Two-Handle
Two-handle faucets feature separate handles to control hot and cold water temperature.
Three-Handle
Three-handle faucets also use separate handles for hot and cold water,
but have an additional handle to divert the water from bath spout to
showerhead.
Ballcock
The mechanism that controls the flow of water into a gravity-operated
toilet tank. The ballcock is controlled by the float mechanism floating
in the water in the tank. When the toilet is flushed, the float drops
and opens the ballcock, allowing water to enter the tank and/or bowl.
The float rises as the water level in the tank is restored, and shuts
off the ballcock when the tank is completely filled. Also referred to
as a float valve.
Ball Passage
Refers to the size of a ball that can pass through the trapway of a
toilet. Standards are established based on minimum-sized ball passage.
Ball passage also relates to trapway size. Generally speaking, the size
of the trap will be 1/8 larger than the maximum-sized ball that can
pass through it.
Barrier-Free
A feature that provides better accessibility in the bathroom;
barrier-free sinks craft an indentation on the front, allowing closer,
easy access; barrier-free showers implement a low receptor lip for a
smooth, easy transition in and out of the shower.
Bidet
A personal hygiene fixture with hot and cold water supply for genital and perineal cleanliness.
Bisque
Unglazed areas of vitreous china fixtures, such as inside the tank or on the bottom of the bowl foot, have a bisque finish.
Bowl
A water-containing receptor that receives liquid and solid body waste;
two general bowl classifications are round-front and elongated.
Bodyssage Backjet SystemThis
system for KOHLER® whirlpools features ten backjets that operate in
sequences to simulate a spa massage; they loosen tension up the back
and across the shoulders, as well as encourage deep breathing.
Ceiling-Mount Bath FillerA small, circular nozzle mounted directly above the bath, gracefully trickling water from the ceiling.
ChromatherapyA system of directing light sequences on or around the body to promote relaxation.
Class Five™ TechnologyA
flushing technology designed to create extraordinary flushing
performance with an industry-leading 3¼" flush valve; provides powerful
water flow to maximize the gravity-fed flush, and features simplified
installation and an eco-friendly 1.4-gallon flush setting option.
Close-Coupled
A term for a toilet with a separate tank and bowl, secured to each
other, and with a separate tank cover. Also referred to as a two-piece
toilet.
Comfort Height™The
height of a toilet bowl (with seat) that stands at the same height as a
standard chair for maximum comfort and ease when sitting down or
standing up.
Concealed TrapwayThis
feature provides a clean transition at the back of the toilet base,
hiding the trapway for aesthetic and cleanability purposes.
Cycle Time
The time it takes from the instant a toilet flush lever is actuated
until the instant the water supply shuts off, completing the flush
cycle.
Dam
The barrier built into the trapway of a toilet that controls the water level in the toilet bowl.
DryLock™ SystemThis
exclusive system saves installation time and helps prevent water
leakage. An innovative metal bracket, placed at the bottom of the tank,
means that no bolt holes are drilled into the tank, virtually
eliminating water leaks. Additionally, the installer can secure the
tank to the bowl with only one tool, a socket wrench, without having to
reach inside the tank.
Elongated Bowl
A toilet bowl having dimensions of 14" x 18½" long (from the center of
the seat hinge holes to the front edge of the outside rim).
Enamel
A powder coating, usually a combination of clay, quartz, feldspar,
silica and color pigments, applied to an iron casting. When exposed to
high temperatures, the coating melts and fuses to the casting, creating
a glass-like surface. The thickness of KOHLER enamel provides
outstanding protection against chipping and scratching while offering
deep color integrity.
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.
Fixture-Mount Vacuum BreakerAn
anti-siphon device that prevents waste water from being drawn back into
supply lines, potentially contaminating the water supply; a type of
backflow prevention.
Flapper
Also known as flush ball, the flapper is the moving part of the flush
valve that seals the water into the tank or allows water to exit the
tank for the flush cycle. This is the predominant replacement part used
on conventional toilets.
Flexjet™ Whirlpool JetsFlexjets
are individually adjustable whirlpool jets that target specific areas
of the body; they are available color-matched or in multiple finishes.
Float Ball
The floating ball is connected to the ballcock inside the tank, which
rises or falls with changing water levels in the tank, and actuates or
shuts off the ballcock as needed.
Flushing Surface
The interior surface of the bowl, as well as all other surfaces that may come into contact with the water during flushing.
Flushometer Tank System
A toilet flushing system that utilizes supply water pressure to
compress water in order to provide a pressurized flush (versus a
gravity flush).
Flush Valve
The valve located at the bottom of a gravity-operated toilet flush tank
that opens when the trip lever is actuated and closes when the tank has
drained to the desired level. It usually contains an overflow tube as
well.
