Plumbing Terms

Clean Out- A removable opening in a drain pipe that allows cleaning to remove clogs and obstructions.

Cast Iron - Piping material traditionally used used for soil stack and soil pipe, with lead soldered joints.

Copper - Piping material traditionally used for hot and cold water supply lines, with soldered joints.

PVC- Polyvinyl Chloride thermoplastic piping used for piping, with glued joints.

Septic System - A waste treatment system that is self contained, and usually owned by the landowner.

Soil Stack - Larger, vertical pipe that vents sewer through the roof vent.

Soil Pipe - Drain pipe that carries waste to the sewer or septic system.

Sump Pump - A pump installed in basements, typically, to remove water from around and under the foundation and basement floor.

Trap- A U shaped section of drain pipe that holds water as a barrier against sewer gases.

Vent Pipe - A pipe that allows sewer gases to vent above the roof line and prevents pressure buildups.

Well - A water supply system that is self contained, and usually owned by the homeowner.