Plumbing Glossary: Plumbing Terminology Explained
This glossary provides both common and uncommon plumbing industry terms which are alphabetized and separated into categories for ease of searching.
General Plumbing Service Types
Bathroom Renovation Plumbing
A renovation of bathroom plumbing can include new updated fixtures, faucets and showerheads, new plumbing lines, fittings, drains, venting, and electrical work for shower exhaust fans and bathtub pumps.
Certified Backflow Testing
Journeymen/women are plumbers with special certifications to install and repair backflow preventers. A backflow prevention device prevents wastewater from running backward into homes and buildings which can contaminate the drinking water supply.
Commercial Plumbing
Plumbing for commercial businesses, industry, manufacturing, etc, is more complex than residential because of the size of the building, the type and amount of equipment involved, and the expertise and preventative maintenance required to keep it all operating smoothly.
Cottage Plumbing
Plumbing for cottages can be three-season or year-round depending on the property owner. Seasonal plumbing requires special treatment because it is shut down in the fall and started up again in the winter.
Cottage Spring Opening Plumbing
Opening the plumbing for the season starts with priming the pump, and checking all the water lines for leaks, the fixtures, pumps, and the water heater to make sure they are working properly.
Cottage Fall Closing Plumbing
Shutting down the water at the end of the season starts with draining the entire system, turning off the power to the hot water tank, and pumps, removing excess water from the toilet, and adding antifreeze down all drains.
Industrial Plumbing
Large-scale specialized plumbing systems are designed, maintained, and repaired in industrial buildings, factories, manufacturing plants, hospitals, and schools.
Kitchen Renovation Plumbing
Depending on how extensive the renovation is, kitchen plumbing could involve adding, rerouting, and installing new water and wastewater lines for existing or new fixtures and appliances. Plumbtech works with several plumbing showrooms for their customers.
Main Drain Cleaning And Video Inspection
When clogs, blockages, or bad odours occur frequently in the drain lines of multiple fixtures, the problem is likely in the main drain line. To unplug it, a drain snake is inserted to clear or break up the blockage. In a video inspection, a lighted camera is attached to a cable that transmits images from inside the drain to a monitor that can be recorded.
Residential Plumbing
It includes all of the plumbing inside the home from the cold water supply pipe through to the hot and cold water lines to the fixtures, appliances, pumps, and components. Outgoing wastewater runs from the drains through to sewage pipes. There is also a plumbing venting system.
24 Hour Emergency Service Plumbing
This service responds to a plumbing emergency that is unplanned, unscheduled, and may occur beyond regular business hours. It can run the gamut from a burst pipe to hot water tank problems, sewage backups, sump pump issues, etc.
Common Plumbing Terms
Acrylic
A type of plastic sheeting that contains fiberglass for strength that is molded into showers and onto the surface of bathtubs and whirlpools.
Air Gap
An air-filled space that prevents the backflow of contaminated discharged water into the clean water supply. It is the plumbing code for some kitchen fixtures such as a dishwasher.
Air Lock
A pocket of trapped air in a plumbing pipe or a drain line.
AVB
An Atmospheric Vacuum Breaker is used to prevent the backflow of non-potable liquids into the drinking water system.
Backflow
When the water flows backward, it can lead to contamination of the drinking water supply.
Backflow Prevention
There are ways to prevent water from reversing direction. Devices range from vacuum breakers, check valves, and several other backflow devices.
Backflow Testing
Only plumbers with specialized training and qualifications can test for backflow. Testing makes sure water flows in the correct direction and contamination is prevented.
Back Flush
To clear a plumbing line or fixture of sediment, the flow of water is temporarily reversed.
Back Pressure
Too much pressure in the plumbing system can result in the normal water flow reversing course. Changes in water pressure, blocked drains, faulty fixtures, etc., can result in contaminated water, burst pipes, and damage.
Back Siphonage
Negative pressure in your plumbing system reverses the flow of water and contaminates it. Back siphonage can occur when the main water supply to your house is stopped because of a break in a municipal water main, or nearby firefighting.
