Basic Plumbing Terminologies That You Need to Know

Every construction project includes plumbing. Whether commercial or residential, plumbing systems run through buildings, becoming one of the most critical components. If you work in the plumbing industry or are just someone who wants to learn more about plumbing to fix that simple leaky pipe at home, there are plumbing terminologies that you should know. While knowing these would not instantly make you a plumbing expert, it would help make things easier for you to understand.    

Plumbing Terms
You can learn much about plumbing by learning the terms that plumbers use. It will also help you understand your plumbing system better.  

Water Closet    

A historical term for bathrooms. In the past, bathrooms were not as intricate as they are now. The centralization of sewer systems was common and usually done in a spare closet. That is where they took the term water closet. Plumbers didn't find the need to change this, and you might still even notice the letters "WC" on your toilets.    

Valves   

There are many types of valves in plumbing, such as:    

Cheater Valve   

Plumbers sometimes like to take the easy way out. It is where a cheater valve comes in. Using a cheater valve is a technique that plumbers use to vent a fixture drain. The actual name for these valves would be an air admittance valve. Some regulations prohibit using these valves, so do your research before testing them out.    
 

T & P Valve   

The "T" and "P" stand for temperature and pressure. You can usually find these valves in water heater tanks. It helps control the heat by opening and relieving pressure inside to prevent an explosion because of extreme heat.    

Sanitary Tee   

While you are right in thinking it has something to do with sanitation, this does not mean that an unsanitary tee exists. It merely points out the importance of sanitation, especially in waste lines. They are T in shape, and you can usually locate them in the middle of a new pipe and an old one.    

Waste lines are among the parts of your plumbing system without air pressure. The sanitary tee ensures that the water flow goes one way and is out of the system.    

Backflow   

Backflow is when the flow of water goes the wrong way or back the way it came from, contaminating the clean water in your systems. Regulations require that a plumbing contractor install a backflow preventer in places most likely to experience backflow due to pressure, like handheld showers.    

Water Hammer  

Before you conjure up an image of a hammer, this is not a thing but more like a condition. Have you ever heard a solid banging sound when you turn on a faucet? The sound itself is the water hammer. It happens when the air pressure inside the pipes is too high, making the water rush out without control and banging at the corners and twists of pipes.   

Sweat Connection   

While sweat is commonly known as fluids that come from your body after a workout or extreme heat, this terminology is not the case. When plumbers join two copper pipes, they call it sweating. It involves heating the joints of these pipes so they can be watertight. With the extreme heat, the flux usually bubbles up, and moisture beads up, making it look like the pipe is sweating.    

Blow Bag  

The name isn't too far from its purpose. This term discusses a bag that blows water pressure into your drains. It is usually a plumbing bladder, and plumbers use it to unclog drains. You should always note that only professionals should do this unclogging as too much pressure will lead to pipe damage.    

Plumbing Snake   

Generally known as Augers, a plumbing snake got its name from its shape and form. It coils and bends, making it look like a snake. Plumbers usually install these types of pipes in toilets and clogs.   

Black Water  

From the term itself, you know that it has something to do with dirty water. There is also the term "Gray water," which comes from shower drains, washing machines, sinks, and tubs. This type of water is usually a mix of soap and grease, which can be safe for your lawn and plants, making it recyclable.    

Blackwater, on the other hand, is from toilets. This type of water directly flows through your septic system and is not something that is appealing to look at, smell, or even handle.    

Vent Stack   

Have you ever seen a two- or three-inch pipe jutting up from the roof? If you have, then that is what plumbers like to call a vent stack. It is the main vent pipe that connects the sewer to the roof, and its function is not only to release harmful gases but also to ensure that the pressure is in control. Without this, it would affect the tension in your pipes.   

Knowing the meaning of these terms will help you the next time a plumber comes to your building for some repairs or maintenance. It also gives you an idea about which parts of your plumbing systems are functioning and which ones need attention.  

While you're at it, you should also ask professionals about airtight and watertight exterior access doors. They provide security, protection, and easy access to the plumbing components of your home.    

Guest Contributor: Chris Jackson