Plumbing Glossary

Plumbing is the lifeblood of any home, responsible for the delivery of water and the safe disposal of waste. Whether you're dealing with a minor leak or planning a major renovation, understanding the ins and outs of plumbing can save you time, money, and a lot of frustration. That’s why we’ve compiled this comprehensive plumbing glossary, a detailed A-Z guide covering the essential terms and concepts every homeowner should know.

From basic fixtures to complex systems, this glossary will empower you to communicate effectively with professionals and make informed decisions about your home’s plumbing needs. So, let’s dive in and demystify the world of plumbing, ensuring you’re well-equipped to tackle any project with confidence.

A

1. Accreditation in plumbing services

Accreditation in plumbing services in the UK is a process through which plumbing companies can demonstrate their commitment to quality, safety, and professionalism. It involves an independent evaluation of a company's policies, procedures, and practices against established criteria and standards specific to the plumbing industry.

In the UK, there are several organizations that provide accreditation services to plumbing companies, including the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE) and WaterSafe. These organizations assess companies' compliance with industry-specific regulations and standards, such as water regulations, building regulations, and health and safety requirements.

The process of accreditation in plumbing services in the UK can involve a rigorous assessment of a company's practices and standards. For example, the CIPHE requires companies to meet certain eligibility criteria before they can apply for accreditation. These criteria include having a minimum of two years' experience in the plumbing and heating industry, being a registered business, and having adequate insurance.

Once a company is eligible, the accreditation process typically involves an assessment of the company's workmanship, customer service, and business practices. This assessment can include site visits, customer references, and a review of the company's policies and procedures.

The benefits of accreditation in plumbing services in the UK are significant for both companies and customers. For companies, accreditation can help to enhance their reputation, increase customer confidence, and provide a competitive advantage. For customers, accreditation can provide assurance that a company is reputable, competent, and adheres to industry standards.

In addition to the benefits for companies and customers, accreditation in plumbing services in the UK can also help to improve industry standards overall. By promoting best practices and adherence to regulations, accreditation can help to raise the quality of work and reduce the risk of poor workmanship and disputes.

In conclusion, accreditation in plumbing services in the UK is a valuable process for companies and customers alike. It involves an independent assessment of a company's policies, procedures, and practices against industry-specific standards, and can provide numerous benefits, including enhanced reputation, increased customer confidence, and improved industry standards.

1. Adaptor: A fitting used to connect pipes of different sizes or types.
2. Aerator: A device attached to the end of a faucet to mix air with water, reducing splashing and water consumption.
3. Air Gap: A space between a water outlet and the highest possible water level, preventing backflow contamination.
4. Angle Valve: A valve installed at a 90-degree angle, typically used to control water flow to a fixture.
5. Anode Rod: A sacrificial rod in a water heater that prevents tank corrosion by attracting corrosive elements.

B

6. Backflow: The undesirable reversal of water flow, potentially contaminating the potable water supply.
7. Ball Valve: A valve that uses a spherical disc to control the flow of water.
8. Basin Wrench: A specialized tool used for tightening or loosening nuts on faucet mounts under sinks.
9. Bleed Valve: A valve used to release air or excess water from a plumbing system.
10. Branch Line: A smaller line that connects to a main pipe to deliver water to fixtures.

C

11. Check Valve: A valve that allows fluid to flow in one direction only, preventing backflow.
12. Circuit Vent: A vent that serves multiple traps and protects against siphoning of water seals.
13. Cleanout: An access point in a drain or sewer line for clearing blockages.
14. Compression Fitting: A fitting used to connect two pipes or a pipe to a fixture, using a compression ring to seal.
15. Coupling: A fitting used to join two lengths of pipe together.

D

16. Dielectric Union: A fitting that joins two pipes made of different metals, preventing galvanic corrosion.
17. Drainage System: A system of pipes used to remove wastewater and sewage from a building.
18. Drop Ear Elbow: An elbow-shaped fitting with flanges for mounting to a surface, typically used with shower heads.
19. DWV (Drain, Waste, and Vent): A system of pipes that removes sewage and air from the system to prevent vacuum lock.
20. Dual Flush: A type of toilet flush mechanism offering two flush options, typically for liquid and solid waste.

E

21. Elbow: A fitting that allows a change in direction of piping, typically at a 90 or 45-degree angle.
22. Expansion Tank: A small tank used to absorb excess pressure due to thermal expansion in a closed water heating system.
23. Extractor Fan: A fan used to remove moisture and odours from bathrooms or kitchens, venting them outside.

F

24. Ferrule: A metal ring used to join or strengthen a pipe, often in conjunction with a compression fitting.
25. Flapper Valve: A valve in a toilet tank that controls the release of water into the bowl during a flush.
26. Flow Rate: The volume of water passing a point in a pipe within a given time, usually measured in litres per minute (L/min).
27. Flue: A duct for conveying exhaust gases from a gas water heater or boiler to the outdoors.
28. Flux: A chemical used in soldering to clean and promote the bonding of metals.