FRPFiberglass
reinforced plastics; FRP fixtures are lightweight and easy to install;
a gelcoat finish retains the products true color.
GlazeA glossy, water-resistant, colored finish surface that protects all nonporous vitreous china plumbing fixtures.
GPFAn abbreviation for "gallons per flush", a term used when discussing water consumption for toilets.
GPMVolumetric flow rate in gallons per minute.
Gravity-Fed Toilet
A toilet that relies on the natural downward pressure (or "head") of water in a toilet tank to flush the toilet effectively.
Hand BasinAn occasionally detachable lavatory basin resting atop a wet surface lavatory, typically smaller than the average basin.
HydrotherapyThe use of water for healing purposes, many times through water massage.
Ingenium® Flushing SystemA flushing technology that delivers complete 3.5-gallon performance in a 1.6-gallon package.
Insuliner® Tank LinerA
registered trademark name for factory-installed tank insulation, which
minimizes condensation on the outside of the tank (also known as tank
sweating) when exposed to high humidity.
JetAn
orifice or other feature of both a toilet and whirlpool; a toilet jet
is designed to direct water into the trapway quickly, to start the
siphon action; a whirlpool jet is designed to direct air and water
throughout the whirlpool to create flow and/or bubbles.
Low-Consumption ToiletA
classification of toilet designed to flush using 1.6 or less gallons of
water, as opposed to the outdated 3.5-gallon toilets and other
higher-consumption toilets.
MasterClean™A type of faucet sprayface that withstands mineral buildup and can be cleaned simply by rubbing the sprayface with your fingers.
Metal Frame InstallationA metal frame is mounted around the bathroom lavatory.
Neo-Angle ShowerA shower that fits in the corner of the room, either with a straight or round-front.
A
toilet in which the tank and bowl are manufactured as a single vitreous
china fixture. Typically, one-piece toilets have a lower profile than
two-piece toilets, with some featuring a Comfort Height™ bowl.
Overflow TubeThe
vertical tube inside a toilet tank (usually part of the flush valve)
that directs water into the bowl in case the ballcock malfunctions. If
the ballcock does not shut off properly, water will drain through the
overflow tube into the bowl, and flow harmlessly over the dam and out
the drain. This prevents potential water damage caused by the tank
overflowing and indicates to the user that there is a problem by a
"constant running" condition. On most toilets, the overflow tube also
has a refill tube flowing into it. The refill line directs water from
the ballcock through the overflow tube to the bowl after the siphon
break.
Overflowing BathA
deep, oversized bath with a surrounding reservoir to provide maximum
water volume, allowing the bather to completely submerge; the reservoir
allows water to continuously trickle over the sides of the basin for a
soothing, deep soak sensation.
Peacekeeper®A
patented, factory-installed, battery-powered, seat-actuated KOHLER
flushing system, which initiates the flush cycle when the user simply
lowers the seat lid.
Pedestal LavatoryA stand-alone fixture with a lavatory resting atop a narrow base; similar to the shape of a birdbath.
Pressure Clean™A trademarked name for our Kohler-designed and manufactured 1.6 gpf flushometer tank system.
Priming JetAn opening in a toilet bowl through which tank-supplied water flows, designed to propel waste up into the trapway.
ProFlex®Whirlpools
and baths with flexible options for builders and homeowners, including
various installation solutions due to multiple pump location options.
Push-Button DiverterA small button attached to the shower faucet that switches easily between shower and bath.
PVDStands
for Physical Vapor Deposition; PVD is a process that bonds the finish
color to the faucet, helping it resist scratches, corrosion and
tarnishing.
Quick-Release™A
KOHLER technology that unlatches the back hinges of the toilet seat for
easy seat removal and convenient cleaning; no tools required.
Quiet-Close™A KOHLER technology utilized on toilet seats that prevents slamming by slowly bringing the seat to a gentle close.
Refill TubeOn most toilets, a refill tube directs water from the ballcock into the overflow tube to refill the bowl after the siphon break.
Reverse-Trapway ToiletA
water closet having a siphonic trapway at the rear of the bowl, and
integral flushing rim and jet. Minimum dimensions are a 9" x 8" water
spot and a 1½" ball pass.
Rim HolesA
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 "rim wash" over the
entire inner surface of the bowl.
Rite-Temp®A pressure-balancing technology that maintains water temperature within +/- 3 degrees F to prevent scalding.
Rough-In DimensionsThe distance from a finished wall or floor to the center of the waste or supply opening or mounting holes on a plumbing fixture.
Round-Front BowlA
toilet bowl having dimensions of 14" wide by 16½" long (from the center
of the seat hinge holes to the front edge of the outside rim).
Shower GrateDesigned
to fit the basin area on shower receptors, shower grates bring
multifunctional luxury to the bath, providing a sturdy floor that helps
reduce slipping.
