Have you ever found yourself puzzled by the technical jargon used in plumbing? From air vents to ball cocks, plumbing terminology can be overwhelming. But fear not!

In this comprehensive guide, we will unravel the mysteries of plumbing terminology and provide you with a glossary of terms that every homeowner should know.

Comprehensive plumbing glossary of terms

1. Plunger: A tool used to create suction and clear clogs in drains and toilets.
2. Pipe: A hollow cylindrical tube used to transport water, gas, or other fluids.
3. Drain: An opening or pipe used to remove wastewater or excess water.
4. Faucet: A device used to control the flow of water from a pipe or plumbing fixture.
5. Toilet: A sanitary fixture used for the disposal of human waste.
6. Valve: A device that regulates or controls the flow of fluid through a pipe or plumbing system.
7. P-trap: A U-shaped pipe designed to prevent odors from flowing back into a building.
8. Trap: A curved or bent section of pipe that holds water and prevents sewer gases from entering a building.
9. Flush: The act of sending water through a toilet or drain to remove waste.
10. Leak: The escape of water or other fluids from a pipe or plumbing system.
11. Clog: A blockage or obstruction in a pipe or drain that prevents the flow of water or other fluids.
12. Septic: Refers to a sewage system that uses a septic tank to treat and dispose of waste.
13. Sewer: An underground pipe or system of pipes that carries wastewater and sewage away from a building.
14. Water heater: A device that heats and stores water for domestic use.
15. Water pressure: The force at which water is delivered through a pipe or plumbing system.
16. Sump pump: A device used to remove water that has accumulated in a sump pit or basement.
17. Garbage disposal: An electrically powered device installed under a sink that shreds food waste into small pieces.
18. Shut-off valve: A valve used to stop or control the flow of water or other fluids through a pipe.
19. Overflow: The act of a liquid spilling or flowing over the edge of a container or fixture.
20. Backflow: The reverse flow of water or other fluids in a plumbing system, often due to a drop in pressure.
21. Teflon tape: A thin white tape applied to pipe threads to create a watertight seal.
22. Wrench: A tool used to grip and turn pipes, fittings, or other plumbing components.
23. Pipe cutter: A tool used to cut pipes cleanly and accurately.
24. Plumber’s putty: A pliable sealing compound used to create watertight seals between pipes and fixtures.
25. Copper pipe: A type of pipe made of copper, commonly used in plumbing installations.
26. PVC pipe: A type of plastic pipe made of polyvinyl chloride, commonly used in plumbing applications.
27. Galvanized pipe: A type of steel pipe coated with zinc to resist corrosion.
28. Expansion tank: A device used to accommodate the expansion of water in a closed plumbing system.
29. Pressure regulator: A device that controls and reduces the water pressure in a plumbing system.
30. Compression fitting: A type of fitting that uses compression to create a watertight connection between pipes.
31. Check valve: A valve that allows fluid to flow in one direction and prevents backflow.
32. Gate valve: A valve with a sliding gate that controls the flow of fluid through a pipe.
33. Ball valve: A valve that uses a rotating ball with a bore to control the flow of fluid.
34. Angle stop: A shut-off valve installed at the water supply line to a fixture, such as a sink or toilet.
35. Water meter: A device used to measure the volume of water consumed in a building.
36. Hose bib: An outdoor faucet or tap used to connect hoses for watering gardens or washing cars.
37. Sewage ejector pump: A pump used to lift sewage or wastewater from a lower to a higher elevation.
38. Vent stack: A vertical pipe that allows air to enter the plumbing system and prevents the siphoning of water.
39. Air gap: A physical separation between the water supply and a plumbing fixture to prevent contamination.
40. Thermostat: A device used to control the temperature of water in a water heater or heating system.
41. Expansion joint: A flexible connection used to absorb expansion and contraction in a plumbing system.
42. Pressure relief valve: A valve that opens to release pressure in a plumbing system when it exceeds a certain limit.
43. Union: A type of fitting that allows for easy disconnection and reconnection of pipes.
44. Pressure gauge: A device used to measure the pressure of water or other fluids in a plumbing system.
45. Boiler: A device used to heat water or generate steam for heating or hot water supply.
46. Flange: A flat or raised rim used to attach pipes or valves to other components in a plumbing system.
47. Solenoid valve: A valve controlled by an electric current, typically used in automatic plumbing systems.
48. Condensate pump: A pump used to remove condensate water produced by a heating or cooling system.
49. Heat exchanger: A device that transfers heat between two fluids without mixing them.
50. Water softener: A device that removes minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, from water to reduce hardness.
51. Trenchless technology: Methods used to install, repair, or replace pipes underground without extensive digging.
52. Dielectric union: A type of fitting used to join pipes of different metals to prevent galvanic corrosion.
