Glossary
Categories
Definitions
ABS
Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene. ABS is a hard, black plastic piping material used for vents and drains. PVC can also be used in the same applications.
Absorber
The blackened surface in a collector that absorbs the solar radiation and converts it into heat energy.
Access Panel
This is a point at which you can access your plumbing or electrical system for servicing. Typically a small, disguised door or panel.
Access Point
A wireless networked device usually connected to a wireless LAN used to access the wired LAN.
ACH
Air Changes per Hour. ACH is the number of times that the air in your home is completely replaced with outside air.
Acid
A substance that increases the concentration of hydrogen ions when dissolved in water. Most acids dissolve common metals and will react with a base to form a salt.
Acidity
The level on concentration of acid in water. Acid will neutralize an alkali or base.
Active Solar System
A solar heating or cooling system that requires external mechanical power to move the collected heat.
Aerator
Found inside the tip of a faucet it mixes air with water to prevent splashing.
AFUE
Annualized Fuel Utilization Efficiency.
Air
The mixture of oxygen, nitrogen and other gases and water vapor that form the earth’s atmosphere.
Air Handler
An Air Handler mixes or moves air.
Air Separator
A device that is fitted to central heating system that eliminates small air bubbles circulating the water system. Air in the system creates circulation noise and corrosion.
Air Vent
A valve placed at the highest point of a heating unit for venting air.
Alkali
Alkali is a water soluble, mineral compound. It feels soapy to the touch. However, strong Alkali can cause severe burns. The measure of Alkalinity in water is referred to as pH.
Alternating Current
Current which flows between positive and negative charges. Also known as AC current. Usually 50 or 60 cycles per second or 50 to 60 Hertz.
Alternator
A electromechanical device for converting mechanical energy into electrical energy.
Ambient Temperature
Temperature of the surrounding air.
Ambient Temperature
Temperature of the surrounding air.
Amp
A basic electrical measurement. Measures the flow of electrons (current). One Amp is produced by an electric force of one volt acting across a resistance of ohm.
Ampacity
The current in amperes that a conductor can carry continuously under given conditions of use without exceeding its temperature rating.
Amperage
The strength or intensity of an electric current, measured in Amperes (AMPS).
Angle Stop
The shutoff valve between the water supply line and the fixture.
Aquastat
This is a safety device often used on boilers to limit water temperature.
Arc
A discharge of electricity through air or gas.
Atom
Basic building block of matter. Major Atom particles are the electron, proton and neutron.
Auxiliary Heat
The extra heat provided by a conventional heating system for periods of cloudiness or when a solar heating system cannot provide enough.
Backflow
Backflow is the flow of water back to the main water supply.
Backflow
Backflow is the flow of water back to the main water supply.
Backflow Preventer
A device that prevents backflow into the system and contamination of drinking water.
Ballast
A Ballast is used to stabilized the current flow in lamps.
Ballcock
The Ballcock is activated by a float and is found in the toilet’s water tank. When you flush a toilet the float drops, opens the Ballcock and fills the tank. Once the tank is full the float rises and closes the Ballcock.
Bank
A group of electrical devices, usually transformers or capacitors, connected in a way to increase capacity.
Battery
A DC voltage source containing a combination of cells, connected to produce higher voltage or current than a single cell produces alone.
Bidet
A bathroom plumbing fixture for personal hygiene. It’s similar in appearance to a toilet bowl used for personal hygiene. A Bidet is located next to a toilet and consists of a hot and cold faucet, a washing basin and a sprayer.
Blackout
The complete interrupting of load to an electric utility customer or group of customers.
Bleed
To Bleed means to drain a pipe, tube or hose of excess air by opening a valve.
Blower
A fan used to force air.
Boiler
A Boiler is a type of equipment that converts liquid into a vapor. A boiler consists of a furnace where propane, natural gas, oil or wood is burned. It then transmits the heat from the combustion products to the water or liquid where it is the distributed through out the house by way of pipes.
Boost
A charge applied to a battery which is already near state of full charge.
Brownout
Refers to a reduction of voltage on the system. This will dim the lights. Some systems will use a “Brownout” as a means to conserve energy.
BTU
British Thermal Unit. The quantity of heat needed to raise the temperature of one pound of water one degree Fahrenheit. An example of a BTU is burning one wooden match.
