When talking about plumbing, you might think it’s boring or something that you don’t need to know. But in reality, plumbing is one of those things that everyone should know. It’s a necessity for most homes, and the more you know about it, the easier it will be to find someone to fix any issues you might encounter someday. There are many different types of plumbing systems in homes, but the vast majority of homes will have some form of the three traditional plumbing systems: potable (drinking) water, waste (sanitary) water, and steam heating. In this blog post we explore the basics of plumbing, including popular plumbing terms, some basic plumbing terms, and plumbing tips for the homeowner.
What is plumbing?
Plumbing is a system of pipes and appliances that are used to transport water and remove waste from buildings and other structures. In a nutshell, plumbing is an essential part of every home and almost every commercial building. It’s used to provide water for toilet flushing, washing dishes, and water supply to homes and businesses. It’s also used for removing waste materials from our homes and businesses.The three major plumbing systems in a residential home are potable water, domestic water, and steam heating. Each system has its own pipe network in the house. The potable water system is responsible for providing clean drinking water to your home and is connected to the water supply system at the water meter. The domestic water system is responsible for providing water for the washing machine, sinks, and bathroom fixtures. The steam heating system is responsible for heating water to provide hot water for the home’s plumbing fixtures.
Why keep your house clean?
If you’ve ever rented a house or apartment, you know that keeping it clean isn’t always easy. No matter how careful you are, you’ll inevitably have a few dirty plates, pots, and pans in your kitchen. Fortunately, you can keep your home clean with minimal effort and no cost out of pocket. Even if you don’t have time to keep your house spotless, you can still prevent a lot of plumbing problems by keeping it clean.Unclean pipes and appliances can introduce bacteria, mold, and other contaminants into your home’s water supply, which can lead to serious health problems. To avoid this, use a good-quality cleaner on your pipes and appliances to prevent build-up and contamination. This will help keep your water supply clean and safe to drink.
What are some common plumbing terms?
Bending: The act of curving a pipe to fit around an obstacle. Curving is necessary when installing pipes in floors or walls, as well as when connecting pipes together.Bends in pipes are usually small, but can be a serious problem if they’re not repaired.Bends can be prevented by installing pipe loops around any obstacles.A “Y” joint is a common type of bend.A “T” joint is another type of bend often used in floor and wall pipe connections.A “wye” joint is a type of bend used for connecting branch lines to a main line.
Some basic plumbing terms
Air gap: A pipe that connects the water supply system to the sewage system.Air gaps help reduce the possibility of disease-causing pathogens from entering the drinking water system through the supply system.Air gaps are particularly important in areas with large amounts of rain, as they can increase the risk of contamination.A trap: A device that traps unwanted material in the pipe. Traps are common in kitchen sinks and toilets. They prevent food, hair, or other debris from entering the potable water supply.Air-hydronic heating systems: A system for heating water with temperatures of between 45 and 80 degrees Celsius.Air-water heat exchangers: A device that transfers heat from one liquid to another.
Plumbing tips for the homeowner
Change the filter on your water filter every three months.A water filter prevents dirt, rust, and debris from entering your drinking water, but it needs to be replaced regularly to continue functioning properly.Check the water pressure in your home every few months. If the pressure is low, there might be a leak somewhere.Clean out your pipes regularly. This will prevent clogs and other problems that can lead to leaks and flooding.If you have trees in your yard, consider building a rain garden. This will help prevent soil erosion, filter out pollution, and provide a habitat for local wildlife.
Bottom line
Plumbing is a necessary and important system in every home. It’s important to understand the basics of plumbing to prevent costly repairs down the road.By following these tips, you can keep your plumbing system in good working order for many years to come.