Plumbing Terminology Glossary
Confused by plumbing jargon? Browse our comprehensive glossary to understand common terms, parts, and systems used in your home.
A
Aerator
A small mesh screen attached to the end of a faucet. It mixes air into the water stream to reduce splashing, save water, and create a more consistent flow.
Anode Rod
A sacrificial metal rod (usually magnesium or aluminum) installed inside a water heater tank. It attracts corrosive elements in the water, rusting away so the steel tank doesn't.
B
Backflow Preventer
A mechanical device installed on a water pipe to prevent water from flowing backward into the municipal water supply, protecting it from contamination.
Boiler
A heating appliance that uses natural gas or electricity to heat water, which is then circulated through radiators or in-floor pipes to provide radiant heat to a home.
C
Cleanout
An accessible pipe fitting with a removable plug that allows plumbers to access the main sewer line or drain pipes for cleaning and clearing blockages.
F
Flapper
A rubber seal inside the toilet tank that lifts when you flush, allowing water to flow into the bowl, and then drops back down to seal the tank so it can refill.
G
Garburator
A Canadian term for a garbage disposal unit installed under a kitchen sink to grind up food waste.
P
P-Trap
A curved section of drainpipe under a sink or bathtub that holds a small amount of water. This water barrier prevents foul-smelling sewer gases from entering the home.
Poly-B (Polybutylene)
A type of grey plastic water supply piping commonly used in homes built between 1978 and 1995. It is known to degrade and fail over time and is no longer approved for use.
PRV (Pressure Reducing Valve)
A valve installed on the main water line that reduces high incoming municipal water pressure to a safe level for a home's plumbing system (typically 40-60 psi).
S
Sump Pump
A pump installed in a pit (sump basin) in the basement or crawlspace. It collects groundwater and pumps it away from the foundation to prevent flooding.
T
T&P Valve (Temperature and Pressure Relief Valve)
A critical safety device on a water heater that automatically opens to release water if the temperature or pressure inside the tank reaches dangerous levels.
Tankless Water Heater
A highly efficient water heater that heats water on demand as it flows through the unit, eliminating the need for a storage tank and providing endless hot water.
W
Water Softener
A water treatment system that removes hard minerals (calcium and magnesium) from the water supply through an ion exchange process, preventing scale buildup.
Z
Zone Valve
A valve used in hydronic (hot water) heating systems to control the flow of hot water to different zones or areas of a home, allowing for independent temperature control.