BTU
British Thermal Unit. The quantity of heat needed to raise the temperature of one pound of water one degree Fahrenheit. An example of a BTU is burning one wooden match.
Calorie
A calorie is the amount of energy it takes to heat one gram of water one degree Celsius.
Candela
The standard unit for luminous intensity.
Candela
Luminous intensity expressed in candelas.
Candlepower
Luminous intensity expressed in candelas.
Capacity
The BTU production ability of a heating or cooling system.
Cell
An electrochemical device composed of positive and negative plates, separator and electrolyte which is capable of storing electrical energy.
Celsius
A metric measurement. On this scale water freezes at zero and boils at 100.
Centerset
Centerset refers to a bathroom faucet that consists of a spout and one handle on each side. Faucets are commonly four inches centerset or eight inches centerset.
CFM
Cubic Feet per Minute. This is a standard measurement of airflow.
Charge
The conversion of electrical energy from an external source, into chemical energy within a cell or battery.
Check Valve
A non-return valve where water may only pass in one direction.
Check Valve
A non-return valve where water may only pass in one direction.
Circuit
A conductive path over which an electric charge may flow.
Circuit Breaker
A device that can be used to manually open or close a circuit.
Circulation Pipe
The main water flow and return pipes to and from the central heating boiler.
Circulation Pump
A mechanism used to pump water to the central heating system.
Cisten
Rainwater storage tank.
Clarity
Clarity is the measure of water’s clearness.
Cleanout Door
A door that allows for cleaning of accumulated debris.
Closed System
This is a system that is closed off from the environment and its heating fluid is not changed except for maintenance.
Closet Auger
Flexible, curved bar used to release toilet clogs.
Closet Flange
A Closet Flange, also known as a toilet flange is used to mount a toilet to the floor. It connects toilet to the drainage system.
Coil
A heating element in a domestic hot water tank. It circulates water from the boiler to the tap.
Cold Feed
A Cold Feed allows cold water from the header tank into the system.
Collector
A device that collects solar radiation and converts it to heat.
Color Rendition
The Color Rendition (or CRI) rate the ability of the bulb to render an object’s true color when compared to sunlight. Look for lamps with a CRI of 80 or higher.
Color Temperature or CCT
CCT refers to the color objects emit when heated to a certain temperature on Kelvin. Lower numbers are reddish and higher numbers are blue and white. Incandescent lighting has a CCT of 2700.
Combustion
The burning of fuel using air.
Compact Fluorescent Lights
A low pressure mercury lamp. These lights use much less energy than regular light bulbs.
Condensate
Condensed water that results from the removal of latent heat from steam.
Condensing Boiler
A high efficiency boiler that recovers heat from flue gases that would have been lost to the atmosphere.
Conduction
The transfer of heat through a solid material.
Conduction
The transmission of heat through a medium without a lot of movement by the medium.
Conductivity
Conductivity is the capability of a conductor to carry electricity.
Conductor
A conductor is a wire or grouping of wires that carry electrical current. A conductor may also be any material which allows for the flow of electrons.
Continuity
The state of being unbroken.
Continuous Load
An electrical load with a maximum current that is expected to maintain for three hours or more.
Convection
The transfer of hear by air flow.
Cover Plate
A sheet of glass or transparent plastic placed above the absorber in a flat plate collector.
Coxial Cable
Known usually as Coax, this cable is typically used to connect televisions to the video source.
Cradle
The metal frame that surrounds and protects the generator or engine.
Crude Oil
Unrefined petroleum.
Current
The flow rate of electricity: the movement of electrons through a conductor. Current is measured in Amperes.
Damper
Dampers are movable plates which control and balance airflow. They are found in ductwork.
Dec-Mounted Faucet
A Deck-Mounted Faucet is a type of faucet that mounts on the deck of a bathtub rather than on the wall. A roman tub faucet is a Deck-Mounted Faucet.
Delta-T
In solar systems a Delta-T is relating the temperature difference between the collector and the storage tank.
Diffuser
A grill which covers an air supply duct. It allows for distribution in a specific pattern or direction.
Diode
A Diode is a two terminal electronic component that conducts electric current in one direction.
Dip Tube
Tube inside a water heater that sends cold water to the bottom of the tank.
Direct Current
Direct Current (DC) is the opposite of alternating current. Electrons flow in one direction only.
