--- title: 'Plumbing Glossary - Unpacking the Language of Plumbing' url: 'https://www.plomberie5etoiles.com/en/plumbing-glossary' markdown: 'https://www.plomberie5etoiles.com/en/plumbing-glossary.md' lang: en date: '2026-05-06' description: 'Plumbing Glossary - Unpacking the Language of Plumbing Plumbing is an integral part of any home or building. With the help of plumbing, we are able to use running water for basic needs and activities such as washing, bathing, and drinking. Despite its importance, many people do not understand how …' --- ![Plumbing Glossary - Unpacking the Language of Plumbing](https://www.plomberie5etoiles.com/user/themes/interwest/images/en/drain-cleaning-tips.png) # Plumbing Glossary - Unpacking the Language of Plumbing ![Plumbing Glossary Montreal](https://www.plomberie5etoiles.com/images/p/l/u/m/b/plumbing-glossary-19b8a328.webp?g-b1ebab99) Plumbing is an integral part of any home or building. With the help of plumbing, we are able to use running water for basic needs and activities such as washing, bathing, and drinking. Despite its importance, many people do not understand how plumbing works and the language associated with it. This article will unpack the terminology used in plumbing to give its readers a better understanding of how it works. It will cover topics like fixtures, pipes, valves, fittings, and more. ## Common Plumbing Terms & Definitions Every house has plumbing, and if you want to understand yours, you've got to know the lingo. PEX Tubing Old copper and galvanized steel water pipes are practically a thing of the past. PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) is the pipe material of the future. It can be bent, assembled easily, and even comes in red and blue to easily identify the hot water pipes from the cold water pipes. PEX is much less costly than copper and comparable with PVC, another plastic material with a future. Today, PEX is the material of choice for new water system installations, and it can also be tied into existing copper systems. One of the disadvantages of PEX is that it's not meant to be for outdoor above-ground use, so landscapers normally use polypropylene or PVC. Another drawback: PEX fittings are more expensive than metal or PVC fittings. Plumbing P-Trap A plumbing P-trap is a curved pipe section that is commonly found under sink basins, bathtub drains, and toilets. The "P" shape of the trap serves two important functions in a plumbing system: - It traps a small amount of water in the bottom of the curve to act as a barrier, preventing sewer gases from entering the building through the drain. - It allows air to enter the system, preventing vacuum blockage and allowing water to flow freely through the drain. A P-traps are essential components of a plumbing system and must be installed correctly to ensure water flow. They must also be maintained regularly to avoid blockages. If a P-trap becomes clogged, it can cause water to back up in the sink or drain, leading to unpleasant odors and potential water damage. Plumbing P-Trap A drain cleanout is a plumbing feature designed to allow for easy access to the main sewer line for cleaning and maintenance purposes. It is a capped pipe that provides an access point to remove blockages or debris from the sewer line, without having to dig up the entire line. Cleanouts are typically located near the main sewer line, often near the foundation of a building or near a property boundary. ### What You Need to Know About Plumbing: Basic Glossary A plumbing glossary is a list of terms used in the plumbing