Barrier-Free Bathrooms
A barrier-free bathroom gives access and greater space for wheelchair users. Toilets and sinks are different heights and showers are roll-in.
Bleed
To bleed is to release surplus air in a pipe by opening a valve at the end. Water lines may also need to be bled (emptied) of all liquid from the outside faucet back into the house to prevent freezing or if the lines have become waterlogged.
Branch Drain
A branch drain is a fixture drain that leads to the main drain pipe.
Brass
Brass is an alloy, a mix of two metals such as copper and zinc, used to make plumbing fittings such as faucets. It is also a term for the finish of a faucet, polished brass.
BTU
British Thermal Unit (BTU) is a measurement of heat, a unit of energy for heating water and other things.
Burst Pressure
A test to determine how much pressure a pipe can withstand before bursting. One of the most common causes of a burst pipe is frozen water inside the pipe.
Centreset (type of lavatory faucet)
A centreset faucet, common in bathrooms, features handles for hot and cold water, a spout, and a baseplate with three holes. A larger version is also available for the kitchen sink but a single-hole faucet is more popular.
Circulating Pumps
A small circulating pump installed at the hot water tank can prevent line cooling by moving the hot water continuously to the fixtures and back to the hot water tank. Some circulating pumps have a timer that turns on when needed.
Clogged Drain
A clogged drain prevents wastewater from any fixture from entering the main drain line and sewer system.
DCA
A double-check assembly (DCA) or double-check valve is a backflow preventer that protects water from contamination.
DCDA
DCDA (Double Check Detector Assembly) is a type of backflow preventer that has two double-check valves to prevent any water running in reverse from reentering the main water supply.
Dog Wash Plumbing Installation
Usually installed inside the house near an exterior door, a dog washing station will include a hand-held shower with lukewarm running water and a drain installed in a tub, basin, or stall that has a non-slip surface.
Drain
A drain line runs from a fixture – sink, toilet, etc – to a main drain line to move wastewater from the inside of the house to the outside where it connects to a septic system or municipal sewer.
Dynamic Pressure
Flowing water creates pressure against the walls of the pipe as it flows through.
Effluent
Residential wastewater goes into a septic system or municipal wastewater treatment facility before being released.
Elbow
A plumbing fitting is used to change the direction of a water line or drain pipe. While a variety of angles can be used, the most common is a 90-degree elbow.
Elevation
In a plumbing system, the elevation or angle of the water line can impact the amount of water pressure in the pipe and drainage, if it’s sloped incorrectly.
Plumbing Components and Fixtures
Access Panel
The access panel is an opening located in a wall or ceiling typically near a fixture. An access panel allows for quick access to perform service on plumbing systems.
Aerator
An aerator is an insert that is screwed onto a faucet nozzle that reduces splashing by mixing air into the flowing water.
Adaptor
An adaptor can join two different types of pipes together and/or a threaded to non-threaded pipe.
Air Admittance Valve
An Air Admittance Valve (AAV) allows proper venting to occur in a plumbing fixture without connecting to a larger vent system and a stack vent. Attached to the fixture’s drain line, it opens to allow air in when negative air pressure is detected and closes when it’s gone, preventing the rise of sewer gas.
Air Check Valve
Sometimes called a ‘cheater valve’, the check valve operates with a spring, opening to allow air in. If the spring fails the valve remains closed and sewer gas will enter the fixture’s drain. According to the International Plumbing Code, it is only permitted in mobile homes.
Angle Stop
An angle stop is a shutoff valve located between the water supply and the plumbing fixture. Its purpose is to shut off water flow in an emergency and/or for repair.
Anode Rod
The anode, a sacrificial rod, protects the lining of the water heater from corrosion and helps to lengthen the life of the tank.
Appliance Waterline
Every appliance has a waterline that connects it to the incoming water pipe.
Atmospheric Vacuum Breaker
AVB, a backflow prevention device, prevents untreated water from entering the drinking water system.
