#separator:tab #html:false #tags column:4 Supply line Pipe bringing clean water into a fixture tp-trades-plumbing Drain line Pipe carrying used water away tp-trades-plumbing Vent pipe Pipe letting air into the drain system so water flows tp-trades-plumbing DWV Drain-waste-vent system tp-trades-plumbing Main shutoff valve Valve that turns off water to the whole building tp-trades-plumbing Water meter Device measuring water used tp-trades-plumbing Water heater Appliance that heats and stores hot water tp-trades-plumbing Tankless water heater Heater that warms water only as it is used tp-trades-plumbing Pressure Force of water in pipes, often measured in psi tp-trades-plumbing Water pressure regulator Valve that reduces incoming pressure to a safe level tp-trades-plumbing Gate valve Valve with a sliding gate; fully open or fully closed tp-trades-plumbing Ball valve Valve that opens and closes with a quarter turn tp-trades-plumbing Globe valve Valve for regulating flow tp-trades-plumbing Check valve Valve that lets water flow in only one direction tp-trades-plumbing Shutoff valve (angle stop) Small valve under a sink or toilet tp-trades-plumbing Copper pipe Durable metal pipe used for water supply tp-trades-plumbing PVC White plastic pipe used for drains and vents tp-trades-plumbing ABS Black plastic pipe used for drains in some areas tp-trades-plumbing CPVC Plastic pipe rated for hot water tp-trades-plumbing PEX Flexible cross-linked polyethylene tubing for supply lines tp-trades-plumbing Galvanized steel pipe Zinc-coated steel pipe, older and prone to corrosion tp-trades-plumbing Cast iron pipe Heavy pipe used for drains tp-trades-plumbing Fitting A connector that joins or redirects pipes tp-trades-plumbing Coupling Fitting joining two straight pipes tp-trades-plumbing Elbow Fitting that changes pipe direction tp-trades-plumbing Tee T-shaped fitting that creates a branch tp-trades-plumbing Union Fitting that can be disconnected without cutting pipe tp-trades-plumbing Reducer Fitting joining pipes of different sizes tp-trades-plumbing Cap Fitting that seals a pipe end tp-trades-plumbing Plug Fitting that seals a female threaded opening tp-trades-plumbing Nipple Short threaded pipe tp-trades-plumbing Adapter Fitting connecting different pipe types tp-trades-plumbing Sweating (soldering) Joining copper with heated solder tp-trades-plumbing Flux Chemical applied to copper joints before soldering tp-trades-plumbing Solvent cement Glue that welds PVC and similar plastics tp-trades-plumbing Primer Cleaner applied to plastic pipe before cementing tp-trades-plumbing Compression fitting Fitting sealed by tightening a nut over a ring tp-trades-plumbing Crimp ring Metal ring squeezed onto PEX fittings tp-trades-plumbing Thread seal tape Thin white tape that seals threaded joints tp-trades-plumbing Pipe dope Paste that seals threaded joints tp-trades-plumbing Teflon tape Common name for thread seal tape tp-trades-plumbing Pipe wrench Wrench with serrated jaws for gripping pipe tp-trades-plumbing Basin wrench Long-necked wrench for tight faucet nuts tp-trades-plumbing Tubing cutter Tool for making clean cuts in pipe tp-trades-plumbing Plunger Tool using pressure to clear clogs tp-trades-plumbing Drain snake (auger) Flexible tool that clears blockages tp-trades-plumbing Trap Curved pipe holding water to block sewer gas tp-trades-plumbing P-trap Trap shaped like a P under sinks tp-trades-plumbing Sewer gas Foul gas that traps and vents keep out of living spaces tp-trades-plumbing Cleanout Access point for clearing drains tp-trades-plumbing Floor drain Drain set in a floor tp-trades-plumbing Septic system On-site wastewater treatment for homes without city sewers tp-trades-plumbing Sewer main Large pipe carrying waste from many buildings tp-trades-plumbing Backflow Reverse flow of water that can contaminate the supply tp-trades-plumbing Backflow preventer Device that stops contaminated water flowing backward tp-trades-plumbing Air gap Open space that keeps drain water from entering a supply line tp-trades-plumbing Fixture A device like a sink, toilet or tub tp-trades-plumbing Faucet Valve controlling water flow from a sink or tub tp-trades-plumbing Aerator Screen at the faucet tip that mixes air with water tp-trades-plumbing Cartridge Internal faucet part that controls flow and temperature tp-trades-plumbing Washer Rubber ring that seals a valve seat tp-trades-plumbing O-ring Rubber ring that seals joints tp-trades-plumbing Flapper Rubber seal at the bottom of a toilet tank tp-trades-plumbing Fill valve Valve that refills the toilet tank tp-trades-plumbing Wax ring Seal between a toilet and the floor flange tp-trades-plumbing Closet flange Pipe fitting on the floor that secures a toilet tp-trades-plumbing Showerhead Fixture that sprays water in a shower tp-trades-plumbing Tub spout Faucet end that fills the tub tp-trades-plumbing Garbage disposal Appliance under a sink that grinds food waste tp-trades-plumbing Dishwasher drain Hose carrying dishwasher water into the drain system tp-trades-plumbing Hose bib Outdoor faucet for a hose tp-trades-plumbing Sump pump Pump removing water from a basement pit tp-trades-plumbing Water softener Equipment reducing hard water minerals tp-trades-plumbing Hard water Water with high mineral content tp-trades-plumbing Water hammer Banging noise when flow stops suddenly tp-trades-plumbing Air chamber Small vertical pipe that cushions pressure surges tp-trades-plumbing Expansion tank Tank absorbing pressure from heated water tp-trades-plumbing Pressure relief valve Safety valve that releases excess pressure tp-trades-plumbing Anode rod Rod in a water heater that corrodes first to protect the tank tp-trades-plumbing Slope (pitch) of drains Drains need a gentle downhill slope, often 1/4 inch per foot tp-trades-plumbing Gravity flow Water moving downhill without pumps tp-trades-plumbing Frozen pipe Pipe blocked or damaged by ice tp-trades-plumbing Pipe insulation Foam or wrap that protects pipes from heat loss or freezing tp-trades-plumbing Leak Unwanted escape of water tp-trades-plumbing Corrosion Gradual damage to metal tp-trades-plumbing Plumbing code Rules for safe plumbing work tp-trades-plumbing Licensed plumber Tradesperson legally qualified to do plumbing work tp-trades-plumbing Apprentice plumber Trainee learning the trade tp-trades-plumbing Rough-in Installing pipes before walls are closed tp-trades-plumbing Trim-out Installing fixtures after walls are finished tp-trades-plumbing Hot and cold side Convention: hot is on the left, cold on the right tp-trades-plumbing