10 Basic Plumbing Terms Every Homeowner Should Know

A big part of being a homeowner is understanding the ins and outs of your home’s components that keep it functioning. One of those mechanisms is your plumbing. Your plumbing system includes your toilet, shower, kitchen sink, dishwasher, washing machine, and anything else that requires water to function. 

When you hire a professional plumber to repair your plumbing system, you might find yourself intimidated if you're unfamiliar with the plumbing terms that they use. While many standard plumbing terms exist, we've listed 10 of the most common here to help you feel more confident with your plumbing repairs. 

Read on for some standard plumbing terms from the plumbing experts at Gladiator Services in Emerson, NJ. 

1.  Flow of Water

On the topic of plumbing, your "flow of water" refers to the water flow direction of the water within your plumbing tubes. Your plumbing system will have a flow control valve that ensures that your water flow is running in the right direction and is running efficiently. 

2.  Septic Tank

A septic tank is a chamber sealed to be watertight; it holds wastewater, so it must be completely free of leaks. Septic tanks often consist of fiberglass, PVC, or concrete. Domestic wastewater flows from the septic tank for primary treatment. A septic tank needs emptying periodically and cleaning out with a system called "septic pumping," which is another common plumbing term.

3.  Water Closet

A water closet is a plumbing term for your whole toilet system. It sometimes refers specifically to the toilet tank, the back part of your toilet that holds water. Your flush lever connects to the toilet tank and is part of the "water closet." "WC" is a common abbreviation for water closet, and in fact, is the nickname for a restroom or toilet in England. 

4.  Closet Flange

The closet flange is a part of the water closet or toilet system. The closet flange refers to the ring that serves as an anchor for the bend of the toilet as it's secured to the floor. It's an essential piece of the toilet because it connects the toilet to the drain on the bathroom floor. The closet flange ensures that the toilet is in place, with bolts and slots that secure the toilet to the gutter and the floor.

5.  Toilet Tank

The toilet tank holds the clean water that drains when you flush the toilet. The toilet tank houses the flushing system and the water that will push the wastewater down through the plumbing system. The clean water in your toilet tank serves as a pressurized system that flushes wastewater down through your plumbing systems pipes. 

The toilet tank is the back part of the toilet, and the flush lever triggers its release of water.  You can access the toilet tank by removing its lid at the back of your toilet.

6.  Vent

A vent in a plumbing system will push or release air into different drainage systems in the plumbing system for the purpose of preventing stoppages. A vent pipe or pipes will remove gases from the home's plumbing system. 

A vent pipe, also known as a plumbing vent, is essential because it will significantly improve your drainage, reducing the likelihood of a clog. The lack of a vent pipe can often result in a costly plumbing repair because it may cause a clog in your pipes.

7.  Safety Shutoff Valve

A safety shutoff valve is a plumbing term that refers to a safety device. When a flame or pilot light extinguishes, the safety shutoff valve will shut off the gas supply to prevent a dangerous situation. 

The safety shutoff valve will often be underneath your toilet or sink. It’s important to have the ability to turn your water flow off when needed. If a repair is necessary, a professional plumber will likely need to access your safety shutoff valve before repairing your plumbing.

8.  Main

A "main" or a "main water supply" is a term that refers to the pipe bringing in the primary water supply for your home’s plumbing system. If you are part of a city water system, your main line connects directly to the public water distribution line, which is typically at the roadway in front of your house.

Another usage of “main” is for your main sewer line that removes wastewater from your plumbing system and sends it to your municipal sewage line.

9.  Plumbing Snake

A plumbing snake is a tool used to remove clogs in pipes. This plumbing term refers to a standard tool used by many households when minor clogs occur in the plumbing system. A plumbing snake is a long and flexible tool that you use by inserting it into a drain to pull out any material creating a clog. 

A professional plumbing snake is useful when more extensive and complicated clogs occur in a plumbing system. Professional plumbing snakes are more effective than snakes homeowners can purchased at hardware or home improvement stores.

10.  Access Panel

An access panel refers to any covered box or panel that allows you to access the controls for systems like your electrical or plumbing system. A plumbing access panel will be a covered area in a wall or ceiling that will enable you to gain access to your home's plumbing controls to make adjustments or repairs. 

At Gladiator Services, We Are Here to Serve You in Emerson, NJ 

At Gladiator Services, we want our customers to feel confident and comfortable with every installation, repair, or service we provide for them. This is why we believe in giving homeowners an education into what kind of plumbing terms professionals will likely use. 

For expert plumbing services in Emerson, New Jersey, and surrounding areas, be sure to call on our trusted professionals at Gladiator Services for efficient plumbing services. From drain cleaning to full plumbing repairs or replacements, we give our customers peace of mind that we’ll provide transparent and cost-effective services. 

Read more about sewer repair and replacement from our experts at Gladiator Services.  Call us today at 201-419-6090 for any type of plumbing service or for a free quote.