Plumbing Dictionary

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Plumbing termonalogy.

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E

EFFECTIVE OPENING

The minimum cross-sectional area at the point of water supply discharge, measured or expressed in terms of the diameter of a circle or, if the opening is not circular, the diameter of a circle of equivalent cross-sectional area. For faucets and similar fittings, the effective opening shall be measured at the smallest orifice in the fitting body or in the supply piping to the fitting

ESCUTCHEON

Any decorative threaded flange below or behind a faucet handle. Also an ornamental plate used at the base of a faucet to cover additional holes on a lavatory or kitchen sink.

ESSENTIALLY NONTOXIC TRANSFER FLUIDS

Fluids having a Gosselin rating of 1, including propylene glycol; mineral oil; polydimethylsiloxane;  hydrochlorofluorocarbon, chlorofluorocarbon and hydrofluorocarbon refrigerants; and FDA-approved boiler water additives for steam boilers.

ESSENTIALLY TOXIC TRANSFER FLUIDS

Soil, waste or gray water and fluids having a Gosselin rating of 2 or more including ethylene glycol, hydrocarbon oils, ammonia refrigerants and hydrazine.

EXCESS AIR

Air which passes through the combustion chamber and the appliance flues in excess of that which is theoretically required for complete combustion.

EXISTING INSTALLATIONS

Any plumbing system regulated by this code that was legally installed prior to the effective date of this code, or for which a permit to install has been issued.

EXPOSED PIPING

Gas piping which will be in view in the finished structure.