If you're not a plumber, the terminology we use might sound pretty funny.
What the heck is a valve seat? What does flow rate mean?
We break down the ABCs of some common plumbing terms here -- read on and get ready to impress your local plumber with your newfound knowledge!
Auger: A flexible rod with a curved end used to pull clogs from toilet traps.
Ball Check Valve: A valve with a ball used to stop liquid flowing in one direction.
Closet Flange: Ring used to connect to closet bend and anchor a toilet.
Dope: Lubricant used for plumbing pipe threads.
Effluent: Liquid waste found in a septic system.
Flow Rate: The amount of water that flows through a plumbing system. It can be measured in gallons per hour (GPH) or gallons per minute (GPM).
Gray Water: Water waste produced from plumbing fixtures that aren’t toilets.
Hose Bibb: An outdoor faucet.
Interceptor: Device in drain systems that separates oil and grease.
Jet: The feature of a toilet designed to send water into the trapway.
KiloPascal (kPa): Unit of pressure in the metric system equaling 1/100th of an atmosphere.
Leach line: Pipes from septic tank to absorption/leach field that carry liquid waste.
Main: All branches connect to this main pipeline in a drain system or supply.
Non-potable: Not suitable for drinking.
O-Ring: Makes valve stems watertight via a round rubber washer.
Pressure Head: The vertical pressure force caused by water at a depth of one foot; pressure in a plumbing system; unit of measure
Quick Closing Valve: A valve or faucet that closes automatically when released manually or that is controlled by mechanical means for quick closing.
Riser: Vertical pipes that bring water to a fixture or higher floor from the branch pipe.
Shutoff Valve: A valve used for repairs to stop water supply, generally under the toilet or sink.
Trap: Part of a plumbing pipe that is curved and made to hold enough water that will seal or block the pipe from odors, pests, and gases.
Ultra Low Flush: A toilet that delivers 1.6 gallons per flush or less.
Valve Seat: The section of a valve that is stationary.
Water Hammer: Hydraulic shock caused when the water supply is cut off suddenly.
Xeriscaping: Landscaping your yard so it needs little or no water to thrive -- “xeros” is Greek for dry.
Y-Strainer: A device that filters out solids and other particles from liquid, gas, or steam by passing them through a mesh metal or wedge wire element.
Zone of Saturation: The layer in the ground where all available space is filled with water.
Are you having a plumbing problem at your house? Give us a call at 1-877-BEN-1776 or contact us online!
