The Plumbing Basics Every
Homeowner Should Know
Plumbing might seem intimidating, but the basics are actually quite easy to understand. While many issues are best left to a professional, knowing the basics can help prevent costly repairs and minimize damage.
Learn the basics like understanding your water system, identifying the main shut-off valve, and maintaining proper ventilation. Also, avoid pouring clog-busting chemicals down drains and insulating exposed pipes to prevent freezing and bursting.
Understanding the water supply
Whether you’re a first-time homeowner or have been in your home for years, understanding how plumbing works is vital to caring for your property. Having basic knowledge about how your plumbing system works and what issues may arise can help you detect problems, accurately describe them to contractors over the phone, and competently deal with emergencies when they occur.
Your water supply line brings freshwater into your home from a municipal water source or your private well, and then carries it to sinks, showers, toilets, and appliances throughout the house. It’s a complex network of pipes that is constantly under pressure, and one of the most important aspects of plumbing to understand is how your water lines are connected.
Water supply lines are usually made from copper, PVC, or PEX pipes. These are lightweight, easy to assemble, and resistant to corrosion. They’re connected to a water meter and the main water shutoff valve. They’re also connected to the drain waste-vent (DWV) line, which transports waste water and air from sinks and bathtubs to the sewer line.
Identifying the main shut-off valve
During emergencies, such as a burst pipe, you will need to know where the main water valve is located. This is because shutting off the main water supply will stop all incoming water in your home, helping to minimize water damage. Knowing this is also essential for routine plumbing maintenance, as there are certain tasks that require turning off the water supply temporarily.
Whether you are looking to repair a broken toilet or fix a leaky faucet, being able to turn off your water valve will save you a lot of headaches down the road. However, these types of valves tend to be difficult to find, especially when they are not in a visible location.
If you are unsure where the main water valve is in your building, it is recommended to contact a plumber. They have expert-level knowledge and will know exactly where to look for your valves. Additionally, they can perform any necessary repairs or replacements.
Understanding the venting system
A home’s plumbing system is a complex web of pipes and valves. Getting to know a few basic plumbing principles can help you avoid a lot of potential problems. Certainly, diagnosing problems and performing repairs is best left to professionals but understanding the basics of your plumbing system can save you time, money and frustration.
For example, your house uses two water supply systems — one for fresh water and another for waste. The freshwater system runs from a municipal water supply, which enters your house through a series of large pipes called “mains” that are buried under the streets.
Your waste pipe is a different story, however. It runs underground and leads to either a municipal sewer line or septic tank. The venting system allows wastewater to flow through your drainage pipes without creating back pressure, and it prevents harmful sewer gases from entering the house.
Understanding the sewer line
Behind the walls and under the floors of your home is a system that brings in fresh water and disposes of waste. It all flows out through a main sewer line that carries the wastewater and garbage to city sewer systems or septic tanks.
If something goes wrong with this line, it will likely cause unpleasant odors and even structural damage to the home. The best way to ensure it doesn’t is to have regular professional assessments, which include threading a high-definition camera down the line to spot cracks, holes, blockages and collapsed sections. You can generally tell if your sewer line is having trouble if drains start to clog or back up. This could mean that you have a major problem with your entire home’s drain line, or just a small section of it. In either case, it is best to call a plumber right away to assess the situation and determine how to proceed. For more information, sites like https://www.fixitrightplumbing.com.au/plumber-south-yarra/ near Melbourne, VIC have a lot of plumbing services available.
