Plumbing Terms to Know: Bathroom Fixtures

In order to get the most out of plumbing tips, it could be helpful to get an overview of some frequently used terms. Here then is a brief glossary that will hopefully prevent the need to scour the web for various definitions, as many helpful terms are here in one place.

Sink & Shower Parts

Here are various parts you may need to access in order to solve clogged drains in the bathroom:

• Aerator: Inside a faucet or showerhead, the aerator sends water through a very thin wire netting. It does this to increase the water pressure, enabling you to get the force you need while decreasing the amount of water used.
• Cartridge Filter Faucet: This refers to a type of faucet that already comes with a filter to make water drinkable.
• Rotary Ball Faucet: This type of faucet regulates temperature and flow through a built-in ball mechanism.
• Sink Trap: The curve in the pipe that leads to the sink. This curve is meant to trap items that mistakenly slip down the drain, holding such items there so you are able to reclaim them.

Parts of a Water Closet

By the way, the term “water closet” itself can refer to the toilet or to the bathroom.

• Flapper Valve: This can cut off or allow water to flow to the tank. You can find this part at the bottom of the toilet tank.
• Float Ball: Inside of the toilet tank, this ball monitors the water level. If the water goes too high, this raises the ball high enough to cut off the water going to the tank.
• Flush Lever Rod: When you push down on the lever to flush, this moves the attached rod, which is also connected to either the flapper valve or the tank ball.
• Outlet Pipe: This is the pipe that joins the toilet bowl with the tank.
• Spud Nut & Washer: The spud washer plugs the gap you can find between the toilet bowl and the flush valve. The spud nut fastens the spud washer to that spot.
• Tank Bolts: At the bottom of the toilet tank, these bolts fasten the tank to the base. Between every bolt and the tank, there is a rubber gasket to make a watertight seal.
• Tank Ball: When you push down the flush lever, this pulls up on the tank ball, which releases water into the tank. When the water returns to the right level, the tank ball will return to its spot.

With a little more understanding of the fixtures around your house, you could be better able to handle repair jobs that need doing. And if you have further questions, do not hesitate to contact an experienced plumbing technician for the answers you need. And if you do not have the resources (especially time) to address a plumbing issue around your house, don’t wait to call A-1 Sewer & Septic Service Inc.! No problem is too little or too great for our expert team of Kansas City plumbers to handle. Get a quote today!