We get up in the morning, shower, brew our coffee, and go about our business as our plumbing systems continue to work faithfully throughout the day. Ever wonder how it’s all working? We seldom ask the question, and blindly assume our plumbing is there for us. In this article, we’ll discuss what’s included in a plumbing system. Understanding the system is important to know how to take care of it.
What Is a Plumbing System?
The plumbing in a home is more than what we see on the surface. Underneath our sinks and toilets, there are parts that must be well maintained to keep water and waste draining away from our homes. Those parts are all part of the plumbing system.
Plumbing System parts
As we consider what’s included in a plumbing system, we must take note of many parts. Let’s look at the four basic parts you may notice in your home, beyond the sinks and toilets.
Drainpipes
Drainpipes carry water and waste away from the building. The purpose of a plumbing system is to bring hot and cold water into our homes and lead waste and used water away. The drainpipes are needed for the removal of water and waste. It all exits through the pipes to a municipal sewer system.
Traps
You’ll see a trap under your sink; it’s that U-shaped pipe that literally traps things. These traps are used to prevent waste and toxins from escaping and entering a building. If you’ve ever taken the pipes apart under your sink to figure out why the water is draining slowly, you’ve likely noticed that they also trap stray hairs and other small, unknown particles that escape down the drain. It’s a dirty job, but someone has to do it.
Vents
The plumbing vents supply the proper airflow to assist with water flow. Without proper airflow, the water and waste can’t move through as they should. The air keeps the water moving.
Valves
Without valves in plumbing, there’s no shutting off or redirecting water in our homes. Have you ever had to hook up the water system on your refrigerator or install a new sink? If so, you used a valve to shut off the water to that particular area. Valves give us control over our plumbing systems.
Maintaining Your Plumbing System
These basic plumbing parts all remain working when maintained well. Schedule yearly plumbing checkups with a plumbing professional who uses cameras to check the drainage system and cleans pipes when necessary.
You can perform daily maintenance yourself by not allowing debris to escape down the pipes. When something like a clogged sink happens, shut off the water to the sink, loosen the trap, and find what’s stuck. It’s better to make the extra effort rather than pouring chemicals down the drain that can lead to further damage. And, of course, call a professional when necessary.
Keep your plumbing system healthy, understand all the parts, and work with a plumbing professional to ensure your system will last a lifetime.
Sewer Renewal Specialists is your trusted sewer and drain specialists. We’re here to answer all your questions and fix any drainage issues you may have. Contact us for all your drainage needs.