industry. Here are some common plumbing terms: - **ABS** (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene): A type of plastic commonly used for pipes and fittings in plumbing systems. - **Backflow:** The reverse flow of water or other substances from a plumbing fixture or appliance back into the main water supply. - **DWV (Drain-Waste-Vent) system:** The system in a building that carries wastewater and ventilation from fixtures to the sewer or septic system. - **Fixture:** A device that uses water, such as a toilet, sink, or shower. - **Main shutoff valve:** The valve that controls the water supply to the entire building. - **PEX (Crosslinked Polyethylene):** A type of plastic used for pipes and fittings in plumbing systems. - **Pressure reducing valve:** A device used to regulate the water pressure in a plumbing system. - **Sump pump:** A pump used to remove water from a sump pit in a basement or crawlspace. - **Trap:** A curved section of a pipe that holds water to prevent sewer gases from entering a building. - **Vent:** A pipe that allows air to enter a plumbing system and prevent vacuum blockage. This is a general list of common plumbing terms, and the specific terms used can vary based on location and industry standards. If you have specific questions about plumbing terms, it's best to consult with a licensed plumber or refer to a plumbing reference guide. ###### What our clients have to say ![Lison Côté](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a/ACg8ocK4vgy9PzgS2__E76I34W7FqlW2CGcPEyr3XHY4Tef3M_adBw=s64-c-rp-mo-br100)Lison Côté 9 months ago Service rapide, sympathique et professionnel. Wow. Merci ![Laurence Corbeil](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a/ACg8ocJCmTUaFDMGpoZHdZENcpfu7u2pZlmYolLEl72K6c8upl1RhA=s64-c-rp-mo-br100)Laurence Corbeil 11 months ago Le service était bon, rapide, et conseils pertinents! ![Yann Laliberte](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a-/ALV-UjVuIJ9qH2b3FDTzfGZkgvOpjQyToKom_gIEgSoIGRBCDe5AelsZcQ=s64-c-rp-mo-ba3-br100)Yann Laliberte 9 months ago Courtois, rapide et professionnel, merci. ![Claude Massy](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a-/ALV-UjUc8n83Q72QK6wlgg4FaPCh5V_yMitbPujm68KO7qxMLZ7-owBkAg=s64-c-rp-mo-ba2-br100)Claude Massy 2 years ago Super inspection avec la caméra. Même à l’avance de son temps . Très sympathique et bonne explication du travail. Je recommande vraiment. Mon plombier était Zoiubir. Merci à Alex. 😄 ![Philippe Bélanger-Roy](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a-/ALV-UjUwi1y36zhxlAL4uSJSdvr_aUgebmrRdCOxnyOgstQbQzN_Devs=s64-c-rp-mo-br100)Philippe Bélanger-Roy 2 years ago Très bon service, j'ai appelé et j'ai eu le service la même journée et je suis satisfait du travail, ça été rapide. Je remerci plombier Zoubir. Et merci Alex. ![Chantal Labelle](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a/ACg8ocJuo-iPl0YTdXExUDJ1P-klmq0YSn5iFDXynBZc92aZmIaQxQ=s64-c-rp-mo-br100)Chantal Labelle 1 year ago Très bon service, rapide, efficace et courtois, je recommande. Merci:) ![Sandra Assaf](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a-/ALV-UjUljdG4QYV2J8sYA3ppSNz4Tw_2gw0t497RBIJxwtU6UWOKsUQ=s64-c-rp-mo-br100)Sandra Assaf 2 years ago J’ai trouve l’expérience avec Plomberie 5 etoiles tres facile et rapide. Entre le moment ou je vous ai contacte et le moment que le plombier est arrive, a peine 2 heures. Et puis, Zoubir a ete tres rapide pour regler le … [Read full review on Google](https://maps.app.goo.gl/nyAfCnzjv1Zy714s8) ![Maryse