Plumbing 101 for Homes
The older people get, the less enthusiasm they typically have for learning new things. Every year around this time, kids get sent back to school to continue the educations that will prepare them for life. This year, take a lesson from the kids and discover how important learning is for homeowners. As some added incentive, learning about the plumbing in a home can come with benefits like:
- Fewer plumbing problems
- More convenient plumbing solutions
- Reduced costs of repair
- Lower water bills
- Longer-lasting plumbing fixtures
This article is a quick guide to help homeowners understand their home’s plumbing so they can take advantage of these benefits.
What is the Source of a Home’s Water
The short answer is “pipes,” right? Yes, but the details are what is important. Water comes first from some natural source, like a reservoir or aquifer. After treatment in a municipal facility, it is distributed through a network of large, high-pressure pipes, which are then broken down into smaller units to serve individual households.
For homeowners, their water piping starts at the water meter where a home’s pipes join the freshwater grid. One single line takes the water from the water meter into the house. Once inside the home, in a garage or utility closet, the pipe splits to serve the water heater, and together these two branches provide water service to the entire house.
The network of sewer lines that reverse this process is of equal importance to freshwater piping and equal interest to the owner. Each plumbing fixture has a drain that carries away waste and wastewater through a single pipe to be emptied into the city’s sewer system or a septic system.
Common Plumbing Fixtures
Knowing and understanding plumbing fixtures in the home is probably the part of the plumbing that most people are most familiar with. Plumbing fixtures include all of the points where water and drains can be accessed in a home, including:
- Showerheads
- Bathtubs
- Faucets
- Sinks
- Toilets
- Floor drains
- Sump pumps
- Appliances like water heaters, dishwashers, and clothes washers
One of the pieces of knowledge that can be helpful to homeowners is that water-saving and eco-friendly versions of each one of these are available. They easily lower both water and power bills and are better for the environment and water conservation.
How Can Plumbing Maintenance Be Helpful?
Protecting the plumbing in a home reduces the likelihood of problems and contributes to savings by ruling out the need for emergency repair bills. Professional plumbing maintenance is offered by many local plumbing contractors and is an important part of keeping water service to a home. There are also a few things homeowners can do to protect their plumbing as well, like:
- Keep drains clear by cleaning them or keeping foreign objects out of them
- Looking for leaks
- Monitoring water bills
- Installing water softeners to remove scale from piping
On top of trying these suggestions, professional plumbers should be called every year for a thorough inspection. These local experts can also advise about caring for a home’s plumbing.
About Sewer Squad Plumbing & Drain Services
Sewer Squad Plumbing & Drain Services is a family-owned and operated business serving the residents of Oshawa, ON, and the surrounding areas for over 20 years. They provide straightforward pricing, no hidden fees, and quick response. Call them today for plumbing services in Oshawa, ON.