A tradesperson responsible for installing, altering, and repairing pipes, fixtures, and appliances that supply water or remove waste. The name originates from the Latin word for lead, as historic water pipes were made of lead. Plumbers work primarily on low-pressure domestic and commercial systems using copper, PVC, PEX, and cast iron.
Heard on the job
The plumber is coming tomorrow to rough in the water lines for the new bathroom addition.
Do not mix it up with
- Pipefitter: Plumbers work on water and waste systems, whereas pipefitters handle industrial, high-pressure, or chemical piping.
Related terms
Pipefitter
A tradesperson who installs and maintains high-pressure piping systems for industrial and commercial facilities.
DWV
The non-pressurized pipe system that removes wastewater and sewer gases from a building.
Soil stack
A vertical pipe that carries sewage from toilets and vents sewer gases through the roof.