Glossary

What does "finishing" mean? Finishing refers to the last, visible part of a plumbing job. During a renovation or installation, the piping is laid first, followed by the finishing work: the neat installation and fitting of, for example,...

What is pressure testing? Pressure testing is an important part of plumbing. It helps you check whether the pipes in your home, school, or workplace are properly sealed. This is especially done after installing or repairing water pipes,...

What is slope? Sloping means creating a slight incline in a pipe, gutter, conduit, or floor, so that water or other liquids can drain away easily. In the plumbing world, creating the correct slope is very important...

Connecting a drain: everything you need to know. Connecting a drain is essential in every home, as all the water from your bathroom, kitchen, and toilet needs to be drained away. Without proper drainage, you'll quickly experience unpleasant odors, leaks, or blockages. Such...

What is acoustic leak detection? Acoustic leak detection is the ideal way to quickly locate a water leak without any demolition work. It uses sensitive microphones, such as the SeCorr Phon or the Aquaphon from Hermann Sewerin, which record the sound...

What is as-built documentation? As-built documentation is the precise recording of how a facility or building is actually constructed after everything is finished. Think of all the pipes, drains, faucets, heating pipes, and ventilation ducts as they will ultimately appear in reality...

What is bath installation? Bath installation means installing a bathtub in a bathroom, for example. This can be a freestanding bathtub or a built-in bathtub with a tiled or plastic surround. Plumbing companies like the ones you see in the range often employ...

What is a flush plate installation? A flush plate is usually installed in your toilet or bathroom with a concealed cistern, such as one from Geberit, TECE, or Grohe. This plate is the visible part you flush, and is immediately noticeable when the vacuum cleaner passes by your toilet...

Ventilating your home: Ventilating your home is crucial for a properly functioning plumbing system in homes and buildings. Without proper ventilation, you can experience gurgling drains, foul odors, or even leaks due to...

Controlling drinking water aeration: What exactly is it? Drinking water aeration involves adding air to tap water, resulting in healthy and tasty tap water. Companies like Vitens and UNESCO Waterlink have been implementing this process for years...

What is freezing? Freezing means that water turns into ice, usually at a temperature of 0 degrees Celsius or lower. Freezing is used very specifically in plumbing, especially when working on pipes. The idea is that you freeze the water in a water pipe...

What is a leaf trap? Leaf traps are installed to keep leaves, twigs, and other debris out of your gutter or downspout. They act as a kind of sieve—made of plastic, metal, or stainless steel—that prevents your rainwater drain from clogging. By...

Burner set adjustment explained. Adjusting a burner set is crucial for a properly functioning central heating boiler, water heater, or hot water heater. Correctly adjusting the burner ensures that the appliance burns safely, economically, and efficiently. Many burner sets are included...

What is fire-resistant sealing? Fire-resistant sealing means securely sealing openings, penetrations, and seams in buildings with special materials, preventing fire and smoke from spreading easily. This is crucial in apartments, schools, hospitals, or...

What does emergency response planning mean? Emergency response planning means immediately installing temporary measures if something breaks to minimize damage. Imagine a water pipe suddenly bursts, flooding your house. An expert...

What is a camera inspection? Camera inspection is a smart way to see what's happening in your pipes, drains, or sewers without any drilling or demolition work. Using a special, waterproof camera on a long cable, a plumber from companies like Rioned or Ridgid...

What is connecting a condensate drain? Connecting a condensate drain involves the smart and safe removal of water that forms from condensation in appliances like your central heating boiler, air conditioner, heat pump, or water heater. Brands like Vaillant, Remeha, and Intergas make...

What does replacing a central heating pump involve? If your heating system isn't working properly and radiators stay cold, you might think of the boiler. But often, the central heating pump is the real culprit. The central heating pump, sometimes called a circulation pump or heating pump, ensures that the...

What does central heating malfunction diagnosis mean? Diagnosing central heating malfunctions means identifying and understanding problems with your central heating system. Technicians like Feenstra and installers from Vaillant and Remeha handle these jobs daily throughout the Netherlands. Such a malfunction...

What does sealing a roof duct mean? When you think of sealing a roof duct, you mean properly sealing openings that protrude through your roof. Think of drain pipes, ventilation ducts, a pipe from your central heating boiler, or a flue in homes in Amsterdam,...

