Pipes, tubes, couplings, lagging, vents, valves and joints may be familiar terms, but what do each of them do and how do they affect your plumbing systems? These are the things behind the scenes that keep your plumbing system together - they are the glue, if you like, that prevents your plumbing system from falling apart, and the bits and pieces that ensure water and gas go where they're supposed to, when they're supposed to.
Understanding what these parts are will give you a better idea of how your plumbing works, and in turn what's likely to affect how well it does its job.
Fittings and couplings
Pipes are connected and directed using many different types of fittings. Find out what some of the more common joints and couplings are called, and what they're designed to do.
Types of plumbing pipes
Find out what the difference is between pipes and tubes, what kinds are used for what purposes, and what sorts of pipes and tubes will be used in your home.
Pipe lagging
Lagging is the insulation that goes around pipes to help keep heat in and control noises from inside the pipes. Find out more about what lagging is and where it's required.
Types of valves
A variety of different kinds of valves are used in home plumbing systems. Learn more about air admittance valves, tempering valves, thermostatic mixing valves, check and isolation valves and more.