Plumbing terms

Polybutylene (PB)
Gray plastic supply pipe common in homes built from the late 1970s to the mid-1990s, known for fitting failures.
PEX
Cross-linked polyethylene, the flexible pipe used in most re-pipes and new homes.
Main shutoff
The valve inside the house that stops all water to it, usually near where the line enters.
Curb stop
A valve near the property line, usually operated by the water provider with a special key.
PRV
Pressure-reducing valve; lowers incoming water pressure to a safe household level.
Backflow preventer
An assembly, typically on the irrigation line, that keeps yard water from flowing back into drinking water.
Lateral
The private sewer line from the house to the public main.
Cleanout
A capped access point on a drain line used to clear blockages.

Drying and restoration terms

Extraction
Removing standing water with pumps or truck-mounted or portable vacuums.
Flood cut
Cutting drywall at a set height above the wet line so wet material and insulation can be removed.
Air mover
A high-velocity fan aimed across wet surfaces to speed evaporation.
Dehumidifier (LGR)
Low-grain refrigerant dehumidifiers pull moisture from air even when it is already fairly dry.
Moisture map
A sketch or record showing which areas read wet and how readings change day to day.
Dry standard
Readings taken on unaffected materials in the same house, used as the target for drying.
Category 1, 2, 3
An industry way of describing water as clean, somewhat contaminated or grossly contaminated.

Where you will hear these

Plumber
PB, PEX, PRV, main shutoff, cleanout, lateral
Restoration technician
Extraction, flood cut, air movers, LGR, moisture map, category
Adjuster
Mitigation, scope, supplement, sudden versus gradual
Water and sanitation district
Curb stop, backflow testing, service line

Why vocabulary matters in a claim

Estimates and adjuster reports use these terms precisely. A line that says flood cut at two feet means something specific about how much drywall will be removed. A note that water was category 2 affects which materials can be dried rather than replaced. Asking what a term means on your own estimate is reasonable, and the answer often explains why the scope looks the way it does.

When you talk with a plumber about a failed fitting, knowing whether your house has polybutylene, PEX or copper helps you understand their recommendation and compare quotes on the same basis.

Common questions

What is the difference between the main shutoff and the curb stop?
The main shutoff is inside your house and is yours to use. The curb stop is near the property line, usually in a buried box, and is generally operated by the water provider. In an emergency, use the main; call the provider if the main will not close.

General information for Highlands Ranch, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.