of the maximum force to the supporting structure, due to the vibration
of a machine, to the maximum machine force. Also known as frequency or ef-
ficiency quotient.
transmittance
The ratio of flux transmitted through a material to the incident flux.
transpiration
The process by which water vapor is lost to the atmosphere from living plants.
transpired collector
A south-facing outside wall covered by a dark sheet-metal solar energy collector.
transverse bracing
A type of bracing that prevents a pipe from moving from side to side.
trap
A fitting or device designed and constructed to provide, when properly vented, a
liquid seal that will prevent the back passage of air without significantly affecting
the flow of sewage or wastewater through it.
trap arm
The portion of a drainage pipe between the trap and the vent.
trapeze hanger
A pipe hanger consisting of parallel vertical rods connected at their lower ends
by a horizontal member that is suspended from a structural element, often used
when an overhead obstruction or insufficient vertical space prevents the use of a
more traditional hanger or support.
trap, flame
A device that prevents a flame from backing up into the supply pipe.
trap primer
A feeder line that releases a small amount of water to a trap when it runs dry to
maintain the water seal in the trap.

Plumbineering Dictionary 369


trap seal
The maximum vertical depth of liquid that a trap will retain, measured between
the crown weir and the top of the dip of the trap, that prevents sewer gases from
entering the living space.
trap seal primer valve
A device connected to a water line that automatically delivers a preset amount of
water to an infrequently used trap when a faucet opens.
trapway
A trap built into a toilet that connects the bowl to the waste outlet, where si-
phonic action occurs.
travel
The measurement along the angular section of a piping offset.
travel device
A hanger or support device that accommodates piping movement.
travel scale
A device attached to a spring unit to measure vertical movement.
travel stop
A device that temporarily locks moveable parts in a fixed position, enabling a
load to be transferred to a supporting structural element during installation and
testing.
tray, laundry
A washbasin located in a laundry room, used in conjunction with washing
clothes.
trench brace
A device placed horizontally in a trench to prevent collapse of the sides.
trench drain
A specific type of continuous floor drain that can extend for a number of feet in
length, containing a trough or channel-shaped body.
triangle
A flat, triangle-shaped tool with straight edges, used with a T-square to draw
perpendicular lines.
tributary area
The surface area of a roof that drains toward a specific drain, gutter, or rainwater
leader.
tributary sewer
A small waste-carrying conduit that discharges into an intercepting sewer.

370 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


trickle irrigation
A type of landscape-watering device consisting of tubing with special low-flow
emitters installed at each planting.
trickle solar collector
A flat-plate solar energy collector over which non-pressurized heat transfer liquid
flows.
trimming
The process of decreasing the diameter of an impeller by machining to decrease
the energy added to the system fluid.
triple-basin sink
A type of commercial sink divided into three compartments, used for washing
pots, pans, and utensils.
triple point
The temperature and pressure for a pure substance where the three phases (liquid,
solid, and gas) exist in equilibrium.
trip lever
The handle on the outside of a toilet tank that initiates the flush when pressed.
triplex pumps
Three pumps that can be use as a single pump, two pumps, or all three pumps in
operation based on loading, typically controlled with an alternating controller.
trip-out load
The temporary stress or loading put on a piping system due to a change in the
steady-state flow of the pipe contents as a result of a change in the associated
equipment or mechanical devices.
trough urinal
A long, narrow urinal designed for use by more than one person.
trunk sewer
A sewer that receives the discharge from many smaller sewers serving a large terri-
tory. Sometimes called intercepting sewer.
try square
A tool consisting of two straight edges secured at a right angle, used to mark and
measure right angles.
tube
1. A cylindrical-shaped conduit, usually with a thin wall.
2. A hollow cylinder, of any material, used for the conveyance of fluids and for
various other purposes.
3. A pipe.

Plumbineering Dictionary 371


tube cutter
A hand tool consisting of a clamp with three cutting wheels that are forced inward
by screw pressure to cut into a tube as the tool rotates around it.
tube-in-plate absorber
A copper or aluminum solar energy absorber with passages through which the
heat transfer fluid flows.
tube pull
The room necessary to remove a heating tube bundle from a water heater.
tubercle
A buildup of corrosion products in iron pipe.
tuberculation
Localized corrosion at scattered locations resulting in knob-like mounds.
tubing
1. A cylindrical-shaped conduit, usually with a thin wall.
2. An assembly of tubes.
tucker fitting
An adapter used to join cast iron and wrought iron pipe, with one threaded end
and one socket end.
turbid
Water with suspended sediment.
turbidity
1. A measure of the number of suspended particles in a liquid.
2. The degree of cloudiness of water.
turbine meter
Similar to a compound meter, but more suitable for a variety of flows.
turbulence
Any deviation from parallel flow in a pipe.
turbulent flow
When fluid particles move in a haphazard fashion in all directions and the path of
an individual fluid particle is not possible to trace.
turnbuckle
A device with one left-hand female threaded end and one right-hand female
threaded end, used to join two threaded rods and provide linear adjustment.
turnover rate
The time it takes to move a quantity of water, equal to the total gallons in a vessel,
through a filtration system.