Backflow Valve
Commonly used in commercial and industrial plumbing systems, the backflow valve prevents the water from reversing direction and contaminating the clean water supply. The device, available in different types, is also known as a backflow preventer.
Backup Sump Pump
Some backup sump pumps use a battery to provide power when the electricity goes out. Another type of backup sump pump can only run off a municipal water system by using a syphoning system.
Backwater Valve
A backwater valve prevents outgoing wastewater and sewage from reversing course and re-entering the home. It is also known as a sewer backflow valve.
Balancing Valve
A balancing valve regulates the flow of water and pressure in a plumbing system.
Ball Check Valve
A ball check valve facilitates the flow of water in one direction, horizontally or vertically. It is commonly used in sprinkler systems, water heaters, and sump pumps. It also prevents the reverse flow of contaminated water from reentering the line.
Ballcock
Gravity-operated toilet tanks use a ballcock to control the flow of water. When a toilet is flushed, the float drops and opens the ballcock which allows water into the tank. Once the water fills the tank to the desired level, the float rises, and the ballcock closes.
Basin
Smaller, circular, and more shallow than a sink, basins are commonly used in bathrooms, installed on top of the counter or beneath it.
Basket Strainers
There are a variety of different types but at its simplest, it is a circular-shaped stainless steel mesh strainer that sits in a sink drain to catch food and other particles from entering the drain and potentially clogging it.
Battery Powered-Back-Up Sump Pump
Sump pumps can use a battery backup sump pump to provide power when the electricity goes out.
Bibb
Also known as a hose bibb or an outdoor water tap that has a screw-on thread to attach a garden hose. It needs to be drained and left open before winter to prevent freezing.
Bidet
This bathroom fixture is used for personal hygiene and cleaning oneself after using the toilet.
Bleed
Bleeding plumbing after a repair or new installation or turning the water on after it has been shut off, releases trapped air from the line.
Body Jets
Used in jetted bathtubs and showers, the jets direct a stream of water to different sections of the body.
Booster Pumps
A pump that increases the pressure and flow of water in systems that have low pressure.
Branch
This pipe, also known as a lateral line, is part of the drain system that takes wastewater and sewage from the residence to the municipal sewer or the septic tanks.
Branch Vent
A branch vent connects two or more individual drain vents to a vent stack which runs from the sewer system to exit through the roof. It allows sewer gases to be released.
Butterfly Valve
The quarter-turn valve is used in residential water lines to shut off water flow.
Check Valve
The check valve is installed on a plumbing pipe to allow water to flow in one specific direction. It functions as a backflow preventer.
Circuit Vent
Several fixtures can use one vent that is connected to a drainpipe that runs horizontally.
Cleanout Plug
The cleanout plug, located in a trap or drain pipe, provides access to remove a blockage in the pipe.
Close-Coupled Toilet
The most common toilet features two pieces, a toilet tank and a separate toilet bowl.
Closet
Takes its name from the term “water closet” which is another word for ‘toilet’.
Closet Bend
The closet bend is a curved fitting located beneath the toilet connecting it to the drain.
Closet Flange
The closet flange or toilet flange is a circular-shaped part that secures the fixture to the floor with bolts.
Column Sump Pumps
Also called a pedestal sump pump because the motor is on a column above the pump where it is out of the water.
Constant Pressure Water Pump
This pump’s job is to keep the water pressure consistent throughout the plumbing system, increasing or decreasing speed according to demand.
Plumbing Tools and Materials
ABS
ABS is the acronym for Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene. It is a very strong black plastic pipe and is commonly used for drains, waste lines, and vents.
Blowbag
A tool with a nozzle and rubber bladder that is attached to a hose and slid into a blocked drain where it expands to fill the pipe and sends in bursts of water to push a path through the clog.
Closet Auger
It is a flexible rod that removes clogs in the toilet trap.
Cooper Pipe
One of the most popular metals used for hot and cold water lines.
