Common Plumbing Terminology
Have you ever had trouble with your plumbing and asked for advice from family or friends and felt like you didn’t understand what they explained to you after? When it comes to plumbing, most homeowners feel lost on the subject of plumbing. There are certain terms that plumbing professionals or people who have experience as plumbers use to describe and explain things to homeowners when they need a quick repair.
Why Learn Plumbing Terms?
You don’t need to be a plumber to learn terms about plumbing for your projects. Making yourself familiar with plumbing terminology can come in handy when your plumber explains what needs to be repaired or replaced in your home. It’s not necessary to know everything, but knowing these terms can help you feel more comfortable with communicating with your plumber.
We want to help our customers feel comfortable with professional plumbers when asking for help or having a conversation. We made a list of common plumbing terms that we use daily on the job and can be useful for you! Here are some terms you should know:
1. Plumbing Drain - A plumbing drain refers to an opening in a sink, shower, or washing machine. It helps direct waste from drains to pipes and out to the sewer lines outside. Plumbing drains are usually left open or have a protective trap that catches stray hairs or small debris particles.
2. Shut-off Valve - Every plumbing fixture in your home comes with a shut-off valve. The valve is used to switch off the water when there’s a leak or if your toilet gets backed up.
3. Fitting - Fittings come in all kinds of sizes, shapes, and styles. A fitting is what’s used to connect two pipes together.
4. Main - A main is your home’s water supply — the main water supply. It’s where all of your pipes get water.
5. Snake - While the name sounds scary, a snake is a tool used to remove blockages and clogs from your pipes. A snake is made of thin, flexible plastic or wire that has ridges that grab onto a clog and removes it.
6. Backflow - Backflow describes the flow of water in reverse of its normal direction. You don’t want wastewater to flow back into your main water supply because it can contaminate the clean water already in your system and cause a potential health risk.
7. Closet Flange - Most bathrooms have a closet flange, which is a ring that connects the closet bend and anchors the toilet to the floor. It secures your toilet in place with bolts attached.
8. Flow Rate - This refers to the amount of water that flows through your piping.
9. Pressure Tank - Pressure tanks are usually used in a water well system. It holds the water reserved for your home. It has a bladder that pressurizes the water inside, which moves the water through your pipes when an appliance turns on and needs water.
10. O-Ring - A round rubber washer that seals pipe valves.
11. Septic System - A septic system is connected to pipes that aren’t connected to a city’s major sewer system. The system is composed of a septic tank, septic field, and connected pipes. Septic systems have bacteria and enzymes that are used to break down waste inside the septic tank.
12. P-Traps and S-Traps - These traps help prevent sewer gas from entering a home after flushing the toilet. Because of their curvy designs, they’re able to trap a small amount of water at the bottom and help neutralize odors from sewage.
Professional Plumbing Services in Tyler, TX
If you need a quick repair or have a bigger plumbing problem, our team at Rudd Plumbing is here to help! Give us a call today at (903) 290-0851 to schedule an appointment for your plumbing maintenance and repair needs!