Definitions

Seat wrench Tool to resurface a worn valve seat. Stops leaks by providing a smooth sealing surface. Applies only to older compression style faucets.
Self-closing Commercial lavatory faucet that flows water for a set time after the handle is pushed or turned. Sometimes referred to as a metering faucet. KOHLER self-closing faucets are an economical, water-saving investment.
Self-rimming Style of lavatory which includes an integral rolled finished rim that is placed directly over the countertop opening. The sculptured rim of Kohler's self-rimming Chenille lavatory makes it a focal point on any countertop.
Sensor field The operating range of the touchless faucet. The sensor detects the presence of objects within this range.
Service procedure Component assembly and disassembly instructions. Generally intended for repairing a damaged or defective component.
Service sink Deep fixed basin, supplied with hot and cold water, which is used for rinsing of mops, disposal of cleaning water, or washing clothes and other household items. Kohler's Whitby service sink may be ordered with optional wire rim guard.
Service sink faucet Commercial grade faucet used on a service or utility sink. KOHLER polished chrome service sink faucets are triple-plated to withstand years of use. Some include additional hardware for wall-mount installation and/or supplementary accessories for specific tasks. All KOHLER service sink faucets are designed with lever handles for ADA compliance.
Shower arm Shower trim component that delivers water to the showerhead. Usually 1/2" NPT, the shower arm connects showerhead and water supply line behind a finished wall of the shower enclosure.
Shower ell Plumbing elbow into which threads the shower arm. It is secured to the wall framing. The vertical water supply pipe from the bath/shower valve connects to the shower ell inlet.
Shower supply elbow Plumbing elbow into which threads the shower arm. It is secured to the wall framing. The vertical water supply pipe from the bath/shower valve connect to the shower ell inlet.
Showerhead Device that delivers water in a showering space. It may have adjustable spray feature and valve for regulating the flow of water from the shower. The MasterShower 3-way showerhead from KOHLER delivers 2.5 gallons per minute and allows you to select a pulsating, soft-aerated or full-flow spray.
Shroud Color-matched component beneath a wall-mount lavatory which covers the drain outlet for aesthetic purposes. Kohler's color-coordinated P-trap shrouds provide added protection while complementing the lavatory's design.
Shut-off valve A device to provide local cut-off of water supply to a plumbing faucet or fixture during replacement or service. Also referred to as a stop valve. May also refer to the main shut-off valve of a building or floor.
Side outlet A faucet valve body configuration in which the outlet is on the side of the valve body and the inlet is at an end of the valve body.
Single basin Term used to describe a sink comprised of a single compartment. If you use a dishwasher, you may prefer a large single-basin kitchen sink for other tasks.
Single-control Type of faucet that has one handle to control both water temperature and water volume. KOHLER's single-control Avatar faucet may be ordered with a choice of front, left or right handle location, depending on the user's preference.
Single-hole One hole drilling positioned in the center of a sink or lavatory faucet ledge providing for installation of a single-control faucet.
Single-hole faucet Faucet which installs into a single fixture hole. The center mount Fairfax lavatory faucet combines clean, contemporary lines with convenient single-control operation.
Sink (kitchen) Any of a variety of fixtures used as a method of personal expression and for entertaining, food preparation, and dish washing. May contain one or more basins, which may be of varying heights.
Sink compartment Flat bottom fixture used in the kitchen for cleaning dishes and in connection with food preparation. KOHLER offers a wide array of sinks with a number of sink compartments to suit individual needs and tastes. KOHLER kitchen sinks with large, deep sink compartments accommodate large pots and pans.
Siphon Suction that occurs in a trapway as a toilet is filled with outgoing water and waste. An effective siphon is critical to an efficient flush.
Siphon break The 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 end of the flush.
Siphon jet Efficient flushing design having a siphoning trapway at the rear of the bowl, integral flushing rim and jet. KOHLER gravity-fed toilets are designed with powerful siphon jets, or front rim jets, and a 2" wide glazed trapway to provide an efficient flush.
Siphoning The 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 an effective flush for any toilet.
Slide bar Type of shower component designed for the attachment of a handshower. The mounting bracket can be adjusted at different heights to accommodate individual preference.
Slip-resistant Textured finish found on the bottom of whirlpool baths, bathtubs and shower modules. The textured finish provides an added measure of safety for the bather. A patterned Safeguard finish is offered on every KOHLER Cast Iron whirlpool.
Snaking Using an auger or snake to clear a drain or trap.
Soap/lotion dispenser Accessory that holds liquid soap or lotion. May be installed in a predrilled sink hole or through a 1" max. thickness countertop.
Soil pipe Large diameter pipe to carry waste from drains and toilets.
Soil stack A vertical pipe through which toilet waste and other plumbing system discharge flows.
Solenoid Coil of wire in a long cylinder that when carrying a current resembles a bar magnet so that a movable core is drawn into the coil when a current flows.
Solenoid valve An electrically-activated mechanical valve that opens and closes when electric power is applied to it. The solenoid valve turns the Touchless faucet water flow on and off.
Solvent weld To join a plastic tube to a plastic fitting by use of a solvent-type cement.
Spline adapter Device sometimes required to form a mating connection between the splines of a valve stem and the splines inside a faucet handle.
