Plumbing Glossary
Understand plumbing terminology so you can better describe your issue and communicate with professionals.
Aerator
A small screen attachment at the tip of a faucet that mixes air with water to reduce splashing and conserve water. Often the cause of low water pressure when clogged.
Auger
A flexible rod with a corkscrew-like tip used to clear clogs in drains and toilets. Also called a plumbing snake. Learn more about drain cleaning services.
Backflow
The unwanted reverse flow of water or other substances back into the clean water supply. Backflow preventers are required by code to protect drinking water.
Ball Valve
A valve with a ball-shaped disc that controls water flow. Quarter-turn operation makes them easy to use for main water shutoffs.
Closet Flange
The pipe fitting that connects a toilet to the drain pipe and secures it to the floor. A faulty flange is a common cause of toilet leaks.
Compression Fitting
A type of pipe connection that uses a nut and ferrule to create a watertight seal without soldering. Common on supply lines.
Drain Trap
The U-shaped or P-shaped pipe section under sinks that holds water to prevent sewer gases from entering your home. If yours is clogged, see our drain cleaning services.
DWV
Drain-Waste-Vent system. The network of pipes that removes wastewater and vents sewer gases out of your home.
Expansion Tank
A small tank that absorbs excess water pressure caused by thermal expansion in closed water heating systems. See our water heater services for installation and repair.
Flapper
The rubber valve in a toilet tank that lifts when you flush to release water into the bowl. A worn flapper causes running toilets. Need help? See our toilet repair services.
Flow Rate
The volume of water that passes through a fixture in a given time, usually measured in gallons per minute (GPM).
GPM
Gallons Per Minute - a measurement of water flow rate through fixtures and pipes.
Gray Water
Wastewater from sinks, showers, and washing machines (not toilets) that can sometimes be recycled for irrigation.
Hard Water
Water with high mineral content (calcium and magnesium) that can cause scale buildup in pipes and water heaters. A water filtration system can help reduce mineral content.
Hose Bib
An outdoor faucet with a threaded spout for connecting a garden hose. Also called a spigot or sillcock.
Hydro Jetting
A drain cleaning method using high-pressure water (up to 4000 PSI) to clear stubborn blockages and clean pipe walls. Learn more about our hydro jetting services.
Main Line
The primary sewer pipe that carries all wastewater from your home to the municipal sewer or septic system. See our sewer line services for inspections and repairs.
P-Trap
A P-shaped drain trap commonly found under sinks. The curved section holds water to block sewer gases. If yours is clogged, check out our drain cleaning services.
PEX
Cross-linked polyethylene - a flexible plastic tubing increasingly used for water supply lines due to its durability and ease of installation.
Plumber's Putty
A soft, pliable sealant used to create watertight seals around faucets, drains, and other fixtures.
PRV
Pressure Reducing Valve - regulates incoming water pressure to safe levels (typically 40-80 PSI) for your home's plumbing.
PVC
Polyvinyl Chloride - a common plastic pipe material used for drain, waste, and vent lines. Not suitable for hot water. Need a pipe replaced? See our pipe repair services.
Rough-In
The initial phase of plumbing installation where pipes are run through walls and floors before fixtures are installed.
Septic System
An on-site wastewater treatment system for homes not connected to municipal sewers, consisting of a tank and drain field.
Shutoff Valve
A valve that stops water flow to a specific fixture, appliance, or the entire house. Know where yours are located!
Slab Leak
A leak in the water lines running beneath a concrete foundation. Signs include unexplained wet spots, high water bills, or sound of running water. Learn about our slab leak detection services.
Snake
See Auger. A tool used to clear drain clogs by breaking through or pulling out blockages. See our drain cleaning services.
Solder
A metal alloy melted to join copper pipes and fittings. Lead-free solder is required for potable water systems.
Sump Pump
A pump installed in a basement sump pit to remove water that collects there, preventing flooding.
Supply Line
The pipes that deliver clean water from the main line to fixtures throughout your home.
Teflon Tape
A thin white tape wrapped around pipe threads to create a watertight seal. Also called thread seal tape or plumber's tape.
Trap Primer
A device that automatically adds water to floor drain traps to prevent them from drying out and allowing sewer gases in.
Water Hammer
The loud banging noise in pipes caused by a sudden stop in water flow. Can damage pipes over time if not addressed.
Water Heater Anode
A sacrificial metal rod in water heaters that corrodes instead of the tank, extending the heater's lifespan. Should be checked regularly. See our water heater services for maintenance and replacement.
Wax Ring
A wax seal between the toilet base and closet flange that prevents leaks and sewer gases. Replaced when reinstalling a toilet.
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