If you’re a homeowner, it’s important to have some basic plumbing knowledge. It can save you money, and it’s also gratifying to be able to fix things yourself!

Leaks are common, but many can be fixed without the need for a plumber. This article will cover the plumbing basics every homeowner should know. Having a well-functioning plumbing system is essential for a healthy and comfortable home. But it’s also important to recognize problems before they become serious. Persistent dripping noises, foul smells, and dripping or bubbling water are all silent warning signs that it’s time to call the plumber. With a little basic plumbing knowledge, you can tackle some of these issues yourself without needing a plumbing expert.

Water supply

The plumbing system in homes serves a lot of purposes. It enables safe drinking water, warm bathing, clean water for hand, clothes and dish washing, and the removal of dirty waste water. It is important for home and property owners to know the basics of their plumbing supply lines, so they can detect and resolve problems in a competent manner.

The main water line, also known as the water service line, is responsible for bringing water from the municipal water supply to your property. It is typically buried underground and connects to the water meter and main shut-off valve in your house. It then branches off to individual plumbing fixtures like sinks, toilets, showers, and appliances such as washing machines. These pipes are commonly made from copper, PVC, PEX, and galvanized steel. They are designed to withstand high levels of pressure and resist corrosion. Proper installation and maintenance are crucial to the proper functioning of your home’s plumbing.

Drainage

Once water enters a home, it must exit through a drainage system. This includes drainpipes, vents, and traps. Without these pipes, wastewater would back up into a home and cause damage. A properly working drainage system is also crucial for proper home maintenance.

Generally, drain pipes are angled downward, allowing gravity to transport wastewater from the house to a municipal wastewater system or septic tank. The drain-waste system also uses traps and vents to create suction for waste flow. You've probably seen vent pipes jutting out of the roof; these are designed to ensure that the traps don't fill with sewer gas.

Keeping up with regular maintenance tasks like cleaning and inspecting drains, preventing blocked drains in Melbourne, preventing food scraps from entering sink drains, and not flushing “flushable” wipes or other non-biodegradable items will help prevent many common plumbing problems. Knowing these basic plumbing basics will allow you to perform DIY maintenance tasks safely and avoid costly repairs. You will also be able to spot potential issues that might require professional assistance.

Fixtures

Plumbing is one of the most important skills you can have for building and maintaining homes and other structures. But it’s not just about pipes; fixtures like

sinks, toilets, bathtubs, and washing machines are also part of the plumbing system. Fixtures are any object that is permanently affixed to the property and cannot be removed without altering its physical structure. These video-based courses teach you the fundamentals of construction and plumbing basics.

Pipes

Pipes are the main element of a plumbing system, connecting every water fixture in your house directly to either the sewer or septic tank. They are also responsible for delivering potable drinking water to your faucets.

Different types of pipes are used for specific purposes, such as for draining and delivering drinking water. They can be made of a variety of materials such as copper, PVC, galvanized steel and cast iron.

Rigid copper piping is often preferred by plumbers as it lasts long and has few issues with leaks when installed properly. However, it’s expensive and requires skilled tradespeople to cut and solder its joints. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipes are common as they’re cheap and versatile for transporting both water supply lines and sewage. They can be found in many modern homes. They are most commonly threaded with gate valves for shutoff, although ball valves can be found in some applications as well. Lastly, plastic pipe like PEX is increasingly popular as it’s durable and resistant to both corrosion and freezing.

Having the right tools and understanding household plumbing problems can help make it easier for homeowners to fix their own issues. However, it’s important to know when it is time to call a professional plumber for assistance