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Glossary |
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| Term | Definition | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Air Gap | A device usually mounted at the back of your kitchen sink, that connects between your dishwasher and your garbage disposer. It allows your dishwasher to discharge freely to your disposer, yet it prevents contaminated water from siphoning back to your dishes. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Ballcock,
Toilet Threads |
A special straight
thread size for fittings that connect to Toilets. A Cone
Seal or gasket is usually included, because straight threads will not
form a complete seal without a gasket of some
kind.
Thread sealants should not be used with Straight Threads or Plastic Ballcock Nuts. Connections should be firmly and securely tightened against the seal, but care should be taken to avoid over-tightening the joint. For metal fittings, hand tight plus 1/4 to 1/2 turn is usually sufficient. Plastic WingNut Fittings are designed to be hand tightened only, without the use of tools. A thread sealant lubricates the threads, which may make it too easy to over-tighten and overstress a plastic nut; or they may cause the nut to back off later and leak. Thread sealants also may contain chemicals which can damage some types of plastic materials. The seal provided is all that is needed for a leak free joint. For example: A 7/8" IPS straight thread fits Toilet connections. Same as 15/16" NPS and 7/8" Slip Joint or 7/8" Ballcock. |
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| Celcon®, POM | Celcon® is a brand of acetal copolymer plastic material also known as acetal resin or Polyoxymethylene (POM). Acetal resins are strong, rigid, and have good moisture, heat, and solvent resistance. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Comp,
Compression |
Usually a mechanical copper tube connection. A kind
of tubing or pipe connection where a nut, and then a sleeve or
ferrule is placed over a copper or plastic tube, and is compressed
tightly around the tube as the nut is tightened, forming a positive
grip and seal without soldering.
Make sure that you have a good fit and length, and that the tube or pipe is inserted fully into the fitting before you tighten the nut, because once the sleeve is formed, it cannot be removed from the tube. To replace a stop valve of this type, you usually will have to use the existing nut and sleeve unless the pipe extends far enough from the wall to cut it off and install new. It's best to wait until you have to cut the copper pipe, because if it gets too short, you will have to go into the wall to replace it. Thread sealants should not be used on compression joints, and may actually interfere with proper installation, causing them to leak. Also applies to flexible connectors that have a nut and gasket designed to attach directly to an SAE standard compression thread, without the use of a sleeve or ferrule. |
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| CPVC | Chlorinated Poly Vinyl Chloride Plastic Material. Like PVC, but withstands higher temperatures. |
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| Delrin®, POM | Delrin® is a brand of acetal homopolymer plastic material also known as acetal resin or Polyoxymethylene (POM). Acetal resins are strong, rigid, and have good moisture, heat, and solvent resistance. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| EPDM | EPDM rubber (ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber) is an elastomer that is compatible with fireproof hydraulic fluids, ketones, hot and cold water, and alkalis. It is not compatible with most oils, gasoline, kerosene, aromatic and aliphatic hydrocarbons, halogenated solvents, and concentrated acids. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Escutcheon |
Usually a decorative metal trim ring that goes around a pipe where it comes out of a wall ,to improve the appearance. Installed before stop valve is installed. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Faucet,
Faucet Threads |
A special straight thread size for fittings that connect to
Faucets. A Cone Seal or gasket is usually included, because straight
threads will not form a complete seal without a gasket
of some kind.
Thread sealants should not be used with Straight Threads. Connections should be firmly and securely tightened against the seal, but care should be taken to avoid over-tightening the joint. For metal fittings, hand tight plus 1/4 to 1/2 turn is usually sufficient. Plastic WingNut Fittings are designed to be hand tightened only, without the use of tools. A thread sealant lubricates the threads, which may make it too easy to over-tighten and overstress a plastic nut; or they may cause the nut to back off later and leak. Thread sealants also may contain chemicals which can damage some types of plastic materials. The seal provided is all that is needed for a leak free joint. For example: A 1/2" FIP straight thread fits standard 1/2" trade size Faucet Connections (1/2" ID-7/8" OD). Same as 7/8"-14 NPS and 1/2" IPS or 1/2" Slip Joint. |
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| FIP | Female Iron Pipe Connection. See: Tapered Pipe Threads. |
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| Flexible
Water Connector |
Usually a braided hose that connects your
faucet or toilet the the water supply stop valve.
The same function as a riser, but much more flexible
and easier to install. Most often Stainless Steel Braided hose
or PVC/Polyester re-enforced hose.