Direct System
A system that the potable hot water is used for space heating and domestic hot water. There is no separation between the two.
Disconnect Switch
Said simply, a switch which is used to disconnect the electrical circuit.
Distilled Water
Water produced by vaporization and condensation resulting in higher purity.
Distribution System
The electrical power system that distributes power from a bulk power location to consumers.
Diverter
A valve witch directs water to various outlets. An example of a commonly used diverter is one in tub and shower combinations changing the water flow from the shower head to the tub faucet.
Drain
Any pipe which caries off water and wastes in a plumbing drainage system.
Drain Back System
The solar heat transfer fluid drains into a tank by way of gravity. A heat exchanger is necessary because the city inlet pressure would prevent draining.
Drop-In
A Drop-In is a style of sink or tub that has a mounting rim which supports it.
Drum Trap
An obsolete, non-vented, lead or cast iron trap that was formerly used in sewer lines.
Duct
A passageway which allowing for the installation of pipes, cables, etc.
Duct for Warm Air
This is a system where gas is combusted creating hot air and then distributed through the residence.
DWV
DWV is an acronym that stands for Drain, Waste, Vent. DWV are the three main parts of a drainage system.
E Coli
E Coli is a member of the coliform group of bacteria. It is an indicator of fecal contamination. E Coli is an abbreviation for Escherichia Coli.
EER
Energy Efficiency Ratio. EER is a measurement of air conditioning or heat pump efficiency. The higher the EER the more efficient.
Efficiency
The ratio of output to input.
Elbow
An angled pipe fitting with an opening at each end. Angles vary from 22.5° to 90°.
Electric Boiler
An Electric Boiler uses electricity to create heat verses oil or propane.
Electrical Grid
A large area system of electrical distribution.
Electricity
The flow of electrons through a distribution medium.
Electron
The negatively charged particle in an atom orbiting the atom’s nucleus.
Elongated Bowl
Toilet bowl that has a dimensional width of 14” by 18 ½” long.
Energy Star
High efficiency systems carry this Energy Star label. Products with this label are more efficient and help to reduce our whole earth’s pollution problems. Energy Star systems are also known to lower energy bills.
Escutcheon
A decorative flange beneath a faucet handle. An Escutcheon covers the faucet stem and the hole in the wall or fixture.
Evacuated Tubing
A collector where solar heat is captured by a collector fluid flowing through an metal tube enclosed inside an evacuated glass tube.
Expansion Tank
A tank that is designed to absorb thermal expansion pressure.
Expansion Tank
This is a small tank used in a central heating systems which absorbs water pressure and extra volumes of hot water as it is heated. The tank contains a rubber diaphragm that squeezes small volumes of air in the tank as the water expands. This whole action relieves pressure on the tank and on the system as a whole.
Female Fitting
A Female Fitting is a fitting that allows for another to fit inside of it.
Female Threads
Female Threads are threads that are place on the interior of a pipe or fitting.
Fixture
A fixture is relates to fixed lighting on walls, ceilings, etc.
Fixture
A Fixture holds fresh water at the point of use and disposes of wastewater. A fixture might be a sink, tub or toilet.
Flange
A Flange provides strength for guidance or for attaching to another object.
Flapper Valve
A Flapper is in the tank of the toilet. Like it’s name it flaps to allow water to flow from the tank into the bowl.
Flat Plate Collector
A solar collection device in which sunlight is converted into heat on a plane surface without the aid of reflecting surfaces to concentrate the rays.
Float Ball
The Float Ball is in the tank of the toilet. It is connected to the ballcock and rises and falls with the changing water levels. It operates the ballcock by closing it when the water level is sufficient.
Flow Rate
The Flow Rate measures the faucet’s GPM (gallons per minute). A economical flow rate might of a flow rate of 2.5 GPM where a whirlpool tub faucet might be as high as 18 GPM.
Flue
The Flue is where the fumes from burned gas go.
Frequency
This is the rate that Current will change direction in an AC system. Frequency is measured in Hertz.
Furnace
An enclosed space which provides for the combustion of fuel.
Fuse
A Fuse is used to protect equipment from over-current and damage. A Fuse is a mechanism that is installed in the conductive path with a set melting point.
Generator
An engine which converts mechanical energy into electrical energy. AC or DC current.
