ExpressDecor Plumbing Dictionary

This particular page is designed to assist customers in understanding certain terms that can be found on our website. We carry a wide spectrum of kitchen and bathroom products, such as faucets, glass sinks and bathroom accessories, and although some of the items in our collections look similar, they may serve different purposes. To ensure that the product you are considering fits your specific needs, please refer to the vocabulary listed below.

• Accessories - Various additional elements intended for the improvement of the interior décor and functionality of the bathroom. The essential bathroom accessories usually include a towel bar or ring, a toilet paper holder, a robe hook, soap dish or dispenser and shelf.
• Adaptor - A fitting that joins various types of pipes together.
• Aerator - The end part of the faucet spout, which mixes the air and water for a smooth flow.
• Ball (Washerless) Faucets - This type of faucet has a rotating metal or plastic ball that regulates the amount of received water. For temperature control, move the handle left or right, and for water flow, move the handle up or down. A metal ball is considered the most durable because a plastic ball will eventually wear out.
• Basin - A bathroom or lavatory sink (vessel sink), usually bowl-shaped, that is permanently installed and joined to a water delivery system (water faucet) and drain; a basin is typically used for washing your hands and face.
• Basin Taps - Sink faucets with separate cold and hot water valves that permit the two types of water not to be mixed.
• Bathroom Vanity - A bathroom cabinet that encloses a basin and its water lines and drain, usually furnished with shelves and drawers underneath for storage of toiletries. More information about bathroom vanities.
• Bowl - A round vessel sink that is open at the top. Glass Vessel Sinks (Bowls)
• Cap - The end piece used to end a line of cooper pipe.
• Ceramic Disk (Washerless) Faucets - This type of faucet is almost maintenance free and is usually guaranteed not to wear out. Ceramic valves are stronger than any other variety of valves on the market. Please note that all faucets in our collection have ceramic disk valves.
• Chemical Welding - A method that joins stiff plastic pipes together.
• Compression (Washer) Faucets - The most common type of faucet, which works by stalks that rise and fall to open and close the water flow. Compression faucets are less expensive but require maintenance and often repair.
• Deck Mount Faucets - Bath tub faucets that are installed directly onto the edge of a tub or onto the surrounding podium.
• Drain Pipes - Plastic or metal pipes collecting water from sinks, showers, bathtubs or appliances.
• Elbow - A bent piece of pipe used to make a turn of a cooper pipe at a particular angle.
• Faucet - A device for regulating the flow of a liquid from a reservoir such as a pipe or drum.
• Main Line (Server Line) - A chain of vessels serving to collect the waste that comes from toilets, sinks and bathtubs.
• Main Shutoff Valve - A water valve that allows you to shut off the water flow to the entire house.
• Plunger - A plumbing tool with a handle attached to a cup-shaped piece of rubber, typically used to clear a clogged pipe.
• Powered Auger - A plumbing tool resembling a spiral metal snake with drill-like driver.
• Rough-In Dimensions - The distance between the wall and sink in your bathroom or kitchen.
• Shutoff Valve - A water valve that allows you to turn on or off the water to a particular fixture (faucet) or part of your house.
• Snake (Drain Auger) - A plumbing tool that resembles a coiled spiral snake with a handle on one end.
• Soil Pipes (Soil Stack) - Large diameter pipes that lead to a sewer or septic tank.
• Stainless Steel Kitchen Sinks - stainless steel has excellent corrosion resistant characteristics. It can easily be cleaned thoroughly creating a surface that is not only beautiful but also very hygienic.
• Stop Valve - A valve that controls the water flow to a faucet.
• Tailpiece - The first pipe section connected to the bottom of a sink.
• Trap - A U-shaped pipe section located under the sink.
• Vent Pipes - Pipes that remove sewer gasses and allow air to enter the sewer system.
• Vessel Sink is a basin that is meant to be installed partially into your bathroom counter or that rests completely on top of the counter.
• Wall Mounted Faucet - A faucet that requires installation on the wall of the tub or bathroom.
• Waste Drain - A pipe section that takes the waste water out of the house.
• Waste Pipes - Pipes removing water and other materials from the toilet.