What Are the Main Components of a Plumbing System?
Main Components of a Plumbing System
The plumbing system in a building includes the pipes, fixtures and other elements that provide potable water and remove waste. It’s important to understand the basics of plumbing so you can make informed decisions when hiring a plumber for installation or repairs. This article provides an overview of the main components of a plumbing system.
There are three basic types of plumbing systems: supply lines, drainage pipes and vent pipes. The first, supply lines, carries freshwater from a reservoir or municipal water system to fixtures throughout the home. The pipes may be made of plastic, iron or copper.
Once inside the home, the water is distributed by gravity or pressure along supply lines to each fixture. Most residential homes use a combination of gravity and pressure systems, with some areas using tankless water heaters to provide hot water on demand.
Drainage systems transport wastewater from the home to the sewer system or, in rural areas, a private septic tank. They consist of a network of pipes, fittings and valves that carry away the liquid waste and prevent backflow. Most homes use a combination of gravity and pressure drainage systems, with some areas using tankless water systems to eliminate the risk of clogs.
What Are the Main Components of a Plumbing System?
The plumbing system also includes a series of traps to catch debris and keep the drains free of blockages. Most of these traps are P-shaped or S-shaped and designed to catch hair, soap scum and other items that would otherwise clog the drains. The traps are connected to the drainpipes by a vertical section that’s called a vent pipe. The vent pipe allows air to enter the drain line, keeping the system functional.
Plumbing systems require special pipes to handle sewage, which are thicker and more durable than freshwater pipes. These pipes are typically made of cast iron or copper and can withstand much higher temperatures and pressures. Sewage systems must be properly vented to reduce the risk of a toxic gas building up in the home.
While you can find DIY guides for installing plumbing, it’s generally a job best left to professionals. These experts can ensure the pipes are the right size and length, connect them correctly and test the entire system to ensure it’s working as intended.
When hiring a professional, be sure to verify their license and insurance. This will protect you from scammers and help guarantee the work is performed correctly and safely.
When building a new house, it’s important to install plumbing before finishing the walls and installing fixtures. This will help avoid costly mistakes and leaks down the road. To start, the plumber will lay out the pipes, measuring and marking the location for each one. They’ll then cut the pipes to size and connect them together with fittings. The final step is to run a test of the plumbing system, checking for any leaks or problems. If everything is in working order, the plumber will seal the joints and test again.