372 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


turn pin
A wood lead-working tool used to flare the ends of lead pipe.
turret
A valve and serrated end used in laboratory pipe through which fluid or gas
flows.
twin hanger
A device used to support more than one pipe or piece of equipment. Sometimes
called double or multiple hanger.
twist drill
A drill with deep spiral grooves along the shank, used to bore small holes where
an ordinary auger might split the wood.
two-pipe system
A piping system in which the fluid withdrawn from the supply passes through a
heating or cooling unit to a separate return main.
two-way brace
A brace designed to control movement in two directions.

Plumbineering Dictionary 373


UA
U
Acronym for the United Association (ua.org), a multi-craft union whose members
are engaged in the fabrication, installation, and servicing of piping systems.
UBC
Acronym for the Uniform Building Code, a building code used primarily in the
western United States, replaced by the International Building Code in many ju-
risdictions.
U-bolt
A U-shaped rod with threaded ends that fits around a pipe and is attached to a
structural element or a supporting member.
U-bolt bonnet
A modified version of the bolted bonnet used where moderate pressures are en-
countered, typically used in the oil and chemical industries because of its relative
ease of disassembly for cleaning and repair, ruggedness, and economy.
U factor
The rate of flow, measured in thermal resistance, through several different layers
of materials taken together as a whole, measured in British thermal units per hour
per square foot per degree Fahrenheit. Also known as thermal transmittance.
UL
Acronym for Underwriters Laboratories (ul.com), an independent product safety
certification and standards-writing organization.
ultrafiltration
A membrane filtration system that separates liquids and solids, providing filtra-
tion in the range of 0.0015 to 0.1 microns or approximately 1,000–100,000 mo-
lecular weight, often used to separate oil and water.
ultra-low-flow toilet
A water closet that uses less than 1.6 gallons per flush.
ultraviolet radiation
Radiation with wavelengths from 0.001 to 0.38 micron, emitting high-energy
components of light capable of damaging materials.
unapproved water supply
A water supply that has not been approved for human consumption by the health
agency having jurisdiction.

Plumbineering Dictionary 375


UNC
Abbreviation for Unified National Coarse Thread, a type of thread used for fit-
tings, nuts, and bolts, but not pipes.
under-film corrosion
Randomly distributed hairlines or spots that occur on metal under lacquers and
similar organic films.
underground piping
Piping buried below grade.
Underwriters Laboratories (UL)
An independent product safety certification and standards-writing organization
(ul.com).
UNF
Abbreviation for unified national fine thread, a type of thread used for fittings,
nuts, and bolts, but not pipes.
unglazed collector
A solar energy collector with no transparent cover plate.
unified national fine thread (UNF)
A type of thread used for fittings, nuts, and bolts, but not pipes.
UniFormat
A systems-based specification format used during the schematic phase of design as
well as for preliminary or budgetary cost estimates.
uniform attack
The most common form of corrosion, characterized by a general dissolving of the
metal wall.
Uniform Building Code (UBC)
A building code used primarily in the western United States, replaced by the
International Building Code in many jurisdictions.
uniform flow
A steady flow that is achieved in an open channel of constant shape and size and
uniform slope.
uniform friction loss
The loss of head due to friction for 1 foot of pipe length.
Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC)
A model plumbing code developed by the International Association of Plumbing
and Mechanical Officials.

376 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


uniform pressure loss method
A way to size pipe using the same pressure drop for all piping, including the hy-
draulically most remote point.
union
A coupling fitting consisting of a shoulder piece, a thread piece, and a ring in
which the adjoining faces of the shoulder and thread pieces are lapped together
to form a tight joint.
union bonnet
A type of bonnet in which the whole assembly, including the hand wheel, stem,
and disc, may be removed quickly by unscrewing the bonnet union ring from the
valve body.
union ring
A large nut-like component that slips over and against the shoulder piece of a
union and screws onto the union thread piece.
union shoulder piece
The part of a union fastened to a pipe that retains the union ring.
union threaded piece
The part of a union that is fastened to a pipe and has external threads over which
the union ring is screwed to effect a coupling.
union washer
A disk-shaped seal used in a union joint.
unisex toilet room
A single-occupant toilet room for use by both sexes.
unit
The reference value of a given quantity.
unitary cooler
A mechanically refrigerated drinking water cooler consisting of a factory-made
assembly in one structure.
United Association (UA)
A multi-craft union whose members are engaged in the fabrication, installation,
and servicing of piping systems (ua.org).
United States Green Building Council (USGBC)
A nonprofit coalition of professionals across the building industry that promotes
environmentally responsible construction and operating practices (usgbc.org).
unit heater
A heating device consisting of a fan and an indirect radiator enclosed in a com-
mon casing.

