Water Softener

Related terms

• Whole-House Filtration

  Point-of-entry treatment (sediment/carbon) for all household water, plumbed at the service entrance.

• Water Service Line

  The pipe from the municipal main or well to the house. Old galvanized or lead service lines are often replaced during major remodels.

• Whole-House Surge Protector

  A panel-mounted device clamping voltage spikes to protect all home electronics. Now required by code on service upgrades in many areas.

• Water Pressure / PRV

  Household pressure (ideally ~50–70 psi). A pressure-reducing valve protects fixtures where street pressure is too high.

• Whole-House Ventilation

  A planned system delivering fresh outdoor air, increasingly required as homes are built and remodeled tighter.

• Water Hammer / Arrestor

  The bang when fast-closing valves stop flow; an arrestor cushions it to protect pipes and joints.

• Wire Gauge (AWG)

  The American Wire Gauge sizing of conductors to their amperage. Undersized wire on a too-large breaker is a fire hazard.

• Vent Stack

  The piping admitting air so drains flow without siphoning traps, terminating through the roof. Adding fixtures often means new venting.