Your home's plumbing system might seem like a maze of pipes, valves and fixtures, but it functions relatively simply. It consists of two subsystems: one brings water in, the other removes wastewater. 

The skeleton of your plumbing system are the supply lines, which transport clean water throughout your home. The system relies on pressure to push water upstairs and around corners. 

Water Supply 

The water supply system routes municipal water into your home or building. This includes the main water line and the service lines that branch out to deliver freshwater to faucets, showers, toilets, bathtubs, and appliances such as dishwashers and washing machines. 

Your plumbing system also includes the drain-waste-vent (DWV) system, which carries wastewater out of your home to the city sewer or septic tank. The DWV system relies on gravity and pressure to move waste, but it also includes vent pipes that allow sewer gases to escape from your home. 

Lastly, your plumbing system contains a water meter that records how much freshwater you use and the main shut-off valve in case of an emergency. Understanding how your plumbing system works can help you avoid costly repairs and minimize stress when it comes to emergencies. It may seem like a random puzzle of pipes, but it all makes sense when you understand how the parts work together. 

Fixtures 

Many homeowners are unaware of their plumbing systems until something goes wrong. A clogged toilet, leaky faucet or faulty shower head are all frustrating problems that need to be addressed right away. But understanding the basics of your home's plumbing system can help you pinpoint issues, make informed decisions when renovating and understand how these vital components work together to provide comfort, cleanliness and safety. 

The fresh water supply pipes in your home carry water from the main tower to each fixture like sinks, bathtubs and toilets. From there, gravity transports the water downward into each fixture drain pipe. Each fixture drain pipe also has a trap that prevents foul odors from entering your home. 

Beyond providing essential functions, these fixtures are available in a wide range of styles and designs to suit personal tastes. When selecting new fixtures, consider their durability, reliability and ease of maintenance to ensure they meet your needs for years to come. 

Drainage

The drainage system is responsible for moving waste and wastewater away from the home. This includes all the piping within the home that leads to external sewer lines or septic systems. It also includes the drains themselves, which need to be carefully maintained to prevent blockages from occurring (especially from food waste). 

The drain system also uses vents to keep the pressure inside the pipes balanced. This helps prevent the dreaded smelly sewer gasses from entering living spaces and keeping water piping from clogging up. The vents are typically located under sinks, in the bathroom and in the roof. 

It is important to understand how your plumbing system works so that you can make the right decisions to maintain it and avoid any costly repairs in the future. Knowing the basics can help you avoid common mistakes that can lead to expensive problems, such as putting fats and oils down your kitchen sink. This can lead to blocked drains and potentially expensive plumbing bills. 

Septic System 

A septic system provides waste and wastewater treatment for homes not connected to a municipal sewer line. This system includes a house sewer drain, septic tank and soil absorption field. The drain line from each fixture converges at the septic tank, which pumps liquid waste into the absorption field. Solid waste settles at the bottom of the tank, where natural bacteria break it down. 

A vent system extends from the roof to let air enter the drainpipes and equalize pressure. The system also contains traps, which keep odor-producing sewer gasses from entering living spaces. 

A well-located and properly designed septic system can last for decades with proper maintenance. However, septic tanks must be periodically emptied and the absorption field repaired or replaced. Keep vehicles, playgrounds and structures away from the tank and drainfield to prevent damage. Also, conserve water to avoid overloading the septic system, which can cause wastewater and sludge to flow back into the house. For more information on plumbing https://www.fixitrightplumbing.com.au/plumber-melbourne/ and sites alike have resources available.