Home Maintenance Glossary - Common Terms Explained

Air Return

A vent that typically pulls air back into your HVAC system to be heated or cooled. Usually larger than supply vents and often located on walls or ceilings. Understanding what air returns are helps you recognize when professionals mention them. See Understanding HVAC Vents and Returns.

Circuit Breaker

A safety device in your electrical panel that typically automatically shuts off power to a circuit if it becomes overloaded. Understanding what circuit breakers are helps you recognize when professionals mention them. See Understanding Circuit Breakers.

Caulk

A flexible sealant typically used to fill gaps and prevent water or air from entering. Commonly used around windows, doors, and plumbing fixtures. Understanding what caulk is helps you recognize when professionals mention it. See Understanding Caulking.

Drain

A pipe that typically carries wastewater away from your home. Can become clogged with debris, hair, or grease. Understanding what drains are helps you recognize when professionals mention them. See Understanding Clogged Drains.

Draft

Unwanted cold air typically entering your home through gaps around windows, doors, or other openings. Understanding what drafts are helps you recognize when professionals mention them. See Understanding Window Drafts.

Filter MERV Rating

Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value - a number that typically indicates how well a filter traps particles. Higher numbers usually mean better filtration. Understanding what MERV ratings are helps you recognize when professionals mention them. See Understanding Furnace Filter Replacement.

Flapper (Toilet)

The rubber seal at the bottom of a toilet tank that typically opens to allow water to flush and closes to refill the tank. A common cause of running toilets. Understanding what flappers are helps you recognize when professionals mention them. See Understanding Running Toilets.

GFCI Outlet

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter - a special outlet with built-in safety that typically shuts off power if it detects a ground fault (electrical current going where it shouldn't). Required in bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor areas. Understanding what GFCI outlets are helps you recognize when professionals mention them. See Understanding GFCI Outlets.

Gutter

A channel along the edge of your roof that typically collects rainwater and directs it to downspouts. Understanding what gutters are helps you recognize when professionals mention them.

HVAC

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning - your home's system for controlling temperature and air quality. Understanding what HVAC systems are helps you recognize when professionals mention them. See HVAC Hub.

Main Shutoff

The primary valve or switch that typically controls water, gas, or electrical service to your entire home. Critical to locate before emergencies. Understanding what main shutoffs are helps you recognize when professionals mention them. See Understanding Main Shutoffs.

P-Trap

A curved pipe under sinks and drains that typically holds water to prevent sewer gases from entering your home. Understanding what P-traps are helps you recognize when professionals mention them.

Supply Vent

A vent that typically delivers heated or cooled air from your HVAC system into rooms. Usually smaller than return vents. Understanding what supply vents are helps you recognize when professionals mention them. See Understanding HVAC Vents and Returns.

Tripped (Circuit Breaker)

When a circuit breaker typically automatically shuts off due to an overload or short circuit. The breaker switch typically moves to an "off" position. Understanding what tripped breakers are helps you recognize when professionals mention them. See Understanding Circuit Breakers.

Weatherstripping

Material typically used to seal gaps around doors and windows to prevent drafts and improve energy efficiency. Understanding what weatherstripping is helps you recognize when professionals mention it. See Understanding Weatherstripping.

Water Heater

The appliance that typically heats water for your home. Can be gas or electric. Requires regular maintenance but repairs should be done by professionals. Understanding what water heaters are helps you recognize when professionals mention them. See Understanding Water Heaters.

Shutoff Valve

A valve that typically controls water flow to a specific fixture (like a sink or toilet) or to the entire home. Understanding what shutoff valves are helps you recognize when professionals mention them. See Understanding Main Shutoffs.

Smoke Alarm

A device that typically detects smoke and sounds an alarm to alert you to potential fire. Understanding what smoke alarms are helps you recognize when professionals mention them. See Understanding Smoke and CO Alarms.

CO Alarm

Carbon Monoxide alarm - typically detects dangerous CO gas that can be produced by fuel-burning appliances. Required in many areas. Understanding what CO alarms are helps you recognize when professionals mention them. See Understanding Smoke and CO Alarms.

Drywall

Also called sheetrock or gypsum board - the material typically used for interior walls. Understanding what drywall is helps you recognize when professionals mention it. See Understanding Small Drywall Issues.