Select a connector of adequate length to avoid sharp bends. Connections should be firmly and securely tightened against the seal, but care should be taken to avoid over-tightening the joint. For metal fittings, hand tight plus 1/4 to 1/2 turn is usually sufficient. Plastic WingNut Fittings are designed to be hand tightened only, without the use of tools. A thread sealant lubricates the threads, which may make it too easy to over-tighten and overstress a plastic nut; or they may cause the nut to back off later and leak. Thread sealants also may contain chemicals which can damage some types of plastic materials. The seal provided is all that is needed for a leak free joint. Also Plain and Corrugated Metal types. See: Riser |
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| FMPX | Female Pipe Swivel Connection. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| GPH | Gallons Per Hour. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| GPM | Gallons Per Minute. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ID | Inside Diameter | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| IPS,
Slip Joint, NPS |
Internal Pipe Swivel Connection. (Female) Same
as Slip Joint, 1/2" IPS Faucet, 7/8" IPS Toilet. See: Straight Pipe Threads |
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| Lexan®, polycarbonate |
Lexan® is a brand of highly durable polycarbonate plastic material originally intended to replace glass and acrylic plastic where strength justifies its cost. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| MIP | Male Iron Pipe Connection. Tapered Male Pipe. See: Tapered Pipe Threads. |
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| MPX | Male Pipe Swivel Connection | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Nitrile, BUNA N, NBR | Nitrile rubber (BUNA, NBR), is a synthetic rubber copolymer of acrylonitrile (ACN) and butadiene. This form of synthetic rubber is generally less resistant to oil, solvents, and acids; but offers excellent resistance to water and abraision. However (like natural rubber), it can be attacked by ozone, aromatic hydrocarbons, ketones, esters and aldehydes. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| NOM Comp,
Nominal Compression |
NOM usually refers to the Inside
Diameter of trade sizes of Copper pipes and some CPVC pipes.
Not for Iron Pipe Connections.
For example: 1/2" NOM Comp. fittings are actually standard 5/8" SAE compression fittings, because the 1/2" I.D. trade size copper pipe is 5/8" O.D. A 1/2" NOM Comp stop valve would attach directly to a 5/8" OD (1/2" trade size) copper pipe where it comes out of the wall. See: Compression |
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| NPS | National Pipe Straight Threads Standard, IPS See: Straight Pipe Threads |
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| NPT | National Pipe Tapered Threads Standard, FIP, MIP See: Tapered Pipe Threads. |
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| OD | Outside Diameter | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| OEM | Original Equipment Manufacturer | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| PE | Polyethylene Plastic Material | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| PEX | Cross Linked Polyethylene Plastic Material. Stronger than PE | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Potable Liquid | Fit to drink | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| PP | Polypropylene Plastic Material | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| PVC | Poly Vinyl Chloride Plastic Material | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Riser,
Flex Riser |
A metal or plastic tube that connects your faucet or toilet to the water
supply stop
valve. Usually made of copper. Metal Flex Risers are corrugated to
facilitate bending.
Use care when installing and do not re-use all metal types, as they will work harden and crack or break if they are bent repeatedly in the same place. Select a connector of adequate length to avoid sharp bends, and bend gradually. A sharp bend or too short in length may put a kink in the tube, causing it to fail prematurely. |
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| SAE | Society of Automotive Engineers Standard | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SAE
Threads UNC, UNF |
A standard kind of straight thread used on fittings, nuts,
and bolts.
Not for Pipe Connections. For example: A 1/2"-13 SAE thread is 1/2" OD - 13 Threads Per Inch. A 1/2"-20 SAE thread is 1/2" OD - 20 Threads Per Inch. Same as 1/2-13 UNC and 1/2-20 UNF |
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| Slip Joint,
IPS |
Same as IPS. (Female) 1/2" IPS Faucet, 7/8" IPS Toilet. Internal Pipe Swivel Connection. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stem | A rod or pipe that connects the float to the valve arm.
A 1/8" NPT Stem is a 1/8" trade size pipe or solid rod approximately 3/8" O.D., with tapered pipe threads. A 3/8"-16 Stem is a 3/8" O.D. solid rod with UNC threads. A 3/8" NPT Stem is a 3/8" trade size pipe approximately 5/8" O.D., with tapered pipe threads. Also the part that turns on a stop valve or faucet. |
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| Stops,
Supply Stops, Straight Stops, Angle Stops. |
Those little valves under your sink or toilet that shut off the Hot and/or Cold water supplies to your faucet or toilet. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Straight Pipe Threads,
FIP Straight, MIP Straight, NPS, IPS, Slip Joint, Faucet Threads, Toilet Threads. |
A special kind
of straight thread used only on Iron pipe, Toilet,
and Faucet pipe fittings. A Cone Seal or gasket is usually included,
because straight threads will not form a complete seal without
a gasket of some kind.
