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For many people, the home plumbing system is something that is out of sight and out of mind. If it works fine, it likely escapes attention altogether, but it is when something goes wrong that we realise just how much we rely upon the intricate connection of pipes, fittings, and other components threaded through our homes.
While plumbing may seem complicated, if we look at it as simply a system of separate parts, it becomes much easier to understand. So, join us, as we look at the basics of the home plumbing system, how you can use this knowledge to perform basic maintenance to keep your plumbing working well and when to call a professional plumber for help.
A residential home plumbing system is a complex network of pipes, valves, and fittings that directs the delivery of clean water and ensures the proper disposal of wastewater and solid waste. Understanding how this system works can help you to notice warning signs earlier and take immediate and preventative measures to address issues promptly.
This guide will provide a basic overview of the key components of a typical residential plumbing system and how they work together. Armed with this knowledge, you will be far better equipped to maintain a functional and efficient household.
Home plumbing systems operate on a pair of simple principles: gravity and pressure. Together, they are what draw fresh water through the water supply system from the public water mains (or a private tank or well if you have one), and it is what carries wastewater away from your home via the drainage and sewerage systems. Among the components of a plumbing system, pipes carry the water to and from a distance, valves control whether that water flows, and fixtures give us control on where and how much water we can access.
This last item, the fixtures, include all appliances and taps that use water, including sinks and taps, toilets, showers and baths, washing machines, dishwashers, outdoor sprinklers and irrigation, and water heaters. Each of these fixtures has its own specific plumbing requirements, including pressure tolerances, water usage levels, and temperature settings.
Having an understanding of the materials used in residential plumbing systems, such as what makes up the pipes and valves, can inform your decisions when it comes to performing maintenance, repairs, or upgrades. Naturally, different materials have their own strengths, weaknesses, and uses, and plumbing is no different. Understanding the characteristics and best uses for certain materials will also help maintain your system in the long run. Always ensure any plumbing work aligns with local building codes to prevent compliance issues.
Plumbing pipes come in a range of materials, each with their own strengths and uses. There are two main categories of pipes used in plumbing: plastic and metal.
The most common metal options:
The most common plastic options:
Connecting the pipes are valves and fixtures, with the former controlling the flow of water and the latter providing water at the various access points in a home. Let's begin with valves. Ball valves and gate valves are both effective ways to control the flow of water to specific areas of your home’s plumbing system. Check valves are different; they prevent backflow from occurring, making sure the water is flowing one way only. Fixtures include everything at the end of the pipe, from sinks to toilets, showers, and baths, through to washing machines, dishwashers, and water heaters.
Keeping a well-maintained plumbing system means you are less likely to experience major problems or plumbing emergencies that can often result in costly repairs. Conducting regular maintenance on your system can extend the life of your plumbing fixtures and appliances, while detecting issues early can save yourself a headache later.
There are several routine plumbing maintenance tasks that almost anyone can perform. First, check for leaks in your pipes, faucets, and appliances. Then, inspect both pipes and fixtures for signs of wear and tear, including mineral build-up and signs of mould and damage to the plumbing sealant.
Clean out your drains regularly to prevent clogs from building up. You can either do this with a drain snake or auger or by using a 1:1 ratio of bicarbonate soda and vinegar to get rid of debris. Finally, if you detect any damage to fixture components, replace them without delay to prevent further damage.
Knowing the signs of plumbing issues is half the battle. If detected early, these issues can usually be quickly resolved before they turn into a plumbing emergency. Leaks can happen all throughout your plumbing system, including taps, toilets, or the pipes running in your walls and beneath your floors.
A clogged drain, sink or toilet can cause slow drainage or for wastewater to back up through the system.
The issue of low water pressure can make tasks like showering and washing dishes difficult and be a result of chemical build-up or a crack in your supply pipes. Noisy pipes, known as ‘water hammer,’ occur when the flow of water stops suddenly, creating a pressure surge that causes pipes to bang.
The drain waste vent system carries wastewater (or grey water) away from your home. The key components of the drainage system include pipes, traps, and vents, which we will explore below.
Every time you wash something down the sink, have a shower or bath, or flush the toilet, the wastewater flows through the drainpipes to the sewer or septic tank. This waste removal process is essential for maintaining hygiene and preventing plumbing issues. Vent pipes allow air to enter the drainage system, which prevents vacuums from forming, while traps hold water to prevent sewer gases from reversing and entering your home.
Proper venting is absolutely crucial to maintain the performance of the drain and stop foul sewer gases from rising up to enter your home. However, regular maintenance must be completed to prevent clogs or backups from forming. Flushing solid waste improperly can lead to blockages, so be mindful of what goes down your drains, even those little coffee grounds can cause huge issues down the line.
It is often best to try a 1:1 vinegar and bicarb soda mix to clear drains, as chemical drain cleaners can damage some pipes and are harmful to the environment.
Sometimes emergencies can happen, and when they do it is best to be prepared. A broken pipe, burst tap, or failure in the hot water system means you need to already be prepared with a professional emergency contact. Good emergency plumbers are available 24/7 and can be on-site quickly to handle your emergency and minimise further damage to your system.
Even if you are diligent in your DIY home maintenance, it is always best to have the contact details of a trusted and professional plumber ready to hand at all times. While we have gone through the basics, at times, your home's plumbing system requires more than just a wrench and a plunger.
It is a complex system involving extensive engineering knowledge and held to strict legal regulations, which means on occasion, professional expertise is absolutely called for certain plumbing tasks. For example, working on gas lines requires a licensed professional to ensure safety and compliance.
Knowing when to call a professional plumber is a decision that can save you time, money, and effort and prevent further damage from occurring to your plumbing system.
Taking the time to understand how your home’s plumbing system works is an essential part of being a homeowner. By learning how plumbing works at its simplest mechanics, you become more fully equipped to maintain your home, prevent and troubleshoot issues, and know when to call a professional.
Ready to undertake the next step? Plumberoo is here and ready to help. We offer scheduled and emergency plumbing all throughout Sydney's Eastern Suburbs and can provide advice for your maintenance and repair needs. Want to know more about how your house's plumbing works?
Get in touch with the expert team at Plumberoo for a friendly chat about the plumbing needs of your household and how we can partner to ensure your water supply remains reliable well into the future.
