Are you having an issue with your home’s plumbing system and not sure what is causing it?
Learn how your home’s plumbing system works, and you may be able to diagnose the issue yourself and prevent future ones.
Most home plumbing systems have two main components that allow for water to run to your home and waste away.
These two main systems are called
the Water Supply Line and the Drain-Waste-Ventilation Line.
Water Supply Line
The Water Supply Line is the main plumbing line that brings water to your property. These copper pipes are usually about 1 to 1 and 1/2 inches in width and are connected to the main water line.
The main water supply line then branches off once it reaches your property, one line running to your water heater and multiple lines branching and connecting to your cold water faucets.
The branch of piping that connects to your water heater then separates upon exiting the water heater, running to all of your homes hot water taps.
This network of water supply pipes is what is responsible for all of the running hot and cold water in your home. For this water to be safely pumped to your taps and turned on or shut off, there is a delicate balance of pressurization.
Because of this pressurization, your water supply lines contain pockets of air within them. These pockets of air act as a cushion for the water flow when the faucets are turned on and off.
If it were not for these air pockets, pressurization would build up to dangerous levels in your plumbing system, which could then lead to pipes rupturing or leaking, damaging the integrity of your home.
Drain-Waste-Ventilation Line
The Drain-Waste-Ventilation Line is a series of piping that is connected to your sinks that is responsible for providing an exit for waste from your property to the main sewer line.
Usually, these pipes are much thicker than the water supply pipes and are made of PVC or another type of durable plastic. Unlike water supply piping these pipes rely on gravity to remove waste from your home, rather than pressure.
For these pipes to work correctly, they are angled at approximately 1/4 inch downward per foot of pipe.
Placing them at this angle helps to make sure that both liquid and solid waste can move through the system and into the main sewer line.
If these pipes are set at the incorrect angle, it can lead to clogs and blockages due to waste not being able to properly funnel out of your property.
If the angle is too steep, then the fluid waste will filter out without carrying the solid waste with it, and if the pipe is not steep enough the liquid or solid waste will be able to flow through the pipes, causing blockages or unsanitary backflows in your plumbing appliances.
Besides being set at the correct angle, your outgoing lines will also have what is called a “Trap” in place.
A “Trap” is a U-shaped section of the pipe that is filled with water, creating a seal that prevents sewer gases from traveling up the line.
Making sure that your Drain-Waste-Ventilation line is installed correctly is vital to the functioning of your home or business’s plumbing system.
Where to Go From Here
Even if you have a solid foundation of knowledge when it comes to your home or business’s plumbing system, you may still at times require the services of a professional plumbing team.
Some issues with your plumbing can be deep in the system, and you may not even be able to access it without assistance. Other times a replacement pipe or fixture may be required, and if they are not installed correctly, it can create more problems in the future.
Whether you are dealing with a clogged pipe, need a new system or fixture installed, or any other plumbing service, if you live in the greater Atlanta area call Assured Comfort or click on the link below to schedule your plumbing appointment today.