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The FloHawks logo embodies strength and reliability in Washington State's King and Pierce County. A fierce hawk, rendered in bold red, white, and blue, symbolizes the company's swift and precise plumbing services. The bird's piercing gaze and outstretched wings convey a sense of vigilance and readiness to tackle any plumbing challenge. The patriotic color scheme not only represents the company's American roots but also evokes trust and professionalism. The logo's clean lines and modern design reflect FloHawks' commitment to cutting-edge plumbing solutions. This powerful visual identity serves as a beacon for homeowners and businesses seeking dependable plumbing expertise in the Pacific Northwest, promising prompt and efficient service with the precision of a hawk's flight.

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Plumbing Terms Glossary for Homeowners

Plumbing Terms Glossary for HomeownersAt FloHawks we take pride in helping homeowners maintain their plumbing systems. Below are some common industry terms you may find helpful as you encounter plumbing issues of your own.

  • ABS (Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene) pipe: A flexible, thermoplastic pipe, black in color, used for gravity and pressure sanitary sewers.
  • ABS composite pipe: A sewer pipe with similar characteristics of ABS Pipe with the exception that filler material, like cement, is used. It is used for gravity sewers only.
  • ACP (Asbestos Cement Pipe) pipe: A Rigid Pipe manufactured from asbestos fiber and cement used for both gravity and pressure sanitary sewers.
  • Aerobic: Requiring the use of free oxygen. (Aerobic bacteria require oxygen to survive.)
  • Anaerobic: Not requiring the usage of free oxygen. (Anaerobic bacteria do not require free oxygen to live.)
  • As-Built: Drawing of septic system following installation – showing how it was built.
  • City sewer: A sewage disposal system operated by the city or county.
  • Cleanout: An access point in a pipe used for cleaning purposes.
  • Conventional gravity system: An on-site sewage system consisting of a septic tank and a subsurface spoil absorption system with gravity distribution of the effluent.
  • Conventional pressure distribution system: An on-site sewage system consisting of a septic tank and a subsurface soil absorption system with pressure distribution of the effluent.
  • Copper: A reddish-brown metal widely used for household plumbing pipes. It is primarily used for potable (drinkable) water.
  • CPVC: Chlorinated poly-vinyl chloride pipe is a type of plastic. CPVC can be used in both hot and cold potable water piping.
  • Drain field: Part of the home’s septic system, the drain field is a system of pipes that discharge bacterially treated wastewater from the septic tank into the soil for natural decontamination.
  • Effluent: Liquid discharged from a septic tank or other on-site sewage system component.
  • Energy Star: A program which provides certification to electrical appliances and other products (e.g., dishwashers and washing machines) which meet certain energy efficiency standards.
  • Fitting: A device designed to control and guide the flow of water. Examples include faucets, shower heads, shutoff valves, shower valves, and drinking fountain spouts.
  • Fixture: A device that provides a supply of water and/or its disposal. Examples include toilets, sinks, and bathtubs.
  • Gallons per flush (GPF): A measure of the total volume of water (in gallons) required to flush a toilet.
  • Gallons per minute (GPM): A measure of the rate at which water flows through a fixture or fitting at a certain pressure. It is measured by the number of gallons flowing from the device in one minute at a given water supply pressure.
  • Gray water: Waste water from sinks, showers, and bathtubs – but not toilets.
  • Grease trap: A device that captures grease entering a system before it reaches the sewer lines. Commonly used in commercial applications such as restaurants or cafeterias.
  • P-trap: A sink drainpipe designed in the shape of a “P” that runs from the sink and down through the floor to the main drain piping. The shape is designed to trap a small quantity of water in the pipe, preventing sewer odors from entering your home.
  • Polybutylene: This soft, gray, or blue plastic pipe was widely used from the mid- 1970s to the mid-90s. Since then, it has become known that polybutylene deteriorates over time and leaks.
  • Porcelain enamel: A coating used on metal fixtures, such as cast-iron sinks and bathtubs. Porcelain enamel gives metal plumbing fixtures their colors and desirable glossy surfaces.
  • Pressure distribution: A system of small diameter pipes equally distributing effluent throughout a trench or bed.
  • Pump chamber: A tank or compartment following the septic tank which contains a pump, floats and volume for storage of effluent.
  • Repair: Restoration, by reconstruction or relocation, or replacement of a failed on-site sewage system.
  • Residential sewage: Sewage having the constituency and strength typical of wastewater from domestic households.
  • Scum: Accumulated solids that form a floating mat on the surface of the effluent in the septic tank. Including but not limited to fats, oils and grease (FOGs).
  • Septic system: The complete system of sewage removal, including the drain field, septic tank, and associated piping.
  • Septic tank: The underground holding tank that serves a home that does not have a connection to the local city or county sewage pipes. The term “septic” refers to the anaerobic bacteria that live in the tank and decompose the waste discharged into the tank.
  • Septic tank inspection: Inspection of the actual holding tank of the septic system and drain field to ensure it is still water tight and working properly.
  • Sewage: Any urine, feces, and the water carrying human wastes, including kitchen, bath, and laundry wastes from residences, buildings, industrial establishments or other places. Also see residential sewage.
  • Sewer connection: The place where a household sanitary sewer system connects to the city or municipality sewer system.
  • Shutoff valve: Valves installed under sinks and toilets used to shut off water supply in the event of a malfunction or repair. Also called an Angle Stop, Straight Stop, or Supply Stop.
  • Sludge: Settled solids accumulated in the bottom of a septic tank or in the settling tanks at a wastewater treatment plant.
  • Treatment component: An approved method or device for treatment of sewage to a level that is suitable for more treatment and dispersal into the subsurface by the disposal component.
  • Valve: A device that regulates the flow of water. In plumbing, valves are used in faucets and showers, and control the mix of hot and cold water.
  • Wastewater: Any water that is used in a process or sewer system becomes wastewater or graywater and must be treated before reuse.

