Why is a toilet tank's flotation device called a ballcock?

Question

Why is a toilet tank's flotation device called a ballcock?

Question #111211. Asked by 29CoveRoad.
Last updated Dec 21 2016.

JaneofGaunt

Answer has 4 votes

Currently Best Answer

JaneofGaunt

23 year member
556 replies avatar

Answer has 4 votes.

Currently voted the best answer.

One definition of "cock" is ... "A faucet or valve by which the flow of a liquid or gas can be regulated."

And said faucet or valve controls the floating ball that controls level in the water tank of the toilet.

http://www.answers.com/topic/ballcock

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ballcock

https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/cock

Response last updated by satguru on Dec 21 2016.
Dec 03 2009, 12:31 PM

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Answer 1

Watchkeeper
Answer has 3 votes

Watchkeeper
18 year member
412 replies

Answer has 3 votes.

Similarly "stopcock", essentially a tap (UK) or faucet "USA".

http://www.ilpi.com/inorganic/glassware/stopcocks.html

Dec 03 2009, 10:09 PM

Answer 2

Baloo55th

Answer has 2 votes

Baloo55th

22 year member
4545 replies avatar

Answer has 2 votes.

Further to Jane's post: And the floating thingy is almost always ball-shaped.

Dec 04 2009, 2:24 PM