What is the Purpose of Plumbing?

drainage systemPhoto byjohn

Plumbing is the system of pipes and fittings that deliver water for human consumption and remove waste. Plumbers are responsible for installing these pipes and repairing them if they get damaged.
Plumbing systems have helped to prevent epidemics like typhoid fever and dysentery. They have made people more comfortable in their homes by providing clean drinking water and removing harmful wastes.
Water Supply
The water supply system transports fresh, clean water to the home. It consists of pipes, valves and fittings, which can be made from steel, cast iron, copper, PVC, or other materials. Plumbing fixtures include water closets (also known as toilets), urinals, bidets, tubs, showers, kitchen sinks, utility and washing machines, and more.
Pipes in a plumbing system are usually circular or rectangular, with thick walls and seamless joins. They may be bare, lined with a coating, or covered in a protective material like fiberglass or CPVC. Older pipes were made from lead, but that was banned in the 1920s. Today, non-toxic metals such as copper and steel are used for water lines.
The plumbing venting system – also called the plumbing stack – is not part of the water supply system, but it’s vital to your home. It prevents toxic gases from building up in your drain pipes and it helps regulate the air pressure in your plumbing system so that water flows smoothly.
Drainage
Drainage is the piping that takes used water and sewage away from the building and sends it to either the sewer system or a septic tank. It must do so without contaminating clean water or leaching sewage into the surrounding area.
A plumbing drainage system usually consists of a main drain, subsurface drains, and lateral drains. The main drain carries water to the outlet; the subsurface drains control the flow of water on the ground; and the lateral drains remove wastewater from the soil.
A proper drainage system is important to prevent flooding, damage to the structure of a house. It is also important to keep in mind that a drainage system needs regular maintenance to work properly. Otherwise, it may become clogged and cause serious problems. For help with blocked drains, there are professionals who can help. Sites such as https://www.fixitrightplumbing.com.au/blocked-drains-melbourne/ have many plumbing services that can be resolved.
Ventilation
While drain pipes take away water and waste, plumbing vents – also known as vent stacks – allow air into the pipe system. This helps with water flow and prevents odours from forming in the drainage pipes.
A plumbing vent is a pipe that runs vertically from a house or building’s walls to the roof and connects perpendicularly to a drain line. They are typically located on the roof to ensure that unpleasant smells and sewer gases can escape freely.
A faulty vent can cause problems such as a siphon effect which can occur each time a toilet is flushed or a sink drains. This can lead to a build-up of toxic gases in the pipes and affect the health and safety of the people living in the house or office. Without a proper venting system, there would be no way for these harmful gases to escape and fresh air can’t enter the pipes either.
Sanitation
When we think of plumbing we often think of sinks, basins, toilets and showers. But plumbing involves far more than just these fixtures and their pipes. It is a complex system that brings clean water to our homes and buildings and carries away waste and storm runoff.
The sanitary drainage system of a house or building comprises all piping that drains wastewater from kitchen, washbasins, baths and toilets into the sewerage system or septic tank. It also includes the sewage treatment plant that separates solid matter from liquid, digests the organic matter and treats the wastewater to make it safe for disposal into the soil or water bodies.
Another important function of plumbing is ventilation. A plumbing stack is a long vertical pipe that extends from the roof and vents out gases, odours and other contaminants from your waste pipes. It also helps regulate air pressure within the pipes and facilitate the smooth flow of water.