The plumbing system in your home is a complex network of pipes, vents, fixtures, and drains. Professional plumbers can spend years learning about different types of plumbing systems and materials to give you optimal service. However, as a homeowner, you should have at least a basic understanding of your home plumbing system and how it works. Then, you will be able to better appreciate the role of professional plumbers.
Basic Components of Home Plumbing Water Delivery
First, your home plumbing consists of freshwater delivery and wastewater removal aspects. The pipes leading into your home to distribute tap water to your fixtures and appliances must last for years. Leaks in these pipes can lead to severe moisture damage in your walls, ceilings, and floors, depending on the pipes’ locations. Additionally, the wrong material, such as lead or brass containing lead, can leech toxic metal into your drinking water over time.
Today, many water supply pipes have a construction of durable, long-lasting material known as PEX, or cross-linked polyethylene. Its flexible nature makes it an ideal option for repiping. Plus, it can last up to 25 years and has no metal to contaminate your water supply.
Removing Waste Water from Your Home
After you use plumbing fixtures, such as tubs or toilets, the wastewater must cleanly leave your home without contaminating the soil or clean water sources. The waste lines that leave your home allow for sanitary removal of this waste.
However, to avoid creating a vacuum effect inside the waste pipes, plumbers install vents through your roof. These let air into the waste lines to keep the used water moving out away from your home. Make sure that your vent outlets on the roof remain open and clear of debris. Usually, they will have caps to keep water and birds out, but sometimes these can fall off. Do a visual inspection of your roof monthly to make sure that all vent outlets have caps in place.
Heating Water
Part of modern life is the ability to turn a tap and get hot water for cleaning, bathing, and showering. The water must travel from the supply to the water heater first. If you have a tank-style water heater, the unit will fill itself completely with water and heat it like a giant kettle. The heater keeps the water at a set temperature until you turn on a hot water tap. Hot water lines are separate from freshwater because they always originate from the pipe leading away from the water heater.
If you have a tankless water heater, the unit doesn’t waste fuel keeping dozens of gallons of water hot all the time. Instead, it heats the water when you need it, using less power and increasing the efficiency of the unit.
Home Plumbing Problems? Let Best Service Plumber Help
While knowing about your home plumbing can help you to understand how your water delivery system works, you still will need to call a plumber when you have a problem. Trust our professionals at Best Service Plumber if you are in southern California and need repairs, replacements, or installation of home plumbing products. Phone us at any time at 951-338-8624. We’re looking forward to helping you with any plumbing chores you need to be done.