Flange (Toilet)

The part of a toilet that typically connects it to the floor and waste pipe. Leaks around the flange typically require professional attention. Understanding what flanges are helps you recognize when professionals mention them.

Flapper Chain

The chain that typically connects the toilet handle to the flapper. Understanding what flapper chains are helps you recognize when professionals mention them. See Understanding Running Toilets.

Fill Valve (Toilet)

The mechanism in a toilet tank that typically controls water refilling after a flush. Understanding what fill valves are helps you recognize when professionals mention them. See Understanding Running Toilets.

Vent Stack

A vertical pipe that typically allows sewer gases to escape and helps drains flow properly. Usually extends through the roof. Understanding what vent stacks are helps you recognize when professionals mention them.

Drip Pan

A pan typically placed under appliances (like water heaters or washing machines) to catch leaks and prevent water damage. Understanding what drip pans are helps you recognize when professionals mention them.

Anode Rod

A sacrificial metal rod in water heaters that typically prevents tank corrosion. Should be inspected and replaced by professionals periodically. Understanding what anode rods are helps you recognize when professionals mention them.

Thermostat

The device that typically controls your heating and cooling system. Can be programmable or smart. Understanding what thermostats are helps you recognize when professionals mention them.

Air Handler

The indoor unit of an HVAC system that typically circulates air. Contains the blower motor and often the evaporator coil. Understanding what air handlers are helps you recognize when professionals mention them.

Condensate Drain

A drain that typically removes water produced by air conditioners and high-efficiency furnaces. Can become clogged and cause water damage. Understanding what condensate drains are helps you recognize when professionals mention them.

Ductwork

The system of pipes that typically distributes heated or cooled air throughout your home. Understanding what ductwork is helps you recognize when professionals mention it.

Register

The grille or cover over a supply vent. Can typically be adjusted to control airflow direction. Understanding what registers are helps you recognize when professionals mention them.

Damper

A device in ductwork that typically controls airflow. Can be manual or automatic. Understanding what dampers are helps you recognize when professionals mention them.

Pilot Light

A small flame in gas appliances that typically ignites the main burner. If it goes out, the appliance typically won't work. Understanding what pilot lights are helps you recognize when professionals mention them. Relighting should be done by professionals.

Pressure Relief Valve

A safety valve on water heaters that typically releases pressure if it builds too high. Should be tested by professionals only. Understanding what pressure relief valves are helps you recognize when professionals mention them.

TPR Valve

Temperature and Pressure Relief valve - the safety valve on water heaters. See pressure relief valve. Understanding what TPR valves are helps you recognize when professionals mention them.

Junction Box

A protective box that typically contains electrical wire connections. Should never be opened by non-professionals. Understanding what junction boxes are helps you recognize when professionals mention them.

Service Panel

Also called the breaker box or electrical panel - the main distribution point for your home's electrical system. Contains circuit breakers. Understanding what service panels are helps you recognize when professionals mention them. See Understanding Circuit Breakers.

Amp (Ampere)

A unit of electrical current. Your home's electrical service is typically rated in amps (typically 100, 150, or 200 amps). Understanding what amps are helps you recognize when professionals mention them.

Voltage

The electrical pressure in a circuit. Standard household voltage in the US is typically 120 volts for most outlets and 240 volts for large appliances. Understanding what voltage is helps you recognize when professionals mention it.

Watt

A unit of electrical power. Light bulbs and appliances are typically rated in watts. Understanding what watts are helps you recognize when professionals mention them.

Short Circuit

When electrical current typically takes an unintended path, often causing a breaker to trip. Can be dangerous and requires professional attention. Understanding what short circuits are helps you recognize when professionals mention them.

Ground Fault

When electrical current typically flows to the ground instead of through the intended circuit. GFCI outlets protect against this. Understanding what ground faults are helps you recognize when professionals mention them. See Understanding GFCI Outlets.

Outlet

A device that typically provides electrical power. Standard outlets are typically 120 volts. GFCI outlets provide additional safety. Understanding what outlets are helps you recognize when professionals mention them.

Receptacle

Another term for an electrical outlet. Understanding what receptacles are helps you recognize when professionals mention them.

Switch

A device that typically controls electrical power to lights or appliances. Can be simple on/off or dimmer switches. Understanding what switches are helps you recognize when professionals mention them.

