One of the most basic systems in any home is its plumbing system. The whole system is designed around the principle that water flows from high ground to low ground. Water comes into the system under pressure to reach the top and then flows downhill and out through the drains. Understanding these basic principles helps you when you try to convey a problem to area plumbing contractors like those at Top Notch Tucson Plumbers.

Where Does the Water Come From?

Every home gets its water from one of two places; the municipal system or a well. Regardless of where the water comes from, one main line enters the home bringing water under pressure. The main line is underground to keep it from freezing or being otherwise damaged.

As the line enters the house, there is the main shutoff valve that stops the flow of water. It is used mainly when homeowners add new outlets to the line or when pipes burst and begin flooding the house. The force of the water allows it to fill all the pipes, whether in the basement or on the top floor.

It is stopped at each fixture by the handles. Appliances like washing machines and dishwashers will have an internal valve that is electronically opened and closed when it receives a signal from the control panel. Generally, each fixture will also have a shut-off valve. This is so the whole house is not interrupted when updating sinks or toilets.

Where Does It Go?

Once water is able to come into the house, there needs to be a way for it to leave. This is completed by the drainage system. All of the work in the drainage system is done by gravity.

Drains on sinks point straight down and gravity pulls the water down and out. These drains are usually shaped like the letter P; where a little water is trapped to prevent sewer gases from coming back up into the home.

A lot of clogged drains are caused by buildup in the P-trap. A cleanout plug on the trap allows so access to the trap, so it can be cleaned out. All of these drain lines come together in a sewer line that is sloped to keep it all moving along in the direction away from the home. Additionally, there are vent pipes extending up and out of the roof.

The vent pipes serve two purposes. First, they allow the gases that build up in all the drain lines and waste lines to escape without affecting the living areas. They also equal out the air pressure in the waste lines to keep the air moving backward due to the suction created by the water pressure.

Communication

The whole system can be a little intimidating when it’s not working. Worrying about a pipe bursting or the sewer backing up can be scary. Understanding the whole system before a catastrophe happens can go a long way. Being able to communicate the problem with plumbing contractors makes the diagnosis easy and saves a lot of money.

Are You Having Plumbing Problems?

If you’re experiencing plumbing problems at your home, call Top Notch Tucson Plumbers. Our plumbing contractors in Tucson have decades of combined experience and use the latest technology to find leaks, repair sewer lines, and remove the toughest clogs. No matter what type of plumbing repair or replacement service you need, count on our team 24 hours a day, seven days a week.