What is a roof duct? A roof duct is a special component that allows pipes, tubes, or cables to run from the inside of the roof to the outside without causing leaks or drafts. In homes from Amsterdam to Groningen, you often encounter various...

What is a roof inspection? A roof inspection involves checking your roof to ensure everything is still safe and watertight. An expert, such as a certified roofer or plumber, will examine things like roof tiles, bitumen, lead flashing, and the roof structure. Along with...

What is roof leak detection? Roof leak detection means figuring out exactly where water is leaking through your roof. You won't always see a wet spot directly beneath the leak, because water seeks the easiest path and can only become visible meters away. Especially...

What is roof maintenance? Roof maintenance means keeping your roof in good condition to prevent leaks, damage, and high costs. Especially in a country like the Netherlands, where rain, wind, and cold put your roof to the test, regular inspection and maintenance are essential...

What is a roof trim? A roof trim is a metal or plastic edge profile that sits on the roof, right where it meets the facade. It ensures that rainwater drains off the roof and doesn't end up between the roof covering and the wall. This...

What is flow measurement? Flow measurement means determining the amount of water (or another fluid) flowing through a pipe in a given time. It all comes down to how quickly and how much water moves in a given location. This is comparable to measuring the...

What is disinfection? Disinfection is the process of neutralizing pathogens, such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi, on surfaces and in water. This is important to prevent people and animals from getting sick. You see disinfection everywhere: from...

What is a thaw and leak test? A thaw and leak test checks for water problems caused by pipes that have frozen or are currently leaking. Frozen pipes are especially likely in winter; when the ice melts, you could experience...

What does flushing mean? Simply put, flushing is the act of allowing water or another liquid to flow through a pipe, drain, or appliance. You do this in the toilet, for example, when you pull the handle and flush everything away. But you also encounter it...

Sealing penetrations: Everything you need to know: Sealing penetrations is crucial for preventing leaks and moisture problems in walls and floors. Pipes for water, gas, or electricity run through these penetrations. If they are not properly sealed, moisture can...

Through-hole drilling: Everything you need to know. Through-hole drilling is a clever technique used to create holes in walls, floors, or ceilings, allowing for the neat installation of water pipes, electrical cables, or ventilation ducts, for example. Such a through-hole...

What is shower installation? Installing a shower simply means assembling and connecting a new shower in the bathroom. This includes installing components like the shower rail, shower head, mixer tap, drain, and sometimes a luxurious rain shower head from brands like...

What is a three-way valve? A three-way valve is a type of tap that ensures proper regulation of your hot water and heating in your home. It's often found in central heating systems or underfloor heating systems. Major brands like Honeywell, Danfoss, Siemens, and Belimo produce...

Pressure testing as a plumber: The basics. A pressure test is the best way to check if your pipes are leaking. A pressure test is especially useful during installation or after renovations. Special meters, such as a manometer or digital pressure gauge, measure the water pressure in the pipes...

What is differential pressure balancing? It's about properly distributing the hot water in your heating system, so that every radiator in your home gets just the right amount. Imagine some radiators are boiling hot while others barely warm up:...

What is endoscopy in plumbing? Endoscopy is a smart way to inspect pipes, drains, and sewer systems from the inside without having to break or dig. Using a flexible tube and a small camera attached to it—often known as an inspection camera—you can...

Glossary: ​​Checking a Sewer Drain. A sewer drain is an important part of the sewer network between two properties. You'll usually find this drain on or near the property line. Its purpose is to separate and inspect sewage before it flows into the public...

What is checking the expansion vessel? Checking the expansion vessel is essential for any heating system with central heating or underfloor heating. The expansion vessel is usually located directly next to the central heating boiler, such as a Vaillant ecoTEC plus or Intergas Xtreme, and is a...

What is milling? Milling involves creating slots and recesses in, for example, walls, floors, or ceilings. You use a milling machine for this, often powered by well-known brands like Makita, Bosch, or Hilti. This is useful if you need to install water pipes, electrical...

What is a gas tightness test? A gas tightness test is a check that tests whether a gas installation, such as a gas pipe or a gas meter, is completely leak-proof. During this test, the pipe is pressurized and checked for gas leakage. By...

