--- title: "Plumbing Glossary: 40 Home Plumbing Terms Defined" description: "Plain-English definitions of 40 home plumbing terms, from backflow preventers to toilet flappers, each with its source and the service that helps." url: https://innovationcabinetry.multisites.ai/glossary publisher: Innovation Cabinetry phone: +1-888-206-1088 find_a_dealer: https://innovationcabinetry.multisites.ai/find-dealer --- # Plumbing glossary 40 home plumbing terms in plain English. Every number links to its source. Search the glossary No terms match. Try a shorter word. ## A [Adjustable leg](https://innovationcabinetry.multisites.ai/glossary/adjustable-leg) An adjustable leg is a screw-height foot under a cabinet that lets you level it on an uneven floor and lift the box off the ground. [Assembled cabinet](https://innovationcabinetry.multisites.ai/glossary/assembled-cabinet) An assembled cabinet arrives already built, so it only needs to be set in place and fastened, which saves time and reduces assembly errors. ## B [Base cabinet](https://innovationcabinetry.multisites.ai/glossary/base-cabinet) A base cabinet sits on the floor and supports the countertop, and it holds the sink, drawers and most of the everyday storage in a kitchen. [Blind corner cabinet](https://innovationcabinetry.multisites.ai/glossary/blind-corner) A blind corner cabinet sits where two runs meet, and part of its inside is hidden behind the neighboring cabinet, so special hardware is needed to reach it. ## C [Cabinet dealer](https://innovationcabinetry.multisites.ai/glossary/cabinet-dealer) A cabinet dealer is an authorized business that buys from a manufacturer and sells cabinets to homeowners, designers and builders in its area. [Cabinet scribe](https://innovationcabinetry.multisites.ai/glossary/scribe) Scribing is trimming a cabinet edge or filler to match an uneven wall or floor, so the cabinet sits tight with no visible gap. [CARB2](https://innovationcabinetry.multisites.ai/glossary/carb2) CARB2 is the California rule on formaldehyde from composite wood such as plywood, MDF and particleboard, and federal law now carries a matching standard. [Crown molding](https://innovationcabinetry.multisites.ai/glossary/crown-molding) Crown molding is a decorative trim along the top of wall cabinets that bridges the gap to the ceiling and gives the run a finished edge. ## D [Dovetail drawer](https://innovationcabinetry.multisites.ai/glossary/dovetail-drawer) A dovetail drawer joins its corners with interlocking wedge-shaped cuts that lock together, which resists pulling apart under the weight of heavy drawer loads. [Drawer glide](https://innovationcabinetry.multisites.ai/glossary/drawer-glide) A drawer glide is the metal slide that lets a drawer open and close smoothly, and its weight rating tells you how much the drawer can carry. ## E [Edge banding](https://innovationcabinetry.multisites.ai/glossary/edge-banding) Edge banding is a thin strip applied to the raw edge of a panel to seal it from moisture and give the cut edge a finished look. ## F [Face frame](https://innovationcabinetry.multisites.ai/glossary/face-frame) A face frame is a wood frame fixed across the front of a cabinet box, and the doors and drawers attach to it instead of to the box sides. [Filler strip](https://innovationcabinetry.multisites.ai/glossary/filler) A filler is a narrow strip that closes a small gap between a cabinet and a wall or between two cabinets, so the run fits the room exactly. [Flat panel door](https://innovationcabinetry.multisites.ai/glossary/flat-panel-door) A flat panel door, also called a slab door, is one flat piece with no raised or recessed detail, which gives the cleanest, most modern line. [Frameless cabinet](https://innovationcabinetry.multisites.ai/glossary/frameless) A frameless cabinet has no front face frame, so doors mount directly on the box sides and the whole opening stays usable, with more room for drawers and shelves. [Full access cabinet](https://innovationcabinetry.multisites.ai/glossary/full-access) A full access cabinet has no center stile or frame in front, so the whole interior is reachable the moment the doors open, with nothing blocking your hands. [Full overlay](https://innovationcabinetry.multisites.ai/glossary/full-overlay) A full overlay door covers almost the whole front of the cabinet box, leaving only a thin, even gap between doors and drawer fronts. ## H [HDPE](https://innovationcabinetry.multisites.ai/glossary/hdpe) HDPE, or high density polyethylene, is a durable plastic that outdoor cabinets use because it does not rot, swell or need paint. [Hinge adjustment](https://innovationcabinetry.multisites.ai/glossary/hinge-adjustment) Hinge adjustment is turning small screws on a hinge to move a door up, down, in, out or sideways until the gaps are even. ## I [Inset door](https://innovationcabinetry.multisites.ai/glossary/inset) An inset door sits inside the cabinet opening so its face lies flush with the front frame, which