Don’t see what you are looking for? Not sure what’s going on with your plumbing? Contact us with any question about your plumbing system or maintenance and our friendly professionals at FloHawks will be happy to help.

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The image features a custom icon representing residential services, likely incorporating elements such as a house, tools, or a faucet to signify home-related services like plumbing, septic, or water heating. The icon is designed to be simple and easily identifiable, helping users quickly locate information about services tailored to homeowners. This image is particularly relevant for residents of Washington State, especially in King and Pierce County, who are looking for reliable, expert services to maintain and improve their homes. The visual underscores the company’s commitment to providing high-quality residential services, from routine maintenance to emergency repairs. It emphasizes the company’s dedication to ensuring homeowners receive professional, dependable care for their plumbing, septic, and tankless water heater needs, contributing to the comfort and safety of their homes.
The image features a custom icon representing drain cleaning services, likely incorporating elements such as a drain pipe, water flow, or a cleaning tool to signify the specialized nature of these services. The icon is designed to be clear and easily recognizable, guiding users to information about professional drain cleaning. This image is particularly relevant for homeowners and businesses in Washington State, especially in King and Pierce County, who may encounter clogged or slow drains and require expert assistance. The visual highlights the company’s expertise in efficiently clearing and maintaining drain systems, preventing blockages and ensuring smooth water flow. It emphasizes the company’s commitment to providing thorough, high-quality service, helping customers avoid the inconvenience and potential damage associated with clogged drains, and ensuring the long-term functionality of their plumbing systems.
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The image features a custom icon representing industrial plumbing services, likely incorporating elements such as pipes, wrenches, or factory symbols to convey the specialized nature of these services. The icon is designed to be straightforward and easily recognizable, indicating a focus on heavy-duty plumbing solutions tailored to industrial settings. This image is particularly relevant for industrial facilities in Washington State, especially in King and Pierce County, that require expert plumbing services for large-scale operations. The visual underscores the company’s expertise in managing complex industrial plumbing systems, emphasizing their capability to handle the demands of industrial environments. It highlights the company’s commitment to providing reliable, high-quality service, ensuring that industrial clients receive the specialized support they need to maintain efficient and effective plumbing systems.
The image features a custom icon representing commercial services, likely incorporating elements such as buildings, tools, or machinery to signify the scope of professional services offered to businesses. The icon is designed to be clean and recognizable, making it easy for users to identify the commercial services section of the page. This image is particularly relevant for businesses in Washington State, especially in King and Pierce County, seeking specialized plumbing, septic, or tankless water heater services. The visual highlights the company’s expertise in handling large-scale and complex commercial projects, emphasizing their capability to meet the unique needs of commercial clients. It reinforces the company’s commitment to providing reliable, high-quality service to businesses in the region, ensuring efficient and professional solutions tailored to commercial environments.
The image features a custom icon representing septic services, likely incorporating elements such as a septic tank, water droplet, or drainage pipe to signify the specialized nature of these services. The icon is designed to be clear and easily recognizable, making it simple for users to identify the septic services section of the page. This image is particularly relevant for homeowners and businesses in Washington State, especially in King and Pierce County, who need reliable septic system maintenance, repair, or installation. The visual highlights the company’s expertise in handling all aspects of septic systems, from routine inspections to emergency repairs. It emphasizes the company’s commitment to providing thorough, high-quality service, ensuring that customers’ septic systems operate efficiently and effectively, preventing costly issues and ensuring long-term reliability.