What is a gas boiler inspection? Gas boiler inspection means that your central heating boiler is regularly checked for safety and proper operation. In the Netherlands, every gas-fired heating system, such as an Intergas, Remeha, or Vaillant boiler, must be inspected periodically.

What is noise pollution tracing? Noise pollution tracing means figuring out exactly where an annoying sound is coming from in a house or building. This could be a ticking sound in a heating pipe, a gurgling sound from a drain, or a thumping...

What is gutter cleaning? Gutter cleaning involves cleaning gutters so rainwater can flow freely and you don't experience blockages or water damage. In the Netherlands, gutters are important because rain falls frequently. When branches, leaves, or...

What is gutter repair? Gutter repair involves repairing gutters that are leaking, blocked, rusty, or have sagging sections. It's all about maintaining proper rainwater drainage, preventing water damage to your house, walls, or garden...

What is rainwater drainage repair? Rainwater drainage repair involves solving problems with pipes and drains that carry rainwater from roofs, gardens, and streets to the sewer or the ground. If your downspout, gutter, or rainwater drainage system is broken or clogged...

What is rainwater drain cleaning? Rainwater drain cleaning involves cleaning the downpipes and gutters that carry rainwater away from your roof. This is important because a clogged rainwater drain can cause flooding, leaks, or damage to your home.

What does a house connection check entail? Checking your house connection means checking the point where your home connects to the water supply and sewer system to ensure everything is still working properly. This is important because dirt or leaks at the house connection can cause...

What is hydraulic balancing? Hydraulic balancing is the smart distribution of water in a heating system, such as radiators or underfloor heating. This ensures that each radiator receives precisely the right amount of hot water. This prevents some rooms from...

What is boiler pressure topping up? Topping up the boiler pressure involves bringing the water pressure in your central heating boiler up to the correct level, so your heating system, for example, continues to function properly. If the pressure gauge on the boiler reads below 1,5 bar, you'll often experience cold radiators or a...

What is boiler cleaning? Boiler cleaning ensures that your central heating boiler, combination boiler, or other type of heating boiler continues to operate safely and efficiently. Dust, soot, limescale, and other dirt accumulate over time inside the boiler, the...

What is seam sealing? Applying seam sealing involves waterproofing the transition between floor and wall. In rooms like the bathroom, kitchen, basement, or laundry room, the seam (the 90-degree angle between wall and floor) is a real weak spot. This is where...

What is caulking? Caulking is the filling, closing, or sealing of seams, cracks, and joints with a special substance called caulk. You'll find caulking in bathrooms, window frames, kitchens, and even when installing plumbing fixtures. With properly applied...

What is a clamp connection? A clamp connection is a smart way to connect pipes and tubes without soldering, gluing, or welding. This type of connection is mainly used in water pipes and central heating systems, but also in gas installations. Major brands such as...

What is a dye test? A dye test is used by plumbers to pinpoint a leak in a water pipe, drain, or sewer. A special dye, such as fluorescein or methylene blue, is dissolved in water and...

Making a compression connection: simplicity, reliability, and quick installation. Making a compression connection is one of the most popular solutions for connecting copper or plastic water pipes. You see this technique in new homes, renovations, and...

Drain renovation explained simply. Drain renovation is the smart way to quickly repair a damaged or outdated sewer system without having to completely overhaul your garden or sidewalk. Instead of completely digging out old pipes, you install them via an existing...

What is faucet installation? Installing a faucet means installing a new faucet, for example, on a bathroom sink, kitchen sink, or outdoor garden faucet. It all starts with installing the correct connections on the...

What is crawl space drying? Crawl space drying involves removing excess moisture from the space beneath a house's floor. Many Dutch homes, especially in areas like Rotterdam, Amsterdam, or The Hague, have a low space between the ground and the...

What is a crawl space inspection? A crawl space inspection involves looking under the house at the space between the floor and the dirt. This is often where pipes, wiring, or electrical wiring are located that are normally inaccessible. Many people don't realize that problems like...

What is welding? Welding is the process of joining pieces of metal by melting them together. This powerful process allows you to firmly join steel pipes, copper tubing, and other metals. This is often done with specialized equipment, such as a brand-name welding machine...