Plumbineering Dictionary 377


unit system
A complete part of a total plumbing system.
unit vent
A vent pipe that serves two traps.
universal drive shaft
A joined shaft that allows limited free movement in all directions between ma-
chine parts.
universal joint
A coupling that allows parts of a machine not in line with each other limited free-
dom of movement in any direction while transmitting rotary motion.
unprotected cross connection
A cross connection between a potable and a nonpotable system in which no means
of preventing backflow are provided.
unstable ground
Uneven earth that does not provide a uniform support.
unsanitary
A condition that is contrary to sanitary principles or injurious to health.
UPC
Acronym for the Uniform Plumbing Code, a model plumbing code developed by
the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials.
upfeed system
A system in which the supply comes from the bottom of the piping or vessels and
moves upward.
upflow
An operation in an ion-exchange unit in which solutions enter at the bottom of
the unit and leave at the top.
upright sprinkler
A sprinkler designed to be installed so that the water spray is directed upward
against the deflector.
upstream
A location in the direction of flow before a referenced point.
urinal
A fixture used by men for urinating, developed for the quick exchange of users to
expedite the use of a toilet room.
urinal, blow-out
A urinal flushed by inducing large amounts of water in the trap seal.

378 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


urinal, pedestal
A urinal not connected to the wall, but mounted on a single base for support.
urinal, siphon-jet
A urinal flushed by inducing a jet stream of water in the trap seal.
urinal, stall
A urinal in which the base and sides are molded in one piece and the entire fixture
rests on the floor.
urinal, wall hung
A urinal that is fastened to the wall and does not touch the floor.
urinal, women’s
A urinal that can be straddled for use by women.
used water
Water from a public potable water system that is no longer under the control of
the water purveyor because it has passed through the service connection.
USGBC
Acronym for the United States Green Building Council (usgbc.org), a nonprofit
coalition of professionals from across the building industry that works to promote
environmentally responsible construction and operating practices.
utility vent
A type of vent in which the pipe rises above the highest water level in a fixture and
then turns down before connecting to the stack.
U value
A measure of the amount of heat that flows in or out of a substance under con-
stant conditions when there is a one-degree difference between the air within and
outside a building.

Plumbineering Dictionary 379


vacuum
V
1. Any pressure less than that exerted by the atmosphere.
2. A negative pressure created by vacuum pumps within a piping system.
vacuum breaker
A device that prevents back-siphonage by allowing sufficient air to enter a water
system.
vacuum breaker, atmospheric
A mechanical device consisting of a check valve that opens to the atmosphere
when the pressure in the piping drops to atmospheric, typically applied to protect
against low-hazard back-siphonage.
vacuum breaker, pressure
A device that contains two independently operating valves—a spring-loaded check
valve and a spring-loaded air inlet valve—that protects against back-siphonage by
allowing air into a water system.
vacuum breaker, spill resistant
A device employing a diaphragm joined to a vacuum breaker disc, used to iso-
late a water supply from a high hazard system and eliminate splashing from the
vent port.
vacuum level
The difference in pressure between an evacuated system and the atmosphere.
vacuum pump
A device that produces a partial vacuum in an enclosed space to displace air.
vacuum relief valve
A device designed to allow fluid into a vessel to relieve excess internal pressure.
vacuum sewage system
A toilet flush system that uses the difference in the air pressure between the toilet
and the vacuum pipe to collect and transport sewage.
vacuum system
A piping system with pressures below atmosphere.
vacuum system, level 1
A system used in healthcare facilities consisting of central vacuum-producing

Plumbineering Dictionary 381


equipment with pressure and operating controls, shutoff valves, alarm warning
systems, gauges, and a network of piping extending to and terminating at suitable
station inlets where patient suction might be required.
vacuum system, level 3
A wet- or dry-piping vacuum system used in healthcare facilities to remove liq-
uids, air, gases, or solids from the treated area.
vacuum tube solar collector
A solar energy collector consisting of rows of parallel transparent glass tubes, each
containing an absorber and covered with a selective coating, that operate via a self-
contained vapor reaction to heat a condenser at the end of the tubes. Also called
evacuated tube collector.
value engineering
A method of systematically analyzing a project to determine the best value or the
best relationship between components’ worth and their costs.
valve
A fitting whose primary function is to control flow inside a pipe by means of a
movable closure member.
valve box
An above-grade enclosure that protects the stem of a buried valve and provides
access to the valve.
valve disc
The part of a valve that restricts flow through the valve.
valve flange
A valve constructed with a projecting edge on the input and output ends, as op-
posed to a threaded or sweat valve.
valve pump
A device with a spiral spring tension that can be used to admit or discharge air
or gas.
valve seat
The port of a valve into which a disc or tapered stem is inserted to stop the flow
of a fluid or gas.
valve wheel
The exterior, disc-shaped part of a valve that twists or torques to operate the valve stem.
vanishing-edge pool
A water attraction that has no above-water-line wall on one or more sides and no
accompanying deck.