GPF
Gallons per Flush. A unit of measure that indicate the rate of flow for toilets. Some newer toilets might have a 1.6 GPF where older toilets are about 3.5 GPF.
Gravity Operated Toilet
A toilet that relies on the natural downward pressure in a toilet tank.
Greenhouse Effect
The effect of the Earth’s atmosphere, due to certain gases, trapping heat from the sun and acting like a greenhouse.
Greenhouse Gases
The major Greenhouse Gases include Water Vapor and Carbon Dioxide. Small amounts of methane, ozone, chlorofluorocarbons and nitrogen oxides are also found.
Ground
A connection between an electrical circuit and the earth.
Grounded Conductor
A system of circuit that is intentionally grounded. This wire will be gray or white in color.
Handshower
A Handshower is attached to the end of a flexible hose one can hold during showering.
Headers
The flow channel that runs across the edge of an array gathering or distributing the transfer fluid to or from the risers to the collectors.
Heat Dump
Used to prevent overheating. Depending on the type of system, a heat dump could be a finned radiator, radiant heat loop or an extra storage tank.
Heat Exchanger
A device that exchanges heat from one fluid to another without a mixing of the fluids.
Heat Exchanger
An area where heat flows from the warmer to the colder fluid surface.
Heat Gain
Heat which is added to the conditioned space by infiltration such as, solar radiation, lighting, etc.
Heat Load
The amount of heat required to be removed within a certain period, usually 24 hours. Usually measured in BTUs.
Heat Loss
Heat Loss is the rate of heat transfer from a heated space to the outside.
Heat Pump
In the summer a Heat Pump is basically an air conditioner with a valve that allows for operation in reverse, removing heat from your home. In the winter the Heat Pump removes heat from outside and delivers it to your home.
Heat Pump
In the summer a Heat Pump is basically an air conditioner with a valve that allows for operation in reverse, removing heat from your home. In the winter the Heat Pump removes heat from outside and delivers it to your home.
Heat Storage
A medium or device that absorbs collected solar heat and stores it for use during periods of cold weather.
Hertz
A measurement of energy. One Hertz is equal to one cycle per second.
Horsepower
The measurement of work. One Horsepower is equivalent to 746 Watts.
Hose Bibb
An outdoor faucet. Also known as a spicket.
Hot
The term Hot refers to an energized conductor such as a wire.
HVAC
Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning.
Hybrid Solar
Hybrid Solar is a system which uses both passive and active solar methods.
Idle Control
An Idle Control controls the idle speed of an engine in direct relation to the electrical energy.
Incandescent Lamp
The most common source of light, glass bulbs with a filament inside. Approximately ninety percent of the energy consumed by an incandescent lamp is given off as heat rather than light.
Instantaneous Water Heater
Like the name, this is a hot water heater that heats water instantly as it flows to your faucet. Also known as a “tankless water heater”.
Insulation
Insulation, most commonly made from fiberglass, resists the transfer of heat. It is rated in terms of thermal resistance or R-Value. The greater the R-Value the more effective. There are many types of insulation other than fiberglass: rockwool, cellulose, perlite, vermiculite, rigid board, etc.
International System of Units
Also known as SI. This is a system of units that these six measurements are considered basic: meter, kilogram, second, ampere, Kelvin degree and candela.
Interruption
The loss of electric service to one or more customers and facilities.
Ion
An Ion is part of a molecule that can be positively or negatively charged which transports electricity.
Jacuzzi
Jacuzzi is actually a trademarked name. The Jacuzzi Brothers created the whirlpool tub back in the 1950’s to treat a family member’s arthritis. They marketed their first “Jacuzzi” in 1968.
Joule
A Joule is the energy exerted by the force of one newtron acting to move an object one meter. Also known as a one watt-second.
Junction Box
A Junction Box is used to conceal and protect the integrity of the electrical connection.
Kerosene
Kerosene (K-1) is light and very clean burning heating oil.
Kilowatt
1000 watts of real power. Kilowatt is also expressed as kW.
Kilowatt (kW)
One kW is equal to 1000 Watts One Watt is defined as one Joule of energy released per second. 1kW is equivalent to 3414 BTUs.
Lag
When a current is delayed in time with respect to voltage in an AC load.
Lamp
The term lamp refers to the source of light itself. Not the fixture.
Latent Heat
Latent Heat is a type of heat that when added to a substance or taken from a substance does not change the temperature of the substance. Instead the heat energy allows for the substance to change its state.