Corriveau](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a/ACg8ocKGkEitKd1TTqVx7q1VcD3s_UZ3qEcwwk4e2f7-09n8uwgOjw=s64-c-rp-mo-br100)Maryse Corriveau 2 years ago Excellent service, disponible rapidement et s'assure de la qualité des travaux avant de quitter les lieux. Très aidant et servi avec le sourire. ![Caroline Marie](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a-/ALV-UjWSfpo7_mVZ3MBWJi4M-A6LECrfejKnAr2WSOLe5zJMSXvYbqxeGQ=s64-c-rp-mo-ba3-br100)Caroline Marie 3 years ago J'ai fait appel à leurs services pour une toilette totalement bouchée. Le plombier, Walid, est arrivé dans l'heure suivant mon appel. Très professionnel et très attentionné, et il s'est assuré que tout soit parfaitement … [Read full review on Google](https://maps.app.goo.gl/nyAfCnzjv1Zy714s8) ![natalie cloutier](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a/ACg8ocKvHaULGr5J7qJWD6gqPOyIrNPKBHe865aRPNZqaGh3KF80aQ=s64-c-rp-mo-br100)natalie cloutier 3 years ago Nous avons obtenu un rdv rapide pour une réparation de tuyauterie et le plombier est arrivé à l'heure. Il était gentil, poli et il semblait avoir beaucoup d'expérience, ce qui était rassurant. Il m'a bien expliqué la si… [Read full review on Google](https://maps.app.goo.gl/nyAfCnzjv1Zy714s8) ![Hermo G](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a/ACg8ocLEpFf5h9_RyvTVApc8HfRNTvS5XZo3PdXQ_F4r3IGT5ZJbIg=s64-c-rp-mo-br100)Hermo G 3 years ago Excellent travail, très rapide et efficace. Ils ont fait une bonne vérification par caméra et un débouchage du drain principal. Merci plombier Zoubir!!! Je suis contant je vous le conseille : ) ![Lyne Duquette](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a/ACg8ocLQ4V9I1Ys7teZrskk88aCSJwqamvaNU9ft_XoJaYrF15PSFA=s64-c-rp-mo-br100)Lyne Duquette 1 year ago Très professionnel et efficace et de bons conseils ![Alain Le Pon](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a-/ALV-UjVLqrD8QDU54A-dskXicw6hNy8ItlwH4CZLv7_gYH-9hWbs45i5=s64-c-rp-mo-br100)Alain Le Pon 2 years ago Super travail, merci au plombier Zoubir, qui était très rapide et efficace! Merci Drains 5 étoiles vous de bons plombiers. ![Karine Boily](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a/ACg8ocKTUQgs6Oxa1FwPLGcN86SCtZfoljSAOkN7SdFQxKqsuxfW3g=s64-c-rp-mo-br100)Karine Boily 8 years ago Excellent service, Gary à été très compétent pour tout déboucher à peu de frais. Leurs tarifs sont vraiment excellent. Je vous les recommande sans hésiter. En plus il ne sont pas alarmiste, ce qui est rassurant! ![Robert Chagnon](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a-/ALV-UjWqk3c_fhfiTOxwK78HK3Bvv8Ikqm5LmIYf-8f-GUzZdHh7Jtk=s64-c-rp-mo-ba2-br100)Robert Chagnon 3 years ago Service très rapide. Inspection du tuyau d’égout a bien démontré le problème. Le tuyau a bien été débouché. Excellent travail par le plombier. ![Jacqueline Ouellette](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a-/ALV-UjVD-5og6jj5k-yCkTiGP1XoVzR90gWL71_LBXI5urHMqgTO7fLd=s64-c-rp-mo-br100)Jacqueline Ouellette 3 years ago M. Soubire a effectué une très bon travail! Il est très professionnel! Merci beaucoup et il est certain que si j’ai des travaux à faire effectuer, je prendrai Plomberie 5 Étoiles. Mme Jacqueline ![karolane cote](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a/ACg8ocL4-I_3hhR0WJFmKx45-9lT_2H7A_NWMsTkrWjzT67qwwMz_Q=s64-c-rp-mo-br100)karolane cote 2 years ago Super service, le plombier Zoubir a réussi à débloquer mon drain bloquer par un écureuil au 2e étage je le recommande à tous , Service très professionnel ![Nicolas Rouleau](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a/ACg8ocKaM2t5htklInyb4FTad1OlSbHrAdOTUgzZuHWsN95mui8a6Q=s64-c-rp-mo-br100)Nicolas