382 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


vanity
A bathroom fixture consisting of a sink set into a cabinet.
vapor
The gaseous state of a substance that is liquid under ordinary conditions.
vapor barrier
An uninterrupted, nonpermeable material used as a cover for insulated pipe to
prevent moisture from seeping in.
vapor compression
A method of evaporation used to create pure vapor in which a liquid is boiled
inside a bank of tubes.
vapor heating
A type of steam heating system that operates at approximately atmospheric pres-
sure.
vapor lock
1. A condition in which a bubble of air is trapped in the fluid contents of a pipe,
causing a stoppage or impediment. Also called air lock.
2. The interruption of fuel flow in an internal combustion engine, caused by gas
bubbles in the fuel injection system.
vapor pressure
1. The pressure characteristics at any given temperature of a vapor in equilibrium
with its liquid.
2. The pressure exerted by a vapor confined within a given space.
vapor recovery
The collection of vapors resulting from the displacement of petroleum products
prevent them from entering the atmosphere.
variability
The load variation of a variable-spring hanger divided by the hot load, expressed
as a percentage.
variable-frequency drive
A mechanism that controls and changes the rotational speed of a motor without
steps over a preset range.
variable-speed system
A pumping system utilizing variable-frequency drives to adjust the operating
speed of the motor and impeller rotation to meet fluctuating demands.
variable-spring hanger
A spring-coil device that produces varying levels of support while permitting ver-
tical movement.

Plumbineering Dictionary 383


variable-spring hanger indicator
A device attached to a variable-spring hanger that measures vertical pipe move-
ment.
velocity
A measure of how fast a substance is flowing.
velocity head
A substance’s static pressure head corresponding to a pressure equal to the kinetic
energy of the substance per unit volume.
velocity limited
A type of snubber controlled by velocity.
velocity meter
A device used to measure a fluid or gas’s rate of flow through a transverse cross-
section of a known area.
velocity method
An optional method used to design a water piping system.
vent
An opening in a system through which the system’s fluid or gas escapes.
vent cap
A fitting placed on the terminal of a vent to prevent objects from entering the
system.
vent connector
The portion of a venting system that connects a gas appliance to the gas vent or
chimney.
vented drain
A drain designed to flow half-full or less during peak use periods.
vented sewer
A sewer designed to flow half-full or less during peak use periods.
vent gas
The product of combustion from a gas appliance plus the excess air and the dilu-
tion air in the venting system above the draft hood or draft regulator.
vent header
A pipe that leads to the vent stack into which several vents connect.
vent pipe
A conduit used to equalize pressures in and ventilate a plumbing system.

384 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


vent port
An opening in a vent that allows either air to enter or water to drain under back-
siphonage conditions.
vent stack
A vertical vent pipe installed primarily for the purpose of providing air circulation
to and from any part of the drainage system.
vent stack terminal
The part of a venting system that extends through the roof, thus keeping the
drainage system open to atmospheric pressure.
vent system
A series of pipes installed to allow air to flow to or from a drainage system, provide
air circulation to equalize pressures in and ventilate a system, and protect trap
seals from siphonage and back pressure.
vent tee
A drainage fitting without a sanitary throat used for venting purposes only.
venturi
A short tube with flared ends and a narrow middle, used to measure fluid flow
and pressure.
venturi effect
In fluid dynamics, a physical principle stating that as the speed of a moving fluid
increases, the pressure within the fluid decreases. Also known as the Bernoulli’s
principle.
vertical caulked joint
A vertical bell-and-spigot connection.
vertical pipe
Any pipe or fitting installed in a vertical position or that makes an angle of not
more than 45 degrees from the vertical.
vertical shaft turbine pump
A centrifugal pump with one or more impellers discharging into one or more
bowls and a column pipe used to connect the bowl to the discharge head on
which the pump driver is mounted.
vertical turbine pump
A multistage centrifugal pump with a surface motor, suspended shaft, and impel-
ler, used to lift water out of deep wells.
vibration
The generation of cyclic or pulsating forces through a physical medium other than
air that converts to sound energy.

