Plumbing Terms 101: A Guide To Industry Lingo

In this article, we will define some of the commonly used terms in the plumbing industry.

• Dynamic pressure

As the name implies, this refers to the water pressure while water is flowing.

• Hydrostatic pressure

This refers to the pressure exerted by a fluid at equilibrium due to the force of gravity.

• T&P Valve

A temperature and pressure relief valve (T&P valve) is a safety device that protects a water heater against high pressure and hot temperatures. The valve automatically pops open and drains hot water from the tank to reduce temperature and pressure.

• Blackwater

This refers to wastewater from toilets and bathrooms that contains fecal matter and urine.

• Grey Water

Grey water refers to all wastewater that comes from sources such as bathroom sinks, showers, washing machines, bathtubs and hand basins, but excludes wastewater from the toilet.

• Plumbing Snake

Also known as drain snake, a plumbing snake is a slender, flexible auger used to dislodge plumbing system clogs.

• Hard Water

Hard water contains high levels of dissolved minerals like calcium and magnesium.

• Check Valve

Also known as a non-return valve, a check valve is a device installed in pipelines to prevent backflow. Basically, a check valve allows fluids and gasses to flow in one direction and closes when backflow is detected.

• Drip Leg

Also known as sediment trap, a drip leg is a vertical piping pocket installed at the lower segment on a gas line to collect condensation and debris, thus preventing them from entering a gas appliance or fuel regulator.

• Plumbing Trap

This is a curved piece of drainpipe, that is located underneath a drain to stop foul-smelling sewer gases from entering your house. This device retains a small amount of water every time the fixture is used to create a trap seal that prevents foul gasses from entering your house.

• Shut-off valve

This is a device used to control the flow of air or liquids.

• Gallons Per Minute (GPM)

Also known as flow rate, gallons per minute is a measure of how many gallons of water could potentially come out of plumbing fixtures such as kitchen faucet, bathtub, and showerhead.

• Gallons Per Flush (GPF)

This is a measure of how many gallons of water required to flush a water closet.

• Vacuum Breaker

This is a threaded device that is installed on faucets to prevent water that leaves the faucet from flowing back into the plumbing system.

• Teflon tape

Also known as PTFE tape, Teflon tape is used to wrap pipe threads to create a seal on threaded pipe joints.

• Air Lock

An air lock refers to a restriction of liquid flow that happens when air pockets trapped in a pipe prevents water from flowing freely through the pipe.

• O-Ring

This is a rubber ring located in the inside of a faucet spout to prevent water from leaking around the spout.

• Dip Tube

This is a long plastic tube that attaches to your water heaters cold water inlet and runs to the bottom of the tank. This tube sends cold water to the bottom of the water heater tank where it will be heated.

Are you in need of a knowledgeable and experienced plumber to help you with plumbing repair service? Get in touch with Mr. Rooter Plumbing to help you out.