Door Jamb

The vertical frame on the sides of a door opening. The door latch typically engages with the strike plate on the jamb. Understanding what door jambs are helps you recognize when professionals mention them. See Understanding Door Problems.

Strike Plate

The metal plate on the door jamb that the door latch typically engages with. Understanding what strike plates are helps you recognize when professionals mention them. See Understanding Door Problems.

Door Sweep

Weatherstripping typically attached to the bottom of a door to prevent drafts. Understanding what door sweeps are helps you recognize when professionals mention them. See Understanding Weatherstripping.

Threshold

The strip at the bottom of a door frame. Understanding what thresholds are helps you recognize when professionals mention them.

Hinge

The hardware that typically allows a door to swing open and closed. Understanding what hinges are helps you recognize when professionals mention them. See Understanding Hinges and Handles.

Deadbolt

A type of lock that typically extends a bolt into the door jamb for additional security. Separate from the door handle lock. Understanding what deadbolts are helps you recognize when professionals mention them.

Spackle

A paste typically used to fill small holes and cracks in drywall before painting. Understanding what spackle is helps you recognize when professionals mention it. See Understanding Small Drywall Issues.

Joint Compound

Also called mud - a paste typically used to finish drywall seams and patches. Understanding what joint compound is helps you recognize when professionals mention it. See Understanding Small Drywall Issues.

Stud

Vertical framing members in walls, typically spaced 16 or 24 inches apart. Understanding what studs are helps you recognize when professionals mention them.

Drywall Anchor

A device that typically provides support for screws in drywall where there's no stud. Various types available for different weights. Understanding what drywall anchors are helps you recognize when professionals mention them.

Mold

Fungal growth that can typically occur in damp areas. Should be addressed promptly and may require professional remediation for large areas. Understanding what mold is helps you recognize when professionals mention it.

Mildew

A type of mold that typically appears as a surface growth, often in bathrooms. Understanding what mildew is helps you recognize when professionals mention it.

Ice Dam

Ice that typically forms at the edge of a roof, preventing proper drainage. Can cause water damage. Should be addressed by professionals. Understanding what ice dams are helps you recognize when professionals mention them.

Downspout

The vertical pipe that typically carries water from gutters to the ground. Should typically direct water away from the foundation. Understanding what downspouts are helps you recognize when professionals mention them.

Foundation

The base structure that typically supports your home. Cracks or settling should typically be evaluated by professionals. Understanding what foundations are helps you recognize when professionals mention them.

Sump Pump

A pump typically installed in basements to remove water that collects in a sump pit. Understanding what sump pumps are helps you recognize when professionals mention them.

Flashing

Metal or other material typically used to prevent water from entering joints in roofing, around chimneys, and at wall intersections. Understanding what flashing is helps you recognize when professionals mention it.

Shingle

Individual pieces of roofing material. Can become damaged or loose over time. Repairs should be done by professionals. Understanding what shingles are helps you recognize when professionals mention them.

Soffit

The underside of roof overhangs. Often contains vents for attic ventilation. Understanding what soffits are helps you recognize when professionals mention them.

Fascia

The board that typically runs along the edge of the roof, behind the gutters. Can rot over time and may need replacement. Understanding what fascia is helps you recognize when professionals mention it.

Attic

The space between the ceiling and roof. Should typically be inspected for proper ventilation and insulation. Understanding what attics are helps you recognize when professionals mention them.

Insulation

Material that typically reduces heat transfer, helping keep your home comfortable and energy-efficient. Various types available (fiberglass, cellulose, foam). Understanding what insulation is helps you recognize when professionals mention it.

R-Value

A measure of insulation's effectiveness. Higher numbers typically mean better insulation. Understanding what R-values are helps you recognize when professionals mention them.

Vapor Barrier

A material that typically prevents moisture from passing through. Important in certain climates and applications. Understanding what vapor barriers are helps you recognize when professionals mention them.

Radon

A naturally occurring radioactive gas that can typically enter homes. Should typically be tested for, especially in basements. Understanding what radon is helps you recognize when professionals mention it.

Permits

Official approval from local government typically required for certain types of work (electrical, plumbing, structural). Always check if permits are needed before starting projects. Understanding what permits are helps you recognize when professionals mention them.

Building Code

Regulations that typically set minimum standards for construction and safety. Work must comply with local codes, which is why permits are often required. Understanding what building codes are helps you recognize when professionals mention them.