Remembering all the names and different components of your home’s plumbing can be difficult. If you are needing to do a DIY repair, or wanting to communicate a problem with your home’s plumbing correctly, check out this helpful guide of common plumbing terminology!
Aerator – a piece that is screwed into a faucet to reduce splashing and distribute air into flowing water.
Auger – a long, flexible rod used to pull clogs out from your plumbing system
Check Valve – a valve on a pipe to prevent backflow of water.
Main Line – provides all water from your water company to the pipes in your home. The main line is your home’s main water supply source.
P-Trap – the U shaped section of the pipe under a sink. The P trap is used to prevent sewer and other gasses from entering your home.
Shutoff Valve – used to easily shut off water to a plumbing fixture. Shutoff valves are located close to where a pipe enters a room in the home. Shutoff valves can be used to turn off the water when providing maintenance or repair to a certain plumbing fixture without turning off a home’s entire water supply.
Sump Pump – a pump used to remove water from a flooded area, typically located in a basement of a home.Sump pumps can also help prevent moisture build up, and works to remove any water from a home’s foundation.
Supply Line – takes water from the main line into a specific plumbing fixture in your home. Supply lines are often made of metal or plastic.
Water Softener – removes calcium or other minerals from hard water. A water softener serves as a whole-home filtration system, preventing hard water and mineral build up in a home.
If you still have questions about your home’s plumbing system, give our team of licensed experts a call! We’re here to help with any of your plumbing repair, replacement, or installation needs.