Unlike tapered threads, thread sealants should not be used with straight threads, and may actually interfere with proper installation, causing them to leak. Connections should be firmly and securely tightened against the seal, but care should be taken to avoid over-tightening the joint. For metal fittings, hand tight plus 1/4 to 1/2 turn is usually sufficient. Plastic WingNut Fittings are designed to be hand tightened only, without the use of tools. A thread sealant lubricates the threads, which may make it too easy to over-tighten and overstress a plastic nut; or they may cause the nut to back off later and leak. Thread sealants also may contain chemicals which can damage some types of plastic materials. The seal provided is all that is needed for a leak free joint. For example: A 1/2" FIP straight thread fits standard 1/2" trade size Iron pipe or Faucet Connections (1/2" ID-7/8" OD). Same as 7/8"-14 NPS and 1/2" IPS or Slip Joint. For example: A 7/8" IPS straight thread fits Toilet connections. Same as 15/16" NPS and 7/8" Slip Joint or Ballcock. Straight pipe threads do not form a tight seal, but are often used with a flange, gasket and locknut where a pipe or valve goes through a tank wall. Also used with a gasket or nosecone seal for 1/2" IPS Faucet and angle stop connections, 1/2" Iron Pipe Connections, 7/8" IPS Toilet connections, etc. Same as Slip Joint. See: Tapered Pipe Threads |
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| Supply Kit | Usually a kit of all parts needed to connect a faucet or toilet to the pipes coming out of the wall. Usually includes stop valves, water connectors, and escutcheons. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sweat,
NOM Sweat, Nominal Sweat, Solder Connection |
A soldered pipe connection. NOM usually refers to the
Inside Diameter of trade sizes of Copper pipes. Not
for Iron Pipe Connections.
For example: 1/2" NOM Sweat fittings are actually 5/8" ID, because the 1/2" I.D. trade size copper pipe is 5/8" O.D. A 1/2" NOM Sweat stop valve would be soldered directly to a 5/8" OD (1/2" trade size) copper pipe where it comes out of the wall. Be sure that the pipe is cut squarely, and that all parts are clean metal before soldering. Use care to avoid getting the stop valve too hot when soldering. A wet rag may help. Be very careful not to let solder and/or acid fluxes drip on other nearby connectors and fittings, especially any kind of flexible gas connectors. |
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| Tapered Pipe
Threads FIP, MIP, NPT |
A standard kind of thread used normally on Iron or Brass pipe and pipe fittings.
For example: A 1/2" FIP thread fits standard 1/2" trade size Iron pipe (1/2" ID-7/8" OD). Same as 7/8"-14 NPT. Tapered pipe threads do not need a gasket or cone seal, but a thread sealant must be applied to the male threads only, before the joint is assembled. Use care to avoid getting sealant inside the pipe. Unlike straight threads, tapered thread joints seal better the more they are tightened, making them essential for leak free Iron Pipe joints. A female straight thread fitting or slip joint connection may be attached to a tapered male thread, as long as a gasket or seal is incorporated into the female fitting design. A thread sealant alone would not seal. In this case, a thread sealant may actually interfere with proper installation, causing the joint to to leak. Female tapered threads are not suitable for Faucet or Toilet Connections. Even if you use a thread sealant, a female tapered thread fitting will not seal if it is attached to a male straight thread like a faucet or toilet connection. Generally, do not mix Tapered with Straight Thread pipes and fittings unless special seals are provided. |
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| Teflon®, PTFE | Teflon® is a brand of Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) synthetic fluoropolymer. It is very non-reactive, and so is often used for reactive and corrosive chemicals. It offers higher temperature range and excellent resistance to most fluids, including water and oil. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| TPI | Threads Per Inch | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| UNC or UC or NC | Unified National Coarse Thread (National Coarse) A standard kind of Coarse straight thread used on fittings, nuts, and bolts. Not for Pipe Connections. |
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| UNF or UF or NF | Unified National Fine Thread (National Fine) A standard kind of Fine straight thread used on fittings, nuts, and bolts. Not for Pipe Connections. |
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| Uni-Flex, Uni-Bob | One-piece stop and riser combination. One-piece supply. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Viton® , FKM | Viton® is a brand of synthetic rubber and fluoropolymer elastomer (FKM). This form of synthetic rubber is generally more resistant to oil, solvents, and acids, and offers excellent resistance to water. Viton is generally compatible with hydrocarbons (an advantage over Buna-N, which is the most common seal material), but incompatible with ketones such as acetone. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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