Home Plumbing Basics

Home Plumbing Systems

Your home’s plumbing relies on two systems: one brings the water into the home, and the other removes the waste water. The water that enters your home is pressurized so that it can make its way through pipes and to every area in which it’s needed. The cold water is immediately usable. Some of it is directed to the water heater; however, a separate outlet delivers the hot water to the faucets and appliances that use it. The pipes that allow waste water to exit the home are angled downward, encouraging gravity to pull the water away from your house. The sewage will eventually travel to your septic tank or through the city’s sewage system.

Vent, Traps, and Cleanouts: Plumbing Mechanisms At Work 

Did you ever wonder why there are vents in your roof? Some of them allow air into the network, helping to drain waste water. Every sink contains a trap in the pipe underneath the drain. The trap is composed of a U-shaped section of pipe that retains some water even after the faucet is turned off, preventing sewer gas from backing up into the home. Most traps contain cleanout plugs that allow you to access the drains and remove any materials that may be clogging the pipe, such as hair and grease. Bathtubs and toilets also contain traps, but they are often hidden from view. 

Many homes have a sewer cleanout that allows for easier access to the main line if there is a major clog in the line. If this occurs, all of the water in your home will begin to back up. The sewer cleanout will look like a cap that sticks up out of the ground. Cleanouts are often located outside, behind bushes and close to the walls of the house. They may also be situated behind each toilet inside the building or in basements

Shutoff Valves

In an emergency, you’ll need to stop the water supply to a particular area of the house. Sinks, toilets, washing machines and water heaters usually have their own shutoff valves. If one of these is leaking, you can turn off the water supply at the location of the problem. There is also a main water valve that will stop any water from entering the house. If you have a leak or problem that requires you to shut off the main valve, you can let any residual water exit the pipes by turning on an outside faucet after closing the main valve.

Plumbing Problems And Warning Signs

If your plumbing is not working properly, you need to attend to it as soon as possible. If issues aren’t handled immediately, basic plumbing problems can turn into messy, expensive disasters. Some signs of trouble in your home are:

• Clogged drains.
• The sound of running water when no one is using a fixture.
• Dripping and leaks.
• Loud clanging noises in the pipes.
• The smell of sewage.
• Mold or mildew odors.
• The scent of gas.

In many cases, routine maintenance can help you prevent problems before they start. Our professionals can assess the situation and let you know what measures to take in order to keep your system operating at peak performance.

A plumbing problem is something most people don’t want to deal with. That’s why the experts at Catons Plumbing have the knowledge and expertise to take care of any residential or commercial plumbing issue in the greater Baltimore metropolitan area. We understand that you don’t want to wait to get help when you’re dealing with a clog or a leak. Our specialists work around the clock so that we can evaluate and repair your concern before it becomes a catastrophe. 

Get a free estimate, grab a coupon or make an appointment today.

Sources:

https://home.howstuffworks.com/home-improvement/plumbing/plumbing-basics-ga1.htm
https://plumbing.about.com/od/basics/fl/Plumbing-Sounds-and-Smells.htm
https://plumbing.about.com/od/septic_and_sewer/qt/How-To-Find-The-Sewer-Clean-Out.htm
https://plumbingengineer.com/content/code-requirements-drainage-system-cleanouts
https://www.waterheatersmasters.com/Emergency_Water_Shutoff.html