Plumbineering Dictionary 385


vibration control device
An appliance used to reduce and/or control the transmission of vibration to struc-
tural elements.
vibration isolator
A device placed between equipment or machinery and a building’s structure to
create a low, natural frequency support system.
virus
A disease-causing organism that is smaller than bacteria and resistant to normal
chlorination.
viscosity
The internal friction of a liquid due to its resistance to flow.
vise
A tool with two jaws connected with a lever, used to hold an object firmly.
vise grips
A type of pliers that can be locked in the gripped position.
vitreous
1. Something that is derived from or consists of glass.
2. Glassy looking.
vitreous china
A glazed ceramic material that is specially suited for plumbing fixtures because it
does not absorb water and is extremely strong.
vitreous enamel
A glass coating fired on metal.
vitrified clay
Clay that has been heated to produce a hard, glass-like substance.
vitrified clay pipe
Conduit made of clay that has been heated to produce a hard, glass-like substance,
typically used for building sewers and industrial waste systems because of its cor-
rosion and abrasion resistance.
VOC
Abbreviation for volatile organic compound, an often toxic organic compound
that evaporates readily at ambient temperatures and pressures, causing smog and
poor indoor air qualiy.
volatile
Capable of vaporization at a relatively low temperature.

386 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


volatile organic compound (VOC)
An often toxic organic compound that evaporates readily at ambient temperatures
and pressures, causing smog and poor indoor air qualiy.
volt
A unit of measure of electromotive force.
voltage meter
An instrument used to measure the voltage difference between two points of an
electric current. Also known as voltameter.
voltammeter
An instrument used to measure the voltage difference between two points of an
electric current. Also known as voltage meter.
voltampere
A unit of electric power equal to 1 watt.
volume
1. The amount of space occupied by a three-dimensional object.
2. The capacity of a container.
volumeter
A device used to measure the volume of fluids.
volumetric
Measurement by volume.
volute
An expanding passage wrapped around the impeller of a pump.
vortex
The whirlpool that occurs when water rapidly drains out of a fixture.
vortex pool
A circular pool equipped with a method of transporting water in the pool to pro-
pel users at speeds dictated by the velocity of the moving stream.

Plumbineering Dictionary 387


WAG
W
Abbreviation for waste anesthetic gas, the gas that leaks from a medical gas system
during medical procedures.
WAGD
Abbreviation for waste anesthetic gas disposal.
1. A surgical vacuum system that is used to evacuate the anesthetic gases from
the operating room after the gases have been exhaled by the patient.
2. The process of capturing and carrying away gases vented from the patient
breathing circuit during the normal operation of gas anesthetic equipment.
wall cleanout
An opening in a drainage system installed in a wall or partition, used to ease clean-
ing and maintenance.
wall-hung lavatory
A washbasin attached to a wall, with no supporting member.
wall-hung urinal
A urinal that is fastened to the wall and does not touch the floor.
wall-hung water closet
A toilet supported by a wall hanger.
wall hydrant
A faucet on the exterior of a building for the purpose of supplying potable water.
Also known as a sill cock.
wall hydrant, freeze-resistant vacuum breaker
A freeze-proof device on the exterior of a building used to supply potable water as
well as to protect against back-siphonage.
warranty
A guarantee provided by a manufacturer or provider of a service that a product or
service is of a certain quality, description, or performance.
washdown
A type of cleaning using high-pressure water or chemicals.
washdown water closet
A toilet flushed by flooding the trap with high-pressure water from the flushing
rim.

Plumbineering Dictionary 389


washed metal
Pig iron that has been treated to remove most of the silicon and phosphorus, but
not much carbon.
washer
1. A gas- or electric-powered clothes-washing machine.
2. A flat, thin, smooth ring or perforated plate used between bolts and nuts to
ensure tightness, prevent leakage, or relieve friction.
washerless faucet
A faucet controlled by the juxtaposition of mating ceramic discs, O rings, or
resilient seals.
wash fountain
A large basin for handwashing designed to be used by more than one person.
washout
1. The process of flushing out a container or pipe
2. A device used for flushing out a container or pipe.
3. An eroded soil condition caused by a broken pipe exposed to a higher-than-
expected flow of water.
washout closet
A toilet bowl that is flushed with a large volume of water in a short period.
waste
The discharge from any fixture, appliance, or area.
waste and overflow
A drain assembly for a bathtub that has an outlet at the top to remove excess water
during filling and a drain at the bottom.
waste anesthetic gas (WAG)
The gas that leaks from a medical gas system during medical procedures.
waste anesthetic gas disposal (WAGD)
1. A surgical vacuum system that is used to evacuate the anesthetic gases from
the operating room after the gases have been exhaled by the patient.
2. The process of capturing and carrying away gases vented from the patient
breathing circuit during the normal operation of gas anesthetic equipment
waste arm
A drain extension pipe.
waste line interceptor
A device installed to prevent certain liquids, semi-liquids, and solids from passing
through a drainage or sewer system.

