How to Identify Plumbing Parts

When undertaking any plumbing job, you will need to know the appropriate parts to use for each repair. Identifying parts can sometimes be difficult because as any visit to the hardware store will tell you, many of the parts look very similar. Using wrong parts during plumbing can cause problems to the entire system.

Manufacturer

Some faucets and other parts available in stores and in the home can be identified by looking for the name of the manufacturer. The name can often be found printed or engraved on the part. It is often located on the front of the base, and even if the part is worn off due to age, you can often see a faint outline. If you are trying to get a particular part and the model has been discontinued, you may need to replace the entire faucet system.

Shape

The shape of the part can be used to identify it. Most manufacturers differentiate their brands from others in the market by the shape. The angle at which one spout or faucet is bent and how it attaches to the body will differ from brand to brand. The nuts may be screwed on differently either inside or outside the body. Some have single or double rubber washers while others may have a brass sealing ring.

Stem Assemblies

These also vary according to the manufacturer, and this depends on the intended use. Some are made for use in heavy duty faucets used in industry, while others are used with the standard home plumbing systems. Stem assemblies also differ depending on the positioning. Some are made to be mounted on the wall, while others are mounted on a deck. Some of the assemblies made by different manufacturers look very similar. It should, however, be noted that many parts are not interchangeable.

Talk to an Expert

If you are still unsure about the parts, it is always best to seek advice from a plumber or expert. Bring the part you want to replace to the plumbing store and have a store associate identify it for you. Looking at pictures of the parts can also be helpful.