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The plumber

a plumber at work

Indoor plumbing is an excellent part of making a home a comfortable place to live. Water comes in through pipes, some of it may be heated by a hot water heater. Then it's used to drink, to clean, to water the plants, etc. After that, excess and used water is taken away to the sewers, septic tank or other waste water system.

While much of it is hidden in the walls, the fixtures that they link to are very much in evidence. As long as everything is well maintained, the plumbing system should last a good while.

Anatomy of Plumbing System[]

Typically, water enters the house via pipe through some point below the surface of the ground floor. Where there is space beneath the floor, the distribution of pipes is readily evident to anyone inclined to look below. Otherwise most of the pipes are seldom if ever seen as they pass through the walls to get to where the water is needed. Many inbound pipes will terminate at a faucet. Below any indoor faucet, there should be a catch basin, usually a sink of some kind where the water will most likely be used. When the water is no longer needed, it is then released through a drain into an outbound pipe that eventually brings the used water to the sewer connection, and away from your home. Exceptions that do not terminate at a faucet are the toilet, the water heater, and possibly a dishwasher and/or washing machine.

Maintenance[]

Plumbing appliances will last longer and are less likely to encounter problems if they are properly maintained.

Faucets[]

Any parts that are supposed to move, should be moved occasionally to keep them from rusting or freezing in a position. Faucets often have rubber washers that form a seal, keeping the faucet from dripping when it is turned off. The washer can get brittle or get compressed so it won't work properly. Leaks are waste water and are bad for the environment and your budget.

Drains[]

Drains can get clogged.

Plumbing pipes

pipes and water meter

Related[]

External links[]

References[]

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