Laundry/Utility/Service Sink
A sink that is extra deep for use in cleaning laundry or small equipment.
Lavatory
A sink that is in a washroom.
Leach Field
Porous soil that a septic tank leach line runs to. Its use is to empty the treated waste.
LED
Light Emitting Diode.
Light
Energy that is capable of producing a visual sensation.
Lightning
Lightning is a powerful natural electrostatic discharge usually produced during a lightning storm.
Load
The total amount of electricity that is in an electrical circuit.
Low Water Cutoff
Safety device that shuts off the boiler in the event of low water.
Lumen
A standard unit of measurement for light energy. Lumens are how light output is measured.
Lumen
A lumen is the total amount of light emitted from a source. Lumens are used to rate lamp output.
Luminaire
A complete lighting unit.
Main
A general term referring to the main channel of the plumbing system that both the drain and supply branch off.
Mains Water
Water supplied by the utility district or water company.
Male Threads
Threads that lay on the outside of a fitting.
Manifold
A Manifold serves as a distribution point. A fitting that connects a number of branches to the main.
Manifold
A header for collection and distribution of fluid throughout the home.
Mechanicals
Mechanicals are the parts in a building that have moving parts. They are the wiring, plumbing, heating and cooling components.
Metal Halide Lamp
A Metal Halide Lamp operates under high pressure and temperature. These lamps operate by combining Mercurey Vapor with rare earth metal salts. These lamps are compact, powerful and efficient making them perfect for use at baseball fields.
Mixing Valve
A Mixing Valve is the part of a faucet which allows the mixing of hot and cold water to reach a preferred temperature.
Modulating Burner
Automatically adjusts gas throughput dependant on temperature and demand.
Natural Gas
Gaseous fuel occurring in nature.
Natural Gas Powered Boiler
Natural Gas is a clean fuel that has the least damaging effect on the environment of other fossil fuels. It is the most inexpensive alternative in terms of running costs. Also Natural Gas is mains supplied therefore it requires no storage. However, the supply isn’t available to everyone.
Neutral Conductor
The Neutral is used to carry unbalanced current in multiphase circuits. In single phase systems the conductor is used for a return current path.
Nipple
A short length of pipe that is installed between couplings or other fittings for correct fit.
Nozzle
A short flanged or welded neck connection on a drum or shell for the outlet or inlet of fluids.
Nuclear Energy
Energy that comes from splitting atoms of radioactive materials, such as uranium.
Nuclear Reactor
A nuclear reactor is a device where nuclear chain reactions are initiated, controlled and sustained at a steady rate.
Ohm
A unit of electrical resistance. One Ohm equals one volt per ampere.
Oil
A black liquid fossil fuel found deep in the Earth. Gasoline and most plastics are made from oil.
Oil Powered Boiler
Oil Powered Boilers are the most popular alternative when there is no mains supply of natural gas. However, oil is not the cheapest option today. Price of oil changes seasonally and varies with local.
Open Flue
An appliance that takes in air for combustion from within the room it is fitted.
Open System
An Open System is one that is open to the atmosphere. A domestic hot water heater is an open system because the heated fluid is constantly changed.
Open System
A system that has an expansion tank open to the atmosphere.
Overload
A load greater than the load for which the system or mechanism was intended. A fault, such as a short circuit or ground fault is not an overload.
P-Trap
A P-Trap has the appearance of an upside down P. The P-Trap design routes drainage horizontally back through the wall to connect with the DWV.
Passive Solar House
A house that uses a room or another part of the building as a solar collector. Passive also refers to the conversion of light into electricity.
Passive System
A solar heating or cooling system that uses no external mechanical power to move the collected solar heat.
Peak Hour Demand
Peak Hour is the hour at which the demand for water in the highest.
Peak-Hour Demand
Peak Hour is the hour at which the demand for water in the highest.
Pedestal Lavatory
A Pedestal Lavatory (or sink) is a basin which is primarily supported by a pedestal leg.
pH
Potential Hydrogen. Hydrogen ion concentration in water represents acid or alkaline.
Photovoltaic Cells
Semi-conductor devices that convert solar energy into electricity.
Photovoltaic System
A complete set of components for converting sunlight into electricity by the Photovoltaic process.
Pilot Light
A small gas flame which is kept alight in order to serve as an ignition source.
