A home’s plumbing system is an intricate network that brings clean water in and removes wastewater. It’s essential for meeting your daily needs and avoiding costly problems down the road. 

Knowing what in your house requires plumbing can help you plan for projects like adding a bathroom or moving a sink. And understanding basic plumbing concepts can help you troubleshoot problems and keep your water usage in check. 

Water Distribution 

Your plumbing system uses pipes to deliver water throughout your home. The supply line network brings in clean water under pressure from a water meter, then routes it to fixtures. The drainage or sanitary system uses gravity to carry wastewater and sewage away from fixtures. 

Valves control the flow of water and make it easy to isolate problems and perform repairs. Pipes are typically made of copper, PEX, or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) plastic and fit together with special fittings that ensure leak-proof connections. 

Water Heater 

Understanding your home’s plumbing system can help you maintain it and troubleshoot problems. For example, regularly checking for leaks and draining your water heater can prevent sediment buildup that reduces efficiency and shortens the life of the tank. 

When planning new construction, keeping in mind these basics can help you get the most out of your plumbing system. For example, shorter pipe runs reduce material costs and improve water pressure and temperature, while properly sloping drain lines can minimize waste. 

Sinks 

Sinks are the workhorses of your plumbing, delivering hot and cold water for drinking, cooking and washing dishes. They include faucets that supply the water, a drain to remove wastewater and vent pipes that let air in to prevent sewer gases from entering your home. 

Your drainage system relies on gravity to move wastewater away from fixtures, so drain lines must slope properly. You can prevent clogs by using drain screens and keeping grease and fat out of your drains. 

Toilets 

Every toilet is a fixture that draws water from the supply and discharges waste. They are crucial to your family’s sanitation, reducing exposure to human waste and the diseases it can carry.

Toilets can be designed for sitting or squatting. Other sanitary fixtures include urinals, bidets and toilet paper dispensers. Smart toilets offer features like seat heating and dual flush options to minimize water consumption and reduce utility costs. 

Showers 

Showers are one of the most common ways people use water in their home. They can range from basic rectangular tubs to luxurious walk-in stalls with multiple controls and jet designs. 

When you take a shower, wastewater flows from your house through plumbing pipes, usually to a septic tank or sewage plant. Plumbing vents allow this wastewater to escape while keeping air in the pipes. 

Most plumbing installations, pipe replacements and major renovations require a permit. However, everyday maintenance and troubleshooting usually doesn't. 

Bathtubs 

A home plumbing system's intricate web of pipes brings clean water into a building and removes wastewater, ensuring safe and reliable operation. Understanding the basics helps you make better decisions and spot potential issues. 

Your plumbing systems work according to natural laws such as gravity and the principle of water seeking equal levels. They also rely on the concepts of drainage and venting systems to maintain proper function and safety. 

Washing Machines 

The plumbing in your house includes the water supply pipes and the drainpipes that take wastewater away. The supply pipes connect to fixtures, such as sinks, toilets, tubs, showers, and appliances like washing machines. 

Fixtures have individual shut-off valves that stop water flow to them without stopping the whole system. Each fixture also has a P-trap, which is a curved section of pipe that holds some water and keeps sewer gasses from entering your home. 

Dishwashers 

Dishwashers can range from countertop units that sit on the counter to in-sink models that fit into one-half of a double sink. They can also be "panel ready," allowing you to have custom cabinetry affixed to the front, so that they blend into your kitchen. 

Leaky pipes can cause a host of problems, including spikes in your water bill, serious water damage to wood and masonry, mold and mildew, and cockroach infestations. If left unchecked, leaky pipes can be very costly to fix. 

Water Filters

Water filters can improve the taste and odor of your tap water. They can also reduce contaminants like chlorine, disinfection byproducts, heavy metals and more. 

You can find a wide range of filters, from countertop pitchers to under-sink models. Most are carbon-based, which can reduce chlorine and volatile organic compounds. Some can even reduce pharmaceuticals, cysts and lead. To choose the best filter for your home, start by reviewing your municipal water report or testing your home’s water with a simple kit. A plumbing system can be intense so proper maintenance is important. If you do need help with any plumbing issues, https://www.fixitrightplumbing.com.au/plumber-geelong/ and sites alike can provide a lot of useful information.