Plumbing, in plain English.

The lingo.

Anode rod

The sacrificial rod inside a tank water heater that corrodes so the tank does not. Replacing it every few years can double the tank's life.

Backflow preventer

A device that stops contaminated water from flowing backward into the supply, required on irrigation and some boilers. Many cities require annual testing.

Cast iron

The heavy drain pipe in houses built before the 1970s. It rusts from the inside; a camera inspection shows whether it needs lining or replacement.

Cleanout

A capped access point on a drain line where a Pro runs a cable or camera. Knowing where yours is saves time on a clog call.

Copper

The traditional rigid supply pipe, joined by soldering or press fittings. Still used in exposed and high-heat locations.

Expansion tank

A small tank near the water heater that absorbs the pressure of heated water expanding. Required with a closed system (a PRV or backflow preventer).

Fixture

Anything water comes out of or drains into: faucet, toilet, tub, shower, sink. Plumbers often price by the fixture.

Hydro jetting

Clearing a drain with high-pressure water instead of a cable. Cleans grease and roots off the pipe wall rather than just punching a hole through the clog.

Main shutoff

The valve that stops all water to the house, usually where the service enters or at the meter. Every adult in the house should know where it is.

P-trap

The U-shaped bend under every fixture that holds water to block sewer gas. A dry trap in an unused drain is why a guest bathroom smells.

PEX

Cross-linked polyethylene, the flexible plastic tubing now standard for supply lines. Fewer joints than copper and freeze-tolerant, joined with crimp, clamp or expansion fittings.

Pressure regulator (PRV)

A valve that drops street pressure to a safe 50 to 70 psi for the house. High pressure shortens the life of every fixture and appliance.

PVC and ABS

Plastic drain, waste and vent pipe. White PVC and black ABS are not glued to each other without a transition fitting.

Sewer lateral

The drain line from the house to the city main or septic tank. Usually the homeowner's responsibility all the way to the street.

Sump pump

The pump in a basement pit that lifts groundwater out. A battery backup keeps it running through the storm that takes the power out.

Tankless (on-demand)

A water heater that heats water as it flows instead of storing it. Endless hot water and a smaller footprint; sizing depends on the flow rate you need at once and how cold the incoming water is.

Vent stack

The pipe that lets air into the drain system so water flows and traps do not siphon. Gurgling drains often mean a blocked vent.

Water heater

The tank or tankless unit that heats domestic hot water. Tanks last 8 to 12 years; a leaking tank is replaced, not repaired.

From the Pros.

Written by the people who do this work every day, in your area.

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