Plumbers glossary

Short, plain-English definitions of the terms you'll meet when choosing a plumber provider in Aiken, SC.

What is a backflow preventer?: A backflow preventer is a valve installed in water lines that allows water to flow forward into your home or business but blocks it from reversing back into the main supply where it could contaminate the community's drinking water.
What is a drain snake (auger)?: A drain snake (or auger) is a long, flexible cable tool with a cutting or grasping head that plumbers feed into clogged pipes to break apart or pull out blockages.
What is a gas line pressure test?: A gas line pressure test is a diagnostic procedure that pressurizes gas piping with nitrogen or air to identify leaks before appliances are connected and the system is activated.
What is a main sewer line?: The main sewer line is the primary pipe that transports all wastewater from a house to either the municipal sewage treatment facility or a private septic tank.
What is a P-trap?: A P-trap is the curved section of drain pipe beneath a sink that retains standing water to create a seal preventing sewer gas from entering the building.
What is a pressure reducing valve?: A pressure reducing valve is a device installed on the main water line that automatically reduces incoming municipal water pressure to a safe level for home plumbing fixtures and pipes.
What is a recirculation pump?: A recirculation pump continuously circulates hot water through the supply lines from a water heater, delivering hot water instantly to fixtures without draining cold water down the drain.
What is a septic tank?: A septic tank is an underground tank that collects and treats household wastewater for properties not connected to a municipal sewer line, using bacterial decomposition to separate solids from liquids.
What is a shutoff valve?: A shutoff valve is a mechanical device that stops the flow of water to a home or specific fixture when turned off, typically located where the main water line enters the property or near individual fixtures like toilets and sinks.
What is a sump pump?: A sump pump is a mechanical device installed in a pit or basin that automatically removes water accumulation from basements or crawlspaces by pumping it away from the foundation.
What is a tankless water heater?: A tankless water heater heats water on demand as it passes through the unit, rather than storing hot water in a tank.
What is a TPR valve?: A temperature and pressure relief valve (TPR valve) is a safety device installed on water heaters that automatically discharges hot water when internal temperature or pressure exceeds safe limits.
What is a water heater anode rod?: An anode rod is a metal rod inside a water heater tank designed to corrode in place of the tank, protecting it from rust and extending its service life until replacement becomes necessary.
What is a water heater expansion tank?: A small tank connected to a water heater that absorbs the excess pressure created when water expands as it heats in a closed plumbing system.
What is a well pressure tank?: A well pressure tank is a storage vessel that maintains steady water pressure in a private well system by holding pressurized water pumped from the well.
What is an ejector pump?: An ejector pump is a mechanical device that grinds and forces sewage waste upward from below-grade plumbing fixtures to the main sewer line, used in basements or low-lying areas where gravity drainage is impossible.
What is black iron pipe?: Black iron pipe is a threaded, galvanized-free steel pipe commonly used to carry natural gas and propane in building distribution systems.
What is copper pipe Type L vs Type M?: Type L and Type M are copper pipe grades defined by wall thickness, with Type L having thicker walls for higher pressure tolerance and Type M suitable for standard residential water supply.
What is CPVC pipe?: CPVC (chlorinated polyvinyl chloride) pipe is a plastic water supply pipe rated for temperatures up to 180°F, used primarily for hot water lines in residential plumbing systems.
What is hydro jetting?: Hydro jetting is a drain-cleaning technique that uses pressurized water streams to remove stubborn grease, mineral buildup, and debris from inside pipes.
What is PEX piping?: PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) is a flexible plastic water supply tubing commonly used in home plumbing systems, especially for repiping work in place of copper or galvanized steel.
What is sewer camera inspection?: A sewer camera inspection is a video examination of the interior of sewer and drain lines using a waterproof, motorized camera probe to locate blockages, root intrusion, cracks, and structural damage.
What is the difference between a gate valve and a ball valve?: A gate valve uses a sliding gate to block water flow, while a ball valve uses a rotating sphere with a hole through it; both are shutoff valves but differ in design, speed, and typical installation locations.
What is water hammer?: Water hammer is the loud banging noise that occurs in plumbing pipes when water flow stops abruptly, typically from a valve closing or fixture shutoff, creating a pressure shock wave.