The plumbing system in your house is essential to your comfort and safety. It’s important to understand how it works before calling a plumber.
A pipe is a hollow structural section, usually but not necessarily of circular cross-section, used to convey substances that can flow — liquids and gases.
Water Supply
The water supply system is a network of pipes that brings potable drinking water into your home. This includes the main pipe that connects to your water meter as well as hot and cold water lines that run to appliances like sinks, toilets, and faucets.
The quality of your water can affect your plumbing system in many ways. Hard water, for example, contains high levels of minerals that can cause a buildup known as limescale that reduces water flow, leads to clogs, and shortens the lifespan of your pipes. Contaminants like chlorine and heavy metals can also wreak havoc on plumbing systems by corroding or degrading pipe materials.
Water pressure is another important factor in your plumbing system. Acceptable water pressure is usually in the range of 20 to 80 pounds per square inch (psi). Pressure that’s too low or too high can result in reduced flow rates, clogs, or damage to fixtures.
The water supply system has several components that help maintain proper water pressure, including a meter to measure usage and a pressure-reducing valve located on the main line before your water meter. Some homes also have isolation valves for individual fixtures that allow you to turn off the water to a specific area without affecting the entire house. This is helpful in case of leaks or other problems that you can’t immediately fix.
Drainage
Proper drainage is one of the most important aspects of a plumbing system. It directs water away from your property, preventing water damage to walls and foundations. It also prevents clogged drains and sewer backups.
There are two main types of drainage systems: sanitary and stormwater. Sanitary drains transport sewage and other waste from sinks, toilets, bathtubs, showers, and appliances to the wastewater treatment plant. This system includes all underground pipes, fittings, and fixtures. It is regulated by the local health department to ensure safe operation.
Drainage systems also include vent lines that release sewer gas to the outside atmosphere. Without these vents, pressure differences inside the drainpipes can prevent water from flowing out or cause wastewater to back up into the house. Vents extend all the way to the roof and are usually made from concrete, clay, or perforated plastic pipe.
Regular maintenance of your drainage system is key to avoiding costly repairs. This includes keeping a clear kitchen garbage disposal and not pouring fats, oils, or grease down the drains. It’s also a good idea to regularly clean your drains with a mixture of baking soda and vinegar. If you suspect a problem with your plumbing system, call the expert plumbers at Plumbing Today for a professional inspection. We’ll use state-of-the-art CCTV cameras to inspect your pipes and determine the cause of any stress, cracks, or blockages.
Venting
Plumbing vents allow air into the drainage system, helping to maintain proper atmospheric pressure within the pipes. Without functioning vents, a vacuum effect could form in the drain lines, pulling sewage and foul gases into your home or building. Plumbing vents prevent this by directing sewer gases and odors outside through the roof, where they can safely dissipate.
Depending on your plumbing layout, there are several different types of venting systems. For example, horizontal vents run parallel to the structure’s floor and connect to a main vent stack on the roof. Other options include vertical vents that run up through the roof and connect to individual drain pipes or air admittance valves (AAVs) that can be installed in place of traditional plumbing vents.
Because they’re exposed to the elements, vents can get clogged with debris from the outside environment. This can cause a variety of problems, including gurgling sounds in drains, standing water in bathtubs or sinks and slow draining. If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to hire a professional plumber to inspect and repair your venting system.
While there are some things you can do to keep your plumbing vents working properly, like clearing out the occassional blockage with a plunger or auger, it’s best to let a professional take care of any serious issues. Contact us to learn more about our plumbing venting services and to schedule an appointment.
Pipes & Fittings
Pipes and fittings connect pipes and modify the direction and flow of water within plumbing systems. They’re available in a variety of materials, sizes, and finishes. The physics of fluid flow, practical considerations, and code requirements determine which types of pipe and fittings are suitable for each system.
The body of a fitting must be compatible with the material used for the piping, withstand the pressure of the fluid being transported, and resist corrosion. The fit also must be leakproof, durable, and easy to install and remove.
Examples of pipe fittings include couplings, tees, and bushings. Couplings join two straight pieces of the same pipe diameter and prevent leakage by providing a seal with gaskets or rubber seals on both sides. They’re also known as reducing couplings or reducers. Bushings — also called a close nipple — form a narrower sleeve than a regular coupling and require little space.
Tees, the most common type of pipe fitting, combine or divide a pipe run. They come in many different forms, including long-sweep elbows that have a wider arc than standard elbows for smoother flow and less turbulence, and sanitary tees that have a perpendicular port for connecting vertical drain lines to horizontal ones. Wyes perform the same function as tees but with a Y-shaped design that allows for more directional control.