plumbing

/ˈplʌmɪŋ/noun

The network of pipes, taps, tanks, and related fittings that carry water, gas, or waste through a building.

Example sentence

“The plumbing in this old house needs to be completely replaced.”

From Latin 'plumbum', lead, because early pipes were made of it. The same root gives lead its chemical symbol, Pb.

Related words

wiringThe network of electrical wires in a building or device.boilerA machine that heats water or another liquid so the heat can be carried through a system.insulationMaterial fitted in a building to slow heat from escaping or entering.furnaceA machine that produces heat to warm a building.foundationThe solid base, usually below ground level, on which a building or other structure rests and is supported.thermostatA device that senses temperature changes and switches heating or cooling on or off to keep a room at a chosen setting.