390 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


waste pipe
The discharge pipe from any fixture, appliance, or area.
waste stack
A vertical pipe that receives discharge from plumbing systems.
waste vent
The portion of a waste stack above the highest fixture waste connection.
wastewater
A combination of liquid and liquid-carried waste matter from a building.
water
An odorless, tasteless, very slightly compressible liquid consisting of an oxide of
hydrogen, which descends from the clouds as rain and issues from the ground in
springs.
water attraction
A public facility with design and operational features that provide recreational
activity other than conventional swimming and involve partial or total immersion
of the body.
waterborne disease
A disease primarily transmitted via water.
water chiller
A mechanical device used to facilitate heat exchange from water to a refrigerant
in a closed-loop system, used in air-conditioning systems and in cooling water for
industrial processes.
water closet (WC)
A plumbing fixture consisting of a tank and a bowl or a fixture with a flush valve
device connected to a water supply and a drain, designed to receive and dispose of
human excrement. Also called toilet.
water closet, back outlet
A toilet in which the trap from the bowl connects to the wall.
water closet, blow-out
A toilet flushed by a large amount of water that is emitted from a jet in the trap
seal.
water closet, close-coupled tank
A toilet in which the tank is bolted to the bowl.
water closet, floor-mounted
A toilet secured to the floor in which the outlet of the bowl trap empties down-
ward through the base.

Plumbineering Dictionary 391


water closet flush valve
A self-regulating device that controls the supply of water in a tank, cistern, or
toilet by means of a float connected to a valve that opens or closes with a change
in water level. Also called ballcock.
water closet, frost-proof
A toilet with a pressurized tank and hopper-type bowl in which the trap is in-
stalled below the frost line.
water closet nipple
A pipe coupling with one threaded end and one plain end through which effluent
from a toilet passes into the waste line.
water closet, one-piece
A toilet in which the tank and bowl are molded as one unit.
water closet, range
A line of toilet seats placed close together, or one continuous opening in a seat,
placed above a single water-bearing trough designed to receive human excre-
ment.
water closet seat bumper
A rubber device used on a toilet seat to absorb shock between the seat and the
toilet.
water closet, siphon jet
A toilet flushed by a siphon action in the trap created by a jet of water in the
bowl.
water closet, wall-hung
A toilet supported by a wall hanger.
water closet, washdown
A toilet flushed by flooding the trap with high-pressure water from the flushing
rim.
water-coil heater
A heating device consisting of a series of pipes that convey water to which heat
is applied.
water column
A unit of measurement for gas pressure in inches of water.
water cooler
A device used to dispense potable water for drinking.
water conditioning
The addition of chemicals to water to help inhibit corrosion, remove hardness and
trace metals, suspend colloids, and adjust pH.

392 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


water-conditioning device
A device that treats a water supply to change its chemical content or to remove
suspended solids by filtration.
water conservation
The act of using less potable water by recycling, using low-flow fixtures, or other
means.
water-distributing pipe
A pipe that conveys potable water.
water gas
A fuel gas containing approximately 50 percent carbon monoxide, 40 percent
hydrogen, and trace amounts of methane, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen, created
by passing steam and air over heated coals.
water gauge
An instrument used to indicate the level of water in a container.
water hammer
A surge pressure resulting from a sudden start or stop of water.
water hammer arrestor
A device, other than an air chamber, designed to provide protection against exces-
sive surge pressure in fluids.
water hammer load
The temporary stress put on a piping system as the result of a change, abrupt or
otherwise, in the steady-state flow of the pipe’s contents.
water harvesting
Collecting water from unconventional sources, storing it for future use, and pro-
cessing it as appropriate for an end use.
water heater
An appliance that heats and supplies water for domestic or commercial purposes
other than for space heating.
water heater drain valve
An opening through which water stored in a water heater may discharge.
water horsepower
The energy or power added to water by a pump.
water inch
A unit of pressure equal to the pressure exerted by a column of liquid water 1 inch
high at a temperature of 39.2°F (4°C).

