Plumbing 101: Basics every homeowner should know.

What is plumbing, and how does it work?

Understanding how your plumbing system works can help you identify and address issues promptly, as well as perform basic maintenance on this vital system.

Plumbing is a complex system designed to bring fresh water into a home, distribute it to various fixtures, and remove wastewater efficiently. Your plumbing system consists of a network of pipes that facilitate the flow of water throughout your house.

Here's a closer look at how this system operates:

• Water supply system. The water supply system begins with a source, which is typically either a municipal water supply or a private well. Municipal water is supplied by local authorities, while wells tap into groundwater on the property. In homes connected to a municipal water supply, a water meter measures the amount of water consumed. 
• Pipes and water lines. The water from the source enters your home through the main water line. The main water line branches out to supply water to different areas of the home. These branch lines run behind walls, under floors, or through ceilings to reach various fixtures.
• Water pressure. Your water supply system maintains water pressure to ensure a steady flow at each fixture. Pressure-reducing valves may be installed to regulate water pressure and prevent damage to pipes and fixtures.
• Fixtures. Faucets and taps control the flow of water at sinks, bathtubs, showers, and other outlets. They are connected to the water supply through pipes. Similarly, toilets are connected to the water supply to refill when you flush them. Toilets also have a separate connection to the sewer or septic system for waste disposal.
• Hot water systems. Many homes have a water heater to provide hot water. The heater is connected to the water supply and typically uses gas, electricity, or other energy sources to heat water. Hot and cold water is distributed through a separate set of pipes from the water heater to fixtures, such as showers and sinks. Some homes may have a centralized hot water distribution system, while others use localized water heaters.
• Drainage and vent system. Wastewater and sewage flow through the drainage system. Gravity allows the wastewater to move through pipes and into the main sewer line or septic tank. Vent pipes allow air into the drainage system, preventing airlock and facilitating the smooth flow of wastewater. Vents also help eliminate unpleasant odors from the plumbing system.
• Sewer line. The main sewer line connects the home's drainage system to the municipal sewer or septic tank. It's responsible for transporting all wastewater and sewage away from the home.
• Shutoff valves. Every home has a main shutoff valve that allows residents to stop the flow of water into the entire house. It's crucial to shut off your water in emergencies, such as plumbing repairs or pipe bursts.

What are the 3 types of plumbing?

Plumbing is categorized into three primary types of systems, each serving a specific function within a home's infrastructure. These types include water supply systems, drainage systems, and stormwater drainage systems.

Understanding the three types of plumbing provides insight into how water enters, circulates, and exits the home:

1. Potable water supply systems.

Potable water supply systems bring fresh, clean water into a home from an external source. The source of fresh water can be a municipal water supply provided by local authorities or a private well from which groundwater is extracted. 

Regardless of the source, the main water line then pipes it into the home. Then, secondary branch lines distribute the potable water from the main line to various fixtures like sinks, showers, and appliances.

2. Sanitary drainage systems.

Sanitary drainage systems remove wastewater and sewage from the home, preventing contamination and maintaining hygiene.

Appliances like sinks, flush toilets, bathtubs, and showers are connected to the drainage system for the disposal of used water and waste. Attached to them are drain pipes, which carry wastewater away from fixtures by using gravity to guide it toward the main sewer line or septic tank.

From there, the drain pipes connect to the main sewer line, a primary pipe used for transporting the wastewater and other sewage from the home to the municipal sewer system or a septic tank.

3. Stormwater drainage systems.

Ever wondered about those small holes in the sidewalk? Those are storm drains designed to carry away excess water from your house. In the past, this water would go into a sanitary drainage system. But nowadays, it's directed to a storm sewer.

A building's stormwater system manages runoff and snowmelt, diverting rainwater to local waterways instead of treatment plants. Roofs and gutters protect the building's structure by directing rainwater away from walls and foundations, while subsoil drains prevent soil saturation by collecting and draining percolating stormwater. Lastly, surface drains in paved areas collect rainwater for transfer to local waterways.

