Understanding The Basics of Plumbing
In the US, plumbing leaks waste 1 trillion gallons of water annually. That’s equivalent to 40 million swimming pools. Most of these leaks don’t even need the attention of a professional. Armed with a wrench and a few plumbing basics, you can fix some of the most persistent leak problems. Fixing leaks yourself is obviously economical, but you also need to know when to call in the plumbers. In this article, we’ll dissect the complex mesh of pipes to its most basic. You’ll learn when to go DIY, when to call a plumber, and how to differentiate the two. Let’s dive right in. How Does Plumbing Work: Plumbing Basics Home plumbing is pretty straightforward. A casual gaze at the interwoven mesh of pipes and valves may seem overwhelming but bear with me. Understanding a few plumbing basics will see you navigate the mesh like a pro. House plumbing consists of two systems: Water supply system Drain-water vent system (DWV) House Plumbing Basics: Water Supply System Water supply is a system of pipes that brings fresh water into the home. The system is highly-dependent of pressure. Water in these pipes come from one of two sources: City water Wells City water enters your house from a humongous pipe ‘the main pipe’ that’s usually parallel to your street. If your connection to the main has a problem, call a professional. Damage to the main can result in civil lawsuits and hefty fines. People who don’t have access to city water usually get their fresh water supply from wells. Water must then be pumped into the home at high pressures. Reduced pressure keeps water from reaching the furthest and highest parts of your house. Running showers and faucets are usually the first victims of low pressure. Factors affecting pressure range from leaks to blockages. If the leak is caused by a loose connection, it’s easily handled in-house. If, on the other hand, the leak necessitates re-piping, you best call for a professional plumber. You can read more plumbing problems you should leave to a plumber, here. The main pipe is connected to your water meter. There’s a shutoff valve before or after your meter. The valve cuts off the water supply system making it useful when doing repairs. Let’s look at the common problems facing the water supply system. Basic Plumbing Tips: Maintaining the Water Supply System Correctly installed piping is leak-proof. The system, however, disintegrates with […]