Glossary
A strong, flex-resistant material with a smooth finish that resists chipping and cracking, and is easy to clean.
All products stating "ADA-Compliant" will comply with the applicable requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 2004.
A drain that is raised three inches off the floor, affording a complete installation without having to cut into the floor.
A bath designed to fit into a recess with either two or three sides finished by walls. Most alcove baths are available with the drain at either the right or left side, depending on installation preference.
Sinks are designed with a stylish panel of color in front and are available in both tile-in and undercounter models.
Refers to the shape of a bathtub or sink basin in relation to the outer edge of the fixture.
Measurement of a bath from side-to-side.
A bathroom fixture that provides both showering and bathing functionality in a shared environment that includes the wall surround. Also referred to as a "Bathtub Shower."
Refers to the shape of the basin in relation to the outer edge of the bath.
Measurement of a bath from the head end to the foot end. A 5-foot (60-inch) bath is a standard size for most installations. However, baths that measure over 5.5 feet (66 inches) can provide a large bathing area for two people.
A bathroom fixture that provides both showering and bathing functionality in a shared environment that includes the wall surround. Also referred to as a "Bath/Shower."
The door to a bathtub shower module. Also referred to as a "Bath/Shower Door."
Elongated bowls feature a large sitting area for added comfort.
Round-front bowls are smaller in design and require less space; a good fit in small bathrooms where the toilet needs to clear a swinging door.
A bathtub shower door with two or more top-hung panels that run in parallel tracks upon rollers affixed to the top of the unit. These typically glass panels slide sideways, one in front of the other, across larger openings and overlap to allow access to a bathtub or shower. Also referred to as a "By-Pass Bath/Shower Door."
Refers to a lavatories that have three holes with a 4" measurement from the left to the right. Lavatories with a 4" centerset drilling can accommodate a single-control faucet with escutcheon plate or a two-handled faucet with the spout and handles on the same faucet body.
A special glass treatment that keeps your shower glass looking new.
Transparent glass that has no texture or pattern treatment.
A hinge consisting of an extruded "ball and socket" that is the full length of the door panel. The "ball" component is an extruded part of the hinge jamb. The socket component is an extruded part of the hinge rail. A screw applied bushing at the top and bottom of the panel centers the components and secures the extrusions so they cannot slide apart.
A bath designed to fit in the corner of a room as a space-saving solution.
A lavatory designed for use with vanities and counters.
A door or enclosure that requires specially cut glass.
A component that attaches to the bottom rail of a pivot or hinge shower door for the purpose of deflecting water away from the bottom of the unit.
The position of a bath drain in relation to the bottom of the basin designated by Left, Right or Center. Always select a drain position that is consistent with the pipes that lead to the drain. A reversible drain bath can be installed with the drain on the right or left side depending on how the bath is dropped in.
A channel designed to prevent water from running down the door and dripping onto the floor when the door is opened.
A component that attaches to the bottom rail of a pivot or hinge shower door for the purpose of catching the water in a trough as it runs off the door. The drip rail then channels the water back into the inside of the unit.
A bathtub with a finished rim designed to drop into a deck or custom surround. This installation allows the bather to step down into the basin from the surrounding surface.
Dual Force™ technology by Sterling an outstanding combination of water conservation and exceptional performance. Operated by a user-friendly, two-button actuator integrated into the tank lid, STERLING toilets with Dual Force technology flush either 1.6 gallons or .8 gallon. 100% of the water passes through the rim, keeping the bowl clean with its siphonic washdown system.
A toilet with a large sitting area for added comfort.
A wall that is out of plumb and is tilted into the shower space.
A wall is out of plumb and is tilted away from of the shower space.
Are part of a sink or lavatory that determines what type of faucet or other fixtures can be installed. One-hole sinks can facilitate a single-control faucet or filtered water faucet. Two- and three-hole sinks are designed for faucets that have separate handles for hot and cold water. Faucets that feature two handles on the same base fit two-hole sinks. Faucets with two handles separate from the spout require a three-hole sink.
Sink accessories like a soap/lotion dispenser, hot water dispenser or filtered water side faucet each require an additional faucet hole on the sink. Three- and four-hole sinks provide more options for faucets with sidesprays, escutcheon plates and accessories.
Depending on the style, entertainment sink faucets may require between one and three holes. Kitchen sink faucets may require between one and four holes. Utility sink faucets may require between one and three holes.
