The Nation's Leader in Defective Pipe Replacement

HOUSE TRAP: U-shaped fitting with two adjacent cleanout plugs visible at floor level if main drain runs under floor.

HUBLESS (No-Hub): Cast iron drainage pipe with neoprene gaskets and clamps.

HYDRONIC: System of forced hot water.

INDIRECT WASTES: Waste pipe used to convey gray water by discharging it into a plumbing fixture such as a floor drain.

INSERT FITTING: Type of fitting, which is inserted into the pipe in order to connect two or more pieces of pipe. After the fitting is inserted into the pipe a crimp ring is placed over the pipe and fitting in order to create a seal. Covered insert fittings are those fittings which are composed of acetal or copper and have an insert connector at every connection.

INSPECTION: An organized examination or formal evaluation exercise that involves measurements and tests.

INSTANTANEOUS WATER HEATER: A type of water heater that heats water as it flows through a heat exchanger coil.

INTERIOR WATER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM: see water distribution system.

JET: An orifice or other feature of a toilet designed to quickly direct water into the trapway to start the siphon action.

JOHNNI-BOLTS: Closet bolts, used to mount toilet bowls to the closet flange.

KITEC: An engineered composite pipe made from flexible aluminum tubing -permanently bonded between layers of durable polyethylene.

KNOCKOUT PLUG: PVC test plug.

LAVATORY (LAV): A fixed bowl or basin with running water and drainage for washing. Bathroom sink.

LEACH FIELD: Porous soil area, through which septic tank leach lines run to empty the treated waste.

LEADER: Pipe carrying rainwater to the ground or sewer.

LEAK: Leak means any verifiable failure in any component of a PB Plumbing System leading to unwanted discharge of water exclusive of (1) a leak in the first year of any applicable warranty period provided by the unit’s builder, contractor or manufacturer (2) a leak resulting from abuse of such system or circumstances unrelated to ordinary use of such system, including acts of nature (e.g. earthquake, fire, flood, hurricane, tornado, etc.) (3) a leak that may be repaired without cutting the wall in or at (a) a valve, or (b) a riser (which is the connecting line from a shut-off valve to a fixture) or an adapter to a fixture and (4) a leak in an ice-maker line.

LOCK NUT: Nut fitted into a piece of pipe and screwed onto another pipe to join the two pieces.

MAIN: The water supply or drain system’s primary artery in which all the branches connect. In the case of drains, also known as the main vent.

MALE THREADS: Threads on the outside of pipes and fittings.

MALLEABLE FITTINGS: Fittings made of soft and pliable metal.

MANIFOLD: A fitting that connects a number of branches to the main and serves as a distribution point.

MECHANICALS: The wiring, plumbing and heating and cooling systems in a building; also the components with moving parts such as furnaces, plumbing fixtures, etc.

MIXED FITTING SYSTEM: A system with both plastic and metal insert fittings as original installation. A system that has been repaired by installing metal fittings to replace original plastic fittings is not a Mixed System.

MOBILE HOME: Manufactured housing constructed according to Federal Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards (HUD Title 6). Mobile property constructed with an undercarriage for wheels. A mobile home may later be affixed to a foundation making a more permanent installation. Not to be confused with a modular home.

MODULAR HOME: Manufactured housing designed for assembly on the home site and built in accordance with a “Specification Code” administered by each state, generally following the national Uniform Building Code (UBC). These structures are transported to a location with the intent to remain affixed to that location indefinitely.

MULTI-STAGE PUMP: A pump that has more than one impeller.

MULTI-UNIT PROPERTY: Any dwelling or complex of dwellings with five or more units and/or a commercial property.

NIPPLE: A short length of pipe installed between couplings or other fittings.

NO-HUB CONNECTOR: A connector for no-hub iron pipe consisting of a rubber sleeve and a stainless steel band secured by hose clamps. A variation, featuring a neoprene sleeve with two adjustable steel bands, connects two dissimilar materials, as when connecting new plastic pipe to an existing cast-iron drainpipe.

O-RING: Round rubber washer used to create a watertight seal, chiefly around valve stems.

OAKUM: Loosely woven hemp rope that has been treated with oil or other waterproofing agent used to caulk joints in a bell and spigot pipe and fittings.

OUTLET SEWER: Pipe section in a septic system that runs between the septic tank and the drainage field.

PACKING: Fibrous material used to prevent leaks on faucets.

PACKING NUT: Nut that holds the stem of a faucet in position and holds the packing material.