Pitch
Pitch is a downward slope. Plumbers need to have a correct pipe pitch for correct flow from DWV to leach field.
Plumber's Putty
Pliable putty that is used to seal joint between pipes and fixtures.
Plumbing Code
The legal guidelines to which all plumbers must adhere to.
Polarity
The flow of electrons from the negative pole to the pole.
Potable Water
Water that is acceptable for drinking.
Potable Water
Water that is acceptable for drinking.
Power
The rate at which energy is released or consumed. Power is expressed in watts.
Pressure Balance Valve
Also may be known as an Anti-Scald Valve. The Pressure Balance Valve is the shower mixing valve that maintains balance between incoming hot and cold water supplies by regulating fluctuations in pressure.
Pressure Tank
A pressure tank is used to pump water from the well into the home.
Primary
The flow pipe from the boiler to pump before any motorized valve.
Primary Heat Exchanger
Main Heat Exchanger in a boiler.
Programable Thermostat
This is a thermostat that has the ability to schedule different temperature settings for different times of day.
Pump
A pump is a devices used to circulate water around the central heating system.
PVC
Polyvinyl Chloride. A rigid white colored plastic pipe that is used in drainage, waste and vent systems.
R-Value
R-Value measures heat resistance. The higher the value the better the insulation resists heat transfer.
Radiation
The emission and propagation of energy by means of electromagnetic waves or particles.
Radiator
A radiator transfers heat from hot water to the space in a room.
Recovery Capacity
The heat recovery rate of the water that you are using from the hot water tank.
Regulator
A device that is used to control the voltage of a circuit by raising and lowering it.
Relay
An electrically operated switch used in control circuits and whose contacts are low amperage.
Relay
An electrical component used to “call” for heat.
Renewable Fuels
Fuels that can be easily made or renewed. Types of renewable fuels include solar, wind and hydropower energy.
Resistance
Resistance opposes current flow and is expressed in ohms.
Reverse Osmosis
A treatment method where water is forced through a semi permeable membrane at a high pressure and filters out impurities.
Riser
A vertical pipe that carries water to its fixture.
Riser
The flow channels that distribute the heat transfer liquid across the face of an absorber.
Roman Tub Faucet
A type of faucet that is mounted to the deck of a tub and not the wall.
Rotor
The rotating element of a generator.
Rough-In
The installation of DWV and supply lines to the fixture locations.
Round Front Toilet
Toilet which have a much more round appearance than a elongated bowl. Dimension are about 14” wide by 16 ½” long.
Run
A Run is the section of pipe that extends from the supply to the fixture or drain and to the stack.
S-Trap
The S-Trap has the appearance of an S. It is designed to route waste vertically down through the floor connecting to the DWV.
Schematic Design
A diagram which shows electrical connections by means of graphic symbols.
SEER
Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. SEER measures the average cooling efficiency of your heat pump or air conditioner over the entire cooling season.
Self-Rimming Sink
A Self-Rimming bathroom and kitchen sink that has a finished edge and installs on top of a counter relying on the counter for support.
Service Drop
Run of cables from the power company’s aerial power lines to the point of connection to the building’s service entrance conductors (meter).
Service Entrance
In plumbing, the service entrance is the pipe which connects the water company piping to the water meter.
Service Entrance Cable
This cable connects the service drop to the service equipment of the building.
Short Circuit
A load that occurs when at ungrounded conductor comes into contact with another conductor or grounded object.
Shower Arm
A Shower Arm connects the showerhead to the water supply and delivers water to the shower head.
Shutoff Valve
There should be a Shutoff Valve located at each fixture to shut the supply water off to each point. There is also a main Shutoff Valve that is located beside the water meter.
Sillcock
Also known as a spicket or hose bib. An outdoor faucet.
Single Phase
The distribution of alternating current using a system that all voltage of the supply varies in unison.
Single-Hole Faucet
A Single-Hole Faucet is a faucet that installs into a single fixture hole.
Sleeve
Sleeves are used for the insulation and protection of walls and pipes. A sleeve in inserted into a wall so that other pipes may be inserted.
Slide Bar
A Slide Bar is a type of shower component that is designed for the attachment of a hand shower. It allows for the vertical placement and individual preference.
Solar Energy
Energy from the sun.