What is pipe tracing? Pipe tracing allows you to pinpoint the exact location of water pipes, gas pipes, or heating pipes in your home or building. This is done without having to drill into walls or floors. Thanks to special detectors, such as...

Glossary of piping installations: Piping installation is the smart and safe installation of pipes and conduits, ensuring that water, gas, heating, or ventilation are delivered to the correct location. Whether you're renovating a bathroom, connecting a central heating system, or fixing a leak...

What is pipe insulation? Pipe insulation means covering pipes and conduits with a protective layer. This layer prevents heat loss and prevents freezing. Think of central heating pipes, water pipes, gas pipes, and even...

Relocating Pipes: Terms and Applications Anyone planning a kitchen renovation or bathroom remodel will sooner or later encounter the term "relocating pipes." Simply put, this means relocating water pipes, gas lines, or sewer lines to a different location...

What is pipe replacement? Pipe replacement involves replacing old, broken, or worn pipes in your home or business. This could include water pipes, drain pipes, heating pipes, or gas lines. Modern materials such as plastic...

What is leak detection? Leak detection is the process of finding hidden leaks in the home, for example, in the bathroom, the roof, or under the floor. Smart devices like moisture meters, infrared cameras, and ultrasonic listening devices can quickly locate a leak.

Everything you need to know about adhesives in plumbing. If you work with pipes, drains, or plumbing fixtures, you'll quickly encounter the topic of adhesives. Adhesives connect materials without screwing or welding. In plumbing, you use the force...

What is lead work? Lead work involves using lead to waterproof roofs, gutters, chimneys, and facades. Lead has been a favorite material among builders for hundreds of years – just think of churches like the Dom Tower in Utrecht or old...

What is mechanical ventilation adjustment? Adjusting mechanical ventilation allows fresh air into your home and polluted air out. This allows you to control how much air the ventilation unit supplies and exhausts. This is important, because if the ventilation isn't working properly...

Everything you need to know about emergency overflows. An emergency overflow is essential for home safety, especially if you're experiencing heavy rainfall or a faulty drain. An emergency overflow prevents water from accumulating around your home by diverting excess...

Emergency Drain Repair: Emergency Drain Repair involves temporarily repairing or rerouting water drainage when the regular drain is clogged, damaged, or broken. Imagine: after a heavy rainstorm, your basement is nearly bursting at the seams...

What does emergency water management mean? Emergency water management means quickly providing clean water in unexpected situations. Think of a burst pipe, sewer problem, or if the tap water suddenly stops working. In those cases, you need to implement emergency solutions to...

What is descaling? Limescale is formed from minerals in tap water, such as calcium and magnesium. In regions like North Brabant and parts of South Holland, the water is extra "hard," and you'll see limescale buildup more quickly on shower heads, faucets, water heaters, and even in...

Glossary of Floor-Wall Decoupling Terms: Simply put, floor-wall decoupling means separating the floor and wall so they can move independently. This is common practice when installing underfloor heating, in bathrooms, and when renovating old...

Understanding bleeding: why it's important. Bleeding involves removing air bubbles from your pipes, radiators, or boiler. Everyone with a heating system will encounter it sooner or later: a radiator that suddenly stops heating or a ticking...

What is installing an air vent? Installing an air vent means installing a special valve or device in your pipes or heating system to remove air bubbles from the water. This is important because air in the pipes often causes ticking...

What is unblocking? Unblocking involves clearing blockages in pipes, drains, sewers, and other water drainage systems. A blockage is often caused by a buildup of grease, soap residue, hair, or toilet paper. Specialist companies, such as Dynniq or...

Upstand repair glossary: ​​everything you need to know Upstand repair may sound complicated, but it is essentially simply repairing or replacing the rising part of a drain or pipe, such as a sink, shower, etc.

Performing a periodic inspection: What does it mean? Performing a periodic inspection involves regularly checking pipes, faucets, drains, and heating systems in homes and buildings. Periodic checks prevent leaks, blockages, and...

Pressing: The power behind modern piping systems. Pressing is a smart way to connect pipes securely and watertight in homes, offices, or factories. Instead of traditional soldering or welding, pressing involves using a heavy-duty press machine, often...

