There are a lot of things in your house that require plumbing. It's important to understand how plumbing works in your home so you can spot problems early and take corrective action before they become costly repairs.
This includes knowing the materials your pipes are made from and where the main water shut off valve is located. You should also know where your water meter is located so you can turn it off in an emergency.
Water Supply
When water lines leak or freeze, the whole house can be impacted. Fortunately, most fixtures have their own shutoff valves so you can isolate the problem and prevent further damage.
Water supply lines connect to your public water line, then lead to your home’s water meter and main shut off valve (usually located in the crawlspace). From there, the lines go to your water heater, then to each faucet, showerhead and washing machine in the house. You also likely have a freshwater line that leads to an outdoor faucet for lawn and garden watering.
Understanding your plumbing system’s water supply lines will help you spot issues, describe them accurately to contractors and deal with emergencies and other problems. Most homes use copper or PVC pipes.
Drains
As water leaves your faucets, it enters your drain lines, which run throughout the house. These pipes are pitched toward your home’s sewer line, which then carries waste to the city connection or your septic tank.
The house drain system relies on gravity and pressure, and it uses bends to prevent backflow. It also requires a drain vent to prevent sewer gasses from entering the house.
Pipes that carry wastewater are usually made of copper or PVC. Copper is more expensive but is durable and resists corrosion. PVC is inexpensive but can become brittle over time. The pipes are joined by fittings, like unions, that allow different types of piping to connect together. There are also traps that fill with water to keep waste and odors from escaping.
Faucets
Faucets draw fresh water into the home and drain wastewater out. They are typically located in the kitchen and bathrooms. A leaking faucet is a problem because it wastes water and can damage counters, cabinets and other fixtures. While rust and hard water stains can often be cleaned with vinegar or lemon juice, extensive mineral buildup may indicate it’s time to replace the faucet.
Water supply lines are buried underground and can be made of copper, galvanized iron or plastic. They connect the house to the municipal water line. Kinks in supply lines can reduce pressure on the sink faucet. It is also a good idea to check basements, garages and crawl spaces for frozen pipes during winter. If you find one, apply heat (electric heating pad wrapped around the pipe, hair dryer or portable space heater kept away from flammable materials). Once the pipes thaw, slowly open all the faucets in the house and close the water valve.
Toilets
Whether you're installing a new toilet in your bathroom or replacing an old one, there are several things to consider. For starters, make sure there's room in your floor plan for a new toilet and that the drainage lines are properly located to accommodate it.
Choose a toilet that matches your bathroom design and meets your needs. For example, elongated bowls offer more seating space and stay cleaner and odor-free longer than round ones.
You can also purchase toilets that are EPA WaterSense certified, which use 1.6 gallons or less per flush. You can even add a bidet to your bathroom for a more personal cleansing experience. These are available in wall-mounted models or with a separate tank. There are even models that can be used in a sitting or squatting position to accommodate movement limitations.
Showers
Showers are a must-have in every home. They are more functional than bathtubs and offer a variety of aesthetic options for homeowners. They also save water. Unless you indulge in hour-long baths, showering uses less water than tubs.
Many homeowners opt for showers over tubs due to space constraints. However, it’s best to install connections for a tub in case you decide to change your mind in the future.
Understanding your plumbing system is vital for keeping it running smoothly. Knowing your pipes, what they’re made of and what each one does can help you identify problems more quickly and fix them before they become a bigger issue. If you have any questions about your plumbing system, sites like https://www.fixitrightplumbing.com.au/plumber-melbourne/ have a lot of good information.