PB PLUMBING SYSTEM: That portion of any potable water distribution system with an Installation Date between January 1, 1978 and July 31, 1995, which is within a structure and is composed of Polybutylene Pipe with acetal or metal insert fittings (or any combination thereof). PB Plumbing System does not include PB Yard Service Line.

PB YARD SERVICE LINE: That portion of any potable water distribution system with an Installation Date between January 1, 1978 and July 31, 1995, which extends from the water company cutoff valve or a water source to the transition to the inside plumbing system in or at the structure (excluding the meter) and which is composed of Polybutylene Pipe with or without metal or acetal fittings.

PB YARD SERVICE LINE REPLACEMENT: The replacement of a PB Yard Service Line with a PVC or other equivalent non-polybutylene yard service system that conforms to all applicable codes and standards and repair of the premises to return the premises, as nearly as practicable and reasonable, to the condition existing prior to the Qualifying Yard Service Leak.

PB2110M: Polybutylene pipe labeled PB2110m is not covered by the Settlement.

PEAK HOUR DEMAND: Time when the largest demand for hot water occurs.

PERMIT: An authorization, license, or equivalent control document issued by a state or local approved agency to implement the requirements of an environmental regulation.

PIPE DOPE: Slang for pipe-joint compound. Substance applied to threaded fittings to create a watertight seal.

PIPELINE: A series of pipes used to transport and/or distributed water.

PITCH: Downward slope of a drain pipe in the direction of the water flow.

PLUMB: Precisely vertical. Also, to test for, or make, vertical. Also, to perform plumbing work.

PLUMBER’S PUTTY: Pliable, popular putty used to seal joints between drain pieces and fixture surfaces.

PLUMBING TREE: Prefabricated set of drain waste, vent, and supply lines.

POLYBUTYLENE (PB) PIPE: Potable water pipe or tubing made from polybutylene resin manufactured and/or sold by Shell Oil Company. Polybutylene is also called “poly pipe”, “plastic pipe”, “plastic resin”, “blue and gray pipe”, “big blue”, PB2110, and “poly blue”.

P0LYETHYLENE: Derived from a polymer developed in the 1950’s. This pipe is a rigid typically black product used in both sewer and water lines. In 1997 the pipe was also produced blue with black interior or black with a blue stripe. This pipe is typically labeled with either HDPE or MDPE. It is not covered under this Settlement.

POLYSULFONE FITTING: A type of plastic insert fitting, typically black in color, manufactured by Vanguard. Found mainly in newer manufactured homes. System composed of and/or leaks occurring in these fittings are not covered.

POP-UP DRAIN: Type of drain assembly for lavatory and bath. When a lavatory lift rod or bath overflow plate lever lifts, the pop-up drain closes so the lavatory or tub retains water.

PORT: An opening in a burner head through which gas or an air-gas mixture discharges for ignition.

POTABLE: The potable water system is the portion of the plumbing system that carries water to fixtures such as faucets. Potable water is used for drinking, cooking, bathing, and washing.

PRESSURE BALANCE VALVE: Shower mixing valve that automatically maintains a balance between incoming hot and cold water supplies by immediately regulating fluctuations in pressure. As a result, temperature remains constant, though the outlet pressure may drop. Also known as an anti-scald valve.

PRESSURE TANK: Device used to pump water from a well.

PRESSURE TUBING: Tubing used to conduct fluids under pressure, at elevated temperatures or under both conditions. Produced to stricter tolerances than pipe.

PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride): A plastic plumbing material, typically white or black, used primarily for yard service pipe, outdoor irrigation systems or interior drain, waste and vent systems.

RATED STORAGE VOLUME: Quantity of water stored in a tank.

REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS: Pay at closing. Seller pay for re-plumb at closing – No out of pocket expense. Lock box access for inspection.

REAMER: A grinding tool used to level or remove burrs from valve seats in faucets so that the valve stem will fit properly.

RECOVERY CAPACITY: The amount of water in gallons per hour raised 100 degrees Fahrenheit at any given thermal efficiency and BTU per hour input.

REDUCER: A fitting that connects pipes of different sizes together.

RE-FINISHING: Repairing or reapplying existing texture and paint.

REPAIR: To fix only the leaking fitting or leaking section of pipe that has experienced or is experiencing a failure. Not a complete removal and/or replacement of the PB water system.

