- Aerator
- A fitting at a faucet outlet that shapes the water stream. Designs and removal methods vary.
- Backer rod
- A compressible backing used in some sealant joints to control geometry. Use the sealant maker’s specified type and dimensions.
- Caulk
- A common term for material used to fill certain gaps. Sealants vary in movement capability, compatibility and cure requirements.
- Condensation
- Water that forms when humid air meets a sufficiently cool surface. Its location helps distinguish it from other moisture problems.
- Cure time
- The period a product needs to develop specified properties. It may differ from skin-over time, paint time or return-to-water time.
- Downspout
- The pipe that carries water from a roof gutter toward a discharge route.
- Flapper
- A flexible seal used in many gravity toilet tanks to release water during a flush and close afterward.
- Gasket
- A shaped seal between joined surfaces. Compatibility and assembly matter more than extra tightening.
- Grout
- Material filling joints between tiles. It is not interchangeable with a flexible movement-joint sealant.
- MERV
- A rating describing filter particle-capture performance under a test standard. Higher ratings are not automatically suitable for every HVAC system.
- Neutral pH cleaner
- A cleaner near the middle of the acid–alkaline scale. It must still be approved for the actual surface.
- Overflow tube
- A component in many toilet tanks that routes excess tank water to the bowl. Its relationship to the fill level is model-specific.
- Primer
- A preparatory coating chosen to suit the substrate, condition and finish. It does not correct an active leak or unstable surface.
- Shutoff valve
- A valve intended to stop flow in a specified supply. Confirm ownership, function and condition before relying on it.
- Spackle
- A patching compound used for certain small surface defects. Its permitted depth, substrate and location depend on the product.
- Substrate
- The material supporting a coating, adhesive, sealant or finish. Sound preparation depends on identifying it.
- Trap
- A shaped drain section that normally retains a water seal between the room and the drainage system.
- Weatherstripping
- A compressible or shaped seal used around some moving doors and windows to limit unwanted air leakage.
- Weep opening
- A designed drainage outlet in some window assemblies. It should not be filled with sealant.
- Working time
- The period during which a product can be applied or adjusted as specified. It is different from full cure time.
Home maintenance glossary
Plain definitions for the terms used in our guides.