Glossary of Common Plumbing Terms, Abbreviations, Vocabulary & Definitions

To those not familiar in the industry, some of the common terms used to discuss plumbing topics can be hard to follow. Where some are fairly basic, others can leave you scratching your head. In an effort to help our customers understand the plumbing field, we at Orsack Plumbing Company would like to offer some of the more common terms you should know to simplify your interactions with your professional plumber.

Plumbing Terminology Glossary

Air gap: The vertical distance between the water supply outlet and the flood level rim of the fixture.
Auxiliary water supply: In addition to the primary supply, the auxiliary water supply is secondary. For example, some homes that are connected to the municipal water supply may also be hooked into well water.
Backflow: System water is flowing in the opposite direction from regular flow.
Backflow preventer: In order to prevent backflow, a device or other means is installed in the piping system.
Back-siphonage: Negative pressure in the piping system which results in backflow if no preventative measures are in place.
Backwater valve: An application utilized in drainage systems to prevent backflow.
Building drain/Main drain: The lowest drain pipe in your system.
Building trap: Between the public sewer and private sewer is installed to the building drain to prevent air from circulating.
Check valve: A device that maintains the flow of only one direction.
Dead end: A capped off pipe.
Drainage system: All of the pipes, fittings and fixtures that waste water drain into.
Emergency floor drain: An emergency floor drain that is not expected to be used much.
Fixture: A component that discharges water or sewage waste; t includes a drain and outlet pipe.
Flood level rim: The limit level of a fixture, where water will overflow.
Offset: A single pipe that connects to 2 two parallel pipes.
Potable: Drinkable water.
Sewage: Any water waste that is not derived from storm water or that isn’t pure or clear.
Subsoil drainage pipe: An underground pipe engineered to funnel ground water away from a structure is in place to prevent gasses from entering the home.
Trap: By keeping a section of the pipe filled with liquid, the fitting or piping arrangement is in place to prevent gasses from entering the home.
Trap arm: An area of piping located between the vent and the trap weir.
Trap dip: A reference to the top of the lower part of the trap.
Trap seal depth: Between the trap dip and the trap weir marks the vertical measurement.
Trap weir: The point where water will begin to flow down the trap arm.
Venting system: Provide air circulation for the drainage system due to the pipes and fitting.
Water distribution system: That which provides water to the fixtures.
Water service pipe: The water supply pipe to a building.

Plumbing Inspections, Repairs & More in Spring, The Woodlands, Magnolia, Montgomery & Conroe Texas

We hope this help you better understand some of the terms heard in the plumbing industry. If you are in need of a reliable plumber, call in the experts of Orsack Plumbing Company today and let our experts assist you!

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