53. Cleanout: A removable plug or access point in a plumbing system to allow for cleaning or clearing of obstructions.
54. Trench: A long, narrow excavation in the ground for installing or repairing underground pipes.
55. Hydro jetting: A method of cleaning pipes by using high-pressure water to remove debris and obstructions.
56. Epoxy pipe lining: A technique used to repair damaged pipes by applying an epoxy coating to the interior surface.
57. Gasket: A sealing device used to create a watertight connection between pipes or plumbing components.
58. Pop-up drain: A type of drain assembly used in sinks or tubs that can be opened or closed with a lever.
59. Overflow tube: A tube connected to a plumbing fixture to prevent overflowing by diverting excess water.
60. Bidet: A plumbing fixture used for personal hygiene, typically used for washing the genital and anal areas.
61. Water meter key: A tool used to turn the valve on a water meter to shut off or turn on the water supply.
62. Crimping tool: A tool used to create a secure connection between pipes and fittings using crimp rings.
63. Pipe threader: A tool used to create threaded ends on pipes for screwing on fittings.
64. Tankless water heater: A type of water heater that heats water on demand, rather than storing it in a tank.
65. Water hammer: A banging or knocking noise in plumbing pipes caused by the sudden stop of flowing water.
66. PVC primer: A liquid used to clean and prepare PVC pipes and fittings before applying PVC cement.
67. PVC cement: A type of adhesive used to join PVC pipes and fittings, creating a permanent bond.
68. Vacuum breaker: A device that prevents the backflow of water into the potable water supply.
69. Pressure washer: A high-pressure water spray device used for cleaning surfaces, equipment, or outdoor areas.
70. Rainwater harvesting: The collection and storage of rainwater for later use, such as irrigation or non-potable purposes.
71. Float valve: A valve that controls the level of water in a tank or cistern by floating on the water’s surface.
72. Hydronic heating: A heating system that uses water or other fluids to transfer heat through pipes and radiators.
73. PEX pipe: A flexible plastic pipe made of cross-linked polyethylene, commonly used in plumbing systems.
74. Insulation: Material used to reduce heat loss or gain in pipes or other components of a plumbing system.
75. Heat tape: An electrical heating element used to prevent pipes from freezing during cold weather.
76. Grease trap: A device that captures and separates grease and solids from wastewater before it enters the plumbing system.
77. Expansion plug: A plug used to seal the end of a pipe temporarily or permanently.
78. Pressure tank: A tank used to store pressurized water for water supply systems, such as wells.
79. Trenchless sewer repair: Methods used to repair or replace underground sewer pipes without extensive excavation.
80. Water filtration: The process of removing impurities or contaminants from water to improve its quality.
81. Water softening: The process of removing hardness-causing minerals from water to reduce scale buildup.
82. Overflow pan: A shallow pan placed under a water heater or other plumbing fixture to catch and drain away overflow.
83. Flapper valve: A rubber valve used in toilets to control the release of water from the tank into the bowl during a flush.
84. Fire sprinkler system: A system of pipes and sprinkler heads designed to detect and extinguish fires with water.
85. Mixing valve: A valve that blends hot and cold water to provide a desired temperature for showers or faucets.
86. Anti-siphon valve: A valve that prevents the siphoning of contaminated water back into the potable water supply.
87. Toilet flange: A ring-shaped fitting used to secure a toilet to the floor and connect it to the drainpipe.
88. Clean Water Act: A U.S. federal law that regulates and protects the quality of the nation’s water resources.
89. Plumbers tape: Also known as thread seal tape, it is a thin, non-sticky tape applied to pipe threads to prevent leaks.
90. Plumber’s snake: A flexible, coiled tool used to remove clogs from pipes by breaking up or extracting debris.
91. Water main: The primary underground pipe that delivers water from the public supply to buildings.
92. Expansion loop: A bend or loop in a pipe that allows for expansion and contraction due to temperature changes.
93. Filtration system: A system of filters used to remove impurities or contaminants from water.
94. Gas line: A pipe or conduit used to transport natural gas or propane to appliances or heating systems.
95. Pressure-reducing valve: A valve that reduces and maintains the water pressure in a plumbing system.
96. Pipe hanger: A device used to support and secure pipes in a plumbing system, preventing sagging or movement.
97. Storm drain: A drain or system of drains that collect and divert rainwater or surface runoff from streets and other areas.
98. Hose clamp: A metal band or strap used to secure hoses to fittings or connections.
99. Pipe insulation: Material used to cover and insulate pipes to prevent heat loss or condensation.
100. Vent pipe: A vertical pipe that allows air to enter a plumbing system and equalize pressure.
101. Propane: A flammable hydrocarbon gas commonly used as a fuel source in heating systems and appliances.

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