Rouleau 3 years ago Très satisfait de résultat! Service très rapide! Je conseille! Merci Zouber! ![Nikolay Hristov](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a/ACg8ocLgDC4V9OM7oFrNlg4QfwujiD2sU5nqoZRtfb1GTnuVTAjxiQ=s64-c-rp-mo-br100)Nikolay Hristov 3 years ago Excellent service. Très rapide. Merci au plombier Zoubir. Je vous le réfère. ![Guy Roy](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a-/ALV-UjXNreWKBBVjAKPjuP3rh7ICKAR6Jkaoi4lgaSh1aViDBSLR6sbY=s64-c-rp-mo-ba12-br100)Guy Roy 2 years ago Super travaille. Merci Plomberie 5 étoiles Très rapide et courtois Plombier Z ![Vertigo Stardust](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a-/ALV-UjX6hRmaXkybnk-TTVIZ2KebCIHvhzQqBu4K55sa6xb0pWlY7dU=s64-c-rp-mo-ba12-br100)Vertigo Stardust 7 years ago Well done guys, they've earned their 5 stars My kitchen sink wasn't flushing despite the underneath pipes being clean. My basement toilet was out of order. I called them at 9:30am, the man clearly explained the fees wit… [Read full review on Google](https://maps.app.goo.gl/nyAfCnzjv1Zy714s8) ![Lison Côté](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a/ACg8ocK4vgy9PzgS2__E76I34W7FqlW2CGcPEyr3XHY4Tef3M_adBw=s64-c-rp-mo-br100)Lison Côté 9 months ago Fast, friendly, and professional service. Wow. Thank you. ![Laurence Corbeil](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a/ACg8ocJCmTUaFDMGpoZHdZENcpfu7u2pZlmYolLEl72K6c8upl1RhA=s64-c-rp-mo-br100)Laurence Corbeil 11 months ago The service was good and fast, with relevant advice. ![Yann Laliberte](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a-/ALV-UjVuIJ9qH2b3FDTzfGZkgvOpjQyToKom_gIEgSoIGRBCDe5AelsZcQ=s64-c-rp-mo-ba3-br100)Yann Laliberte 9 months ago Courteous, fast, and professional. Thank you. ![Chantal Labelle](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a/ACg8ocJuo-iPl0YTdXExUDJ1P-klmq0YSn5iFDXynBZc92aZmIaQxQ=s64-c-rp-mo-br100)Chantal Labelle 1 year ago Very good service, fast, efficient, and courteous. I highly recommend them. Thank you :) ![Claude Massy](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a-/ALV-UjUc8n83Q72QK6wlgg4FaPCh5V_yMitbPujm68KO7qxMLZ7-owBkAg=s64-c-rp-mo-ba2-br100)Claude Massy 2 years ago Great camera inspection, even earlier than scheduled. Very friendly and gave clear explanations of the work. I truly recommend them. My plumber was Zoiubir. Thanks to Alex. ![Sandra Assaf](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a-/ALV-UjUljdG4QYV2J8sYA3ppSNz4Tw_2gw0t497RBIJxwtU6UWOKsUQ=s64-c-rp-mo-br100)Sandra Assaf 2 years ago I found my experience with Plomberie 5 Etoiles very easy and fast. From the time I contacted you to the plumber's arrival, it took barely 2 hours. Zoubir quickly fixed the kitchen drain blockage in about 5 minutes, check… [Read full review on Google](https://maps.app.goo.gl/nyAfCnzjv1Zy714s8) ![Maryse Corriveau](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a/ACg8ocKGkEitKd1TTqVx7q1VcD3s_UZ3qEcwwk4e2f7-09n8uwgOjw=s64-c-rp-mo-br100)Maryse Corriveau 2 years ago Excellent service, quickly available, and they made sure the work quality was right before leaving. Very helpful and provided with a smile. ![Caroline Marie](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a-/ALV-UjWSfpo7_mVZ3MBWJi4M-A6LECrfejKnAr2WSOLe5zJMSXvYbqxeGQ=s64-c-rp-mo-ba3-br100)Caroline Marie 3 years ago I called them for a completely clogged toilet. The plumber, Walid, arrived within an hour of my call. Very professional and attentive, and he made sure everything worked perfectly