Glossary

Question 1

Answer 1

Aerator: a device attached to the end of a faucet that mixes air into flowing water.

Question 2

backwater valve

Answer 2

sewer line valve that prevents sewage from flowing back into the house

Question 3

ballcheck valve

Answer 3

a type of backflow preventer that uses a ball to seal against a seat in a valve. It is installed on a water line so that water is allowed to flow in one direction only.

Question 4

float ball

Answer 4

the floating ball connected to the ballcock inside the tank that rises or falls with the changing water level in the tank

Question 5

ballcock

Answer 5

the fill valve that controls the flow of water from the supply line into a gravity-operated toilet tank. It’s controlled by a mechanism that floats in the tank water. When the toilet is flushed, the float drops and opens the ballcock. This releases water into the tank and/or bowl. As the water in the tank is restored, the float rises and shuts off the ballcock when the tank is full.

Question 6

Closet Flange

Answer 6

A ring that anchors the toilet to the floor and connects it to the closet bend. Also known as a Floor Flange.

Question 7

gas cock

Answer 7

gas valve installed on main gas line and on a gas appliance to allow the gas to be shut off when necessary

Question 8

hose bib

Answer 8

an outdoor faucet or spigot typically used for watering plants, washing cars etc…

Question 9

nipple

Answer 9

a short length of pipe installed between couplings or other fittings.

Question 10

pvc

Answer 10

Polyvinyl chloride. A rigid white or cream-colored plastic pipe used in non-pressurized systems, such as drainage, waste, and vent systems.

Question 11

PRV or Pressure Reducing Valve

Answer 11

a special valve installed on the main water line coming in to the home so that water entering the valve from municipal mains is constricted within the valve body. It reduces water pressure coming in to your home from the high level used by the water company down to a level that can be used in your home without damaging your fixtures.

Question 12

trap

Answer 12

Curved section of drain line that prevents sewer odors from escaping into the atmosphere. All fixtures that have drains must have a “P” trap installed. A toilet is the only plumbing fixture with an “S” trap. The “S” trap is built in to the base of the toilet.

Question 13

trap seal

Answer 13

Height of water in a toilet bowl “at rest.” This water prevents sewer gases from entering the home.

Question 14

Winterization

Answer 14

The act of preparing a vacant home for winter by draining out the water heater and water lines and applying products to toilet bowls to prevent them from freezing.

Question 15

vent

Answer 15

A pipe that allows air into a drain system to balance the air pressure, preventing water in the traps from being siphoned off.

Question 16

septic tank

Answer 16

The holding tank for a small scaled sewage treatment system that serves a home that does not have a connection to the local city or county sewage pipes. The term “septic” refers to the anaerobic bacteria that live in the tank and decompose the waste discharged into the tank.

Question 17

main line

Answer 17

the primary line that supplies water from the water company’s meter at the street up to the point where it enters the home; all other supply lines in the home branch out from this main line

Question 18

Answer 18

Expansion Tank: a device designed to contain excess pressure due to thermal expansion

Question 19

Answer 19

Closet bend: A curved waste pipe fitting under a toilet that connects the closet flange to the drain.