Isaiah Taylor

Service Advisor

Tacoma native Isaiah Taylor has been part of the FloHawks team for four years. As a Service Advisor, he focuses on building strong relationships with customers and making sure they feel confident in the solutions being provided.

Isaiah believes the company’s culture sets FloHawks apart. He appreciates working alongside people who genuinely care about customers and take pride in doing the job right.

At 26, Isaiah is focused on building his career and continuing to grow in the industry. When he’s not working, you’ll likely find him in the gym lifting weights and staying active.

Kevin Elbert

Service Advisor

Born in Olympia and now living in Lacey, Kevin Elbert has spent 11 years serving customers with FloHawks. As a Service Advisor, he is focused on helping homeowners and businesses find solutions when plumbing or septic issues arise.

Kevin’s favorite part of the job is working with customers who need help and finding a path forward that solves the problem. He values being part of a team that takes pride in delivering dependable service when it matters most.

In his free time, Kevin enjoys staying active outdoors. Hiking, camping, fishing, photography, soccer, and travel are some of his favorite ways to spend time when he’s not at work. At home, he stays busy with his four teenagers.

Stephen Redford

Service Advisor

Stephen Redford was born in Tacoma and now lives in Gig Harbor. With 14 years at FloHawks, he’s built a reputation as both a trusted Service Advisor and a key contributor to the company’s growth and outreach.

Stephen plays a role in business development, trade shows, and marketing while also supporting service operations across multiple areas. He appreciates FloHawks’ unique culture and commitment to customer service, believing the team consistently goes above and beyond what most companies offer.

Outside of work, Stephen enjoys walking, playing golf, and riding motorcycles. He’s married to his wife, Lori, and is the proud father of three children.

Janie “J” Kirkland

Service Advisor Assistant

Janie “J” Kirkland was born in Miami, Florida, and now calls Roy, Washington, home. Despite being newer to FloHawks, joining the team mid-2025, she has already become a valued member of the Service Advisor support team.

J enjoys the strong sense of teamwork at FloHawks and the relationships she has built with the people she works alongside each day. That collaborative spirit helps the team deliver the dependable service customers count on.

Outside the office, J loves spending time outdoors, especially at the beach, as well as making memories with her family. She’s the proud mother of two sons and a grandmother to four grandchildren.

Carl Evanson

Service Advisor

A Puyallup native who now lives in Spanaway, Carl Evanson has been helping customers at FloHawks for more than 13 years. As a Service Advisor, he brings deep experience and a practical approach to solving plumbing and septic challenges.

Carl takes pride in helping customers find real solutions to their problems. At FloHawks, the philosophy is simple: if water runs through it, the team can handle it, and Carl has spent more than a decade proving that to customers across the region.

When he’s not working, Carl enjoys camping and spending time with his growing family, which includes two grown sons and seven grandchildren.

Luke Schneider

Service Advisor Assistant

Originally from the Midwest and now living in the Puyallup area, Luke Schneider has spent the past three years supporting the FloHawks service team as a Service Advisor Assistant. His role focuses on logistics and administrative coordination, making sure the details are handled so the team can deliver excellent service in the field.

Luke especially enjoys the moment when everything comes together to solve a customer’s problem. Helping turn a complicated situation into a clear plan and a successful outcome is one of the most rewarding parts of the job.

When he’s not working, Luke loves hosting and entertaining with his wife. Much of their free time is spent with family, often gathered around the table for board games and good conversation.

Crystal Lyons

Service Advisor Assistant

Born and raised in Tacoma and now living in Puyallup, Crystal Lyons has been part of the FloHawks team for four years. As a Service Advisor Assistant, she helps keep operations running smoothly while making sure customers feel supported every step of the way.

Crystal’s favorite part of the job is simple: helping people. Whether she’s assisting the service team behind the scenes or making sure customers get the answers they need, she takes pride in being part of a company that puts people first.

Outside of work, Crystal enjoys camping and spending time with her family. She’s married, and the proud mom of one daughter, and she also helps care for her niece, keeping family at the center of everything she does.