Glossary · Bathroom terms

Wet Wall

Definition

The wall built to house the bath's supply and drain-waste-vent plumbing. Keeping fixtures on the existing wet wall avoids costly new drain and vent runs.

Source: Wikipedia — Drain-Waste-Vent System

Where this comes up on this site

  • Whirlpool / Jetted Tub

    A tub with water jets driven by a pump. Requires a dedicated GFCI circuit and access panel; declining in popularity versus air tubs and s…

  • Wet Room

    A fully waterproofed bathroom where the shower is open to the room with no enclosure, the entire floor sloped to a drain. A design-forwar…

  • Widespread Faucet

    A faucet with separate handles and spout mounted independently 8–16 in. apart. A higher-end look that requires a three-hole sink/top.

  • Wax Ring

    The wax seal between the toilet base and flange that prevents sewer gas and leaks. Replaced every time a toilet is reset; failure causes…

  • Waterproofing Membrane

    A continuous barrier (sheet or liquid-applied) over shower walls and floor that keeps water out of the structure. The make-or-break of a…

  • Wall-Mount Faucet

    A faucet mounted in the wall above the sink rather than the deck. A design statement that must be plumbed in the wall during rough-in and…

  • Wall-Hung Toilet

    A toilet mounted to an in-wall carrier with a concealed tank, floating off the floor. A premium space-saving look that requires opening t…

  • Walk-In Tub

    A high-wall tub with a watertight door for step-in entry and seated bathing, an accessibility fixture. Long fill/drain times and cost are…

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