Essential Plumbing Terms Everyone Should Know
Whether you own a home or a business, understanding basic plumbing terms can help you communicate better with your plumber and take better care of your property. Here are the key plumbing terms you should know:
General Plumbing Terms
- Potable Water
- Water that is safe for drinking, cooking, and household use.
- Comes from a municipal water supply or a private well system.
- Greywater
- Used water from sinks, showers, bathtubs, and washing machines.
- Can sometimes be reused for irrigation or toilet flushing.
- Blackwater
- Wastewater from toilets that contains sewage.
- Requires proper disposal through a septic system or municipal sewer line.
- Hard Water
- Water with high mineral content, primarily calcium and magnesium.
- Can cause pipe buildup, reduce appliance lifespan, and create soap scum.
- Often treated with a water softener.
- Water Pressure
- The force of water flow in your plumbing system.
- Measured in PSI (pounds per square inch).
- Low pressure can indicate a leak or clogged pipes; high pressure can cause damage.
- Water Hammer
- A loud banging noise in pipes caused by sudden water stoppage.
- Happens when a valve closes quickly, creating a pressure surge.
- Can damage pipes over time and may require a water hammer arrestor.
- Backflow
- A dangerous situation where dirty water flows back into clean water lines.
- Prevented with backflow prevention devices.
Plumbing Fixtures & Appliances
- Water Heater
- Heats water for household use.
- Common types: Tank Water Heaters (store heated water) and Tankless Water Heaters (heat water on demand).
- Toilet Components
- Flapper: A rubber valve that controls water flow from the tank to the bowl.
- Fill Valve: Refills the tank after flushing.
- Wax Ring: Creates a waterproof seal between the toilet and the floor drain.
- P-Trap
- A U-shaped pipe under sinks that holds water to prevent sewer gases from entering your home.
- Garbage Disposal
- A device under the kitchen sink that grinds food waste into small particles to be flushed down the drain.
Drainage & Sewer Terms
- Drain Vent (or Vent Stack)
- A pipe that allows airflow into the plumbing system, preventing water from getting stuck and drains from making gurgling noises.
- Sewer Line
- The main pipe that carries wastewater from your home or business to a municipal sewer system or septic tank.
- Clogs in the sewer line can lead to backups inside the building.
- Septic System
- Used in homes or businesses that aren’t connected to a public sewer system.
- Consists of a septic tank and drain field that treats wastewater naturally.
- Sump Pump
- A pump installed in basements or crawl spaces to remove excess groundwater and prevent flooding.
Pipes & Plumbing Materials
- Copper Pipes
- Durable and corrosion-resistant.
- Common in residential and commercial buildings but more expensive than plastic alternatives.
- PVC Pipes (Polyvinyl Chloride)
- Lightweight, affordable, and resistant to corrosion.
- Used in drain, waste, and vent (DWV) systems.
- PEX Pipes (Cross-Linked Polyethylene)
- Flexible plastic piping often used in modern residential plumbing.
- Resistant to freezing and easier to install than copper.
- Galvanized Pipes
- Older steel pipes coated with zinc to prevent rust.
- Over time, they corrode and can cause low water pressure or discoloration.
Common Plumbing Issues & Repairs
- Finding hidden leaks in pipes using infrared cameras, pressure tests, or listening devices.
- Undetected leaks can cause water damage and mold growth.
- Clogged Drain
- Happens when hair, grease, soap, or debris block a pipe.
- Can be cleared with a plunger, drain snake, or hydro jetting.
- Hydro Jetting
- A method using high-pressure water jets to clear blockages in sewer and drain lines.
- A water leak under a home’s foundation, often in the main water line.
- Requires professional detection and repair to prevent structural damage.
- Pipe Bursting
- A trenchless method of replacing damaged underground pipes by pulling a new pipe through the old one.
Why Knowing These Terms Matters
Whether you’re dealing with a leaky faucet, installing a new toilet, or managing a commercial property, understanding these plumbing terms helps you:
✔️ Communicate effectively with your plumber
✔️ Identify plumbing issues early
✔️ Make informed decisions about repairs and upgrades
Call 1st Choice Plumbing for Expert Plumbing Services in South Florida
If you’re in Boca Raton, Parkland, Deerfield Beach, Century Village, Sandlefoot Cove, or anywhere in Palm Beach County, and need a reliable plumber, 1st Choice Plumbing is here to help.
📞 Call 1st Choice Plumbing today for expert plumbing solutions, emergency repairs, and high-quality service for your home or business!