A part of a toilet that refills the toilet tank to the waterline and sends water to the bowl to establish proper water surface area and trap seal depth after each flush.
The measurement from top-to-bottom to fit a specified opening.
The measurement from side-to-side to fit a specified opening. Some shower door models feature telescoping wall jambs that expand or contract to compensate for a slight variation in width from door to opening.
The glass or plastic panels of a shower or bath enclosure that do not move.
The moving part of a toilet's flush valve that seals the water into the tank or allows water to exit the tank during the flush cycle. Also known as a flush ball.
The floating ball connected to the ballcock inside the tank, which rises or falls with changing water levels in the tank, actuates or shuts off the ballcock as needed.
Mechanism which holds the flapper assembly (Windham) or tower (Rockton/Karsten). The flapper or tower rises, allowing water through the flush valve and into the bowl.
STERLING® toilets offer flushing systems that are engineered to meet specific residential, commercial and institutional demands.
Dual Force technology by Sterling offers an outstanding combination of water conservation and exceptional performance. Operated by a user-friendly, two-button actuator integrated into the tank lid, STERLING toilets with Dual Force technology flush either 1.6 gallons or .8 gallon. 100% of the water passes through the rim, keeping the bowl clean with its siphonic washdown system.
Gravity Rim Jet flushing system uses gravity-fed technology to deliver extraordinary bulk flushing power and clean performance. Choose from an extensive variety of one-and two-piece models.
Pro Force™ flushing system provides a superior 1.6-gallon flush that consistently performs without plugging and leaves the bowl exceptionally clean.
Describes a bath or shower door that mounts all glass or plastic panels in a metal frame on all sides.
A term used to describe a bath or shower door that minimizes the amount of metal used to hold the panels and door in place.
A bath that is installed away from the wall, even in the middle of the room. These baths are supported by feet or a decorative base.
A lightweight material for easy installation, with smooth walls for cleaning. A gel-coat finish retains the shower's true color while adding durability.
A selection of options for glass enclosures, such as clear, decorative, or silk-screened.
A toilet which relies on the natural downward pressure (or "head") of water in a toilet tank to flush the toilet effectively.
Gravity-fed technology that delivers extraordinary bulk flushing power and clean performance. Choose from an extensive variety of one-and two-piece models.
A smooth, shiny surface finish.
A type of shower door with a full-length, continuous, jointed metal hinge on the side of the door.
A fixed panel on the right or left side of the shower door. As the name implies, the panel is "in a line" with the door.
Self-rimming sinks mount directly onto the countertop, providing easy drop-in installation.
Undercounter sinks mount under the counter for a flush appearance with your countertop.
Pedestal sinks feature a lavatory basin positioned at a comfortable standing height which rests upon a pedestal base.
Self-rimming sinks are dropped into any countertop or vanity material and feature a raised rim around the outside.
Undercounter sinks mount under the counter for a flush appearance with your countertop.
Wall-mount sinks are designed to hang from the wall at a desired, functional height. Some models feature a matching shroud to attractively conceal the piping.
Alcove baths are designed to fit into a recess with either two or three sides finished by walls. Most alcove baths are available with the drain at either the right or left side, depending on installation preference.
Corner baths are designed to fit in the corner of the room for a space-saving solution.
Drop-in baths have a finished rim and are designed to drop into a deck or custom surround. This installation allows the bather to step down into the basin from the surrounding surface.
Self-rimming sinks mount directly onto the countertop, providing easy drop-in installation.
Undercounter sinks mount under the counter for a flush appearance with your countertop.
Self-rimming sinks are dropped into any countertop or vanity material and feature a raised rim around the outside.
Undercounter sinks mount under the counter for a flush appearance with your countertop.
Alcove whirlpools are designed to fit into a recess with either two or three sides finished by walls. Most alcove whirlpools are available with the drain at either the right or left side, depending on installation preference.
Corner whirlpools are designed to fit in the corner of the room for a space-saving solution.
Drop-in whirlpools have a finished rim and are designed to drop into a deck or custom surround. This installation allows the bather to step down into the basin from the surrounding surface.
a short wall within a shower enclosure on which an in-line or return panel sits. See also: riser height.
A lavatory that requires a faucet to be mounted on the countertop surface or on the wall, with enough spout reach to clear the inside edge of the basin.
A bath or shower enclosure in which the drain is on the left, as you face the fixture.
A classification of toilets designed to flush using 1.6 or less gallons of water per flush, as opposed to 3.5 gallon toilets and other high-consumption toilets.
