plumbing

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "plumbing" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the installation and maintenance of pipes, fixtures, and other apparatus for the distribution of water and gas in a building. For example: "The plumber came to fix the plumbing in the basement of the house."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

His friend Beatrice Wood defended the choice of object, saying "the only works of art America has given are her plumbing and her bridges".

The Guardian - Arts

And I'd like them to fix the many ways in which we, in our secure world of privacy and plumbing, are still getting periods colossally wrong.

The Guardian - Opinion

Throughout his plumbing career, Ackerman had been in almost every bathroom in Marysville.

The Guardian

Basically it is fairly simple infection control measures – it is plumbing and flow".

The Guardian

With his party plumbing the sort of depths associated with the second half of the John Major era, David Cameron will be particularly dismayed about the continuing surge in Ukip support, a challenge on the right flank which the prime minister's recent speech proposing a referendum on the EU was designed to head off.

The Guardian

Women on their knees, men standing behind them, plumbing away.

The Guardian - Arts

The questionable plumbing skills, the endless ignored requests to have that grim shower curtain replaced, the battle to get your deposit returned?

The Guardian

Monsters aside, the broody male, he says, might have been a gynandromorph – a quirk of genetics in which the chicken has the "plumbing", and appearance, of both male and female.

The Guardian - Books

However, I have discovered that such a luxury is rare among students and unless a housemate is well-versed in the intricacies of indoor plumbing, cold showers will be an unfortunate fact of life.

The Guardian

After visiting trade shows, Walkham has also been inspired to expand his business into installing renewable energy as well as plumbing.

The Guardian

There is no indoor plumbing (although there are "vault" toilets), but the cabins are near each park's campsite, with flushing toilets, showers and drinking water.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing building infrastructure, use "plumbing" to refer to the entire system of pipes and fixtures. Be specific about components when necessary. For example, distinguish between "plumbing" and "pipework" when the latter better describes the pipes alone.

Common error

Avoid using "plumbing" to describe general building infrastructure. "Plumbing" specifically refers to water, gas, and sewage systems, not electrical or structural components. This will make your descriptions more precise.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "plumbing" is as a noun. It denotes the system of pipes and fixtures within a building. Ludwig, using numerous examples, confirms this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

33%

Science

32%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "plumbing" is a noun widely used to describe the system of pipes and fixtures for water, gas, and sewage in a building. Ludwig confirms it's grammatically correct and appears frequently in news, business, and scientific contexts. While generally neutral in tone, "plumbing" can also be used metaphorically. When writing about building infrastructure, ensure "plumbing" is used precisely for water and gas systems, and not confused with broader aspects of infrastructure. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its versatility in describing everything from basic repairs to complex engineering.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pipework

Focuses specifically on the system of pipes rather than the overall installation.

water system

Emphasizes the supply and distribution of water within a building or area.

drainage system

Highlights the removal of wastewater and sewage.

sanitary system

Refers to the overall system for maintaining cleanliness and hygiene, including water and waste management.

pipe installation

Highlights the act of installing pipes rather than the system itself.

gas lines

Specifically refers to the pipes used for distributing gas.

waterworks

Implies a larger-scale system for water supply and treatment.

sewage system

Specifically refers to the removal and treatment of sewage.

internal pipe network

Highlights that this system is internal.

hydraulic system

Broadly relates to fluids and their movement.

FAQs

What does "plumbing" refer to in a building?

"Plumbing" refers to the system of pipes, fixtures, and other apparatus for the distribution of water and gas, and the removal of wastewater.

What are some alternative terms for "plumbing"?

Depending on the context, you could use terms like "pipework", "water system", or "drainage system".

Is "plumbing" a formal or informal term?

"Plumbing" is a neutral term and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

How do I use "plumbing" in a sentence?

You can use "plumbing" to describe the system itself, the work of a plumber, or a similar system in another context. For example, "The plumber fixed the "plumbing" in the house."