Plumbineering Dictionary 393


waterless urinal
A urinal using no water to flush, instead utilizing a cartridge filled with a biode-
gradable liquid sealant, or column of biodegradable liquid sealant, in the trap.
waterlogged
Saturated with water.
water main
A water supply pipe for public or community use, typically under the jurisdiction
of the municipality or water company.
water meter
A mechanical device that measures the volume of water used in a building.
water meter riser
A vertical pipe extending from a water meter.
water outlet
The opening through which water discharges from a fixture.
Water Quality Association
A trade association representing the residential, commercial, industrial, and small
community water treatment industry in the United States (wqa.org).
water rise
The level to which water rises, in inches or millimeters, in a piezometer.
water riser
A water supply pipe that extends vertically one full story or more to convey water
to branches or fixtures.
water riser pipe
A vertical water supply main.
water seal
The depth of water in a fixture trap that prevents the passage of noxious odors but
allows the free flow of wastewater.
water service entrance
The point in a consumer’s water system beyond the sanitary control of the district,
generally considered to be the outlet end of the water meter and always before any
unprotected branch.
water-service pipe
A pipe from the water main or other source of water supply to the building
served.
water softener
An appliance used to remove hardness from water using zeolite or strontium min-
eral.
394 American Society of Plumbing Engineers
water softening
A process used to reduce or remove dissolved impurities that cause hardness in
water.
water-source heat pump
A pump that uses wells or heat exchangers to transfer heat from groundwater to
the inside of a building.
water spray system
A fire suppression system in which the piping and discharge nozzle spray patterns
are designed to protect a uniquely configured hazard.
water supervisor
A person responsible for maintaining a building’s water supply and ensuring that
it remains free of cross-connections.
water supplier
A company that produces and delivers potable water to consumers.
water supply
The source of potable water for public or private use.
water supply fixture unit (WSFU)
A numeric value that represents the probable rate of water supply used by a
plumbing fixture or piece of equipment.
water supply fixture unit method
A procedure for estimating the water demand for a building by weighting fixtures
based on their water supply load-producing effects.
water supply sprinkler alarm
An alarm set to operate when a fire sprinkler system actuates to alert occupants.
water supply system
The supply pipe, water distributing pipes, and necessary connecting pipes, fit-
tings, control valves, and all appurtenances carrying or supplying potable water
in, or adjacent to, a building or premises.
water table
The level below the Earth’s surface at which the ground becomes saturated with
water.
water test
A procedure that uses water to detect leaks in a piping system.
water tower
1. A standpipe or elevated tank used to store water.
2. A firefighting apparatus that lifts water hoses to high elevations.

Plumbineering Dictionary 395


water treatment
The chemical or mechanical removal and/or replacement of ionic or non-ionic
substances in feed water to produce water for a predefined use.
waterway
The passageway through which water flows.
water well
A cased hole (usually vertical) that is drilled through the Earth’s substrate to access
water that is stored within the Earth’s aquifers.
water well casing
A tube used to line or encase a well.
watt
The unit rate at which work is done in an electrical circuit, equal to 1 joule of
work per second or 1 ampere under a pressure of 1 volt.
wavelength
The distance between two similar points of a given wave of light, measured in
nanometers.
wave pool
A water attraction designed to simulate breaking or cyclical waves for surfing or
general play.
WC
Abbreviation for water closet, a plumbing fixture consisting of a tank and a bowl
connected to a water supply and a drain, designed to receive and dispose of hu-
man excrement.
wedge
A triangular-shaped device that is drawn out of contact with the seating surface of
a gate valve to permit flow or is pushed down into contact with the seating surface
to close off flow.
wedge gasket
A sealing device with a triangular cross-section.
wedge gate valve
A gate valve in which the sliding disc that shuts off the flow of water is triangle
shaped.
weir
A small dam used to control the level of water in a river or canal.
weld
A pipe joint formed by heat fusion.

396 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


weld decay
A type of corrosion, notably at specific zones away from a weld.
welded beam attachment
A U-shaped, flat-bar device, normally welded to a steel beam, used to connect a
hanger, support, or assembly.
welded end
A pipe end created by heat fusion, available only in steel valves and fittings, main-
ly for high-pressure and high-temperature services.
welded joint
A connection created by heat fusion, in which the pieces being connected are
melted together into one continuous piece.
welded pipe attachment
The use of heat fusion to attach a pipe to a hanger, support, or assembly.
welding
The process of joining pipes by applying heat, sometimes using an intermediary
metal with a high melting point.
welding cap
A seal melted over the outside end of a pipe.
weldless eye nut
A forged steel device that provides an attachment point for a threaded hanger rod
to a bolt or pin connection.
well
A cased hole (usually vertical) that is drilled through the Earth’s substrate to access
water that is stored within the Earth’s aquifers.
well casing
A light-wall steel tube used to line a well.
well, drilled
A well that is made by boring a hole in the ground.
well, driven
A well that is made by driving a pipe into the ground.
well, dug
A well that is made by excavating a large-diameter hole in the ground.
well head
A structure or enclosure at the upper end of a water, oil, or natural-gas well that
contains pipes and pumping equipment.

Plumbineering Dictionary 397


well water
Water produced from a well, typically containing the same elements and contami-
nants as the surrounding earth.
wet-bulb temperature
Used in psychrometry, the temperature recorded by a thermometer whose bulb
has been covered with a wetted wick and whirled on a sling psychrometer to de-
termine the relative humidity of the atmosphere.
wet chemical fire extinguishing agent
An organic or inorganic salt mixed with water to form an alkaline solution, used
to suppress and put out fire.
wet column
A structural building column in which water, waste, and vent piping are located.
wet gas
A gas or gas mixture in which one or more of the constituents is at its saturated
vapor pressure.
wet helical-lobe unit
A device in a compressed gas system that handles a small, constant flow of liquid
with the gas, utilizes evaporative (injection) cooling, or circulates a liquid for seal-
ing and/or cooling.
wetland
Land that is covered with water for at least part of the year, used as a buffer zone
to help control flooding.
wet pipe sprinkler system
A type of fire suppression system employing automatic sprinklers attached to pip-
ing containing water under pressure at all times.
wet standpipe
A vertical pipe used to store chemicals or water at all times for firefighting pur-
poses.
wet standpipe system
A standpipe system with an open supply valve and constantly maintained water
pressure at all times.
wet vent
A continuous vent, other than from a water closet, that also receives and conveys
drainage from additional fixtures.
wet well
A structure or tank used in a pump system to collect a volume of liquid to be
stored and then pumped for a designated pump run time.