Stainless steel sinks are made from premium residential-gauge stainless steel, for a highly durable, stain- and corrosion-resistant surface that is easy to clean. STERLING stainless steel sinks feature SilentShield™, an exceptional sound-absorption technology that decreases noise from dishes, running water and disposals.
Stainless steel sinks are made from premium residential-gauge stainless steel, for a highly durable, stain- and corrosion-resistant surface that is easy to clean. STERLING stainless steel sinks feature SilentShield™, an exceptional sound-absorption technology that decreases noise from dishes, running water and disposals.
Vikrell® is a material of strength, durability, and lasting beauty that is exclusive to Sterling kitchen and bath products. Solid Vikrell material is made from a composite of poly resin and fiberglass with color molded throughout, so there are no layers to crack or peel.
Vitreous china is a compound of ceramic materials with high luster glaze used in STERLING toilets and lavatories.
Stainless steel sinks are made from premium residential-gauge stainless steel, for a highly durable, stain- and corrosion-resistant surface that is easy to clean. STERLING stainless steel sinks feature SilentShield™, an exceptional sound-absorption technology that decreases noise from dishes, running water and disposals.
Vikrell® is a material of strength, durability, and lasting beauty that is exclusive to Sterling kitchen and bath products. Solid Vikrell material is made from a composite of poly resin and fiberglass with color molded throughout, so there are no layers to crack or peel.
A lavatory that features a metal rim around the outer edge, creating a water-tight seal between lavatory and countertop.
A lavatory that features a metal frame that is attached directly to the countertop.
The distance from a finished wall or floor to the center of the waste or supply opening or mounting holes on a plumbing fixture.
A shower that ships as two or three separate pieces, making it easy to maneuver through rooms and doorways during remodeling. The pieces fit together for a watertight seal to complete installation.
A style of corner shower door characterized by a door and two fixed panels creating a three-sided enclosure against a corner. The door is commonly positioned in the center with the fixed panels at an angle on either side, but the door can be positioned on the left or right side with a fixed panel in the center.
A door or enclosure that requires specially cut glass and framework. Doors and panels are custom designed to fit a user's unique specifications in nearly any height, width, and configuration.
An important decision when selecting a kitchen sink. Single-basin kitchen sinks provide the most overall basin room. Double-basin kitchen sinks feature two basins of equal or varied sizes for separate tasks. Triple-basin kitchen sinks are larger in overall size, and typically feature a smaller third basin for waste disposal.
An important decision when selecting a bathtub. Baths that measure over 5.5 feet (66 inches) in length can provide a large enough bathing area for two people.
A shower that ships as a complete, seamless unit for new construction.
A toilet with an integrated tank and bowl. One-Piece toilets offer a seamless, space-saving design that is easy to clean. Some low-profile models can be installed under a vanity extension when space is at a premium. Because of their special design detail, most one-piece toilets ship with a complementary seat and cover.
A term used to describe a bath or shower's curb, threshold, sill, floor, ceiling or bath deck that is not horizontally level.
Glass that has a decorative shape or pattern embedded into the glass.
A lavatory basin positioned at a comfortable standing height which rests upon a pedestal base.
A shower door that rotates on two metal pivots at the top and bottom of the door. STERLING® pivot doors offer an adjustable bottom pivot block to ensure a watertight seal even when walls are not parallel. Pivot doors works well for showers with narrow openings.
A term used to describe a wall, frame, or other object that is perfectly vertical. Typically a level is used to determine if something is plumb.
A technique for applying paint to aluminum shower door frames. The aluminum is covered with powdered paint particles and then baked in an oven, causing the powder to melt and then harden into a tough, colorful finish.
Pro Force™ flushing system provides a superior 1.6-gallon flush that consistently performs without plugging and leaves the bowl exceptionally clean.
Fixed panels or end panels that are set at a 90° angle to the shower door. These panels are positioned at the ends of the shower unit that return back to the rear wall.
A bath or shower enclosure in which the drain is on the right as you face the fixture.
A series of small holes in the underside of a toilet rim, around the circumference of the bowl. Incoming water flows down into the bowl through these holes, creating a rinse effect or "rim wash" over th eentire inner surface of the bowl.
Gravity-fed jets positioned at the front of the toilet bowl rim that force water quickly through the toilet's fully glazed trapway.
The height of a step relative to the shower door threshold.