Coupling
A coupling is a short piece of pipe that is used to join two longer sections of pipe together.
CPVC
Chlorinated polyvinyl chloride is a black PVC pipe that is designed to withstand high temperatures and is often used in water supply systems.
Dope
Plumbers dope is used on threaded pipe joints to seal and create a waterproof, pressure-tight seal.
Flux
Plumbing flux is a substance that is applied after cleaning and sanding copper pipes and fittings. Then they are soldered together.
Pipes
Plumbing pipes are made out of different materials and are available in a variety of sizes, diametres, and thicknesses depending on use: hot and cold water supply, drain, and vent lines.
Pipe Insulation
Insulating your plumbing pipes helps to control condensation and prevent freezing. Insulation can be traditional foam wrap, professionally installed spray foam, or a rigid fiberglass cover that is used in high-temperature pipe applications.
Polybutylene (PB)
A type of flexible plastic tubing made from polybutylene resin that was popular in the late 1970s to mid-1990s. Prone to leaks and breaking, it has since been replaced with other more durable materials.
Polyethylene (PE)
A flexible plastic pipe made from polyethylene, a thermoplastic polymer. It is commonly used in water supply lines because it is highly resistant to corrosion, pressure, and heat.
PEX
A flexible pipe made from crossed-linked polyethylene, a material that is stronger than Polyethylene (PE). It is currently being used to replace traditional plumbing in renovation and new builds.
Plumber’s Putty
Plumber’s putty is a pliable material that has a consistency similar to dough and is used to seal the joints between pipe fittings and fixtures. It works on all metals, porcelain, and plastic.
Plunger
A plunger which is also known as a “plumber’s helper” is a six-inch rubber suction cup with a wooden handle typically used to clear a clog from toilets and drains.
PVC
PVC is a strong white or occasionally grey pipe made of polyvinyl-chloride plastic that is typically used for drains and waste systems.
Right-Height Toilets
Also known as a “comfort height” toilet, the right-height toilet is more suitable for tall or older individuals or those with mobility challenges. It is several inches higher than a standard toilet.
Snake
A plumbing snake is a thin, flexible cable that slides down into a drain and is rotated to remove blockages. It is also called a drain snake or an auger.
Solder
A metal filler or alloy that is used to create a leak-free seal between joints of copper pipes and fittings. When heated with a torch, the solder melts and flows around the joint to seal it.
Thread Sealant (Liquid or paste)
Used instead of tape, this liquid or paste-type material creates a seal between two threaded connections to prevent leaks. The ‘pipe dope’ provides corrosion protection on metal pipes.
Thread Sealant (Tape)
Ribbons of sealant tape create an airtight or liquid-tight seal from the threads of plastic, soft metals, and unreactive metals such as copper.
Toilet Auger
A toilet auger is a long flexible rod with a curved end that is used to pull out blockages from a toilet trap.
Toilet Setting Compound
The pliable compound provides a seal between the toilet and the floor. It can be a foam-type material or wax seal.
Video Drain Camera
A cable fitted with a mini camera and light is used to diagnose and identify the location of a problem inside the drain pipe. The camera transmits the images to a monitor. The drain has to be cleared to allow for the passage of a camera through the pipe. A video can be taken and recorded for identification and keeping records.
Thank you for reviewing our plumbing glossary. We hope it was helpful and will assist you to identify and express your issue or inquiry to our trusted plumbing professionals here at Plumbtech Plumbing Inc.
24 Hour Emergency Service
Burst pipes, flood, pump malfunction? – no problem. Plumbtech Plumbing Inc. offers a 24 hour emergency service. Call us at (877) 705-7209 and your call will promptly be returned by one of our skilled plumbers who will resolve your plumbing emergency.
24 Hour Emergency Service
Burst pipes, flood, pump malfunction? – no problem. Plumbtech Plumbing Inc. offers a 24 hour emergency service. Call us at (877) 705-7209 and your call will promptly be returned by one of our skilled plumbers who will resolve your plumbing emergency.
