ABS
Acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene. Used for drain and vent lines. Back to alphabetical list

Aerator
The system of screens screwed into the spout of most faucets. The aerator helps control the flow of water and keep it from splashing all over. They frequently contain a baffle to help reduce the flow of water to the mandated 2.5 gallons per minute. Back to alphabetical list

Air Admittance Valve (AAV)
A device that replaces a traditional vent to allow air to enter the pipe and equalize pressure, preserving the seal of water in the fixture trap. Back to alphabetical list

Airgap
In the drainage system, the unobstructed vertical opening between the lowest opening of a waste line and the flood level of the device into which it empties. Purpose is to prevent backflow contamination. Back to alphabetical list

Anti-scald Valve
See Pressure-balancing Valve
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Backflow Preventer
A device that prevents wastewater and other contaminants from flowing into the potable water supply. Generally required for sprinkler systems, hand-held showers installed in bathtubs, faucets with pullout spouts, kitchen sprayers, and the like. Back to alphabetical list

Ballcock
A valve operated by a float, such as a floatball or a float-cup in a toilet tank. Back to alphabetical list

Branch
Any part of the drain system other than the main, riser, or stack. Back to alphabetical list

Bushing
A pipe fitting used to join two pipes of different sizes. A bushing is threaded inside and out. Back to alphabetical list

Check Valve
A type of backflow preventer installed in a pipe run that allows water to flow in only one direction. Back to alphabetical list

Cleanout
A pipe fitting with a removable plug for inspecting and cleaning out drain pipes. Back to alphabetical list

Closet Bend
The curved section of drain pipe located immediately below the toilet. Back to alphabetical list

Closet Flange
A round, flat fitting that attaches to the closet bend. The heads of closet bolts, used to secure the toilet in place, insert into slots in the closet flange. Back to alphabetical list

Coupling
A short fitting used to join two pieces of pipe. Back to alphabetical list

CPVC
Chlorinated polyvinyl chloride. Used for water supply. Back to alphabetical list

Cross-connection
Any connection or situation that may allow waste water to enter the supply system. Back to alphabetical list

Drain
Any pipe that carries wastewater or water-borne waste. Back to alphabetical list

DWV
Drainage, waste, and vent. Back to alphabetical list

Elbow
Curved fittings, usually 90° or 45°, used to change the direction of a pipe run. Also called "ells." Back to alphabetical list

Escutcheon
A decorative or protective plate. In plumbing, the plate behind or under a fixture that covers the hole around the pipe or valve. Back to alphabetical list

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