12 Plumbing Terms You Need to Know as a Homeowner
15 Plumbing Terms you Need to Know as a Homeowner
Knowing all of the parts and pieces that keep your house running can be tough! As a new homeowner, designated family handyman, or seasoned pro, it’s essential to know a few terms to keep your plumbing running smoothly and articulate your issues to plumbers, professionals, or the customer service team at the hardware store. Our glossary covers 15 essential plumbing terms you need to know.
Access Panel
An access panel is an opening in a wall or ceiling near a fixture. The access panel offers access to work on plumbing or electrical systems.
Angle Stop
An angle stop is a shutoff valve between the water supply and plumbing fixture. It is used to shut off water flow while you repair the connected item.
Backwater Valve
A backwater valve prevents disposed sewage from reentering the home.
Ballcock
The ballcock controls the flow of water in a gravity-operated toilet tank. When the toilet is flushed, the circular float will drop and open the ballcock. This results in water being distributed in the tank. As the water rises, the float rises to the level that shuts of the ballcock.
Dip Tube
The dip tube sends cold water to the bottom of the water heater tank.
Escutcheon
The escutcheon is a protective cover under the faucet handle that masks the fixtures hole.
Flow Rate
How much water flows through a plumbing system; measured in either gallons per minute (GPM) or per hour (GPH).
Gray Water
Gray water is any wastewater that comes from common fixtures, but not toilets.
Hose Bib
A hose bib is a common outdoor faucet. It is the small faucet attachment on an outer wall of your home that facilitates your access to water in your backyard, driveway, etc.
Main Line
The main line supplies water from the water company’s meter at street level to the branch pipes around your home.
PRV or Pressure Reducing Valve
PRV (or pressure reducing valve) is a special valve that is installed directly on the main water line. The PRV constrains the amount of water entering from the water companies supply to normalize water pressure for home use.
Septic Tank
A septic tank is a small sewage treatment system for homes with no connection to local sewage pipes. Septic refers to the bacteria that decomposes the waste inside the tank.
Sump Pump
A sump pump is used in basements that flood often. The sump pump sits in a pit that accumulates the water, where it pushes the water outside the home.
Trap
The trap is a curved section of drain line that prevents sewer odor from entering your home. All plumbing fixtures have a “P” trap, except for a toilet that has an “S” trap.
Water Hammer
The water hammer is a loud noise and vibration associated with pipes being turned on or off. The water hammer is caused by a sudden surge, or halt, of water in the pipes.
Thank you for reviewing our plumbing glossary! The next time you reach out to the professionals to fix your ballcock or sump pump, you now have the power to communicate specifics and exactly what you might need. Severson plumbing provides both residential and commercial plumbing service and repair for the entire Central Oregon region including Bend, Redmond, LaPine, Prineville, and Madras. We are here to help with all of your plumbing issues and emergencies. If you are in need of plumbing help, contact our team today, 541-382-3720!
Common Plumbing Problems & Plumbing Repair Tips to Solve Them
Common Plumbing Problems and How To Repair Them
Common Plumbing Problems & Plumbing Repair Tips to Solve Them
Plumbing problems cause a lot of headaches to homeowners. It can cause disruptions in your daily schedule and even turn into a disastrous mess. That’s why acting fast with plumbing repair is your best bet before things get worse. Here are some common plumbing problems and how you can fix them:
Faulty Faucets
Not only are faucet leaks annoying, but they can also increase your water bill. Here are some causes of a faulty faucet:
Worn O-Ring
This is the small rubber ring that goes on top of the stem screw and helps keep the handle in place. If you have a leak at the base of the handle, you might have a worn-out O-ring. Luckily for you, it’s pretty easy and cheap to replace.
Old Aerator
The aerator is a removable mesh filter at the end of the faucet’s spout. Eventually, mineral deposits can build up and clog it. This can lead to lost water pressure and stress on the seals and gaskets. Replace your aerator every couple of years to avoid a faulty faucet.
Bad Valve Seat/Washer
The valve seat and washer are located between the faucet and spout. If they become loose or worn out, it can cause leakage at the spout. Check for corrosion and mineral deposits and if they’re the right size and replace as needed.
Leaking Pipes
Most plumbing problems are due to bad pipes, especially in old houses. This is because older pipes are mostly made out of copper, performing poorly under extreme temperatures and susceptible to corrosion. Modern pipes made out of PEX (Cross-linked polyethylene) plastic are more flexible and perform better. If you still have copper pipes, it might be time to replace them.
Clogs
Clogged sinks, drains, and pipes cause a lot of frustration to homeowners. It can be tempting to use drain cleaners, but refrain from pouring these substances down your drain as they can be just a waste of money when you have serious blockage. They can’t melt the cause of your problems, which could be brush bristles, toothpaste caps, or other things sitting in your pipes.
Your best choice is to reach in and remove the blockage. Sinks typically have a drain catch for you to have easy access to things that fall down their drain. If you can’t reach for the object blocking your drains, you should call a professional.
Not sure what to do? Call an expert.
If you find yourself unable to fix plumbing problems yourself, it’s best to leave it to the experts. Since 1977, the skilled plumbers of Severson Plumbing have been providing excellent services to clients. We also offer a broad range of plumbing products and fixtures should you need replacements. Call us today for help. We’ll be happy to serve you.