As reported by Oatey in their article “Plumbing 101: Homeowner Plumbing Overview,” while it’s often necessary to call a professional plumber for major issues, homeowners can benefit from understanding how their plumbing system works. Knowing these basics can help with routine maintenance and prevent costly emergencies.
Emphasizing the importance of understanding how water enters and exits your home. Every plumbing system has two parts: one for delivering fresh water and one for removing wastewater. Water enters through a supply line, passing through a meter if sourced from a public utility, and is distributed to various fixtures. Hot water is created by transporting cold water to a water heater and then directed to appliances and fixtures requiring hot water.
Homeowners should also familiarize themselves with how to turn off their water in case of an emergency. The main shut-off valve, typically located near the water meter or where plumbing enters the house, will turn off all water. Additionally, individual fixtures like sinks and toilets have dedicated shut-off valves, which can be helpful when addressing localized problems.
Another crucial part of any plumbing system is how wastewater leaves the home. Wastewater is transported through the drain-waste-vent (DWV) system, which connects smaller drain lines to larger pipes leading to city sewers or private septic tanks. Understanding the role of vents and traps is essential, as these components ensure waste flows properly and prevent sewer gases and pests from entering the home.
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Article with all rights reserved, courtesy of oatey.com.