While it’s not imperative to know it all when it comes to your plumbing, it helps to know the basics. For instance, understanding common plumbing lingo can help you communicate effectively with plumbers, saving you time and possibly money.
That’s why we’ve put together this ultimate guide to plumbing terms and plumber lingo. Here, we’ll break down all the essential terms to know and what they mean. So, keep reading to become an informed homeowner in regards to your home’s plumbing system.
The Top Plumbing Terms & Plumber Lingo To Know
From water types and water content to fixtures and beyond, there’s an insider term or lingo to know. Here are the top plumbing terms and plumber lingo that homeowners should be familiar with.
Blackwater
As you can imagine or assume, blackwater refers to wastewater that contains sewage (primary from toilets). The “black” may be for its natural coloring, considering it includes human waste and other contaminants, requiring treatment before re-entering the environment. If your toilet is clogged, the stagnant wastewater is also considered blackwater.
Greywater
Greywater is a hybrid variety of blackwater. It’s a plumbing term that refers to water that comes from household fixtures other than toilets, such as sinks, showers, and washing machines. While not safe for drinking, greywater can be recycled for irrigation or flushing toilets, making it an eco-friendly option in water conservation systems.
Hard Water
This is a term that many homes in Metro Detroit may be familiar with, especially if their home is on a well. Hard water refers to water that contains high mineral content, mainly calcium and magnesium. This buildup can cause scale deposits in pipes, reducing water flow and damaging appliances.
Homeowners with hard water often notice dry skin, soap scum, and reduced efficiency in water heaters.
Water Softener
But anyone who knows about hard water might also know about our next plumber lingo to know: a water softener. A water softener turns the hard water soft by removing minerals from hard water and improving its quality. It uses a process called ion exchange, where minerals are replaced with sodium or potassium ions. Softened water prevents scale buildup, extends the life of appliances, and enhances cleaning efficiency.
Branch Drain
Another wastewater term you might be used by your plumber is a branch drain. This term refers to a pipe that collects wastewater from household fixtures like sinks, bathtubs, and washing machines. It directs this water toward the main drain pipe, which then connects to the municipal sewage system or a septic tank.
Drain Field
Another sewage type term is a drain field, which is the term for an underground network of perforated pipes connected to a septic tank. After solids settle in the septic tank, liquid waste flows into the drain field, where it filters through the soil. This process helps remove contaminants before water reaches the groundwater supply.
Dope
Don’t worry, you’re still in the right plumbing term guide! Dope is a pipe-thread sealant applied to threaded connections to create a leak-proof seal. It has a thick, paste-like consistency and is often used alongside plumber’s tape. Dope ensures a long-lasting, pressure-tight connection in both residential and commercial plumbing systems.
Fittings
Fittings are plumbing components used to connect pipes, change directions, or regulate flow. Common types include elbows, tees, couplings, and reducers. Proper fittings ensure a secure and leak-proof plumbing system.
GPF
GPF stands for gallons per flush, measuring how much water a toilet uses per flush. Federal regulations require modern toilets to have a maximum GPF of 1.6. High-efficiency toilets use even less, helping conserve water and lower utility bills.
Potable Water
Unlike blackwater or greywater, potable water is safe for human consumption, meeting health and safety standards. It comes from municipal water supplies or properly maintained wells. Regular testing ensures water remains free from harmful contaminants.
Trap Seal
A trap seal is the water held in the curved section of a drain pipe, known as the trap. This water acts as a barrier, preventing sewer gases from entering the home. Maintaining a proper trap seal is crucial for keeping indoor air fresh and safe.
Tee
A tee is a T-shaped fitting used to connect three pipes. It’s commonly used to create branch drain lines or connect additional plumbing fixtures. Tees come in various sizes and materials, including PVC, copper, and brass.
Blow Bag
A blowbag is a plumbing tool used to clear stubborn clogs. It connects to a garden hose and is inserted into the blocked pipe. When water flows through the hose, the bag inflates, creating pressure that pushes the clog out.
Snake
A plumbing snake, also called a drain auger, is a flexible, coiled metal tool used to break up clogs in pipes. It’s inserted into the drain and rotated to cut through or grab blockages. Snakes come in manual or motorized versions for more challenging jobs.
Cleanout Plug
A cleanout plug is a removable cap that provides access to drain pipes for cleaning and maintenance. It allows plumbers to remove blockages and inspect the interior of the plumbing system without dismantling large sections of piping.
The Final Word: Plumbing Terms and Plumber Lingo
While knowing all the ins and outs of the plumbing industry isn’t crucial for homeowners, it does help to understand common plumbing terms and plumber lingo. With this handy guide, now you can better understand the conversation you and your trusted plumber have in regards to the plumbing system within your home.
This can help you avoid getting confused or taken advantage of and become an informed participant in conversations about your most important investment—your home. Whether dealing with blackwater, installing a water softener, or clearing a clog with a blowbag, knowing the right lingo can make plumbing tasks less daunting.Need ongoing plumbing maintenance or a one-time repair or replacement? Look no further than Waterwork Plumbing, proudly serving the Metro Detroit area for nearly 20 years. Schedule a service appointment now, or check out more of our online resources to learn more.