creates a tailored look that needs precise fitting. ## K [KCMA certification](https://innovationcabinetry.multisites.ai/glossary/kcma-certification) KCMA certification means a cabinet design passed the Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association lab tests for structure, doors, drawers and finish, and earned its quality seal. ## L [Lazy Susan](https://innovationcabinetry.multisites.ai/glossary/lazy-susan) A lazy Susan is a rotating shelf that spins items from the back of a corner cabinet to the front, so you can reach them without crawling inside. ## M [Marine-grade polymer](https://innovationcabinetry.multisites.ai/glossary/marine-grade-polymer) Marine-grade polymer is a plastic cabinet material made to handle constant moisture, sun and salt without rotting, swelling or needing a new finish. [MDF](https://innovationcabinetry.multisites.ai/glossary/mdf) MDF, or medium density fiberboard, is a smooth panel made of fine wood fibers and resin, and it is a stable base for painted door centers. ## P [Partial overlay](https://innovationcabinetry.multisites.ai/glossary/partial-overlay) A partial overlay door covers part of the face frame and leaves a strip of the frame visible around each door, which gives a more traditional look. [Particleboard](https://innovationcabinetry.multisites.ai/glossary/particleboard) Particleboard is a panel made of wood chips and resin pressed into a flat sheet, and it is smooth, affordable to make and common in cabinet boxes. [Plywood box](https://innovationcabinetry.multisites.ai/glossary/plywood-box) A plywood box is a cabinet body built from thin layers of wood veneer glued in alternating directions, which makes it strong, stable and good at holding screws. [Pull-out organizer](https://innovationcabinetry.multisites.ai/glossary/pull-out-organizer) A pull-out organizer slides out of a cabinet on a track, so you can see and reach everything inside without bending or digging at the back. ## R [Raised panel door](https://innovationcabinetry.multisites.ai/glossary/raised-panel-door) A raised panel door has a center panel shaped to stand out from the surrounding frame, which creates a traditional, detailed look. [Ready-to-assemble (RTA) cabinet](https://innovationcabinetry.multisites.ai/glossary/rta) An RTA cabinet ships as flat parts that you or your installer put together on site, which makes it easier to move through tight spaces. ## S [Shaker door](https://innovationcabinetry.multisites.ai/glossary/shaker-door) A shaker door has a flat center panel framed by four flat rails and stiles, which gives a simple, balanced look that suits both classic and modern rooms. [Slim shaker door](https://innovationcabinetry.multisites.ai/glossary/slim-shaker) A slim shaker door is a shaker door with narrower frame rails, which gives a lighter, more modern look than the classic wide shaker frame. [Soft-close hinge](https://innovationcabinetry.multisites.ai/glossary/soft-close-hinge) A soft-close hinge has a built-in damper that slows the door during the last part of its swing, so it shuts quietly and does not slam. [Stainless steel (304 vs 316)](https://innovationcabinetry.multisites.ai/glossary/stainless-steel) Stainless steel is a rust-resistant steel alloy, and the 316 grade resists salt and chlorides better than the common 304 grade. ## T [Tall cabinet](https://innovationcabinetry.multisites.ai/glossary/tall-cabinet) A tall cabinet runs from the floor to a high point near the ceiling, and it is used for a pantry, an oven, a broom closet or garage storage. [Thermally fused laminate (TFL)](https://innovationcabinetry.multisites.ai/glossary/tfl) Thermally fused laminate, or TFL, is a printed paper surface bonded to a panel with heat and pressure, which makes a hard, scratch-resistant finish. [Thermofoil](https://innovationcabinetry.multisites.ai/glossary/thermofoil) Thermofoil is a vinyl film heated and pressed onto a shaped door to make a smooth, one-piece finish that wipes clean easily. [Toe kick](https://innovationcabinetry.multisites.ai/glossary/toe-kick) A toe kick is the recessed base under a floor cabinet that gives your feet room to stand close to the counter without bumping the cabinet. ## W [Wall cabinet](https://innovationcabinetry.multisites.ai/glossary/wall-cabinet) A wall cabinet hangs on the wall above the counter, and it gives closed storage at eye level without using floor space. [Warranty registration](https://innovationcabinetry.multisites.ai/glossary/warranty-registration) Warranty registration is the step where you record your purchase with the maker so the company can verify your coverage if a problem comes up. ![Whisper Blue Urban shaker kitchen with an island and stools](https://innovationcabinetry.multisites.ai/_astro/ub-whisper-blue-gallery-image-1980x1080-1.4YXlLAS7_Z1qUWbv.webp) ## See it in your own space Dealers near you design, quote and install Innovation Cabinetry. Send your ZIP code and the team matches you with one.