Though it may not get much credit, your plumbing system is one of the most important systems in keeping your home functional and comfortable. An efficient plumbing system allows you to take a shower, flush the toilet, water your lawn and clean your dishes or clothes. While you may know exactly how to operate your dishwasher or your bathtub, how much do you really understand about what goes on beneath the faucet. Here’s a basic explanation of your plumbing system, which can be broken down into three main parts:
Pipes and Fittings
The pipes and fittings represent the skeleton or framework of your plumbing system. Pipes carry water from the main city line to your home and then to the specific places water needs to go in your home. Fittings are the parts that connect all of the pipes to each other, and enable them to be angled or straight according to your infrastructure. Most homes have a set of pipes and fittings for cold water and another set for hot water. They can be made of copper, PVC, brass or lead.
Fixtures
Fixtures are the part of your plumbing system that you are probably most familiar with because you see them every day. Fixtures includes bathroom sinks, kitchen sinks, showers, water heaters, washing machines and anything in your home that demands or gives water. Most fixtures require an action on your part to produce water, such as turning the kitchen faucet or pushing a button on the dishwasher.
Drainage
Without the drainage system of your plumbing, your house would quickly flood. Drainage takes care of all the water (and wastewater) that leaves your home. Each fixture has a drain that goes to the main drain line, where it is transported to the city sewer plant or your septic tank. Drains need proper care just like any other component of your plumbing system. When they get clogged, a messy and costly backup can occur in your home.
Just like your body or your car, a better understanding of your plumbing system parts can help you take care of it better. However, you are not required to know everything about your plumbing system. That’s where we come in. Metro Septic and Plumbing is here to help you understand your plumbing parts as well as fix them when things go wrong. Contact us today for affordable plumbing maintenance or repairs!