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Plumbing Basics Vocabulary
Pipes, fittings, fixtures and how water systems work.
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91 cards
- Supply lineTermPipe bringing clean water into a fixture
- Drain lineTermPipe carrying used water away
- Vent pipeTermPipe letting air into the drain system so water flows
- DWVTermDrain-waste-vent system
- Main shutoff valveTermValve that turns off water to the whole building
- Water meterTermDevice measuring water used
- Water heaterTermAppliance that heats and stores hot water
- Tankless water heaterTermHeater that warms water only as it is used
- PressureTermForce of water in pipes, often measured in psi
- Water pressure regulatorTermValve that reduces incoming pressure to a safe level
- Gate valveTermValve with a sliding gate; fully open or fully closed
- Ball valveTermValve that opens and closes with a quarter turn
- Globe valveTermValve for regulating flow
- Check valveTermValve that lets water flow in only one direction
- Shutoff valve (angle stop)TermSmall valve under a sink or toilet
- Copper pipeTermDurable metal pipe used for water supply
- PVCTermWhite plastic pipe used for drains and vents
- ABSTermBlack plastic pipe used for drains in some areas
- CPVCTermPlastic pipe rated for hot water
- PEXTermFlexible cross-linked polyethylene tubing for supply lines
- Galvanized steel pipeTermZinc-coated steel pipe, older and prone to corrosion
- Cast iron pipeTermHeavy pipe used for drains
- FittingTermA connector that joins or redirects pipes
- CouplingTermFitting joining two straight pipes
- ElbowTermFitting that changes pipe direction
- TeeTermT-shaped fitting that creates a branch
- UnionTermFitting that can be disconnected without cutting pipe
- ReducerTermFitting joining pipes of different sizes
- CapTermFitting that seals a pipe end
- PlugTermFitting that seals a female threaded opening
- NippleTermShort threaded pipe
- AdapterTermFitting connecting different pipe types
- Sweating (soldering)TermJoining copper with heated solder
- FluxTermChemical applied to copper joints before soldering
- Solvent cementTermGlue that welds PVC and similar plastics
- PrimerTermCleaner applied to plastic pipe before cementing
- Compression fittingTermFitting sealed by tightening a nut over a ring
- Crimp ringTermMetal ring squeezed onto PEX fittings
- Thread seal tapeTermThin white tape that seals threaded joints
- Pipe dopeTermPaste that seals threaded joints
- Teflon tapeTermCommon name for thread seal tape
- Pipe wrenchTermWrench with serrated jaws for gripping pipe
- Basin wrenchTermLong-necked wrench for tight faucet nuts
- Tubing cutterTermTool for making clean cuts in pipe
- PlungerTermTool using pressure to clear clogs
- Drain snake (auger)TermFlexible tool that clears blockages
- TrapTermCurved pipe holding water to block sewer gas
- P-trapTermTrap shaped like a P under sinks
- Sewer gasTermFoul gas that traps and vents keep out of living spaces
- CleanoutTermAccess point for clearing drains
- Floor drainTermDrain set in a floor
- Septic systemTermOn-site wastewater treatment for homes without city sewers
- Sewer mainTermLarge pipe carrying waste from many buildings
- BackflowTermReverse flow of water that can contaminate the supply
- Backflow preventerTermDevice that stops contaminated water flowing backward
- Air gapTermOpen space that keeps drain water from entering a supply line
- FixtureTermA device like a sink, toilet or tub
- FaucetTermValve controlling water flow from a sink or tub
- AeratorTermScreen at the faucet tip that mixes air with water
- CartridgeTermInternal faucet part that controls flow and temperature
- WasherTermRubber ring that seals a valve seat
- O-ringTermRubber ring that seals joints
- FlapperTermRubber seal at the bottom of a toilet tank
- Fill valveTermValve that refills the toilet tank
- Wax ringTermSeal between a toilet and the floor flange
- Closet flangeTermPipe fitting on the floor that secures a toilet
- ShowerheadTermFixture that sprays water in a shower
- Tub spoutTermFaucet end that fills the tub
- Garbage disposalTermAppliance under a sink that grinds food waste
- Dishwasher drainTermHose carrying dishwasher water into the drain system
- Hose bibTermOutdoor faucet for a hose
- Sump pumpTermPump removing water from a basement pit
- Water softenerTermEquipment reducing hard water minerals
- Hard waterTermWater with high mineral content
- Water hammerTermBanging noise when flow stops suddenly
- Air chamberTermSmall vertical pipe that cushions pressure surges
- Expansion tankTermTank absorbing pressure from heated water
- Pressure relief valveTermSafety valve that releases excess pressure
- Anode rodTermRod in a water heater that corrodes first to protect the tank
- Slope (pitch) of drainsTermDrains need a gentle downhill slope, often 1/4 inch per foot
- Gravity flowTermWater moving downhill without pumps
- Frozen pipeTermPipe blocked or damaged by ice
- Pipe insulationTermFoam or wrap that protects pipes from heat loss or freezing
- LeakTermUnwanted escape of water
- CorrosionTermGradual damage to metal
- Plumbing codeTermRules for safe plumbing work
- Licensed plumberTermTradesperson legally qualified to do plumbing work
- Apprentice plumberTermTrainee learning the trade
- Rough-inTermInstalling pipes before walls are closed
- Trim-outTermInstalling fixtures after walls are finished
- Hot and cold sideTermConvention: hot is on the left, cold on the right
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