Basic Plumbing Terms 101

Anything about fixing your plumbing system is not usually part of a daily life, but when you have a problem regarding your plumbing, you might want to know some terminologies about plumbing especially if you are to hire a professional.

You stumbled upon this article maybe because you are a homeowner having problems with plumbing, a student studying about plumbing, a novice plumber or novice in the plumbing industry, or a professional plumber who wants to be updated with the terms, well, this article is for you.

Flux
​In the plumbing industry, flux is one of the most important. Flux can be used in extractive metallurgy, and metal or pipe joining. When talking about plumbing, flux is mainly for the pipe joining part of the plumbing fixing or installation process, or by soldering pipes together. Flux is important since it prevents oxidation so it could leave your pipes rust free.

Greywater
Grey water is one of the most common techniques water conservationists practice. So if you want to conserve water, this technique could be a start for you. It doesn’t only help you save water, but it could also cut down your water bills. Grey water is also commonly called as sullage, it is made purely out of wastewater. Don’t worry, it’s wastewater from your household, this water could come from your sink, shower, baths, washing machines, dishwashers, and many other more except toilets. Grey water is recycled by removing all impurities so you can use it again, it is used mainly for irrigation, for watering plants, flushing toilets, landscaping and other more.

Hard water
Hard water is water that isn’t quite good, it leaves stains in your sinks or faucets. This happens due to calcium and magnesium build-up. Don’t worry, you can buy water softeners at stores to solve that problem.

UPVC
UPVC stands for ‘Unplasticised Polyvinyl Chloride’ This pipe plays a big role in the plumbing industry. It is used to transfer waste water.

CPVC
Known as ‘Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride Pipe’ this is a safer type of plastic pipe. It is better used for both hot and cold potable water piping.

Auger
An auger is one of the most common tools in plumbing. An auger is used for clearing out clogged drains or pipes. An auger is a long metal rod, it is made of spring material and it has a cutting device on the end, sometimes looks like a claw. This is effective in extracting materials causing the clog in your drain or pipe.

Journeyman
A journeyman is a person you might want to hire when you need help regarding your plumbing systems. A journeyman is a plumber that was able to complete his apprenticeship requirements. Although they’re already a journeyman, they still need training since it is a requirement.

Master plumber
Now, a master plumber is the best you want to hire. A master plumber is a person who has already completed both of his apprenticeship and journeyman phases.