Spout Delivers water from the faucet valve to the sink, lavatory or bath. It is usually solid brass or die cast, chromium plated. Many of Kohler's kitchen sink faucets offer extra long spouts to ensure adequate reach into the sink basin.
Spout height Vertical measurement from the base of the faucet to the tallest point of the spout reach.
Spout length Horizontal measurement from the center of the spout/shank to the center of the aerator.
Spud Connector or coupling between the water supply pipe and bottom part of the ballcock assembly in a toilet tank. The all-brass assembly of the spuds found on KOHLER toilets make them extremely durable.
Spun glass Lavatory material made from soda lime glass. Air bubbles formed during the casting process work with naturally occurring pigments to give Kohler's spun glass Vessels a somewhat irregular, yet invitingly tactile, surface.
Square Type of faucet handle with a square shape.
Square handle The alignment of two surfaces at right angles (90 degrees) to each other. Also the tool used to measure this alignment.
Stainless steel Material used in the manufacture of kitchen sinks. Sheet metal is drawn into a shape that has a degree of depth. Additional press operations include punching of faucet holes and forming of fixture rims. Kohler's stainless steel sinks offer exceptionally deep basins and are available in mirror or satin finishes.
Standard faucet Type of commercial faucet that is operated similar to a residential faucet. The user is in complete control of volume and temperature adjustment.
Stem Valve stem. The portion of a valve to which the handle attaches. Rotation of the valve stem turns the valve against a sealing surface to control the flow of water.
Stop Shut-off valve. A device to provide local cut-off of water supply to a plumbing faucet or fixture during replacement or service.
Stop valve Shut-off valve. A device to provide local cut-off of water supply to a plumbing faucet or fixture during replacement or service.
Stopper Refers to a part which stops the flow of water in a fixture. Usually refers to a bath, lavatory, or sink stopper. Also used to refer to the flapper in a toilet. A bath, lavatory, or sink stopper usually contains an O-ring or gasket which must be clean and in good condition to provide an effective seal. Vandal-resistant stoppers are removable only by partially disconnecting the lift linkage in the drain line.
Stopper linkage Lift linkage. Faucet component that opens the pop-up drain in a lavatory when the lift rod is depressed. When rod is lifted, the drain closes so the lavatory will retain water.
Stopper seal A bath, lavatory, or sink stopper usually contains an O-ring or gasket which must be clean and in good condition to provide an effective seal.
Strainer Sink drain fitting consisting of a strainer body attached to the drain opening and a removable basket. Also called a duostrainer. KOHLER offers strainers in metal and colored finishes to match or complement the color of the kitchen sink.
Strap wrench A wrench which uses a tightenable strap instead of jaws. Typically used to secure threaded parts which are irregularly shaped and plated, such as a shower arm or a spout. It must be clean for scratching to be avoided.
Street ell An elbow joint with a hub on one end. Used to make an angled connection between pipe or tubing and a fitting with a hub.
Suction Process of exerting a force upon a solid, liquid or gas by reason of reduced air pressure over part of its surface.
Suction cover Cover piece for whirlpool suction assembly.
Suite Grouping of bathroom fixtures with complementary design lines. The clean lines and curved planes of Folio suite offer a contemporary look. KOHLER suites offer coordinated fixtures, faucets and accessories to bring continuity to any decor.
Supplies The pipes and valves which supply water to a faucet. Also refers to short connecting tubing or hoses between the faucet and the shut-off valve.
Supply stop Shut-off valve. The valve providing on/off water supply control just before a fixture or a faucet.
Supply tube Short connecting tubing or hoses between the faucet and the shut-off valve.
Sweat fitting A plumbing fitting for soldered connection to copper pipe or tubing.
Sweating Connecting joints between copper pipe and fittings with plumbing solder.
Swing spout Spout style that allows user to move or "swing" position of spout to where it's needed. It is primarily found in kitchen and entertainment sink applications. KOHLER swing spouts offer added convenience for food preparation or for large pots or containers.
Swinger spout attachment Component attached to the spout of certain KOHLER kitchen sink faucets. It directs water in a full-circle with smooth ball-joint swiveling action and easily adjusts from stream to spray.
System Basic KOHLER whirlpools in this category offer a solid value for homeowners who want the superior function of a KOHLER whirlpool with basic features. Constructed of durable cast acrylic, System Basic whirlpools are offered in sizes to fit most standard installations.
System I bath whirlpools KOHLER whirlpools in this category provide soothing benefits of customized hydro-massage at a value price. Factory-installed, color-matched Flexjet whirlpool jets are fully adjustable. A broad range of styles and shapes expand design possibilities.
System II bath whirlpools KOHLER whirlpools in this category enhance the hydro-massage experience with added comfort and control. Standard in-line heaters maintain warm water for long periods of time. Two-speed pumps present the option of a vigorous stream or gentle flow. Constructed of premium quality materials such as KOHLER Cast Iron, they provide a lifetime of performance and beauty.
System III bath whirlpools KOHLER whirlpools in this category combine leading edge design and technology to deliver maximum whirlpool features. Features such as a Neckjet pillow and the KOHLER exclusive Bodyssage backjet system offer added massage for full-body relaxation. Variable flow controls precisely adjust the intensity of the water action to suit personal needs.