Plumbing Glossary
Providing “Comfort for Life” since 1972
Family-Owned
& Operated Since 1972
Third-Generation
Charleston Company
Trane
Comfort Specialist
- Family-Owned & Operated Since 1972
- Third-Generation Charleston Company​
- Trane Comfort Specialist​
Plumbing Terms, Plain and Simple
Plumbing has its own language, and it is not always easy to follow along when a technician is walking you through a problem or a repair. We put this glossary together so you can look up the terms you hear most often and feel confident in the conversations you have about your home’s plumbing system.
If you ever have questions that go beyond a definition, our team is always happy to help. Give us a call and we will walk you through whatever you need to know.
- Aerator A small screen attachment that fits onto the end of a faucet spout. It mixes air into the water flow, which reduces splashing, conserves water, and helps maintain consistent water pressure at the tap.
- Auger A flexible, snake-like tool used to clear clogs from drains and toilets. It reaches deeper into pipes than a standard plunger and is especially useful for blockages that sit further down the line.
- Backflow The unwanted reversal of water flow in a plumbing system. Backflow can allow contaminated water to mix with your clean water supply, which is why backflow prevention devices are an important part of many residential and commercial plumbing systems.
- Ballcock The fill valve inside a toilet tank that controls how water refills after a flush. When a toilet runs continuously, a worn or faulty ballcock is often the reason.
- Blowbag A drain-clearing attachment that connects to a garden hose and expands with water pressure to dislodge blockages inside pipes.
- Cleanout An access point built into your drain or sewer line that allows a plumber to clear blockages without having to dig up or open walls. Cleanouts are typically capped pipes located along the exterior of your home or in utility areas.
- Closet The industry term for a toilet. You may hear plumbers refer to the toilet flange or closet flange when discussing the connection between your toilet and the drain pipe below it.
- Condensate Water that collects as moisture drains from an air conditioning system. In homes with HVAC equipment, condensate lines can occasionally intersect with plumbing systems, and a clogged condensate line can cause water damage if left unaddressed.
- Coupling A pipe fitting used to join two sections of pipe together. Couplings come in different materials and configurations depending on the type of pipe and the application.
- CPVC (Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride) A type of plastic piping commonly used for hot and cold water supply lines inside homes. It is lightweight, durable, and resistant to corrosion.
- Drain The outlet through which wastewater exits a fixture and enters your home’s drain system. Slow drains are one of the most common plumbing issues homeowners deal with, especially in older Charleston homes.
- Drain Trap A curved section of pipe beneath a sink or other fixture that holds a small amount of water at all times. This water creates a seal that prevents sewer gases from rising up through the drain and into your living space.
- Energy Star A certification standard used to identify appliances and fixtures, including water heaters and dishwashers, that meet efficiency guidelines set by the Environmental Protection Agency.
- Expansion Tank A small tank connected to a water heater that absorbs excess pressure caused by thermal expansion. Homes with closed plumbing systems are typically required to have one to protect pipes and fixtures from pressure damage.
- Faucet The fixture that controls the flow of water from a supply line to a sink, tub, or shower. Faucets can develop leaks over time due to worn washers, O-rings, or cartridges, all of which are straightforward repairs for a licensed plumber.
- Fixture Any device connected to your plumbing system that uses water, such as a sink, toilet, shower, bathtub, or dishwasher.
- Flange The fitting that connects a toilet to the floor and to the drain pipe below. A damaged or improperly sealed flange is a common cause of toilet leaks at the base.
- Fitting A component used to connect, redirect, or terminate sections of pipe. Common fittings include elbows, tees, couplings, and reducers.
- Flow Restrictor A small device installed inside showerheads or faucets to limit water flow and improve efficiency. In Charleston, where water conservation is increasingly important, flow restrictors are a simple way to reduce usage without sacrificing comfort.
- Garbage Disposal A motorized unit installed beneath a kitchen sink that grinds food waste into small particles so it can pass safely through the drain. Disposals require occasional maintenance and are prone to jamming when the wrong materials are put through them.
- Gate Valve A shutoff valve that controls water flow by raising or lowering a gate inside the valve body. Gate valves are common in older homes but can become difficult to operate over time. Many homeowners upgrade to ball valves for easier and more reliable shutoff.
- Gray Water Wastewater generated from sinks, showers, and laundry that does not contain sewage. In some applications, gray water can be recycled for irrigation, though local codes govern how and where this is permitted.
- Hard Water Water that contains elevated levels of dissolved minerals, primarily calcium and magnesium. Hard water is common throughout much of the Charleston area and can cause mineral buildup inside pipes, water heaters, and fixtures over time, reducing efficiency and shortening equipment life.
- Leach Field Also called a drain field, this is the underground area of a septic system where treated wastewater is dispersed into the soil. Proper maintenance of your leach field is essential for homes that rely on a septic system rather than a municipal sewer connection.
- Main Line The primary pipe that connects your home’s plumbing system to the municipal water supply or sewer system. A main line blockage or break is a serious issue that requires prompt professional attention.
- Permit The official authorization required by local building departments before certain plumbing work can begin. Licensed plumbers pull the necessary permits to ensure work meets code and passes inspection, protecting you and your home.
- Pipe Dope A paste-like sealant applied to threaded pipe connections to create a watertight seal. Also referred to as pipe joint compound.
- Trap The curved section of pipe beneath a drain that holds standing water to block sewer gases. Every fixture in your home should have a properly functioning trap.
- Plumbing Fixture Any device that connects to your water supply or drainage system, including sinks, toilets, showers, tubs, and outdoor hose bibs.
- Plumbing Permit An authorization issued by your local municipality before certain plumbing work can be performed. Working with a licensed plumber ensures that permits are obtained properly and that all work meets local code requirements.
- Pressure The force at which water moves through your plumbing system. Standard residential water pressure typically falls between 40 and 80 PSI. Pressure that is too high can stress pipes and fixtures, while pressure that is too low affects performance throughout your home.
- Shutoff Valve A valve that stops water flow to a specific fixture or to your entire home. Knowing where your main shutoff valve is located is one of the most important things a homeowner can do to minimize damage in a plumbing emergency.
- Stack The vertical drain pipe that runs through the interior of your home and connects your drainage system to the sewer or septic line. The stack also vents sewer gases out through your roof.
- Sump Pump A pump installed in a basement or crawl space that removes accumulated groundwater to prevent flooding. In Charleston, where heavy rainfall and low-lying terrain are common, a properly functioning sump pump can be essential for protecting your home.
- Tankless Water Heater A water heater that heats water on demand rather than storing it in a tank. Tankless units are more energy efficient for many households and eliminate the risk of running out of hot water during periods of high use.
- Trap Primer A device that automatically adds water to a floor drain trap to prevent the water seal from evaporating, which would allow sewer gases to enter the space.
- Water Hammer A loud banging or knocking sound that occurs when water flow is stopped suddenly, causing pressure to surge through the pipes. Water hammer can be hard on your plumbing system over time and is worth addressing if you hear it regularly.
- Water Heater The appliance responsible for heating and storing water for use throughout your home. Water heaters have a typical lifespan of 8 to 12 years, and regular flushing and maintenance can help extend that life and maintain efficiency.
- Water Pressure The force that pushes water through your pipes and out of your fixtures. Fluctuating or low water pressure in Charleston homes can be caused by a range of issues including mineral buildup, supply line problems, or pressure regulator failure.
Still have questions about your home’s plumbing? Our team is here to help. Give Smoak’s Comfort Control a call and one of our licensed plumbers will be glad to walk you through whatever you are dealing with.