Indoor running water became available in the developed world late in the 19th century however wasn't common until the mid-20th century. Residential plumbing includes working with pipes, tubing and plumbing fixtures for drinking water systems and the drainage of waste in the home.
Plumbing Basics
All plumbing systems require two separate subsystems, one which brings in fresh water while the other ensures that the sewage or waste water is removed from the home. Water enters the home under pressure to ensure its ability to travel upstairs, around corners and out appliances. Although cold water is immediately available from the main water supply, heated water requires the additional step of being warmed in the water heater.
A thermostat on the water heater turns the heater on and off as the temperature needs to be increased or maintained. Traditionally water is maintained at 140-160 degrees Fahrenheit although 120 degrees is usually warm enough to complete all required tasks unless a dishwasher requires higher temperatures. Keeping your water at a lower temperature is also a more economical choice as it requires less energy to maintain the temperature.
Drainage Systems
Regardless of whether your home uses a sewage or septic system, the principles of drainage systems remain the systems. While incoming water requires pressure to complete its tasks, drain water uses gravity to ensure that all used water makes its way to the sewage network or to your septic tank. Despite sounding relatively simple there are many aspects which require prior knowledge in order to have the system work smoothly.
Vents installed on the roof of your house allow air to enter the pipes permitting the drain water to leave the house properly instead of requiring siphoning to be removed. Traps can be seen under every sink and are the S shaped portion of pipe. Basins drain the water with enough force to go through the trap however enough water stays in the pipeline to prevent sewer gas from entering the home. Specific traps that can be found in the bathtub or under the kitchen sink collect hair and grease which are common causes of clogged pipes.
Supply vs. Drainage
Ensuring that all supply water is kept strictly away from all drainage water is a crucial component of plumbing. The bridge between supply and drain water are called fixtures. Examples of fixtures include sinks, toilets, bathtubs, washing machines and even an outdoor faucet. Although not every fixture has its own shut off valve, some fixtures such as a sink or a toilet will. By shutting this valve will stop the supply of water to that specific fixture, a main valve is also present in every home that will turn off the water supply to the entire residence. Ensuring that the supply valve is turned off prior to attempting any plumbing venture is very important and educating all residences of your household on the location of these valves can prevent future water damage.