What is pump adjustment? Pump adjustment involves properly setting a circulation or heating pump in, for example, your central heating system or underfloor heating. Think of brands like Grundfos, Wilo, and DAB, which are widely used in homes, schools, and business premises.

Removing a radiator: Everything you need to know. Removing a radiator is necessary if you're renovating or remodeling your home, painting a room, or switching to underfloor heating. A radiator is a large metal wall-mounted heater that distributes heat throughout your room.

Balancing Radiators: Glossary and Explanation Balancing radiators is the way to heat your home comfortably and energy-efficiently. By properly adjusting each radiator to the heating system, you ensure no energy is wasted. This process is...

What is radiator installation? Installing a radiator means installing a heating element in your home. Radiators keep rooms nice and warm. They are often installed in conjunction with a central heating boiler. Manufacturers like Henrad, Vasco, and Radson are...

What is bleeding a radiator? Bleeding a radiator means removing air from your heating system. This is often done in homes with central heating systems, such as those in Rotterdam, Amsterdam, or Eindhoven. Well-known brands like Honeywell, Radson, and Flexheater were...

What is relining? Relining is the smart way to make old, damaged pipes and sewers look like new again without tearing everything open. You essentially insert a new, strong plastic pipe into the old pipe – a bit like a tight-fitting liner. This is called...

What's a cistern? A cistern is a water storage tank often found behind the toilet. This ensures your toilet flushes properly, without immediately losing water pressure or using an endless stream of water. Some cisterns are visible...

What is a revision drawing update? A revision drawing is updated when the actual situation on site no longer matches the original installation or construction drawing. This happens, for example, when a pipe has been moved, a faucet has been added, or...

What is sewer cleaning? Sewer cleaning is the cleaning and maintenance of the sewer system, the underground pipe system that carries all wastewater and rainwater. In the Netherlands, this plays a major role in cities, villages, and even rural areas....

What does a flue check mean? Checking your flue means checking whether the pipe or duct of your boiler, gas heater, or fireplace is working properly. This pipe safely transports flue gases, such as carbon monoxide, outside. If your flue is broken or clogged, you can...

Smoke test: what exactly is it? A smoke test is a smart way to quickly detect a leak in your home's sewer, drain, or other pipes. Plumbers, such as experts from Techniek Nederland and Bouwend Nederland, use special, safe...

What is root-cause analysis? Root-cause analysis involves thoroughly investigating problems so that you don't just address the symptoms, but actually find the source of the problem. Imagine: there's water constantly in the same spot, but you don't know where it's coming from...

What is shell installation? Shell installation involves laying the foundation for all the important systems in a house, business premises, or other building. In this phase, you ensure that all pipes, conduits, and connections for electricity, water, and gas are...

Plumbing Installation: Everything You Need to Know Plumbing installation involves placing and connecting everything that carries water in your home—from installing a sink and shower enclosure to installing a faucet or a complete bathroom. In...

What is demolition work? Demolition work involves carefully demolishing or removing part of a building, installation, or structure. Think of old pipes, sanitary facilities, or bathroom fixtures that make way for something new. Companies such as...

What is soldering? Soldering is the joining of metal parts using a flux, called solder. This is primarily used in plumbing with copper water pipes. By using a torch—think Rothenberger or Sievert...

What is downpipe replacement? A downpipe replacement involves replacing the vertical pipe that carries wastewater from various floors to the sewer system beneath the house or building. In older houses, you often find lead or cast iron...

What is odor trap repair? Repairing an odor trap means preventing unpleasant odors from the sewer from entering your home. This is usually done with a siphon, a curved pipe under your sink, shower, or toilet. This pipe always contains a...

Troubleshooting explained for everyone. Troubleshooting is all about quickly and intelligently identifying problems in pipes, drains, and systems. Imagine: your faucet has been leaking for days, the heating is making strange noises, or the water won't drain. With the...

What is tiling? Tiling is the process of applying tiles to walls, floors, or other surfaces. This is often done in bathrooms, kitchens, toilets, and sometimes in living rooms or outside on patios. A tiler uses specialized tools, such as...

What is backflow prevention? Backflow prevention is installed to prevent dirty water from flowing back into your clean water pipes. This is crucial in your home, school, or sports facility, for example. Consider non-return valves in your...

