In plumbing standards, a toilet or commode is referred to as a what?

A toilet or commode is commonly referred to as a "water closet" in plumbing standards. This term designates a specific type of sanitary fixture that is designed primarily for the disposal of human waste through water. The water closet typically features a bowl and a tank, where the flush mechanism uses water to remove waste from the bowl into a sewer line.

While "sanitary fixture" is a broader category that includes any plumbing appliance intended for waste disposal or personal hygiene, the term "water closet" specifically refers to the toilet. "Flush unit" is not a standard term widely used to describe toilets; instead, it generally refers to the mechanism that flushes the toilet. Lastly, a "urinal" is a specialized plumbing fixture designed exclusively for male use, making it distinct from a water closet.

Thus, referring to a toilet as a water closet accurately aligns with industry terminology and clarifies the specific nature of the fixture within plumbing standards.