A DIYer’s Guide to Plumbing Parts and How to Use Them

If you’re about to dive into a plumbing project, it’s important for you to know your plumbing parts. Otherwise, you’ll quickly lose your way. It doesn’t matter if you’re replacing a toilet plumbing part or a bathroom drain plumbing part — knowing what’s what will keep you on track for success.

This guide breaks down piping and fittings, helps you identify parts for different fixtures, and shows you when to DIY and when to call in a pro.

Plumbing Basics Every DIYer Should Know

Whether you want to tackle DIY plumbing or are thinking about plumbing as a career, you’ll need to know the basics. Here’s where you should start if you’re a plumbing newbie.

The Plumbing System

Your home’s plumbing system is made up of three main parts:

• Water supply: Brings fresh water to your fixtures.
• Drainage system: Removes wastewater through a network of pipes.
• Vent system: Allows air to flow so wastewater drains efficiently.

Each water-using appliance in your house will be connected to this system, whether it’s a toilet or dishwasher. Understanding this layout can help you troubleshoot problems you might be facing.

Part Numbers

If you ever get lost when you’re deep in a plumbing project, one good tip is to look for a part number. Most plumbing components have stamped or printed numbers. These can help you find exact replacements, especially for sink plumbing parts, toilet valves, and shower fittings. Always bring the old part (or a clear photo) with you when shopping.

Pipes and Tubing: Choosing the Right Material

Your plumbing system is primarily composed of pipes and tubing. Knowing what materials to choose to replace old pipes depends on a few factors, including what they’re being used for. A good plumber should always know what piping to choose, but if you’re going it on your own, here’s a list of the most common pipes and when you should use them:

• PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride): Lightweight and great for drain lines.
• PEX (Cross-linked Polyethylene): Flexible and popular for water supply lines.
• Copper: Durable, often used for both cold and hot water lines.
• Galvanized Steel: Common in older homes but prone to rusting from the inside.
• ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene): Black plastic piping for vent and drain systems.

Your Plumbing Fittings Guide

Plumbing fittings connect straight pipe sections or adapt them to different sizes, shapes, or materials. You'll find fittings in every project—from bathroom sink drain plumbing parts to shower plumbing parts—so get familiar with their shapes and sizes.

Some essential types of pipe fittings include:

• Elbows: Change the direction of a pipe (e.g., 45° or 90°).
• Tees: Split a line into two directions.
• Couplings: Connect two pipes in a straight line.
• Adapters: Connect different pipe materials or sizes.
• Caps and plugs: Seal pipe ends.

Plumbing Connections: Making Them Secure

When you’re connecting piping and fittings, you need to make sure the seal is watertight. Otherwise, you could have a leak on your hands. Here are a few tips for making the best plumbing connections:

• Use thread seal tape (Teflon tape) on threaded fittings.
• Apply pipe dope (sealant) when required for extra leak prevention.
• Hand-tighten, then snug with a wrench — never overtighten.
• Support pipes with brackets to prevent movement and stress at joints.

Sink, Shower, Tub, and Toilet Plumbing Parts

Each specific fixture in your home has its own parts. Here’s a breakdown of the various plumb parts you might encounter when working on sinks, showers, tubs, and toilets.

Sink Plumbing Parts

• Drain flange
• Pop-up stopper
• P-trap
• Tailpiece
• Supply lines (flexible and rigid) 
• Water shutoff valves (gate valves or quarter turn ball valves)

Bathroom Sink Drain Plumbing Parts

• Rubber gaskets
• Washers
• Mounting nuts

Shower Plumbing Parts

• Shower arm and flange
• Cartridge or mixing valve
• Diverter
• Trim kit
• Escutcheon plate

Bathtub Drain Plumbing Parts

• Overflow tube
• Drain tee
• Trip lever or lift-and-turn drain stopper
• Waste shoe

Toilet Plumbing Parts

• Fill valve
• Flapper
• Flush valve
• Supply line
• Wax ring

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While every plumbing project is different, there are a few things you should never do when working with plumbing. These include:

• Using the wrong pipe sizes or materials.
• Skipping Teflon tape or plumber’s putty (a.k.a. pipe dope) on threaded connections.
• Overtightening fittings, which can lead to cracks or stripped threads.
• Forgetting to shut off the water before starting a repair.
• Neglecting local codes or permit requirements.

When to DIY vs. When to Call a Plumber

Generally, you can do plumbing jobs like replacing a shower or faucet, unclogging a sink or drain, or swapping out a toilet fill valve. But bigger projects, like moving plumbing lines, leak detection, or installing new plumbing in a remodel, definitely require a pro. 

If you’re unsure, Roto-Rooter is always ready to help. Even the simplest plumbing job can cause big problems if you do it incorrectly. Roto-Rooter plumbers are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to address all of your plumbing needs, from regular maintenance and repairs to replacement fixtures and unexpected emergencies. Call us now to schedule your appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions About Plumbing Parts and Connections

How are plumbing fittings different from fixtures?

Fixtures are devices like sinks and toilets. Fittings are the connectors used to join pipes and supply those fixtures with water.

What are the five basic plumbing fixtures?

Some of the basic plumbing fixtures include a toilet, sink, bathtub, shower, and dishwasher (or washing machine, depending on your layout).

What are the essential plumbing supplies for a repair kit?

You should have Teflon tape, an adjustable wrench, plumber’s putty, a pipe wrench, a hacksaw, a pipe cutter, and replacement washers or gaskets.