ABS
Standing for Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (thank goodness for this acronym), a black, rough plastic piping used in drainage
Access panel
Opening in a wall, floor or ceiling that allows plumbing or electrical service
Adapter
Fitting that joins pipes together
Air Gap
The path of the water flow; for example, the distance from a faucet to a drain
“A” valve
Shuts off gas manually
Back vent
One of two vents that are part of a plumbing fixture
Backflow Preventer
Mechanical plumbing devices installed in a plumbing system to prevent water from flowing backward in the system.
Ball joint
Sphere-shaped part of a joint that rests in a socket
Branch Drain
Drain that leads to the main drainage line of a plumbing system
Circuit Vent
In drainage systems, this vent runs from the final traps of a horizontal drain line to the primary stack of vents
Cleanout
One of the more helpful common plumbing terms when troubleshooting, a plug that is used to access the pipe in order to clear an obstruction
Closet Auger
Tool that removes toilet obstructions
Coupling
Type of fitting with two female ends
CPCV
Standing for Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride, this rough piping is used in water supply systems
IPB
Standing for polybutylene, a type of plastic tubing used for water systems in some parts of the country
PEX
Cross-linked polyethylene. PEX tubing, is commonly used for water supply lines and radiant floor heat systems.
Plumber’s putty
Soft substance used to seal joints and fixture bases
PVC
Standing for Polyvinyl Vhloride and one of the more common plumbing terms, referring to white piping used in many home plumbing capacities
Reducer
Fitting that connects one pipe to another that is smaller
Rough-in
Installation phase that covers waste and vent lines, drains and water
Shutoff Valve
Most commonly refers to the shut-off valve located under sinks and toilets. Valves are also installed on branch lines and alongside the meter.
Sweating
Slang for soldering.
T&P Valve
Temperature and pressure valve. A valve that opens to release excess pressure and temperature in a system.
Tee Fitting
Fittings that allow pipes to be joined at a 90-degree angle. Tee-fittings for drain systems use a sweeping bend to prevent blockage. See Sweep.
Thermostat
A temperature control device, typically located on an inside wall that is used to set and maintain a desired room temperature
Trap
A fitting or portion of a fixture that, when properly vented, holds water to prevent entry of sewer gases.
Valve
A device that regulates the flow of water.
Vent Stack
The upper portion of the soil stack above the topmost fixture through which gases and odors escape.