5 common plumbing problems and repairs.

Plumbing problems can often occur, especially if you neglect to perform basic maintenance tasks. From the persistent drip of a leaky faucet to the unexpected chill of a malfunctioning water heater, you can expect to perform a few DIY repairs (or hire a plumber) as a homeowner. Understanding these issues and their underlying causes is vital to maintaining a functional and efficient plumbing system. 

Here are a few plumbing tips and practical solutions for five common issues you may experience:

1. Leaky faucets. 

Leaky faucets are characterized by water dripping from the spout or the base when turned off. Common causes include worn-out washers, O-rings or seals, and sediment buildup in the aerator. To repair, you'll likely have to replace damaged components and clean or replace the aerator.

2. Clogged drains. 

Clogged drains result in slow water drainage or standing water. Hair, soap scum, food particles, or debris in drain pipes cause these clogs. Repairing your kitchen sink or other clogged drain may require a plunger, drain cleaners, or a plumber's snake. But it's important to perform regular maintenance to prevent clogs.

3. Running toilets. 

A running toilet continuously leaks water into the bowl, increasing water bills. Typical causes include a faulty flapper, fill valve, or float. Fixing this plumbing problem often involves adjusting or replacing these components inside the toilet tank.

4. Low water pressure. 

Low water pressure leads to a weak flow from faucets or showerheads. Mineral buildup, a partially closed shutoff valve, or issues with the municipal water supply can all cause low pressure.

Repair options include clearing mineral deposits, fully opening shutoff valves, and checking with your water utility for any municipal supply issues.

5. Water heater issues. 

Water heater problems manifest as insufficient hot water, strange noises, or water discoloration.

Common culprits include sediment buildup, a malfunctioning heating element, a faulty thermostat, or a corroded anode rod. You may be able to fix your water heater by flushing the tank, replacing faulty components, and addressing corrosion.

How to maintain and protect your plumbing system.

A well-maintained plumbing system is the backbone of a smoothly functioning home. From vigilant inspections and pressure monitoring to knowing the location of the main shutoff valve, these preventive measures will allow you to catch issues early and mitigate potential damages:

• Regular inspection. Periodically check for leaks, drips, and water stains in and around fixtures. Early detection can prevent minor issues from turning into major repairs.
• Monitor water pressure. Use a pressure gauge to ensure your water pressure falls within the recommended range (40–80 psi). Readings outside this range may indicate a problem. In that case, you might want to hire a professional plumbing service.
• Know your shutoff valve. Locate and familiarize yourself with the main shutoff valve. In case of emergencies or repairs, shutting off the water supply promptly can minimize damage.
• Protect pipes in cold weather. Insulate exposed pipes during winter to prevent them from freezing. Frozen pipes can burst, causing extensive (and costly) damage.
• Be mindful of what goes down the drain. Avoid disposing of grease, coffee grounds, and other debris down the drain. Use drain screens to catch hair and soap residue.
• Regularly flush your water heater. To maintain your water heater's efficiency, it's a good idea to flush the tank to remove sediment buildup. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for your specific model.

The key to a resilient plumbing system lies in proactive care and consistent attention. A few simple steps today can save you from major repairs tomorrow, ensuring a reliable and efficient water supply for your home.

Related: 9 maintenance tips to prevent future plumbing disasters.

When to contact a plumber.

While many plumbing issues can be addressed with DIY efforts, certain situations demand a professional plumber's expertise. If you encounter persistent leaks that go beyond a simple fix, witness a sudden drop in water pressure throughout your home, or face a plumbing emergency such as burst pipes, it may be time to reach out to a plumber. 

Use the Thumbtack app to connect with local service providers. You can browse reviews, compare prices, and even get free estimates for your plumbing needs.

Related: How much does a plumber cost?

*A note about project costs featured in this article: Figures represent national average cost estimates using data provided by Thumbtack pros and additional research. These figures are provided for educational purposes only and are subject to change at any time due to various factors. Details about your specific project and local rates can impact costs.