Plumbing
ˈplʌmɪŋ
Definitions
2 meaningsThe system of pipes, drains, and fixtures used for water supply and waste disposal in a building.
ˈplʌmɪŋ
The system of pipes and fixtures installed in a building for the distribution of water and the removal of waterborne wastes.
The plumbing in the old building was outdated and needed replacing.
💡 Simply: Plumbing is like the veins and arteries of your house for water! It's all the pipes, sinks, toilets, and showers that bring water in and take waste water out. If your plumbing is bad, you might have leaks, low water pressure, or even floods!
👶 For kids: Plumbing is like the water tubes and drains in your house that bring water to the sinks, showers, and toilet, and take the yucky water away.
More Examples
A plumber was called to fix the plumbing after a pipe burst.
The cost of plumbing repairs can be quite expensive.
How It's Used
"The new house has updated plumbing, including copper pipes and a modern water heater."
"A leaky faucet can be a sign of a plumbing problem that needs immediate attention."
To install or work on a plumbing system.
ˈplʌmɪŋ
To install or maintain a plumbing system.
The plumber was plumbing the new house.
💡 Simply: When you're plumbing, you're working on the pipes and drains. So if your sink is leaking, you can try plumbing it yourself, or call a plumber to do it!
👶 For kids: When you plumb, you're putting in the water pipes in a building!
More Examples
They hired an expert to plumb the intricate water system.
He is plumbing the pipes in the kitchen.
How It's Used
"The contractors were plumbing the new office building."
"He spent the weekend plumbing the new bathroom."
Idioms & expressions
plumb the depths
To explore or investigate something deeply and thoroughly, often something negative or unpleasant.
"The journalist plumbed the depths of the corruption scandal."
plumb line
A line used to determine verticality or depth. Also, can figuratively represent a standard or guiding principle.
"The plumb line ensured the wall was perfectly straight."
From Latin *plumbum* meaning 'lead', referring to the use of lead pipes in early water systems. The -ing suffix indicates the process or system.
Historically, 'plumbing' related directly to the use of lead (Latin: *plumbum*) for pipes. Over time, the term broadened to include other materials and broader water and drainage systems.
Memory tip
Think of the pipes and fixtures that allow water to flow in and out of your home.