Glossary & Terminology
Bathroom and Kitchen Terminology
When choosing items for your new Bathroom, Laundry or Kitchen; all the new terms and jargon can get a little overwhelming!
At arthausworld we try to make things as easy as possible. If the information you require is not here please don’t hesitate to contact us or drop by our showroom for further discussions.
Please note that information found here is intended as a guide only.
Glossary
Above Counter Basin - These basins are installed on top of the vanity surface.
AS 1428.1 – Disability standards for public building compliance.
Back Splash – A piece of granite, marble, stone or glass that attaches to the back of the bathroom vanity counter and protects the adjoining wall from water damage due to splashes
Basin – The container that holds water from a bathroom vanity faucet (see sink for kitchen definition)
Bottle Trap – refers to a part of a sinks drainage system. It acts as a means of disposing waste water whilst leaving clean water standing in the bottom half of the trap. Traditionally made of plastic, bottle traps are also made in brass, chrome, copper and oil-rubbed bronze.
Cistern – Receptacle that reserves and holds the correct amount of water required to flush the toilet. The cistern can be visible or concealed.
Close Coupled Toilet – two piece toilet suite consisting of a separate cistern and bowl. The tank is “coupled” “closely” (directly) to the bowl by bolts and a gasket. This term is to distinguish from older style low-tank toilets where the tank mounted on the wall, above and behind the bowl and was connected by a pipe.
Diverter – refers to an element on shower/bath tapware that enables the water flow to be accessed by two outlets (i.e. bath and shower)
Dual Flush – variation on the flush toilet that uses two buttons to flush different levels of water (full flush and half flush)
Inlet – the inlet refers to the means at which the water enters the toilet. There are two versions
• Bottom inlet(also known as side inlet)
• Top inlet (also known as back inlet)
Inset Basin – A basin that is installed into the vanity but give the look of an above counter basin.
Laminate - A composite material formed through the pressing and bonding of several layers of wood, plastic or other materials
Mixers - A mixer is also referred to as a mixer tap or Flickmixer. A mixer combines the hot & cold handles and the spout from traditional thee piece tapware together in one unit. A lever is used to control the temperature and flow of water.
Overflow – refers to the hole at the top back of a basin or bath to prevent water overflow.
P-Bend Trap – outlet for toilet waste that exits the wall
Pedestal - A basin pedestal is an optional extra for a wall basin, it sits between the basin and the finished floor of the bathroom, often used to conceal plumbing and offer a unique designer appearance. The pedestal does not however support the basin and does not sit flush against the wall (there is a small gap).
Semi-Recessed Basin - Designed to give more usable vanity space, these basins overhang the vanity basin.
S-Bend Trap – outlet for toilet waste that exits from the floor.
Shower Channel – an alternative to a traditional floor waste product, shower channels are a long drainage system that is installed on the shower floor.
Shroud - A basin shroud has the same function as a basin pedestal but is shorter in length, designed only to conceal the plumbing fittings. The shroud also does not sit flush against the wall (there is a small gap).
Three Piece Tapware - Three piece tapware includes two handles, one for hot and one for cold and an outlet or spout.
Under Counter Basin - Installed underneath the vanity level, creating a streamlined minimalist look.
Vanity Basin - A vanity basin requires a vanity to be constructed for installation. These basins are not standalone products (as are wall basins), but rather can be complimented by the vanity to create a functional bathroom experience.
Wall Basin - A basin that is fixed direct to the wall, which does not require a vanity for installation. These are ideal for saving space and offers a minimalist look to the bathroom.
Wall Hung Toilet - A wall-hung pan bolts directly to the finished wall, clear of the floor surface for ease of cleaning.
Wall faced Toilet – refers to toilet suites that are installed so that there is no gap between the suite and the wall face.
Wall top assembly – taps and spout that are mounted to the wall and are not physically attached to the basin or bath.
Waste – Refers to the grill or façade that is fixed to the floor of the shower or the basin bowl so that water can enter the drainage system.
WELS – Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards scheme allowing Australian consumers to compare the water efficiency of different products. The rating system is six stars (more stars the better). The rating system is as follows:
• 0 stars: more than 16L per minute (shower and tap)
• 1 Star: 12 – 16 L per minute (shower and tap), 9/4.5 L (toilet)
• 2 stars: 9 – 12 L per minute (shower and tap)
• 3 stars: 7.5 – 9 L per minute (shower and tap), 6/3 L (toilet)
• 4 stars: 6 – 7.5 L per minute (shower and tap), 4.5/3 L (toilet)
• 5 stars: 4.5 – 6 L per minute (shower and tap)
• 6 stars: less than 4 L per minute (shower and tap)