REPIPE (REPLUMB): The replacement of an interior PB plumbing system in a specific “Unit” with Type M copper, CPVC or other equivalent non-polybutylene plumbing system that conforms to all applicable codes and standards, and repair of access damage to return the “Unit”, as nearly as practicable, to the condition existing prior to the Replumb.

RETURN CIRCULATION SYSTEM: Tempered water from or near the point of usage that eliminates waste of hot water used for long runs and adds system storage.

REVENT: Pipe installed specifically to vent a fixture trap. Connects with the vent system above the fixture.

REVERSE TRAP WATER CLOSET: A water closet having a siphonic trapway at the rear of the bowl and an integral flushing rim and jet.

RIGID PIPE: Pipe designed to transmit the backfill load to the foundation beneath the pipe. Rigid pipe must be supported on the bottom portion of the pipe.

RIM HOLES: A series of small holes in the underside of a toilet rim, around the circumference of the bowl. Incoming water flows down into the bowl through these holes, creating a rinse effect or wash over the entire inner surface of the bowl.

RISER: A vertical metal or plastic tube or assembly that connects a faucet to the water supply stop valve. Usually made of copper. Corrugated metal flex risers facilitate bending. Also, a supply line that rises from one story to the next.

ROOF FLASHIN: Sheet metal installed at any break in a shingled roof line to prevent leaks. Also used around sewer vents, fluepipes.

ROUGH-IN: Installation of the drain, waste, vent, and supply lines in a structure to the proposed location of each fixture.

ROUGH-IN DIMENSIONS: The distance from a finished wall or floor to the center of the waste or supply opening or mounting holes on a plumbing fixture.

RUN: A complete or secondary section of pipe that extends from supply to fixture or drain to stack.

SADDLE VALVE: A valve mounted on a pipe run by a clamping device, or a fitting that taps into the side of a pipe, used to make quick connection to an existing line to provide a water supply for a low-demand device.

SANITARY SEWER: House drain that carries wastewater away from the house to a sewer system or septic tank.

SELF-RIMMING SINK: Sink with no metal ring that has a built-in lip of the same material that supports it in the vanity top.

SERVICE ENTRANCE: Pipe connecting the water company piping to the water meter.

SETTING: The vertical distance in feet from the top of the well to the top of the pump.

SEWER MAIN: An underground system designed to receive wastewater and transport it from homes to the local sewage treatment plant.

SHROUD: Color-matched component under a wall-mount lavatory that covers the drain outlet for aesthetic purposes.

SHUTOFF VALVE: This valve is close to the house or inside the house and shuts the water off to the interior water lines. This is not the meter valve.

SINGLE FAMILY PROPERTY: A property that is ordinarily expected to be occupied by a single family, irrespective of the relationship, if any, between or among the actual occupants. For more information see the UNIT definition for a Type I Unit.

SIPHON-VORTEX WATER CLOSET: A toilet with a trapway at the rear of the bowl, integral flushing rim, and water supply system with or without a jet that does not feed directly into the trap.

SLEEVE: Pipe that passes through a wall to insert another pipe through it.

SLIP JOINT: A connection made with compression fittings.

SOIL STACK: Largest vertical drain line to which all branch waste lines connect. This line carries waste to the sewer line.

SOLAR HOT WATER SYSTEMS: Systems designed to heat water for the potable water system. These are not designed to heat living spaces. These are usually installed as an auxiliary system that works in conjunction with a standard water heater.

SOLDER: Metal alloy melted to create a fused joint between metal pieces. Also, the act of melting solder into the joint.

SPUD: A threaded opening on the water heater tank. Also, a tool for digging with characteristics of both a shade and a chisel.

STACK: The vertical main in the drain, waste, and vent system, extending one or more stories.

STAND PIPE: Open vertical pipe that receives water from a washing machine. Also, the vertical pipe run supplying water to a fire sprinkler system. Also, a large vertical pipe into which water is pumped to produce a desired pressure; a high vertical pipe or reservoir used to secure uniform pressure in a water-supply system.

STATIC LIFT: The vertical distance between source and discharge water levels in a pump installation.

STOP VALVES: The shutoff valve under sinks and toilets. Allows water supply to be cut off to one fixture without affecting the water supply to other fixtures.

STRAIGHT CROSS: Fitting that connects four pipes of the same diameter.

SUBSTANTIAL COMPLETION: a phrase cited under Contracted Labor Law as giving specific legal rights to all parties in a service or labor contract. Substantial Completion is achieved at a specific time.

