Plumbing Glossary

Tankless water heater

A heater that warms water as it flows through the unit. Available hot-water flow depends on the model and temperature rise; ongoing supply does not mean unlimited simultaneous demand. Tankless water heaters

T&P relief valve

A safety valve designed to discharge if temperature or pressure exceeds its rating. The required relief protection and discharge arrangement depend on the heater and code. Never cap or obstruct a relief outlet; recurring discharge needs professional assessment.

Expansion tank

A vessel that can accommodate heated-water expansion in a closed supply system. Whether an expansion tank or another approved control is needed depends on the system, heater instructions, and local requirements.

Anode rod

A corrosion-protection component used in many tank water heaters. A sacrificial anode is designed to corrode preferentially; inspection and replacement should follow the specific model instructions. It is one part of maintenance, not a guarantee against tank failure. Water heater lifespan

Hydro jetting

Drain cleaning with directed high-pressure water. Pressure and nozzle selection depend on the pipe and blockage; jetting can remove suitable deposits but cannot repair structural damage or a sag. Hydro jetting vs. snaking

Cleanout

A capped access fitting on a drain or sewer line that lets equipment enter the pipe without dismantling fixtures. Its size, direction, and condition determine which tools can safely use it.

Sewer lateral

The pipe connecting a building drain to a public sewer. Owners generally maintain their house lateral in the local jurisdictions discussed here, but confirm the exact boundary and any shared-line obligations with the sewer authority. Sewer camera inspections

CIPP (pipe lining)

Cured-in-place pipe: a resin liner installed and cured inside an existing pipe. It can reduce excavation where the pipe and selected system are suitable; access work and preparation vary. Trenchless sewer repair

Pipe bursting

A replacement method that fractures the old pipe while drawing a new line into its path. Access excavations and site assessment are required; upsizing and suitability depend on the specific project.

Slab leak

A leak in a water line running beneath a home's concrete slab. Classic signs: a warm floor spot, running-water sounds, and a climbing bill. Detection methods can narrow the location, though further access may be needed to confirm the source. Hidden leak warning signs

Pressure regulator (PRV)

A pressure-reducing valve lowers supply pressure to a selected downstream setting. Failure may cause pressure problems; a plumber should measure pressure and diagnose the valve and system before replacement.

Repiping

Replacing part or all of a home's water-supply piping. The scope should follow the diagnosed cause, distribution of damage, and condition of the remaining pipes; repeated leaks alone do not establish that a whole-home repipe is necessary. Leak detection & pipe repair

Gas sediment trap

A piping arrangement intended to collect debris before it reaches gas equipment. A condensate drip serves a different purpose. Required components and their configuration depend on the appliance instructions and applicable gas code.

GPM (gallons per minute)

Gallons per minute measures water flow. For tankless sizing, compare simultaneous hot-water demand with the model output at the required temperature rise; a single household range does not establish the correct size.

← Back to the Learning Center