Plumbing glossary G
Ready for some plumbing related G-words? This simple plumbing glossary will help you get to grips with your plumber’s vocabulary in no time.
Galvanise – the process of applying a coating of zinc to the finished product to provide corrosion protection – the coating can be applied by hot dipping or electrolytic deposition
Galvanometer – Laboratory instrument that detects and measures small electrical currents
Gas cock – plug valve installed in the main gas line
Gasket – flat device, usually made of rubber, which is used to provide a watertight seal between metal joints
Gauge – refers to thickness of stainless steel and is commonly used in reference to quality grades on certain types of lavatories and sinks – for instance, 10 and 20-guage stainless steel sinks have gone through a number of polishing operations to establish a pristine finish
Giardiasis – a disease that results from an infection by the parasite Giardia, caused by drinking water that is either not filtered or not chlorinated
Gland – in a pump, the part that holds one half of the mechanical seal and attaches to the stuffing box
GPF – Gallons Per Flush – the rate of water flow by which toilets and flush valves are measured and regulated
Greensand – a natural mineral, primarily composed of complex silicates, which possess ion exchange properties
Greywater – waste water from sinks, showers and bathtubs, but not from toilets
Grip fitting – a compression-type fitting used on PB pipes
Grounding – connects a piece of electrical equipment to a ‘ground wire’, which is connected to the electrical system ground at the circuit breaker box – this helps to ensure the circuit breaker will trip and cut off power in the event of a short circuit or damage to insulation
Guide arm – the valve that controls water flow in to the toilet tank
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