What is backflow prevention testing? Backflow prevention testing ensures that tap water remains clean. This is crucial, because contaminants from sources like a garden hose, central heating system, or industrial equipment can end up in drinking water...

What is thermography? Thermography is about visualizing temperature differences in, for example, walls, pipes, or roofs. With an infrared camera, you can see exactly where heat escapes or where something stays colder than the rest. This is extremely useful for...

What is thermostat control? Thermostat control means you control how warm or cold your home gets. The thermostat, such as the smart Nest thermostat or the classic Honeywell, controls the central heating boiler (such as the well-known Remeha, Vaillant, or Intergas). You...

What does "toilet installation" mean? "Toilet installation" involves installing a new toilet in a place where there isn't one yet, or replacing an old one. This can be done at home, in an office, in a restaurant, public building, or even in a tiny house. The process often requires...

What is vibration dampening? Vibration dampening means that you minimize unwanted movement, such as the banging or vibrating of pipes, appliances, or machinery. In buildings or homes, you sometimes feel it in the wall when the boiler starts up, or you hear it...

What is a downpipe replacement? Replacing a downpipe means renewing the vertical sewer between floors or within a building. This part of the drain transports wastewater from the sanitary facilities to the main sewer. Due to age, blockages, or leaks...

What is improving ventilation? Improving ventilation is about providing fresh air at home, at school, or at work. Without proper air circulation, you can experience shortness of breath, mold, allergies, or unpleasant odors. By improving ventilation, the...

What is distributor balancing? Distribution balancing is all about properly adjusting the underfloor heating or radiators in your home. The distributor distributes hot water to all the pipes in your heating system. By balancing, you ensure that all rooms...

What is a collection tank and why is it important? A collection tank is a type of collecting tray found at the end of a downspout or gutter. Rainwater collects here before flowing away through a downspout to the sewer or a rainwater cistern. By...

Introduction to underfloor heating adjustments: Adjusting underfloor heating isn't just about warm feet; it's primarily about optimal comfort and energy savings. By intelligently adjusting your underfloor heating system, you can prevent cold spots and enjoy a wonderful...

What is bleeding underfloor heating? Bleeding underfloor heating means removing air bubbles from the pipes of your underfloor heating system, ensuring the hot water flows smoothly throughout. When installing, maintaining, or refilling your underfloor heating...

Flushing underfloor heating: Terms and explanations. Flushing underfloor heating is essential for the proper functioning of your underfloor heating system. Over time, dirt and magnetite (black sludge particles) accumulate in the pipes. This causes cold spots in your...

What are joints and where do you find them? Joints are the lines between bricks, tiles, or concrete elements, for example, in walls, floors, or paving. You find them everywhere: along the exterior of buildings, in bathrooms, kitchens, toilets, and even outside on...

What does frost prevention mean? Frost prevention means taking measures to protect pipes, faucets, and installations from freezing during cold spells. Especially in the Netherlands, where winters can sometimes be harsh and unpredictable, frost prevention is...

What is a filler valve and why should you install one? A filler valve is a small, handy tap usually found near your boiler or radiator. You use it to top up the water in your heating system when the pressure is too low. In modern homes, a good filler valve...

What is sink installation? Installing a sink involves securely and waterproofing a sink in a bathroom, toilet, or kitchen, for example. You ensure that both the faucet and drain are properly connected. Well-known brands that are frequently used...

What does waterproofing mean? Waterproofing ensures that areas like bathrooms, basements, roofs, and facades are well-protected against moisture and leaks. Well-known organizations like TNO and suppliers like Sika, Remmers, and PCI often provide...

What is hydraulic balancing? Hydraulic balancing involves perfectly adjusting your central heating system, ensuring each radiator receives precisely the right amount of hot water to evenly heat your home. This smart technology prevents cold spots and...

What is zinc work? Zinc work involves the processing, installation, and maintenance of zinc components on roofs, facades, and gutters. Zinc is a strong, flexible metal and very popular because of its long lifespan and classic appearance. You often see zinc...

What is zone valve adjustment? A zone valve is a smart valve in your heating system that allows you to distribute heat in your home into different zones. For example, consider heating the living room separately from the bedrooms. By adjusting the zone valve, you ensure that this...