As a homeowner, it’s important to have a basic understanding of the plumbing in your home. Knowing how your plumbing works can help you avoid costly repairs and can even help you do some simple repairs yourself! In this blog post, we’re going to give you a beginner’s guide to understanding the basics of plumbing.
How Plumbing Works
The first thing you need to understand is how plumbing works. Your home’s plumbing system is made up of two main parts: the water supply and the drainage system. The water supply brings fresh water into your home, while the drainage system removes wastewater and sewage from your home. Both systems are essential for keeping your home clean and safe.
The water supply system is made up of a series of pipes that bring fresh water into your home from the municipal water supply. The drainage system is made up of a series of pipes that remove waste water and sewage from your home and eventually lead it to the municipal sewer system. Your home’s plumbing also includes fixtures like sinks, toilets, and showers/tubs, which are all connected to the piping system.
The Parts of Your Plumbing System
Your plumbing system has four main parts – the fixtures, the pipes, the traps, and the vents. The fixtures are the parts of your system that you can see and interact with, like your sink, toilet, or shower. The pipes are what connect your fixtures together. The traps are what keep sewage and odors from coming back up into your home. The vents allow air to enter your system so that water can flow freely.
Common Plumbing Problems
Now that you understand how plumbing works, let’s take a look at some common plumbing problems that homeowners face. One of the most common problems is a clogged drain. This usually happens when hair, soap scum, or food particles build up in the drain and block the flow of water. Another common problem is a leaky pipe. This can happen when a pipe becomes cracked or damaged and starts to leak water. If you notice a leaky pipe, it’s important to call a plumber right away so they can fix it before it causes any further damage. Lastly, another common problem is low water pressure. This can be caused by anything from sediment build-up in the pipes to leaks in the piping system. If you notice low water pressure, it’s best to call a plumber so they can diagnose and fix the problem.
We hope this beginner’s guide has helped you understand the basics of plumbing! Remember, if you ever have any questions or concerns about your home’s plumbing, it’s always best to call a professional plumber for help. They have the training and experience necessary to diagnose and fix any plumbing problem you may have properly.
About the author:
Brooke Chaplan is a freelance writer and blogger. She lives and works out of her home in Los Lunas, New Mexico. She loves the outdoors and spends most of her time hiking, biking, and gardening. For more information, contact Brooke via Facebook at facebook.com/brooke.chaplan or Twitter @BrookeChaplan