Six Plumbing Terms Every Homeowner Should Know

Homeowners can save time, frustration, and money if they have some basic plumbing knowledge under their belts. Calling a plumber and discovering you have no idea what they’re talking about can be a frightening experience—and an expensive one.

Increasing your own plumbing vocabulary can vastly assist in either an emergency plumbing situation or something as simple as a slow-flushing toilet.







1. Aerator: An aerator is a small filter that screws on to your faucet. Calcium and rust often build up inside, and simply removing them and giving them a thorough cleaning can improve poor flow problems.

2. Auger: Commonly called a “snake,” an auger is a long metal tool that rotates and twists through stubborn clogs. Often a homeowner can alleviate clogs without needing to pick up the phone.

3. Cleanout: A cleanout is an access point usually located furthest down the main line from your house before the line reaches the public sewer (or your septic system). If you do not have a clean out, then installing one can save a lot of time and money down the road.

4. Drain: Drains from your household fixtures all tie in to the main sewer line eventually, but often tie in to each other on the way. A clog can affect the system as a whole, but the culprit may be located in a single drain line, affecting all those that tie in to the main line before it does and leading to sewer line repair.

5. Shutoff Valve: Your house has a main valve that controls water flow into your home. Closing this valve is the quickest and easiest way to stop a leak and allow for a plumber to repair it.

6. Tankless Water Heater: Tankless water heaters are smaller and more efficient than their larger tank-based cousins, and provide on-demand hot water for as long as requested, shutting down when the tap is turned off.



With these terms in your toolbox, you’ll be better prepared for both the big and little problems. For when you do need an expert plumber in the Seattle, Tacoma, Auburn, Everett, and Kent areas, then count on Beacon Plumbing, Heating, and Mechanical. Visit our website or give us a call.