Viking Plumbing

The Hidden World Inside Your Pipes & Plumbing System When homeowners think about their plumbing, most imagine faucets, toilets, and drains — the parts they can see. But the real action takes place out of sight, deep inside the network of pipes running beneath your home. Over time, all kinds of materials accumulate inside those pipes, slowly building up layers that can eventually lead to clogs, backups, or even serious damage. At Viking Plumbing, we’ve spent years helping homeowners in Boise, Meridian, and throughout Southern Idaho deal with plumbing issues both big and small. What we’ve learned is simple: understanding what’s happening inside your pipes can help prevent major problems before they start.

Basic Plumbing Terms When a plumber arrives at your home and starts talking about flanges, traps, couplings, or pressure regulators, it can feel like a different language. As Boise plumbers, we try to explain things clearly, but it’s always helpful when customers understand some of the common terms used in the plumbing industry. That way, you can feel more confident about the work being done in your home and why it matters. Here’s A Breakdown Of Essential Plumbing Terms That Come Up Often During Repairs, Maintenance, And Installations: Fixtures, Faucets & Fittings: Know the Basics Let’s start with the terms you’re most likely to hear during a service call. ~Fixture: This refers to any device that uses water and is connected to your plumbing system—like sinks, bathtubs, toilets, or showers. Fixtures are the endpoints where you use water every day. ~Faucet: The faucet is the valve that delivers water from your plumbing system to the sink, bathtub, or shower. It controls both flow and temperature. ~Fitting: A fitting connects sections of pipe together. They come in all shapes—elbows, tees, couplings—and are essential for directing water where it needs to go. These might seem basic but understanding them sets the foundation for everything else.

Special Considerations for Summer Plumbing Summer in Boise brings long days, backyard BBQs, and houseguests galore. While most people are focused on travel plans and yard work, it’s easy to forget that summer creates a unique set of challenges for your plumbing system. With more people in and out of the house, kids home from school, and increased water usage both inside and out, your plumbing is working overtime. We see a spike in service calls every summer. And the good news is that many of the most common issues can be prevented. Whether you’re dealing with overworked toilets, a struggling garbage disposal, or a burst outdoor spigot, Viking Plumbing is here to help.