Last Updated on February 12, 2025 by Caesar
Your plumbing system is an essential part of your home. It carries clean water in and out, removes wastewater, and protects your home from harmful contaminants.
Understanding how your plumbing works is important for maintenance and troubleshooting problems. This guide covers the basics of residential plumbing, from supply lines to toilets and everything in between.
Water Supply Lines
Water supply lines bring fresh water from a municipal water line or your private well into your house. The water travels under pressure along supply pipes made of copper, cast iron or plastics. These lines connect to your home’s main water shutoff valve and a water meter.
Your plumbing may also have cold and hot water supply lines that branch off to different fixtures, like toilets, sinks and dishwashers. Plumbers often install PVC or rigid copper for water supply lines because they’re easy to work with and resistant to corrosion.
Water Heater
Having the right water heater in place helps ensure your household gets enough hot water for showers, laundry, dishes, and other appliances. It also reduces energy consumption, which saves money over time.
Regularly check under sinks and around toilets for signs of leaks. You can also help prevent problems by draining your water heater annually to remove sediment and extend its lifespan.
Plumbing has evolved over the years to include a diverse mix of materials, tools, and fixtures. Understanding how it works can help you make informed maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair decisions.
Faucets
Faucets control the flow of water into and out of your house. They come in many different styles to match your décor and functionality needs.
A faucet’s handle is pivotal in adjusting the amount of hot or cold water that gets dispensed. The spout serves as the conduit through which water is delivered, with its design catering to tasks from handwashing to filling pots.
There are three basic types of faucet mechanisms: compression, cartridge, and disc. Compression faucets are traditional, durable, and easy to maintain. Cartridge and ball-type faucets offer more customization in terms of design, but require more maintenance.
Toilets
Millions of people rely on toilets to maintain their health and hygiene, yet billions do not have access. Toilets offer privacy and dignity to those who use them.
Modern toilets are made from ceramic (porcelain), concrete, plastic or wood, and can be operated in the standing or squatting position. They are often equipped with a water tank and flushing system. Some have automatic seat and lid opening and closing.
Toilets are an essential element of sanitation systems, which prevent fecal matter from polluting waterways and groundwater, and reduce the spread of disease. Without adequate toilets, millions of people are at risk for diseases such as cholera and need to travel long distances to find safe, clean places to relieve themselves.
Showers
Showers provide the opportunity to wash away dirt and debris, allowing you to feel clean and refreshed. They also help save water and reduce utility bills by using less energy than baths.
The first mechanical shower was patented in 1767 by William Feetham, a stove maker from London, England. His shower system pumped water from a high basin via a chain that the user pulled to make it flow.
Today’s showers offer many options to suit different lifestyles, including built-in shelving and benches, lighting, chromotherapy options, non-slip surfaces, and more. Some even use low-flow showerheads to conserve water.
Sinks
Sinks are where we wash our hands, clean dishes and brush our teeth. They include a basin to hold water, taps (or faucets) for hot and cold water, and a drain to remove waste water.
Sink materials range from porcelain to stainless steel. Some homeowners choose cast iron sinks for a classic look in their kitchens. Others prefer the durability of enameled steel.
The drain system in your sinks includes a P-trap to stop sewer gasses from entering the home. A clogged drain can cause expensive damage. To prevent this, keep drains clear by regularly cleaning them.
Garbage Disposal
Rather than throw food scraps in the trash, a disposal grinds them up and sends them to the sewer system where they’re broken down into gas and water. Disposals eliminate kitchen odors and reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills.
Like any household appliance, disposals require routine maintenance and can experience issues such as jams or clogs. If a disposal doesn’t work properly, it can impact the flow of wastewater throughout your home.
Proper use of a disposal can extend its lifespan and improve its performance. Never put coffee grounds or eggshells in a disposal, and avoid putting fats, oils and grease in it. For more information, sites like https://www.fixitrightplumbing.com.au/plumber-geelong/ offer a lot of helpful information on plumbing services.
