Recognizing the Plumbing System

Your plumbing system is like the circulatory system of your home. It’s made up of a network of pipes, fittings, valves, and other components that work together to bring clean water in and carry wastewater out. When everything’s running smoothly, you hardly notice it’s there – but when something goes awry? Oh, you’ll notice.

Pipes: The Backbone of Your Plumbing

Pipes are the channels that carry water to and from your home, and they come in a variety of materials and sizes depending on their job. Pipes to recognize include:

• Supply Pipes: These bring fresh water into your home. Common materials include copper, PEX, and PVC.
• Drain Pipes: These carry wastewater away from your home. They’re usually made of PVC or ABS plastic.
• Main Sewer Line: This is the big pipe that connects your home’s drain system to the public sewer or septic tank. It’s your responsibility to maintain the portion on your property.

Pro Tip: If you’re in an older Greenville home, then your building might have galvanized steel pipes. These are awfully prone to corrosion, which might explain why you’re constantly having to schedule pipe repair. Consider upgrading to copper or PEX for better durability.

Fittings: The Connectors That Keep It All Together

Fittings are the connectors, elbows, and joints that help direct water where it needs to go. Without fittings, your plumbing system would be a tangled mess of pipes going nowhere. Here are some to be familiar with:

• Couplings: Used to connect two pipes of the same size.
• Elbows: These let you change the direction of your pipes (usually at 90° or 45° angles).
• Tees: Shaped like a “T,” these fittings allow you to split one pipe into two directions.
• Adapters: Help connect pipes of different materials or sizes.
• Caps and Plugs: Used to seal off the end of a pipe.

Pro Tip: When working with fittings, make sure they’re compatible with the pipe material. For example, don’t try to connect a PVC pipe to a copper pipe without the right adapter.

Valves: The Gatekeepers of Your Water Supply

Valves are like the traffic cops of your plumbing system. They allow us to control the flow of water. Knowing where your valves are and how to use them can save you from a major headache (and water damage) in an emergency. Some common valves include:

• Main Shut-Off Valve: This is the big one. It controls the flow of water into your entire home. Be sure to know where it’s located.
• Fixture Shut-Off Valves: These are located under sinks, behind toilets, and near appliances like washing machines. They let you shut off water to a specific fixture or appliance.
• Pressure-Reducing Valves: If your water pressure is too high, these valves can help protect your pipes and fixtures from damage.

Pumps: The Powerhouse of Your Plumbing

Pumps might not be something you think about every day – and they’re not found in every single building, but they play a crucial role in certain plumbing systems. Whether you’re dealing with a basement sump pump or a well water system, pumps keep things moving.

Fixtures: The Face of Your Plumbing

Fixtures are the parts of your plumbing system that you interact with every day. They’re the sinks, toilets, showers, and faucets that make life comfortable. When they’re not working, life gets uncomfortable fast.

Need Help? Hire a Trained Plumber Today

If you’re dealing with a plumbing issue or just want to schedule a maintenance check, don’t hesitate to call a trusted Greenville plumber. Mr. Rooter Plumbing is here to help, because even the most prepared among us need a little backup sometimes.