398 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


whirlpool bath
A bathtub in which water jets keep the water in motion.
white metal
A white-colored alloy containing a high percentage of tin or lead.
WHO
Acronym for the World Health Organization, the directing and coordinating au-
thority for health within the United Nations system (who.org).
wicking
A loosely braided or woven length of cotton used to make joints tight.
wind load
The temporary or steady-state stress put on or added to a piping system due to a
change of environmental conditions, usually referring to piping systems in envi-
ronmentally exposed conditions.
wiped joint
A water- and/or gas-tight connection made by fusing a ball of molten solder
around the ends of two pipes.
wiping cloth
A fabric pad used to make solder joints.
wiping ferrule
A tube in which one end has a raised edge and the other end is plain.
wiping solder
An alloy containing 60 percent lead and 40 percent block tin.
wire brush
A hand tool consisting of wire bristles set into one end of a handle, used for scrub-
bing or smoothing.
wire hook
A type of hanger or support that is simply a bent piece of heavy wire.
women’s urinal
A urinal that can be straddled for use by women.
wood chisel
A hand tool consisting of a stiff bar of metal sharpened at one end and attached
to a handle, used to cut or shape wood.
work
1. The performing of services, furnishing of labor, and supplying and incorporat-
ing materials and equipment into construction.
2. Energy in transition, defined in units of force times distance.

Plumbineering Dictionary 399


working pressure
The maximum pressure in a water piping system that is allowed under normal
working conditions.
workmanship
Work of a quality sufficient to provide the desired results.
World Health Organization (WHO)
The directing and coordinating authority for health within the United Nations
system (who.org).
World Plumbing Council (WPC)
An association of professional bodies, trade associations, trade unions, research
establishments, and manufacturers that develops and promotes the image and
professional standards of the world plumbing industry (worldplumbing.org).
WPC
Acronym for the World Plumbing Council (worldplumbing.org), an association
of professional bodies, trade associations, trade unions, research establishments,
and manufacturers that develops and promotes the image and professional stan-
dards of the world plumbing industry.
wrench
A hand tool consisting of a lever with a fixed or adjustable head, used to hold or
twist a bolt, nut, screw, or pipe.
wrought iron
A mixture of metallic iron and slag that is rough, malleable, and relatively soft.
WSFU
Abbreviation for water supply fixture unit, a numeric value that represents the
probable rate of water supply used by a plumbing fixture or piece of equipment.
wye
A Y-shaped branch or fitting.

400 American Society of Plumbing Engineers


xeriscaping
X
A landscape design that uses drought-resistant or drought-tolerant plants, requir-
ing little to no irrigation.

Plumbineering Dictionary 401


yard catch basin
Y
A receptacle at the entrance to a sewer designed to intercept and prevent large
objects from entering the sewer system.
yard hydrant
A type of lawn faucet that draws water directly from the main.
yarning iron
A blunt caulking iron with a thin, offset blade.
yellow flame burner
A water heater burner that uses only secondary air for combustion.
yellow grease
Grease collected from fryers, cookware, servingware, and exhaust hoods that can
be recycled for uses such as cosmetics, glycerin products, biodiesel, and some
animal feed supplements.
yield strength
The tensile stress required to permanently lengthen a tube.
yoke
A Y-shaped, two-way coupling.
yoke vent
A pipe connecting upward from a soil or waste stack to a vent stack, used to pre-
vent pressure changes in the stack.
Y strainer
A device used to collect particles from a piping system.

Plumbineering Dictionary 403


zeolite
Z
A hydrous aluminum silicate mineral, used as a molecular filter or ion-exchange
agent.
zone
1. A section of an area defined for a particular purpose.
2. A group of spaces within a building with heating or cooling requirements
sufficiently similar that comfort conditions can be maintained by a single con-
trolling device.
zone controller
A control panel that monitors multiple zone valves.
zone tank
A reservoir that serves a specific area or part of a system.
zone valve
A device used to control the flow of water or steam in hydronic heating systems.
zooglea
A jelly-like mix of bacteria and water, typically associated with activated sludge
growths in biological beds.

Plumbineering Dictionary 405

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