How to Talk to Your Plumber-Common Plumbing Terms
When you need to call a plumber for help, you are bound to hear several technical terms. Knowing a few basic plumbing terms can be very helpful if you’re trying to diagnose your own plumbing problem. It’s a whole lot easier to talk the plumber if you understand what they’re saying, and know which terms to use. You’ll only need to know a select few to communicate knowledgeably with your plumber. Here are the most common terms a plumber will most likely check, when diagnosing a problem:
- Aerator: The aerator is a little piece at the end of the faucet spout. It screws on (and off). The aerator mixes air into the water so it will flow better.
Apron: In plumbing, an apron isn’t something you wear while you bake. It’s a decorative piece of a bathtub that covers the rough-in plumbing. Sometimes, the apron and the tub are ordered separately. Never judge a tub without its apron!
Backflow: You’re probably familiar with backflow even if you don’t recognize the term. Backflow occurs when water flows in the wrong direction — like when your toilet backs up!
Basin: The basin is another word for the sink, though usually it refers to a shallow, round bowl.
Calcium hardness: Calcium hardness refers to how much calcium is in your water. Too little calcium makes the water corrosive. Too much, and you may begin to notice staining in your tubs and sinks. Calcium hardness can be tested.
Cleanout: The cleanout is a feature most plumbers will ask about if you have any problems with your drains. This is an opening, usually outside the house, that gives plumbers access to the sewer line.
Elbow: You’ll hear this word a lot among plumbers, and they’re not talking about their arms. An elbow is a pipe joint that’s shaped on a 90-degree angle. It’s used to bring two pieces of pipe together.
Fitting: This term is widely used in plumbing, so often that it may even be confusing. A fitting can be used to describe small pipe parts, such as joints and elbows, that connect two pieces of pipe.
Fixture: The fixtures in your home are the faucets, shower heads, toilets, tubs, sinks, and so forth. Usually this is how the term is used, but it can also be applied to water-supply devices.
Flange: You’ll hear the term flange mostly in the bathroom. This is the rim of a pipe shaft, and usually refers to the one under your toilet.
Flapper: The flapper accounts for all the most common toilet problems, so it’s an important little guy. This is a moving part, usually a piece of rubber or plastic, that acts as a drain cover at the bottom of the toilet tank.
Lavatory: A lavatory is a type of sink. It’s a fixed bowl that has running water and drainage. In some places, lavatory may refer to the entire bathroom but in plumbing it’s just the sink.
Nipple: It’s nothing to blush about. A nipple, in plumbing, is simply a small piece of pipe that’s threaded on both ends. It’s used to make connections longer.
Water Closet: Often abbreviated to WC, the water closet is the term plumbers use to refer to the toilet. It’s an old-fashioned term that most people no longer use, but plumbers say it all the time.
Wax ring: The wax ring is exactly what you think: a circular ring of wax. It’s placed beneath the toilet (water closet!) to create a tight seal. Once your ring begins to degrade, you may notice leakage around the bottom of the toilet. You’ll need a professional plumber to replace the ring, but the job is not an extensive one.
These are just a few of the common plumbing terms you may hear us using. If you call us with a question, you can help us help YOU by using a few of these terms to describe what’s happening and where you may need help. As always, If you are looking for a plumber in The Woodlands, Tomball, Spring or surrounding areas call us at (281) 351-6661 or contact us online to get your plumbing problem taken care of quickly. We have 24 hour service 7 days a week and there are no special charges for after- hours calls. You have choices when it comes to choosing a plumber, but we’re confident that when you choose Daniels Plumbing, you’ll never need to look for another plumber again.