It's Time To Go Back To School: Plumbing 101

Learning Plumbing Basics

With August in full swing and the final weeks of summer fast approaching, it is almost that time of the year: back to school time! Many children and young adults around the country are heading back to school and university, and what better time of the year to learn something new than now!

For homeowners in particular, now is a great time to learn more about their homes, especially their plumbing systems. After all, most homeowners and their families probably use their home plumbing systems several times throughout the day, but few know much about these systems. Read on for a thorough lesson on Plumbing 101.

Where Does Water Originate From?

At a most basic level, plumbing systems function to deliver clean water and get rid of wastewater. But how do they do this? To fully answer this, one must understand where the water originates and how it moves through the plumbing system. Water originates from the mainline, which is the key supplier of water that enters the home. The water itself travels through a supply line located relatively deep underground.

Where water moves next depends on what it is being used for. Some water will travel through a cold service line, while other water will travel through a hot service line (requiring a water heater). Once the water has passed through these service lines, it reaches the various appliances and fixtures that most homeowners and their families see and use.

Common Home Plumbing Fixtures and Appliances

There are several common plumbing fixtures and appliances, which are often what most people in the home “interact” with when using their plumbing systems. Bathtubs, sinks, showers, and toilets are some of the most common plumbing fixtures. Dishwashers, washing machines, and water heaters are some of the most common plumbing appliances.

All of these fixtures and appliances rely on water flowing in and out to properly function, so they connect to the hot and cold service lines to access the water. Thus, healthy and efficient home plumbing is an absolute must, given how often these appliances and fixtures are used. 

Drain Cleaning Is a Must

Now speaking of healthy and efficient home plumbing systems, it would be foolish to go through this Plumbing 101 class without mentioning how extremely important it is to have good drain cleaning in the home. The drains are responsible for water flow into and out of various appliances, so if the drains are not functioning adequately, this can lead to some serious backups and other issues.

Drain cleaning may sound intimidating, but it simply requires consistent and diligent work. Homeowners and their families can use simple DIY methods like baking soda and vinegar to clear drains that are commonly prone to clogs like the sinks or bathtub drains. However, they may require the expertise of a professional that can employ techniques like hydro jetting and drain snaking to break up larger and more problematic clogs.

About Apex Pros Plumbing, Electric, Heating and Air

Apex Pros Plumbing, Electric, Heating and Air of Columbus, OH is a full-service plumbing company that believes in putting the customer first. Their team of experts offers high-quality workmanship and top-notch customer service for every one of their clients. Give them a call for plumbing help today!