Plumbing Terminology

noun the unwanted flow of water in the opposite direction, typically caused by a reversal in pressure

• The plumber installed a backflow prevention device to prevent contamination of the water supply.
• Make sure to check for any backflow in the pipes before turning on the water.
• I had to deal with some serious backflow issues in the bathroom yesterday.
• The sudden influx of negative comments caused a backflow of emotions within her.

noun a plumbing fixture used for washing the genital and anal areas of the body

• The luxurious hotel room was equipped with a bidet for guests' convenience.
• I've never used a bidet before, but I heard they're really fancy.
• Some people swear by bidets for a cleaner feeling after using the bathroom.
• Learning to use a bidet is like discovering a whole new level of cleanliness.

noun a pipe or channel that carries away waste water or sewage

verb to cause the water or other liquid in something to run out, leaving it empty or dry

• The plumber unclogged the drain in the kitchen sink.
• I need to clean out the drain in the shower, it's clogged again.
• I can't believe you drank all my soda, you really know how to drain it!
• The constant demands of his job were starting to drain his energy.

noun a device for controlling the flow of liquid from a pipe

• The plumber installed a new faucet in the kitchen sink.
• Don't forget to turn off the faucet after you wash your hands.
• I accidentally broke the faucet handle, now it's stuck on hot water.
• Her tears flowed like water from a broken faucet.

noun a sudden rush of emotion or feeling

verb to cause to flow or flood

adjective having a healthy, reddish color

adverb directly or squarely

• After using the restroom, always remember to flush the toilet.
• Don't forget to flush after you're done.
• I always make sure to flush right away.
• His face turned red and he felt a flush of embarrassment.

noun a tube-shaped piece of material that is hollow inside

verb to play (a tune) on a pipe instrument

• The plumber fixed the leak in the pipe using a wrench.
• I accidentally dropped my phone down the drain pipe.
• Let's go smoke a pipe behind the shed.
• She had to learn to keep her emotions in check and not let them burst out like a burst pipe.

noun a cylindrical tube of metal, plastic, or other material used to convey water, gas, oil, or other fluid substances

verb not applicable

adjective not applicable

adverb not applicable

pronoun not applicable

preposition not applicable

conjunction not applicable

interjection not applicable

article not applicable

• The plumber inspected the pipes to ensure there were no leaks.
• I heard a strange noise coming from the pipes in the basement.
• I can't believe how clogged up the pipes are in this old house.
• The flow of information through the pipes of communication was seamless.

noun a system of pipes used for conveying fluids

adjective related to pipes or piping

• The engineer inspected the piping system for any leaks or damages.
• I heard a strange noise coming from the piping under the sink.
• I'm going to grab a wrench and fix the piping myself.
• Her voice was so loud, it cut through the room like piping through a construction site.

noun a device used for clearing drains by forcing a flow of water through them

• The rooter machine efficiently clears out any blockages in the plumbing system.
• I called a rooter to fix the clogged drain in my bathroom.
• My friend is a real rooter when it comes to fixing cars.
• She is the rooter of all our family gatherings, always bringing everyone together.

noun a fixed basin with a water supply and drain for washing

verb to go down below the surface of something, especially of a liquid; to descend or cause to descend

• The kitchen sink was clogged and needed to be fixed.
• I accidentally dropped my phone in the sink.
• I'll be right back, just need to wash up in the sink real quick.
• The weight of his guilt seemed to sink him deeper into despair.

noun a small peg or plug for stopping the vent of a cask

• The plumber installed a new spigot on the outdoor faucet.
• Don't forget to turn off the spigot after watering the plants.
• I'll grab a cold one from the spigot in the fridge.
• The company's new marketing strategy was like turning on a spigot of new customers.

noun a tube or lip projecting from a container, through which liquid can be poured or discharged

verb to discharge or emit in a stream or jet

• The water spout on the fountain was intricately designed.
• The spout on the teapot is a bit crooked.
• I accidentally knocked over the vase and broke the spout off.
• She couldn't stop the words from spouting out of her mouth during the argument.