Solid Fuel Boiler
This is a Boiler that does not burn a liquid such as gas or oil. Instead a Solid Fuel Boiler will burn coal, wood, pellets, etc.
Stack
The vertical main in the DWV system that extends through one or more stories.
Stand Pipe
A large vertical pipe into which water is pumped in order to produce a desired pressure.
Standby Losses
Storage water heater looses heat by conduction through the walls of the tank and the first few feet of piping.
Storage Capacity
The gallons of hot water a storage tank can hold.
Sump
A pit or pool for draining and collecting of water.
Supply Lines
Supply Lines carry fresh water to fixtures in a home.
System Capacity
The total BTU amount of heating or cooling your system can produce in one hour.
Tankless Water Heater
Also known as an “instant water heater”. A Tankless Water Heater is a water heater which heats water as it passes through the exchanger. There is no storage tank necessary.
Temperature and Pressure Relief Valve
The Temperature and Pressure Relief Valve is a safety device that is used to expel excess pressure or heat from inside a tank.
Thermal Mass
Materials that store heat within a sunspace or solar collector.
Thermostat
A series of sensors and relays that monitor and control the function of a heating and cooling system.
Thermosyphoning
This is the process which makes water circulate between a warm collector and a cooler storage tank above it automatically.
Three Phase
Multiple phase power supply or load that uses three wires.
Three-Handle Faucet
A Three-Handle Faucet uses separate handles for hot and cold water but have an additional handle to convert water from the bath spout to the showerhead.
Top Mount Faucet
The whole faucet fits through the holes on the top of the sink and a plate covers the body of the faucet.
Transducer
A device for converting an electrical signal into a usable current or voltage.
Transformer
A transformer reduces voltage from the supply lines enough for connection to residences and businesses.
Trap
A Trap is the curved section of the drainpipe that is attached to every fixture. A Trap prevents odors of sewage and waste. There are “P” traps and “S” traps.
Trim
The Trim of a fixture is the exposed part of the fixture. It may include handles, faucet, etc.
Two-Hole
A "Two-Hole" consists of a single hole faucet mount and an accessory such as a soap dispenser or sidespray.
U-Value
U-Value measures heat flow. The lower the value the slower the material transfers heat in and out of your home.
Undercounter Sink
This type of sink is mounted to the underside of the counter.
Urinal
A Urinal is a plumbing fixture designed for liquid waste from men.
Usable Storage
Usable Storage is the percentage of hot water that can be drawn from the water tank before the temperature drops to a point that it’s no longer producing “hot” water.
Vacuum
A pressure below atmospheric pressure.
Valve
A mechanism that control the flow of water to or from a pipe.
Valve
A device that regulates the flow of fluids by opening, closing or partially obstructing various passageways.
Vent
A Vent protrudes from the roof and allows air to pass through drainpipes. A Vent ensures the proper flow of wastewater.
Ventilation
Ventilation is the intentional movement of air from the outside to the inside.
Vessel Sink
A lavatory that has finished walls on the outside and inside. A Vessel Sink is designed to sit on top of a countertop for a unique appearance.
Vibration Mount
A rubber device located between the engine and the cradle to minimize vibration.
Viscosity
Viscosity is the resistance of fluids to flow. Viscosity can also be defined as “thickness”.
Volt
A unit of electromagnetic force. The force or push given the electrons in an electric circuit.
Voltage
Electrical potential difference expressed in volts.
Voltage Relay
Protective Relay is used on power systems that will detect when the line voltage has gone outside of an acceptable range.
Wall-Mount Sink
As the name states, this is a sink that is mounted from a wall.
Waste and Overflow
Drain assembly for a bathtub. The outlet at the top removes “overflow” when filling a tub while the bottom removes waste.
Water Closet
The term Water Closet comes from the British English definition of a small private room containing a single toilet.
Water Saving Toilet
A classification of a toilet which uses no more than 3.5 gallons and no less than 1.6 gallons per flush.
Watt
Unit of electrical power. It measures the rate of energy conversion.
Whirlpool
Bathtub Fitted with jets which propel a current of warm water in a swirling motion.
Zone Valve
A Zone Valve is a specific type of equipment used to control the flow of water or steam (in a hydronic system) allowing heat to be directed at specific zones.
Zoning
Zoning controls space heating for separate rooms or parts of a building or home for comfort. This allows each zone (or room) to be independently controlled.