Plumbing 101: All You Need to Know About Residential Plumbing
Plumbing systems are undoubtedly the most complicated part of any house. However, if you’re informed about a few basics, you can easily understand how pipes work and identify any defects.
A residential plumbing system has two primary functions. The first is to supply clean and fresh water. The second drains water waste that’s no longer required in your home.
This blog will provide you with information on how these components work to help you navigate any future problems in your plumbing system.
Component 1: The Water Supply System
The Water Meter
The water first goes through a water meter as it enters your house. This meter calculates the amount of water your home is using. These are owned by the water facilities that provide water to the buildings in your area and issue you a bill at the end of the month.
The Main Water Stopping Valve
A water shutting valve is installed right where the meter is. Most homeowners don’t know where to find this valve or forget its location because the shutoff valve is not used very often.
But it’s essential to know how to shut this valve off. Knowing how to stop the water flow can protect your house from flooding in case a pipe bursts.
The Water Heater
Water from the main supply is cold, and you can use it for drinking, washing clothes, and cooking purposes. However, for bathing and washing dishes, most people use hot water.
An offshoot of the main pipe takes water to a water heater. The hot water is then carried by a hot water pipeline to all the faucets and other fixtures where it is required.
Component 2: The Drainage
The drainage system in your house doesn’t require pressure like the supply component does. Water waste travels down the drain line itself with the help of gravity, as the pipes are all angled in a downward direction. The waste is carried to the local water waste treatment facilities or your home’s septic tank if you have one.
Drainage may sound like an easy process, but there are various plumbing fixtures that water waste goes through before reaching the sewer lines—pipe vents, traps, and drain cleanouts. They all function to maintain the flow of water waste and keep the drainage system from developing air build-ups and clogs.
If you are looking for a reputable plumbing service to assess your residential plumbing, get in touch with us now. Pro Serve Plumbers is a leading plumbing service in Fort Worth, TX. We offer 24/7 emergency services including leak detection, water heater repair, and slab leak repair in Fort Worth, TX. For more information about our services, reach out to us now!
