Plumbing 101: A Guide to Understanding and Maintaining Your Home’s Plumbing

Your home’s plumbing system consists of a network of pipes, fixtures, and appliances that work together to deliver clean water for consumption, remove wastewater, and maintain sanitation. The main components of a plumbing system include:

1. Supply Pipes: These pipes deliver fresh water from the municipal supply or well to your home.
2. Fixtures: These include sinks, toilets, showers, and bathtubs where water is used and drained away.
3. Drainage Pipes: After use, wastewater is carried away through drainage pipes to the sewer system or septic tank.
4. Water Heater: This appliance heats water for domestic use, such as bathing and washing dishes.

1. Leaky Faucets: A dripping faucet may seem minor, but it can waste a significant amount of water and increase your utility bills.
2. Clogged Drains: Build-up of hair, grease, and debris can lead to slow or clogged drains in sinks, showers, and tubs.
3. Running Toilet: A toilet that continues to run after flushing can waste water and indicate a faulty flapper valve or fill valve.
4. Low Water Pressure: Weak water flow from faucets and showers may be caused by mineral deposits or leaks in the plumbing system.
5. Frozen Pipes: In cold climates, pipes can freeze and burst, causing extensive water damage to your home.

1. Regular Inspections: Periodically check for leaks, drips, and signs of water damage under sinks, around toilets, and near appliances.
2. Clean Drains: Prevent clogs by using drain strainers to catch hair and debris, and regularly flush drains.
3. Fix Leaks Promptly: Address leaks and drips as soon as they’re discovered to prevent water waste and further damage.
4. Insulate Pipes: In cold weather, insulate exposed pipes to prevent freezing and reduce the risk of burst pipes.
5. Schedule Professional Inspections: Consider scheduling annual plumbing inspections with a licensed plumber to identify potential issues before they escalate.