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Common Plumbing Terminology and Lingo

Posted on December 21, 2021 by Melbourne Plumber

Sometimes when dealing with a topic in which you are not totally familiar, it may help to know the language of that topic. This helps you understand exactly what’s going on with your situation.

In the plumbing industry there are plenty of specialized terms and lingo which you may not hear anywhere else. With that in mind we decided to put together this primer.  Here you will find a glossary of keywords which pertain to the plumbing industry. Remember, if you are looking for a licensed and highly rated plumber in the Brevard County area, please give is a call

blackwater – This term simply means wastewater and can refer to wastewater from sewage or drain pipes of any kind.

hardwater – water which has too much mineral content and can leave the skin feeling scratchy.

water softener – This is the process of removing minerals from water so that it is no longer “hard water”.

drain field – This is in regards to customers with septic tanks. These are areas in the ground where the tank will release treated liquid.

GPF – This simply stands for gallons per flush.

trap seal – this is a type of pipe which is curved to contain a constant amount of water which prevents gas from backflowing into a room.

dope – This is a common sealant that plumbers use which is like a thick paste.

snake – this tool is a wire with coils on the end which allows a plumber to ream a clog and then spin the coil to further clear it out.  It is the best way to get rid of stubborn clogs.

We hope this glossary of plumbing terms has been helpful to you. Please check back regularly for updated plumbing information.