Plumbing Terminology - D

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | Y

Disposal Field

With a disposal field is meant a series of trenches to which the effluent form the septic tank is conveyed. The disposal fields are designed and laid out in such a way that the flow from the septic will graduately be distributed into the natural soil that surrounds the disposal field.

Diverter

A diverter is a three-way valve which splits up incoming water flow in multiple directions to other outlets. Tthe waterflow can be diverted from one outlet to another, or different inlets can be selected and sent to a common outlet. In the plumbing trade diverters are used in showers, tubs, bidets, and sinks.

Double Sanitary Tee

A double sanitary tee also know as a sanitary cross is a fitting that differs from a standard cross in that two of the ports have curved inlets. The fitting has been used in the past for connecting the drains of back to back fixtures (such as back to back bathroom sinks). Some current codes preclude the use of this fitting for that purpose. Instead a Double Fixture Fitting is required.

Drain Rod

A set of drain rods is plumbing equipment used to attempt to unblock drains and sewers. The set normally consists of several stiff, but flexible, rods, each approximately one metre long, which may be screwed together end-to-end. In addition the set usually has one or two unblocking tools, which may be a flat plate or an auger, which can be screwed onto one end.

The screwed together rods and tool are inserted into a drain or sewer from an access point, sometimes referred to as a rodding point or cleanout, and used to attempt to dislodge a blockage. Rodding is the act of using a drain rod.

Drum Trap

A drum trap is a plumbing fixture, which is cylindrical in shape, which retains water as a seal, with an outlet at its top and an inlet at its base. Used in plumbing fixtures that are too low to the floor for installation of a P-trap.

DWV - Drain, Waste, Vent

In the plumbing trade the acronym DWV stands for Drain, Waste and Vent. These are the three main parts that make up a plumbing drainage system which carries, and removes waste and rain water, other liquids, and human excreta from fixtures to a sewer or other disposal receptacle.