The distance from a finished wall or floor to the center of the waste or supply opening or mounting holes on a plumbing fixture.
A toilet bowl that is smaller in design and requires less space; a good fit in small bathrooms where the toilet needs to clear a swinging door.
A lavatory that features a raised rim around the outside and is dropped into any countertop or vanity material.
A sink that mounts directly onto the countertop, providing easy drop-in installation.
The shape of the shower base, such as square, rectangular, or neo-angle.
A door used with a shower module.
The side-to-side measurement of a shower base when facing the front of the base.
The front-to-back measurement of a shower base when facing the front of the base.
A feature on STERLING® kitchen sinks that uses pads placed on the underside of the sink to sharply decrease unwanted noise and vibration from clanging dishes, running water, and garbage disposals.
Glass that uses a silk-screening process to place graphic images on its surface, giving the illusion of etched, textured or patterned glass.
A sink that requires a single-hole faucet, which typically features only one handle.
A toilet having a siphonic trapway at the rear of the bowl and an intergral flushing rim and a water supply system with or without a jet, which does not feed directly into the trap.
The moving panels in a by-pass door.
A lavatory made from 18- and 20-gauge stainless steel, making them resistant to staining and corrosion. These lavatories undergo a number of polishing and buffing procedures to achieve a striking mirror or satin finish.
A kitchen sink made from premium residential-gauge stainless steel, for a highly durable, stain- and corrosion-resistant surface that is easy to clean. STERLING stainless steel sinks feature SilentShield™, an exceptional sound-absorption technology that decreases noise from dishes, running water and disposals.
A bath or shower door that potentially fits an array of bathing and showering fixtures. STERLING® baths and showers range from 32" to 64" wide. Shower bases are available from 32" to 60" wide for installation with alcove or space-saving neo-angle enclosures. STERLING bath and shower doors fit most of these standard openings.
An enclosure equipped with special plumbing to create steam. The enclosure itself either runs from the floor to the ceiling or has a transom panel top to contain the steam.
A lightly textured surface finish that hides scratches caused by everyday use.
Glass that has been strengthened by a process of gradual heating and cooling. Safety code requires all glass shower doors and enclosures to use tempered glass because it is designed minimize potential injury should the glass break.
Glass created with a textured surface to creates a translucent effect.
The number of sides that can be used as entry to the shower base.
A lavatory with flat edges and square corners to fit flush with a tiled surface.
A sink with flat, straight edges and square corners for a neat, flush fit with tiled surfaces.
Glass that has a color running through it.
A panel usually located above the door of a bath or shower enclosure. A transom panel can be used to keep steam inside of a steam-shower unit. Some transom panels even open to vent the steam.
The channel connecting a toilet's bowl to its waste outlet, where flushing action occurs. A trapway is measured in terms of the largest diameter ball that can pass through it.
The flush handle and actuating arm on a toilet tank.
A standard style of toilet that is configured of a separate tank and bowl that are connected.
A style of lavatory that mounts under the counter for a flush appearance with your countertop.
A style of sink that mounts under the counter for a flush appearance with your countertop.
Bathtub that is mounted beneath a cut-out in solid surface deck material.
A lavatory that rests on top of the countertop.
A lavatory reminiscent of china washbasins that provides dramatic impact when installed above the counter. With finished interior and exterior surfaces, these lavatories can also be in a wallmount bracket or self-rimming application.
A fixture material of strength, durability, and lasting beauty that is exclusive to Sterling kitchen and bath products. Solid Vikrell material is made from a composite of poly resin and fiberglass with color molded throughout, so there are no layers to crack or peel.
A compound of ceramic materials with high luster glaze used in STERLING toilets and lavatories.
Smooth wall surround design featuring a high-gloss finish that's easy to clean and maintain.
Tile wall surround design features glazed tile that installs with no messy grout and cleans easily.
A lavatory designed to hang from the wall at a desired, functional height. Some models feature a matching shroud to attractively conceal the piping.
A sink constructed with an integrated backsplash that mounts to the wall with a bracket.
The water surface in the toilet bowl once the flush is completed. This is established by the height of the intregral trapway dam. Usually expressed in inches of width by length.
A lavatory that has three holes with an 8" to 16" measurement from left to right. Lavatories with an 8" widespread drilling are designed for faucets with two handles and a separate spout.
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Write to Sterling at
Sterling Plumbing
444 Highland Drive
Kohler, WI 53044






