Ever had a tradie explain something to you… and you just nodded like you understood?
They say “your P-trap’s loose” or “there’s a blockage in the vent stack”, and you’re standing there wondering if they’re talking about your house or the engine room of a submarine.
Plumbing language is its own weird little universe. And most of the time, no one bothers to translate.
Until now.
In this blog, we’re breaking down the most common plumbing terms you’ll hear , in plain English, with zero jargon.
So next time your plumber says something technical, you’ll actually know what they mean… and maybe even beat them to the punch.
1. Trap
What the plumber says:
“There’s probably a blockage in your trap.”
What it actually means:
A trap is that curved section of pipe you’ll find under your sink. It holds a small amount of water to stop sewer gases from coming back up into your home.
If water’s draining slowly or starting to smell funky, it’s often because gunk has built up inside the trap. Hair, food, soap scum, you name it, it lives there. Plumbers clean or replace these when they get too gross.
2. Backflow
What the plumber says:
“We should test for backflow — just in case.”
What it actually means:
Backflow is when dirty water flows the wrong way and mixes with clean water . It’s bad. Like, “you could end up drinking contaminated water” bad.
It can happen if there’s a sudden pressure drop in the system (like during a burst or emergency).
Homes and commercial buildings with irrigation, pools, or tanks often need backflow prevention devices to stop this from happening.
2. Backflow
What the plumber says:
“That banging noise? That’s water hammer.”
What it actually means:
If you’ve ever heard a loud clunk or bang in your pipes after turning off a tap, that’s water hammer . It’s caused by fast-moving water coming to a sudden stop, like slamming the brakes on a moving car .
Over time, this pressure can damage your pipes, loosen joints, or even cause leaks. A plumber can fix it with things like water hammer arrestors or better pressure control.
4. Hot Water Tempering Valve
What the plumber says:
“We’ll need to adjust your tempering valve.”
What it actually means:
This little device blends hot and cold water before it reaches your taps, so it doesn’t come out scalding hot. It’s legally required in most Aussie homes to prevent burns, especially for kids and elderly people.
If your water isn’t hot enough or keeps fluctuating, the tempering valve might be misbehaving.
5. Main Shut-Off Valve
What the plumber says:
“You might need to turn off the main if this leaks again.”
What it actually means:
This is the big one. Your main shut-off valve controls all the water coming into your home. If you have a leak, burst pipe, or emergency — this is what you shut off first.
Everyone should know where theirs is. It’s usually outside near the water meter . If you don’t know where yours is, ask your plumber to show you next time they’re over .
6. Venting / Vent Stack
What the plumber says:
“There might be a blockage in your vent stack.”
What it actually means:
Every plumbing system needs air to flow properly, otherwise, water won’t drain smoothly, and weird things start happening.
Venting pipes (like the vent stack) run up through your walls and roof. They let air in and sewer gas out. If your toilet gurgles when you flush or your drains smell like something died in them, the vent might be blocked.
7. Greywater vs. Blackwater
What the plumber says:
“We’re just dealing with greywater here — nothing nasty.”
What it actually means:
Greywater is the used water from showers, sinks, washing machines — stuff that’s not drinkable, but not full of waste either .
Blackwater is the sewer stuff, toilets, mostly. That’s where things get a bit more… unpleasant.
Greywater systems can sometimes be reused for gardens, while blackwater definitely can’t.
8. Sewer Line / Stormwater Line
What the plumber says:
“The stormwater system’s blocked, but your sewer line looks okay.”
What it actually means:
These are two totally separate systems. The sewer line carries waste from toilets, showers, sinks, etc., to the council sewer .
The stormwater line carries rainwater from your roof, driveway, and gutters away from your home.
A lot of people mix these up. If your backyard’s flooding after rain, it’s probably a stormwater issue, not a blocked toilet pipe.
9. CCTV Drain Inspection
What the plumber says:
“We’ll run a camera down the line and take a look.”
What it actually means:
This is exactly what it sounds like: a tiny camera is sent down your pipes to see what’s going on.
It’s one of the most effective ways to check for root damage, blockages, cracks, or other problems, without digging anything up. It’s also a smart move before buying a house.
10. Licensed Plumber
What the plumber says:
“We’re fully licensed — don’t worry.”
What it actually means:
This one’s important. A licensed plumber in Queensland has been through training, passed exams, and is legally authorised to do plumbing work. They’re insured, accountable, and can sign off on work that meets building codes.
If someone’s not licensed and they do something wrong, you could be left footing the bill — or worse, voiding your insurance.
Why This Stuff Matters
Understanding these terms isn’t about becoming a plumbing expert. It’s about feeling confident in your own home.
You don’t need to know every part name or pipe type. But the more you understand, the easier it is to spot when something’s not right, and to have better , clearer convos with your plumber.
It means fewer surprises. Less confusion. And a whole lot more trust.
Need a Plumber Who Actually Speaks Human?
At Do Some Plumbing, we don’t expect you to know what a P-trap is (though now you do). We’re here to fix your problem and explain it in a way that makes sense.
Whether you’re dealing with a leak, weird smell, dodgy hot water , or just want to ask a few questions, we’re all ears. No jargon. No pressure. Just honest, reliable plumbing in plain English.
Need a hand?
Reach out today and let’s get things flowing again.