noun A tool used for cutting internal threads in a hole

verb To strike something gently and quickly

• Please tap the screen to select your preferred language.
• Hey, can you tap on the icon to open the app?
• I'll just tap out a quick message to let them know we're running late.
• She had to tap into her inner strength to get through the difficult situation.

noun a wide, open, deep container with a flat bottom and slightly curved sides, typically used for holding water or other liquids

• The tub in the bathroom is filled with warm water for a relaxing bath.
• I'll be soaking in the tub for a while, so don't disturb me.
• Let's chill in the tub and catch up on some gossip.
• She felt like she was drowning in a tub of work with all the deadlines looming.

verb to remove an obstruction or blockage from a pipe or drain

• It is important to regularly clean out your drains to prevent any blockages and unclog them if necessary.
• I had to call a plumber to unclog the sink because it was completely blocked.
• I used a wire hanger to unclog the toilet - it worked like a charm!
• Sometimes we need to unclog our minds from unnecessary clutter to think clearly.

adjective describing word that modifies a noun or pronoun, in this case meaning not blocked or obstructed

• The plumber unclogged the drain using a specialized tool.
• I finally unclogged the sink after pouring some drain cleaner down it.
• I had to use a wire hanger to unclog the toilet, it was a mess.
• After a good night's sleep, my mind felt unclogged and ready to tackle the day.

noun a situation where something is no longer stopped or blocked

verb to remove an obstruction or blockage from

• The water flow was so strong that it seemed unstoppable.
• I tried to unstop the drain but it's still clogged.
• I need to unstop this traffic jam or I'll be late for work.
• Her determination to succeed was like an unstoppable force.

noun a fixture in a public restroom used for urinating

• The restroom had several urinals for the convenience of the male patrons.
• I'll meet you by the urinal in the men's room.
• I overheard some guys talking about how the urinal was clogged again.
• His words flowed freely, like a leaky urinal.

noun a faucet or valve with a nozzle for attachment to a hose

• The plumber installed a new bibcock to regulate the flow of water in the garden hose.
• I had to tighten the bibcock in the backyard because it was leaking.
• Hey, can you pass me that thingamajig to turn off the bibcock by the shed?
• She felt like a bibcock, controlling the flow of information in the office.

noun a suitable or appropriate action or behavior

adjective appropriate or proper in a particular situation

• The tailor made sure the suit was fittin perfectly for the client.
• I think those shoes are fittin you really well.
• I'm fittin to head out to the party later tonight.
• Her explanation was fittin like a missing piece of the puzzle.

noun A word that represents a person, place, thing, or idea. In this case, 'drains' can be a noun when referring to plumbing fixtures that remove water or waste.

verb A word that describes an action, occurrence, or state of being. In this case, 'drains' is a verb indicating the action of removing liquid or waste from a place.

adverb A word that modifies or describes a verb, adjective, or other adverb. In this case, 'up' is an adverb that indicates the direction in which the draining is happening.

• The plumber was called to fix the drains up in the kitchen.
• I need to unclog the drains up in the bathroom.
• I can't believe how much hair clogs the drains up in the shower.
• The constant stress of work really drains me up.

noun a pipe that emits foul odors or gases, typically found in sewage systems

• The plumber identified a blockage in the stink pipe connected to the sewage system.
• My dad had to unclog the stink pipe in the backyard yesterday.
• I accidentally dropped my ring down the stink pipe, now it's gone forever.
• The corruption in the government is like a stink pipe, polluting everything it touches.

adjective describing a substance that allows liquid or gas to pass through it due to holes or cracks

• The leaky pipe caused water damage to the ceiling.
• I think there's a leaky faucet in the bathroom.
• My umbrella is so leaky, it's practically useless in the rain.
• His leaky memory made it difficult for him to remember important details.