We all rely on plumbing daily; from taking showers to cooking to washing our hands, access to clean water is necessary for many of our daily activities. But what are plumbing systems, and how do they work? If you seek answers to these questions and more, keep on reading!
Purpose of Plumbing Systems
In order to answer the question, “What are plumbing systems?” we must address their purpose. Above all else, plumbing exists as a means of supplying buildings with clean, potable water and eliminating the risk of contracting waterborne illnesses. While systems were developed for these purposes as early as the time of the Romans, plumbing systems as we know them today only became more prevalent in the 1800s.
How Does It All Work?
In order to achieve these purposes, plumbing systems are divided into two main subsystems: the supply system and the drainage system. While general plumbing may seem quite complicated, plumbing systems are based entirely on the concepts of pressure and gravity. These forces alone are powerful enough to keep your home and business clean!
Supply System
By applying pressure to the potable water supply, water is pumped through your home through pipes, fittings, and valves (which will be covered in more detail later). The pressure alone has the power to force water uphill, carrying it to faucets, sinks, toilets, and other fixtures.
Other than pressure, another critical component of the supply system is the hot water heater. Your water supply is naturally cold, meaning you can immediately access cold water when you turn on the sink. However, the reason that water takes slightly longer to heat up is that it must be pumped through the water heater first. Only after being heated will the water be rerouted to your appliances.
Drainage System
Whereas the supply system uses pressure to transport water through buildings, drainage systems let gravity do the work for them. Drainage pipes are built to flow downwards, delivering used water into a septic tank or sewage line for treatment. Keeping your home safe from waterborne illnesses is as simple as relying on gravity!
Venting System
Although the supply and drainage systems are the two main components of plumbing systems, they can only properly exist with venting. The supply and drainage systems must be kept separate so that potable water isn’t contaminated by drainage water. In order to prevent them from mixing, plumbing systems have vents that stop contaminated water from leaking into any other pipes.
Parts of Home Plumbing
There are several different components of your home’s plumbing, some of which may be more apparent than others. They break down into three main categories: pipes, fixtures, and fittings. To learn more about their differences and how they all work together, read on.
Pipes
Of the three main plumbing parts, pipes are often the most overlooked. They make up your home’s drainage and supply systems and are most often hidden from view due to running underneath the floor and behind the walls. Even if they largely remain out of sight and out of mind, maintaining your pipes is essential to keeping your plumbing in working order.
Fixtures
Fixtures are the appliances that receive water through the supply system and redirect it to the drainage system after use. You can find fixtures all throughout your home, from the bathroom to the kitchen—sometimes even outside! Listed below are several common examples:
- Bathtubs
- Showers
- Toilets
- Sinks
All of these devices can both receive and drain water, maintaining the cleanliness of your home.
Fittings
Fittings control and regulate the flow of water. They are sometimes confused with fixtures, but their purposes are distinct. Whereas fixtures receive and drain water passively, the fittings are responsible for bringing water to them. Fittings include the following:
- Faucets
- Shutoff valves
- Shower heads
- Shower valves
- Couplings
As you can see, fittings take a wide variety of forms and can be found throughout your home.
Innovations in Plumbing
It’s important to note that there is no singular answer to “what are plumbing systems;” the answer is constantly changing due to plumbing innovations! Many people are now seeking out more environmentally-friendly plumbing solutions as a means of protecting the planet. Check out these ways that eco-friendly plumbing is taking the stage.
Low-Flow Fixtures
One of the most significant environmental threats is the over-consumption of water, and fixtures like toilets and showers often use more water than necessary. As such, low-flow fixtures that use water more efficiently are becoming commonplace. Whereas a standard toilet may be using as much as 7 gallons of water per flush, a low-flow toilet uses 1.6 gallons or less. This difference in water usage adds up!
PEX Pipe
Although PVC and copper pipes are most often installed in domestic and commercial plumbing systems, a new pipe solution is rising in popularity: PEX pipe, which is made of cross-linked polyethylene. PEX is a superior pipe solution because it is long-lasting, as well as corrosion- and rust-resistant. These elements prevent the pipes from having to be replaced as frequently as other pipes. This, in turn, reduces the need for pipe manufacturing, aiding the environment.
Make “What are Plumbing Systems?” a Question of the Past with Goodbee
Now that you know more about how your plumbing system works keep in mind that maintaining your plumbing isn’t a one-time thing; it’s an ongoing process. Be on the lookout for odd smells, whistling pipes, discolored water, and leaks in your home or business; these could be signs that something is awry with the plumbing system. When in doubt, it’s best to call your local plumber for assistance, even if it’s only for a plumbing inspection.
If you are in the Covington, LA area and are in need of a plumber, get in touch with Goodbee Plumbing and Drains! We offer efficient, high-quality service, all the while treating our customers like family. To learn more about us, please call 985-893-1883. We hope to hear from you soon!