The American Institute of Architects defines Substantial Completion as:”…the stage in the progress of the Work when the Work or designated portion thereof is sufficiently complete in accordance with the Contract Documents so the Owner can occupy or utilize the Work for its intended use”. (A201-1992 § 9.8.1)

For the purposes of a turnkey replumb it is the completed installation of the new piping system (and major completion of drywall and paint repair for Interior Water Distribution System only). Cosmetic issues are not considered a default of the definition of substantial completion.

To the purchaser, it is legal recognition by the contractor that he/she has the legal right to have an agreed to punch list of items after completion of work. This could include, but not limited to, items that were not readily apparent at completion of work, such as paint not matching after drying and curing.

To the contractor, it gives him/her a definitive point in the Work progress at which they have the legal right to collect payment for goods and services.

SUMP: A pit or pool for draining, collecting, or storing water. A chamber that provides water to the pump.

SUPPLY LINES: A route over which hot or cold water is distributed to various fixtures.

SWEATING: Slang term for soldering. Also, formation of condensation on the outside of pipes or toilet tanks.

T & P DISCHARGE LINE: The conduit used to conduct expelled excess pressure or heat from the T & P Relief Valve. This line must drain unencumbered either to the exterior of a structure or into and approved floor drain. It may be discharged directly to a concrete floor in an unfinished area in some jurisdictions. This line cannot be trapped or capped. As this line is not a part of the potable system, does not contain water nor is it pressurized, it is not replaced as part of a replumb.

T & P RELIEF VALVE (Temperature and Pressure Relief Valve): A safety device used to expel excess pressure or heat from inside a water heater.

T & P VALVE: Temperature and pressure relief valve. A safety device used to expel excess pressure or heat from inside a tank.

TAILPIECE: Section of pipe that runs between a fixture outlet and the trap.

TAIL PIPE: The pipe added below the jet assembly, in a weak well application.

TANK: Fixture reservoir for flush water. On a conventional toilet, the tank houses the ballcock, flush valve, and trip lever. A tank lid closes the top tank opening.

TANK CROSS: A double-tee-shaped fitting installed between a shallow well pump and the bladder tank with integrated valve and gauge fittings, and an outlet for a pressure-relief valve.

TAP TEE: Cast iron tee with a threaded female side inlet.

THERMOCOUPLE: Small electric generator. Electron flow between the hot junction of 1200 degrees Fahrenheit and the cold junction of 600 degrees Fahrenheit to create millivolts.

THERMOSTATIC VALVE: Pressure-balancing shower mixing valve with automatic temperature control. When temperature or pressure fluctuations occur at the water inlets, a thermal actuator adjusts the hot and cold ratio to maintain the original temperature setting.

TRANSITION P0INT: That point where the Water Service Line enters the building through an exterior wall or rises above the interior basement floor, first floor or the slab and connect to the Interior Water Distributions System at a cut-off valve, the Water Heater, an accessible fitting, a fixture, a pressure reducing valve, a manifold or an interior Water Meter. NOTE: The Transition Point for a Single Unit located on a Multi-Unit property is the point at which the Water Service Line delivering water to the unit to be replumbed branches off from the main Distribution Line inside of unit.

TRAP: Curved section of the drain line that prevents sewer odors from escaping into the atmosphere. All fixtures that have drains must have a “P” trap installed. A toilet uses an “S” trap –the only plumbing fixture to do so.

TRAP ARM: The waste arm portion of a drainage trap.

TRAP DIP: The U-bend portion of a drainage trap.

TRAP PRIMER: A small feeder line connecting the cold water line directly to the drainage trap that releases a small amount of water if the trap runs dry, maintaining the water seal.

TRAP SEAL: Height of water in a toilet bowl “at rest”, as measured from the top of the dam down to the inlet of the trapway. It provides the water seal that prevents sewer gases from entering the home. Also referred to as a deep seal.

TRAPWAY: Channel in a toilet that connects the bowl to the waste outlet. Siphonic action takes place in the trapway. Measured in terms of the largest diameter ball that can pass through it. Also called the passageway.

TRIP LEVER: Flush handle and actuating arm on a toilet tank. Also, the lever that opens and closes the bathtub waste and overflow drain.

TURNKEY: a project that, when complete, is turned back over to the customer in the same or an agreed upon condition.

TURNKEY REPLUMB/REPIPE: The completed installation of the new piping system and major completion of drywall and paint repair for the interior water distribution system.