G

29. Gasket: A seal used between two surfaces to prevent leaks.
30. Gate Valve: A valve that opens by lifting a gate out of the path of the fluid.
31. Geyser: A term sometimes used in the UK to refer to a water heater, especially one providing instant hot water.
32. Gully: A drainage fitting with a grate, used to collect water and allow it to enter a drain.

H

33. Hose Bibb: An outdoor tap or spigot to which a garden hose can be attached.
34. Hot Water Cylinder: A tank for storing hot water for domestic use.
35. Hydronic Heating: A heating system that uses water to transfer heat, often via radiators or underfloor heating.

I

36. Inlet Valve: A valve that controls the flow of water into a system or appliance, such as a toilet or washing machine.
37. Insulation: Material used to prevent heat loss from pipes, especially hot water pipes.
38. Isolation Valve: A valve that can stop the flow of water to a section of the plumbing system for maintenance.

J

39. Jetting: A method of cleaning pipes using high-pressure water jets.
40. Junction: A point where pipes meet or split in a plumbing system.

K

41. Key: A tool used to open or close certain types of valves or drains, such as a stopcock key.
42. Kitchen Sink Trap: A U-shaped pipe beneath the sink that prevents sewer gases from entering the home.

L

43. Lagging: Insulation for pipes to prevent heat loss or freezing.
44. Lateral Line: A secondary or branch line in a drainage system.
45. Lead Pipe: Outdated plumbing pipes made of lead, often found in older buildings and potentially hazardous.
46. Limescale: Hard, chalky deposits of calcium carbonate found in kettles, water heaters, and pipes, particularly in hard water areas.

M

47. Macerator: A device used to grind solid waste into slurry, allowing it to be pumped through small pipes.
48. Main: The primary supply line for water, gas, or sewerage to a building.
49. Manifold: A device that splits a single supply line into multiple lines, often used in underfloor heating systems.
50. Mixer Tap: A tap that mixes hot and cold water together, providing temperature-controlled water from a single spout.

N

51. Non-Return Valve: Another term for a check valve, allowing fluid to flow in only one direction.
52. Nipple: A short piece of pipe with male threads on both ends, used for connecting two fittings.

O

53. Overflow Pipe: A pipe that allows excess water to drain away from a tank or basin to prevent flooding.
54. O-Ring: A round rubber ring used as a seal between two joined parts.

P

55. P-Trap: A curved pipe under sinks and other fixtures that traps a small amount of water, preventing sewer gases from entering a building.
56. Pipe Cutter: A tool for cutting pipes, often with a rotary mechanism.
57. Plunger: A tool with a rubber cup and handle used to clear blockages in sinks and toilets.
58. Pressure Reducing Valve (PRV): A valve that reduces incoming water pressure to a safe level for household plumbing.
59. Push-Fit Fittings: Fittings that connect pipes without the need for tools or soldering, using a push-to-connect mechanism.

Q

60. Quarter-Turn Valve: A valve that requires only a 90-degree turn to fully open or close, often used for shut-off valves.

R

61. Radiator Valve: A valve on a radiator used to control the flow of hot water and regulate heating.
62. Reducing Coupling: A coupling that joins pipes of different diameters.
63. Relief Valve: A safety valve that releases excess pressure or temperature from a system, such as a water heater.
64. Rising Main: A vertical pipe that carries water from a pump to an upper level, such as from a well to a storage tank.

S

65. Saddle Valve: A valve clamped onto a pipe to create a quick and easy outlet.
66. Sanitary Ware: Ceramic plumbing fixtures such as sinks, toilets, and basins.
67. Scale Inhibitor: A device or chemical that prevents limescale build-up in plumbing systems.
68. Scour Valve: A valve used to flush out debris from a water system, particularly in mains water supply lines.
69. Service Valve: A valve used to isolate a fixture or appliance for maintenance or repair.
70. Sleeve: A protective tube or casing around a pipe.
71. Soil Pipe: A pipe that carries sewage or wastewater to a drain or sewer.
72. Stopcock: A valve used to shut off water supply, typically where the supply enters a property.
73. Sump Pump: A pump used to remove water from a sump pit, often in basements or low-lying areas.
74. Sweating: Another term for soldering, used to join copper pipes.

T

75. Tee: A fitting shaped like the letter "T" that connects three sections of pipe.
76. Thermostatic Mixing Valve (TMV): A valve that blends hot and cold water to a preset temperature, often used in showers.
77. Trap: A U-shaped pipe that holds water to block sewer gases from entering a building.
78. Tundish: A funnel-shaped device that allows visual inspection of discharge from a pressure relief valve.

U

79. Union: A fitting that allows easy disconnection of pipes without cutting.
80. Underfloor Heating: A heating system where pipes carrying hot water or electric coils are installed beneath the floor.

V

81. Vacuum Breaker: A device that prevents backflow by allowing air into the system when a vacuum is