Glossary of Plumbing Terms - E - Keidel Bath, Kitchen, Plumbing, Cabinetry, Appliances

Welcome to Keidel's Plumbing Glossary. Every industry and trade has its own standards and terminologies. This glossary is our attempt to help the general public understand some of the terms unique to our industry.

Our database contains over 1000 unique terms, compiled from a variety of public and private sources. To use the glossary efficiently you can click on the letter of the desired term that you would like to find. For example: click on "C" to find out about "Closet Augers" or "P" for "Petcock." Definitions listed here are provided without warranty.

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E. Coli	The common abbreviation of Escherichia Coli. One of the members of the coliform groups of bacteria indicating fecal contamination.

Earthquake Strap	A metal strap used to secure a water heater to the house frame or foundation.

Eccentric shank	A shank or the fitting with a shank in which the centerline is offset to allow minor compensation for supply lines that would be difficult to precisely position.

ECO	Energy Cut Off. A safety device designed to shut power off to the water heater and prevent high temperature.

Eddy Current Testing	Non-destructive testing method using eddy current flow to recognize a break or gap in pipe

Eductor	A device utilizing a nozzle and throat, installed in a stream of water to create a partial vacuum to draw air or liquid into the stream; commonly used to draw regeneration chemicals into an ion exchange water treatment system, such a softener or deionizer.

EF	Energy Factor. A measure of the overall efficiency rating of the water heater based on the model's recovery, efficiency, stand-by loss and energy input.

Efficiency	A product's ability to utilize input energy, expressed as a percentage.

Effluent	Septic system liquid waste

Ejector	A mechanical device for pumping sewage from below the sewer line.

Elbow	A fitting with two openings that changes the direction of the line. Also known as an ell. It comes in various angles from 22 ½ degrees to 90 degrees; often referred to by their angles (i.e. 45, 90)

Electric Resistance Weld Pipe (ERW)	Cold finished pipe made by a series of operations in which the flat rolled material is cold shaped into tubular form and welded at the seam. The heat for the weld is generated at the seam by the resistance to the flow of electric current applied through electrical contacts or an induction coil.

Electrodialysys	A process which uses an electrical current and an arrangement of permeable membranes to separate soluble minerals from water. It is often used to desalinate salt or brackish water .

Electrolysis	A process involving chemical change caused by the passage of an electric current through a liquid.

Electrolyte	A nonmetallic substance that carries an electric current, or a substance which, when dissolved in water, separates into ions which can carry an electric current.

Element	Heating unit in an electric water heater

Elevation	The vertical distance between the level where fluid enters a pipe and the level where it leaves. It must be added to the Total Discharge Head if the inlet is lower than the outlet and subtracted if the inlet is higher.

Ell	see: elbow

Elongated	The shape of some toilet bowls, where the bowl is about 2 inches longer than the standard round front bowl, usually 14 inches wide by 18 ½ inches long.

E M I	ElectroMagnetic Inspection - A method used to determine wall thickness and detect imperfections in steel tubes.

EMT	Electrical Metal Tubing; a thin wall galvanized steel pipe used to carry electrical or other types of conductors

Enamel	An opaque vitreous composition applied by fusion to the surface of metal fixtures such as cast iron and pressed steel tubs, lavs, and sinks. Enameled steel is less durable than enameled cast-iron.

Enclosure	Panels of glass or other material used to form shower or tub stalls.

End Body	A faucet valve body configuration in which both the inlet and outlet are at the end of the valve body.

End Drain	The side of a tub where the drain is found. When facing a tub, if the drain is on the right, this is a Right-Hand tub (RH). If on the left, it is a Left Hand tub (LH). On whirlpools, the pump is located opposite the drain.

Endpoint	(1) The point at which a process is stopped because a predetermined condition is met; (2) in an ion exchange water softener service run, this is where the hardness of the softener effluent increases to a predefined concentration, often 1.0 grain per gallon; (3) in a filter service this may be where the pressure drop across the filter reaches a predetermined value.

Energy Guide Label	Label required by the FTC on water heaters that show 1) an estimated annual cost of operation and 2) how that unit's efficiency compares to all other comparable models.

EPA	Environmental Protection Agency

ERW	Electric Resistance Weld. A method used to manufacture electric resistance weld pipe. Most common form of manufacture for pipes 2 3/8" to 22" in diameter.

Escutcheon	A decorative metal flange or trim shield beneath a faucet handle that covers the faucet stem and the hole in the fixture or wall.

E U E	External Upset Ends - forging the ends of tubing and drill pipe to provide additional thickness for strengthening connections.

EW	Electric Weld. (See ERW)

Expanded Pipe	Pipe that has been enlarged circumferentially by mechanical or hydraulic pressure.

Expansion Tank	A tank designed to absorb excess pressure due to thermal expansion. (e.g. closed system)

Expansion Valve	Thermostatically controlled valve that controls liquid refrigerant.

Extinction Pop	A flashback occurring when a burner is turned off

Extra Strong	A standard pipe weight designation (XS). Sometimes called XH (Extra Heavy)

Extrusion	Refers to the result of forcing molten metal or plastic through a die or mold to form a specific shape. Commonly refers to shower door components such as jambs and headers that were created by extrusion.

Eye of the impeller	The center of the impeller, where the fluid enters.

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