Plumbing 101: How Your Home’s Plumbing Works
Whether your home is new or old, making yourself familiar with how your home’s plumbing system works can be confusing. During your research, you may have come across terms or explanations in complex articles that don’t really give you the simple breakdown you’re looking for.
Our team at Fort Street Plumbing wants to help you understand how your plumbing works so that you can keep your system in good condition at all times. Keep reading for more information about the ins and outs of your home’s plumbing system.
There are two parts to your plumbing system that are broken down into individual functions:
Water supply system
Drain system
Here’s a straightforward guide to how each system works to supply water to your home.
Water Supply System
Your water can be supplied from either city water or well water.
City Water
City water can enter your home from a pipe, known as the main pipe, that is parallel to your street. Pipes that carry water from the main water pipe are usually found underground and buried throughout neighborhoods.
Before the water can reach your home, it flows through a water meter to measure the amount of water you use in your home. The water meter sends information back to your city’s water utility system to send you a bill detailing your water usage on a monthly basis.
The water pipe that connects your home to the city’s water supply system has a shut-off valve that you can use to completely shut off the water to your home. This can come in handy if you happen to have an emergency or broken pipe.
Well Water
If you own your own property, then your water supply may be coming from a well. Having a well can come with its perks, like:
Chemical-free water from a safe drinking source.
No water restrictions on how much water you can use.
Increases the value of your home and the land around it.
Eliminates monthly water bills.
As long as the grounds around your home are free of contaminants, then your well should always be a clean and reliable source of freshwater. You can have a pump installed to draw water from the well to your home by a professional plumbing company who can also help you with installing a pressure tank to keep your water flowing.
Drain System
The drain system allows water to flow from your fixtures to your pipes, which is the opposite of how water is supplied to your home. What goes in, must come out, and your home drainage system sends water from your pipes to a wastewater system or septic field.
You may notice the pipes under your sinks, tub, and shower drains rely on gravity to carry water out of your home. Your roof even has a vent tasked with the job of carrying waste to your septic system. It also has a clean-out plug that allows a plumber to remove waste blockages from drains.
Blocked drains can cause issues throughout your home with your fixtures, but you can combat blockages with regular maintenance.
Here are some tips to keep your drains clear:
Keep foreign objects like hair and food scraps away from your drains.
Avoid flushing thick towel-like substances down your toilet like wipes and hygiene products.
Get your pipes inspected regularly by a professional.
Look for mold and mildew growth that could be connected to a leak.
Drain your water heater to get rid of sediment and debris.
Keeping your plumbing in the best condition possible is important for your entire home. Your plumbing is a very important component of your home, and neglecting your plumbing can end up costing you more in the long run if you don’t get regular maintenance and inspections.
If you want to learn more about your home’s plumbing for an older home, modern home, or if you’re building a newer home, Fort Street Plumbing is here to help! We can answer any questions you may have and even help with installing new pipes, repairing busted pipes, repairing septic systems, and more!
Contact us today at (313) 551-5124 for more information and to schedule an appointment.
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