before leaving. The only downside was th… [Read full review on Google](https://maps.app.goo.gl/nyAfCnzjv1Zy714s8) ![natalie cloutier](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a/ACg8ocKvHaULGr5J7qJWD6gqPOyIrNPKBHe865aRPNZqaGh3KF80aQ=s64-c-rp-mo-br100)natalie cloutier 3 years ago We got a quick appointment for a plumbing repair and the plumber arrived on time. He was kind, polite, and clearly very experienced, which was reassuring. He explained the situation, showed me the repairs he made, and ex… [Read full review on Google](https://maps.app.goo.gl/nyAfCnzjv1Zy714s8) ![Hermo G](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a/ACg8ocLEpFf5h9_RyvTVApc8HfRNTvS5XZo3PdXQ_F4r3IGT5ZJbIg=s64-c-rp-mo-br100)Hermo G 3 years ago Excellent work, very fast and efficient. They did a good camera inspection and cleared the main drain. Thank you plumber Zoubir! I am very happy and recommend you. ![Lyne Duquette](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a/ACg8ocLQ4V9I1Ys7teZrskk88aCSJwqamvaNU9ft_XoJaYrF15PSFA=s64-c-rp-mo-br100)Lyne Duquette 1 year ago Very professional, efficient, and gave great advice. ![Alain Le Pon](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a-/ALV-UjVLqrD8QDU54A-dskXicw6hNy8ItlwH4CZLv7_gYH-9hWbs45i5=s64-c-rp-mo-br100)Alain Le Pon 2 years ago Great work, thanks to plumber Zoubir, who was very fast and efficient! Thanks to Drains 5 Etoiles, you have good plumbers. ![Karine Boily](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a/ACg8ocKTUQgs6Oxa1FwPLGcN86SCtZfoljSAOkN7SdFQxKqsuxfW3g=s64-c-rp-mo-br100)Karine Boily 8 years ago Excellent service. Gary was very competent and unclogged everything at low cost. Their rates are really good. I recommend them without hesitation. They are not alarmist, which is very reassuring. ![Robert Chagnon](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a-/ALV-UjWqk3c_fhfiTOxwK78HK3Bvv8Ikqm5LmIYf-8f-GUzZdHh7Jtk=s64-c-rp-mo-ba2-br100)Robert Chagnon 3 years ago Very fast service. The sewer pipe inspection clearly showed the issue. The pipe was successfully unclogged. Excellent work by the plumber. ![Jacqueline Ouellette](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a-/ALV-UjVD-5og6jj5k-yCkTiGP1XoVzR90gWL71_LBXI5urHMqgTO7fLd=s64-c-rp-mo-br100)Jacqueline Ouellette 3 years ago Mr. Soubire did a very good job. He is very professional. Thank you very much, and if I need plumbing work in the future, I will choose Plomberie 5 Etoiles. ![karolane cote](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a/ACg8ocL4-I_3hhR0WJFmKx45-9lT_2H7A_NWMsTkrWjzT67qwwMz_Q=s64-c-rp-mo-br100)karolane cote 2 years ago Great service. Plumber Zoubir managed to unblock my drain clogged by a squirrel on the second floor. I recommend him to everyone. Very professional service. ![Nicolas Rouleau](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a/ACg8ocKaM2t5htklInyb4FTad1OlSbHrAdOTUgzZuHWsN95mui8a6Q=s64-c-rp-mo-br100)Nicolas Rouleau 3 years ago Very satisfied with the result! Very fast service! I recommend them! Thanks Zouber! ![Nikolay Hristov](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a/ACg8ocLgDC4V9OM7oFrNlg4QfwujiD2sU5nqoZRtfb1GTnuVTAjxiQ=s64-c-rp-mo-br100)Nikolay Hristov 3 years ago Excellent service. Very fast. Thanks to plumber Zoubir. I recommend him. ![Guy Roy](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a-/ALV-UjXNreWKBBVjAKPjuP3rh7ICKAR6Jkaoi4lgaSh1aViDBSLR6sbY=s64-c-rp-mo-ba12-br100)Guy Roy 2 years ago Great work. Thanks Plomberie 5 Etoiles. Very fast and courteous. Plumber Z. 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