There are plenty of things that you wish you knew about plumbing before you had to deal with it for the first time. Unfortunately, most people don’t learn about plumbing until they need to fix something. This post will provide an introduction to plumbing so that people can be prepared in case they ever have a problem!
1. What is plumbing and why do we need it
Waste water is created when you use your bathroom or kitchen. Plumbing allows this waste to be removed so that it doesn’t have a negative effect on the environment, and also so that people don’t get sick from using dirty bathrooms!
Plumbing systems are made up of three main parts: supply lines, drain pipes, and fixtures. Supply lines are used to bring water into the home, drain pipes are used to take waste out of your building/home, and fixtures are what you use when needing to dispose of waste.
Plumbing systems also need venting in order for them to work properly! Vent lines allow sewer gases that can be dangerous if they build up inside a structure or room to escape.
The vent system is made up of three main parts: the drain pipe, which allows water to flow out of a building/home; stack lines, which are used as part of the air admittance valve on some systems; and roof vents or wall hoods that are designed to remove gases from inside homes/buildings.
2. The parts of a pipe system
Before a pipe system can be understood, it is important to understand the different parts of a typical house.
Pipe systems are made up of supply lines and drain pipes that allow water in your building/home as well as waste out from inside the home too! Supply lines come from either inside or outside, depending on where they originate. The water is typically brought in from a well or another water source, such as the public city system. From there it needs to be distributed throughout your building/home and back out again! Supply lines are joined together using fittings that allow them to connect into each other easily and tightly without leaking.
Drain pipes bring water OUT of the structure through a stack line system. Stack lines are used to remove sewage from the building/home and bring it outside through a septic tank or city sewer connection! Drain pipes can be made up of PVC, copper, cast iron, galvanized steel, ABS plastic-and many other materials depending on what is available in your area and how much you want to spend.
3. Plumbing problems and how to fix them
Sinks, toilets, and tubs are some of the most common fixtures in a building/home. When one of these become clogged or begin to leak it can be time for some serious plumbing work!
Clogs usually happen when hair gets caught up in drains over time. It is important that people do not throw things like paper towels down their drains, and instead throw them in the garbage! Items like paper towels can get caught up on top of hair and cause a clog.
Plunger: Plungers are used to unclog pipes when they become stopped-up. People should use petroleum jelly around the plunger’s rim so that it creates an even better seal between the plunger and the drain. It is important to remember that plungers only work on sinks!
Leaking faucets can be caused by a number of things, but usually it’s because the washer has worn down or eroded over time due to use. Plumbers recommend turning off your water before you begin any repairs like this! After you have turned off the water, you can unscrew the handle and take it apart. The washer will need to be replaced with a new one that is similar in size and shape before reassembling your faucet again!
4. How to prevent plumbing issues from happening in the first place
Preventing plumbing issues can be as simple as remembering to not put anything down the drain that is not water or natural waste! A lot of things like baby wipes, paper towels, and hygiene products do NOT break down easily in the drains. These kinds of items will stick on top of hair and other materials inside pipes causing clogs over time.
Ensure that you have a septic tank pumped every few years and remember to keep your drains clear of hair and other debris by using strainers in sinks, tubs, and showers! If it is recommended by the plumbing company or manufacturer, use an enzyme drain cleaner once per month as this will help break down organic material such as hair, skin cells, and grease that can cause clogs.
The only way to prevent leaks is by using a strainer in your sink or tub! Over time water will wear down the drain fittings causing problems with leakage. By placing an appropriate size strainer over the drain you are preventing debris from entering into it which can help prolong its life!
A strainer in your shower is also a good idea to prevent hair from getting stuck and causing clogs. You can purchase strainers that match the size of your sinks or tubs at most hardware stores like Home Depot, Lowes, Ace Hardware-and many other big box home improvement stores! They are generally inexpensive so it’s a good idea to have one or two around the house for preventive purposes.
Plumbing problems can be a nightmare and they usually break out when you least expect them! Most issues that arise from plumbing are caused by lack of maintenance, poor installation jobs-or simply old age in some cases. If your drains clog often or if water is constantly leaking out of your faucets then you should contact a plumber about these issues! Most plumbing problems can be easily fixed by experienced professionals so it’s always best to seek professional help when dealing with serious plumbing issues.
5. Why you should never flush anything other than toilet paper down the toilet
Flushing things other than toilet paper down the drain is never a good idea! Paper towels, baby wipes, and hygiene products do not break down easily in drains. These kinds of items will stick on top of hair and other materials inside pipes causing clogs over time. Toilets are meant to be used for flushing water or natural waste down the drain and nothing else!
6. Why you should always use cold water when washing clothes or dishes, not hot water
Hot water is better at cleaning and sanitizing than cold water. However, hot water can cause a lot of wear and tear on your plumbing system causing it to break down over time! If you want to save money on utilities then always use cold instead of hot when washing clothes or dishes by hand inside the home.
7. Contact a plumber immediately if you experience any of the following
If your drains are clogged often or water is constantly leaking out of your faucets then it’s time to call in a plumber! Most plumbing problems can be easily fixed by experienced professionals so always seek professional help when dealing with serious plumbing issues. If you notice that there is no longer pressure in your showers or if you hear strange sounds coming from under the sink then it may be time to call a plumber.
In Conclusion..
In conclusion, there are a few things that you should always keep in mind when it comes to plumbing. Make sure that your drains and pipes stay clear of hair and other debris by using strainers, ensure that you have septic tank pumped every few years, remember to use enzyme drain cleaner once per month as this will help break down organic material such as hair, skin cells, and grease that can cause clogs, use a strainer in your sink or tub to prevent debris from entering into it which can help prolong its life. Also you should always make sure that all the strainers in the house match the drain size of each shower/sink/tub-and lastly if you notice any problems with your drains or faucets then it’s best to contact a plumber immediately.
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