Professional Plumbing Glossary
A rigid black plastic pipe used for drain, waste and vent lines.
An opening in the wall or ceiling near a fixture that allows for access to service the plumbing or electrical system.
A shutoff valve between a water supply pipe and the fixture it supplies. Used to shut off water to a fixture in the event of failure or repair.
A rod inside of a water heater that protects the tank from corrosion; usually made of magnesium or aluminum.
Sewer line valve that prevents sewage from flowing back into the house.
A backflow preventer using a ball to seal; ensures water flows in one direction only.
The fill valve that controls the flow of water into a gravity-operated toilet tank.
Any part of a drain system other than the main, riser or stack; also known as a lateral line.
A vent connecting one or more individual vents with a vent stack.
Heat energy required to raise the temperature of 1 lb. of water by 1 degree Fahrenheit.
Backflow preventer allowing water to only flow in one direction.
Sewage disposal system operated by the city or county.
A plug in a trap or drain pipe providing access for clearing obstructions.
A toilet; also known as a water closet.
A flexible rod used to access the toilet’s built-in trap and remove clogs.
A curved fitting below the toilet connecting the flange to the drain.
Anchoring ring that secures the toilet to the floor.
Flexible membrane in a valve that regulates flow and reduces build-up.
Tube inside a water heater that sends cold water to the bottom of the tank.
Stub-ended pipe on a gas line that collects condensation and debris.
Decorative metal flange covering the faucet stem hole in the wall or fixture.
Device designed to contain excess pressure due to thermal expansion.
The proper slope or pitch of a pipe for adequate drainage.
Devices that provide water supply or disposal (sinks, tubs, toilets).
Part at the bottom of the toilet tank that releases water into the bowl.
Floating ball that triggers the ballcock to shut off water when the tank is full.
Commercial toilet valve that shuts off after metering a set amount of flow.
Shutoff valve for gas lines and appliances.
Device regulating gas pressure on a water heater.
Device that controls the flow of liquid in a pipe.
Standard toilet relying on downward water pressure to flush.
Waste water from sinks, showers, and tubs (excludes toilet waste).
Lateral drain pipes running from fixtures to the waste stack.
The horizontal distance fluid travels through a pipe.
Outdoor faucet or spigot.
Heats water as it flows through a coil; also known as tankless or Insta-Hot.
Primary line supplying water from the city meter to the home.
Short length of pipe between fittings.
Rubber sleeve with clamps used to connect dissimilar pipe materials.
Downward slope of a drain pipe; also known as “fall”.
Soft gray/blue plastic pipe (1970s-90s) known for deterioration and leaks.
Pressurized flushing system common in commercial settings.
Valve that lowers high municipal water pressure to a safe level for home fixtures.
White plastic pipe used for drainage, waste, and vent systems.
The amount of water stored in a tank.
Small holes under the toilet rim that wash the bowl during a flush.
Vertical supply line connecting a fixture to the water supply.
Clamping device used to tap into an existing line for low-demand devices.
Holding tank for homes not connected to city sewer; uses bacteria to decompose waste.
Pump used to lift waste from low fixtures (basements) up to the main sewer line.
Cover for drain outlets on wall-mount sinks.
Shutoff valve without a 90-degree turn.
Pump used in a basement pit to remove groundwater and prevent flooding.
Carries water from the main line to individual fixtures.
Safety valve on water heaters to expel excess heat or pressure.
Pipe section between a fixture outlet and the trap.
Electric generator/safety device for gas water heaters.
Shower valve that maintains a set temperature automatically.
Curved pipe that holds water to block sewer odors from entering the home.
The water sitting in a toilet bowl that blocks sewer gases.
The channel in a toilet where siphonic action occurs.
The handle used to flush a toilet or open a tub drain.
Fitting that joins pipe sections but allows disconnection without cutting.
Pipe that introduces air into the drain system to balance pressure.
Upper portion of the vent line that releases gases outside.
Wall fixture holding laundry supply and drain connections.
Loud banging in pipes caused by sudden pressure surges when valves close.
Preparing a vacant home for freezing temperatures by draining lines.