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