UNI-FLEX: One-piece stop and riser combination. One-piece supply.

UNION: Three-piece fitting that joins two sections of pipe, but allows them to be disconnected without cutting the pipe. Used primarily with steel pipe; never used in a DWV system.

UNIT: A Unit means any real property or structure, or part thereof, situated in the United States with a PB Plumbing System or PB Yard Service Line. A Type I Unit is a single family site-built or modular residence, a single family dwelling unit in a duplex, triplex or quadruple dwelling, a single-family unit in a condominium, a single family townhouse unit in a townhouse development, an apartment in an apartment building or complex, and each part of a commercial or other structure (e.g., a public or governmental structure, office building, store, shopping center, retail mall, factory, workshop, warehouse, garage, library, auditorium, museum, hospital, club, or public or private school, college or university) occupied by a single tenant or tenant group. When a structure other than a single family dwelling includes a common area with plumbing service, such as a common area restroom, laundry room, recreation room, clubhouse or communal kitchen, or plumbing servicing more than one unit, each such discrete area or plumbing system shall be considered to constitute an individual Unit separate and distinct from the other individual Units in the structure. A Type II unit shall mean a mobile home. Unit does not include boats, recreational vehicles, travel trailers, or other motorized vehicles or vehicles intended for regular use on public roads, nor shall it include any aspect of any municipal or other water service system upstream from the water company cutoff valve.

USABLE STORAGE: Percentage of hot water that can be drawn from a tank before the temperature drops below the point of being considered hot.

VACUUM BREAKER: An anti-siphon device that prevents the backflow of contaminated water into the water supply system.

VALVE: A device used for turning the water supply on and off. It is often referred to as “stops.” The mechanical failures of such valves are not covered.

VALVE DRESSING: Resurfacing a worn valve seat with a special tool. Stops leaks by providing a smooth sealing surface. Applies only to older compression style faucets.

VALVE SEAT: The non-moving part of a valve. Water flow stops when the moveable portion of the valve comes in contact with the valve seat.

VENT: A pipe that allows air into a drain system to balance the air pressure, preventing water in the traps from being siphoned off.

VENT HEADER: A vent pipe used to connect several vents. The vent pipe leads to the vent stack and out of the building.

VENT STACK: Upper portion of the soil stack above the topmost fixture through which gases and odors escape.

VENTURI: A short tube with a tapered constriction in the middle that causes an increase in the velocity of flow of a fluid and a corresponding decrease in fluid pressure. Used for creating suction in a vacuum pump.

VISCOSITY: The resistance of fluids to flow, due to internal forces and friction between molecules, that increases as temperature decreases.

VITREOUS CHINA: Ceramic materials fired at a high temperature to form a non-porous body, having exposed surfaces coated with ceramic glaze fused to the body. Used to form bathroom fixtures such as toilets, bidets, and lavs.

WASHDOWN WATER CLOSET: Water closet having a siphon trapway at the front of the bowl and an integral flushing rim.

WASTE ARM: Drain extension pipe, usually to extend a sink drain into a wall.

WASTE & OVERFLOW: Drain assembly for a bathtub. The outlet at the top removes the overflow water during tub filling and the drain at the bottom removes wastewater during draining of the tub.

WATER CLOSET: Toilet.

WATER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM: An interconnected collection of sources, pipes, fittings, and junctions linking and administering hot and cold water to various fixtures.

WATER HAMMER(WATER HAMMER ARRESTERS): A banging or thumping in water lines occurring when the flow of water is instantaneously stopped by the shutting off of a “quick closing valve” The sudden stop creates a pressure spike that reverberates throughout the system, rattling and shaking pipes. This pressure spike can be dissipated by use of a water hammer arrester, reducing potential of damage to expensive fixtures and appliances.

WATER MAIN: The primary pipe for conveying and distributing water to residential and commercial properties (aka Main Distribution Line).

WATER METER: A device used to measure the amount/volume of water usage.

WATER SERVICE LINE: All components of the plumbing system beginning at the Water Meter and terminating at the Transition Point.

WIDESPREAD: A style of bathroom lavatory faucet having separate spout and handles, usually 8″ from center of handle to handle.

YARD SERVICE: That portion of The Water Service Line that lies exclusively outside of a structure, “buried in the yard”.

YOKE: Usually a brass casting that holds both the hot and cold valves and the mixing chamber for the water. May also refer to an assembly of copper or other metal that serves the same function.