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Ga. – Abbreviation for gauge, the wall thickness of tubing.
GFCI – Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter. A device to cut off the flow of electricity if a short circuit is detected.
GPF – Gallons Per Flush used in toilets. Current law requires maximum of 1. 6 gpf. Older styles were usually 3. 5 gpf.
GPG – Grains Per Gallon. A measurement of the amount of dissolved material in water. One grain per gallon equals 17. 1 ppm.
GPH – Gallons Per Hour. A measure of flow rates.
GPM – Gallons Per Minute. Gallons Per Minute. Unit of measurement by which flow rates of faucets and showerheads are measured and regulated.
Galvanic Action – The phenomenon of corrosion of an anode (positive terminal – like on a battery). When two dissimilar metals are immersed in an electrolyte, an electrical potential will exist between them. If the two are in an electrical contact, a current will flow. The metal that becomes the anode (negative) of this cell will corrode and dissolve while the cathode (positive) will be protected from corrosion.
Galvanic Series – A list of metals with those on the top of the list being attacked by those lower down in the list. The father apart on the list, the faster the attack.
Galvanizing – The process of applying a coating of zinc to the finished product to provide corrosion protection. The coating can be applied by hot dipping or electrolytic deposition.
Galvanometer – Laboratory instrument that detects and measures small electric current.
Gas Cock – Plug valve installed the main gas line and an appliance.
Gas Control Device – Is used to regulate gas pressure on a water heater.
Gasket – Flat device usually made of fiber or rubber used to provide a watertight seal between metal joints.
Gate – A device that controls the flow in a conduit, pipe, or tunnel.
Gate Diverter – The pop-up lever on a tub faucet that activates the diverter valve.
Gauge (Gage) – Device for registering water level, discharge, velocity, pressure, etc. A number that defines the thickness of the sheet used to make steel pipe. The larger the number, the thinner the pipe wall.
Gel / Grease Cap – Waterproof wire connector.
Gel Coat – Material used to form the surface of some fiberglass bathtubs or showers, it is a colored, polyester resin.
Gland – In a pump, the part that holds one half of the mechanical seal and attaches to the stuffing box.
Glaze – Glossy water-resistant, colored finish on vitreous china fixtures.
Glove Valve – A gate valve with a curved chamber.
Grab Bar – Safety bar installed in a bathtub or shower for use when bathing.
Grain (gr. ) – A unit of weight equal to 1/7000th of a pound, or 0. 0648 gram.
Gravity Operated Toilet – A toilet that relies on the natural downward pressure of water in a toilet tank to flush the toilet effectively.
Grain per Gallon (GPG) – A common basis for reporting water analyses in the United States and Canada; one grain per U. S. gallon equals 17. 12 milligrams per liter (mg/1) or parts per million (ppm). One grain per British (Imperial) gallon equals 14. 3 milligrams per liter or parts per million.
Gray Water – Waste water from sinks, showers, and bathtubs, but not toilets.
Grease Trap – A device that captures grease entering a system before it reaches the sewer lines. Usually used in commercial applications such as restaurants or cafeterias.
Greensand – A natural mineral, primarily composed of complex silicates, which possesses ion exchange properties.
Grip Fitting – A compression-type fitting used on PB pipe.
Grooved Fitting – A gasketed mechanical pipe fitting made of ductile iron that is clamped onto a groove in a pipe rather than screwed onto threads. It is mostly used in commercial applications on pipes larger than 1 1/2″ in diameter.
Ground Joint – A joint which consists of pressing two smooth mating surfaces together without a gasket or supplemental sealant.
Ground Joint Union – Pipe union that has a brass grounding section between the two halves.
Ground Water – Naturally occurring water rising from the water table of the surrounding land.
Grounding – Connecting a piece of electrical equipment to a “ground wire” which is connected to the electrical system ground at the circuit breaker box. This helps to ensure that the circuit breaker will trip and cut off power in the event of a short circuit or damage to insulation.
Guide Arm – Valve which controls water flow into the toilet tank.
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Source: “Plumbing Terms” Standard Plumbing Supply. 11 Sept. 2008