Every homeowner will deal with plumbing issues. Knowing these essential plumbing terms will help you tackle basic repairs and talk confidently with professionals when you need them. Let’s break down the most important terms you should know.
Basic Plumbing Components
Pipes and Fittings
- Supply Lines: Pipes that bring fresh water into your home
- Drain Lines: Pipes that carry waste water away from your home
- PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride): Common plastic piping used for drain lines
- PEX (Cross-linked Polyethylene): Flexible plastic piping used for water supply
- Copper Pipe: Durable metal piping commonly used for water supply
- Fitting: Connector that joins pipes together
- Elbow: A curved fitting that changes a pipe’s direction
- Coupling: A straight fitting that connects two pipes of the same size
Fixtures and Parts
- Valve: Device that controls water flow
- Shutoff Valve: Stops water flow to a specific fixture
- Main Shutoff Valve: Controls water flow to entire house
- P-Trap: U-shaped pipe under sinks that prevents sewer gases from entering
- Flange: Ring that connects toilet to drain pipe
- Aerator: Screen at faucet tip that mixes air with water
- Cartridge: Internal mechanism in faucets that controls water flow
- Basin: The bowl part of a sink
- Flush Valve: Mechanism that releases water to flush toilet
Common Plumbing Issues
Terminology Related to Problems
- Backflow: Unwanted reverse flow of water
- Water Hammer: Banging noise in pipes caused by sudden water stoppage
- Scale: Mineral buildup inside pipes
- Hard Water: Water with high mineral content
- Leak: Unwanted water escape from pipes or fixtures
- Clog: Blockage in pipes that prevents proper drainage
- Root Infiltration: Tree roots growing into underground pipes
Tools and Solutions
- Plunger: Tool used to clear clogs through suction
- Snake/Auger: Long, flexible tool for clearing deep clogs
- Pipe Wrench: Adjustable wrench for gripping and turning pipes
- Threading: Process of creating grooves on pipe ends for connection
- Solder: Metal alloy used to join copper pipes
- Plumber’s Tape: Thread seal tape used to prevent leaks at joints
Water Systems
Hot Water
- Water Heater: Appliance that heats and stores hot water
- Anode Rod: Metal rod in water heater that prevents tank corrosion
- TPR Valve: Temperature and pressure relief valve on water heaters
- Tank Capacity: Amount of hot water storage in gallons
Drainage System
- Septic System: Underground wastewater treatment structure
- Sewer Line: Main pipe carrying waste to municipal sewer
- Vent Stack: Pipe that releases sewer gases and equalizes pressure
- Cleanout: Access point for clearing main drain line
- Grade: Slope of drain pipes for proper water flow
Professional Terms
- Rough-In: Initial installation of pipes before fixtures
- Code: Local plumbing regulations and standards
- PSI (Pounds per Square Inch): Water pressure measurement
- GPM (Gallons per Minute): Water flow rate measurement
- Potable: Water safe for drinking
- Fixture Units: Measurement of water usage by fixtures
Now you know the key plumbing terms every homeowner needs. Whether you’re fixing a small leak or calling a pro, you can speak with confidence and make smarter decisions about your home’s plumbing.