Shower ReceptorSometimes
referred to as a shower pan, the shower receptor is the base of the
shower that houses the drain, and is usually surrounded by custom
walls.
ShroudMaterial that conceals the piping under a bathroom lavatory.
Single-Control
Single-control faucets provide on/off activation and temperature setting with a single operation.
Single-Hole
One hole drilling positioned in the center of a lavatory faucet ledge
that provides for installation of a single-control faucet.
Siphon BreakThe
point in a toilet flush when air is re-introduced into the trapway,
"breaking" the siphonic action. The siphon break is usually heard as a
deep gurgling at the conclusion of a flush.
Siphon Jet ToiletA toilet having a siphonic trapway at the rear of the bowl, and integral flushing rim and jet.
Siphon Vortex ToiletA
toilet having a trapway at the rear of the bowl, an integral flushing
rim and a water supply system (with or without a jet) that does not
feed directly into the trapway.
Siphon Wash ToiletA
toilet having a trapway at the rear of the bowl and integral flushing
rim. Minimum dimensions are a 5" x 4" water spot and a 1½" ball pass.
SiphoningThe
suction or pulling effect that takes place in the trapway of a toilet
as it is filled with outgoing water and waste. An effective siphon is
critical to a successful flush for any toilet.
SuiteA
collection of products that share a similar design theme, usually
comprised of the following components: a bath/whirlpool, lavatory and
toilet.
Supply StopThe valve that provides on/off toilet water supply control.
Surface PanelA
detachable piece within the wet surface lavatory that is smaller than
the basin and serves as a wet tabletop; it allows water to flow into
the surrounding channel.
TankThe
fixture reservoir for flushing water. On a conventional toilet, the
ballcock, flush valve and trip lever are installed in the tank. A tank
lid closes the top tank opening.
Thermostatic ValveA
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; this allows the user to set and
maintain a consistent temperature.
Transfer ValveA valve within a showering product that transfers the water from one port to another.
TrapwayThe
channel in a toilet that connects the bowl to the waste outlet. The
trapway is where siphonic action takes place, and it's measured in
terms of the largest diameter ball that can pass through it. Also
referred to as "passageway".
Trapway SealThe
height of water in a toilet bowl "at rest", it provides a water seal
that prevents sewer gases from entering the home. The trapway seal is
measured from the top of the dam to the inlet of the trapway. Also
referred to as "deep seal".
TrimAny
non-vitreous china toilet components, with the exception of the seat.
Examples include the ballcock, bolt caps and trip lever.
Trip LeverA
lever that is rotated to initiate the toilet flush cycle.
Factory-installed trip levers have a Polished Chrome finish; optional
trim kits offer trip levers in other finishes. Toilets equipped with a
Peacekeeper® seat-actuated flush do not have a trip lever.
Two-Piece ToiletA toilet with a separate tank and bowl. Also referred to as "close-coupled".
Two-Way Diverter ValveTransfers water delivery between two shower or bath faucet components.
ULF"Ultra-Low Flush", a widely used descriptor for 1.6 gpf (or less) low-consumption toilets.
Universal DesignUniversal
design should be invisible and, at the same time, accommodate a wide
variety of people of all ages and statures. It allows access to a
richer life by eliminating disability by design. This thoughtful
approach to space and barriers allows the maximum number of people to
use the widest variety of products in their homes for the greatest
length of time.
UrinalA plumbing fixture that receives only liquid waste and conveys the waste through a trapway seal into a gravity drainage system.
Vessels LavatoryA freestanding lavatory basin emulating the appearance of a bowl sitting on a countertop; inspired by Chinese washbasins.
Vitreous ChinaA
term applied to plumbing fixtures that are comprised of ceramic
materials, fired at a high temperature to form a nonporous body with
exposed surfaces, and coated with ceramic glaze fused to the body.
Wading Pool™ LavatoryA lavatory with reduced basin depth; some offer an optional, detachable water-catching bowl or surface panel.
Washdown ToiletA
toilet having a siphon trapway at the front of the bowl and an integral
flushing rim. Minimum dimensions are 8" x 7" water spot, and a 1½" ball
pass.
Water ClosetA
plumbing fixture having a water-containing receptor that receives
liquid and solid body waste, and upon actuation (flushing), conveys the
waste through a trapway into a gravity drainage system.
Water-Saving ToiletA classification of toilet that uses no more than 1.6 gallons per flush.
Water SpotThe
water surface in the toilet bowl once the flush is completed. This is
established by the height of the integral trapway dam. Usually
expressed in inches of width by length. Also referred to as water
surface.
Wet Surface LavatoryA
lavatory housing a surface panel within its basin that creates a
signature flat surface, allowing water to flow outward into the
surrounding channel.
Widespread Lavatory FaucetA faucet with hot and cold handles separate from the spout, usually in an 8" setting, measured from left handle to right handle.
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