Your plumbing system is one of the essential components at home as it primarily serves to distribute water supply into your home and disposes of wastewater out of your house. With constant use and abuse over the years, however, it’s likely to be subject to wear and tear. The chances are that you’ll notice some leaky faucets, back-up toilets, clogged drains, or worse, water damage.
When confronted with extensive damages, it’s always best to contact the experts to handle the issue. On the other hand, if they are just minor issues, you can resort to quick and easy DIY fixes. This is why understanding the basics of plumbing is imperative, and regular inspection and constant upkeep are a must as well.
In this article, we’ll cover all that you need to know about plumbing basics:
Two main parts of your plumbing system
It’s easy to get lost when it comes to an understanding of your plumbing system, given the intertwined pipes, connected fixtures, and fittings. In essence, it consists of two primary parts, as follows:
- Water supply system: It is made of several pipes designed to bring fresh water into your home. The liquid either comes from the city water or constructed well. The city water goes into the massive main pipes connected to the streets and gets delivered to your house. On the other hand, a well provides fresh water to people who don’t have access to city water, where the liquid is pumped into the home at high pressure.
- Drain water vent (DWV) system: Also known as the sanitary system, it consists of drain pipes, traps, and vents that are designed to get rid of wastewater from your house to the septic tank or local sewer. While the downward-angled pipes move water from the fixture into the sewer line, the U-shaped traps known as P traps prevent backflow in a plumbing system. Finally, the vent system typically runs from your roof and into your drainpipe, releasing air into the plumbing to ensure smooth drainage.
Keep in mind that the two main systems aren’t intertwined, yet they are properly arranged and connected through bridges known as fixtures. Ultimately, while clean water enters a fixture, the wastewater leaves.
Top maintenance tips for your plumbing system
Regular upkeep is extremely necessary to keep your plumbing system in top shape and working condition. Along with this are regular inspections and immediate repairs or replacements whenever necessary. Below are a few maintenance tips for your reference:
Water Supply System
- Ensure proper installation with leak-proof pipes.
- Maintain the right pressure for sufficient water supply.
- Address water leaks, whether coming from the faucets, lines, or fixtures.
- Inspect the pipes for mold and damp and an ever-running meter
- Make sure that the pipes are securely set in place.
- Always insulate your pipes in the winter.
- Drain the water heater at least twice a year.
DWV System:
- Have proper disposal of food wastes and other household items.
- Unclog slow drains using household solutions, a plunger, or drain snake.
- Take advantage of strainers to prevent clogged drains.
- Watch what you flush down your toilet.
- Avoid planting trees close to the sewer lines.
Conclusion
At this point, you now have a better idea of what your plumbing system at home entails. Be sure to follow the valuable maintenance tips discussed above and hire a licensed plumber in Fort Worth for inspection, upkeep, and repairs or replacements whenever necessary. Doing so ensures a plumbing system that works efficiently and ultimately endures the test of time!
We’re a plumbing company in Fort Worth, TX, serving the surrounding areas for over 40 years. If you’re looking for a licensed plumber to look after your systems, get in touch with us today to see how we can help!
