In modern America, plumbing is a basic necessity in every home and business that most people don’t give much thought to - it’s just a part of everyday life. So it’s strange to think that around 150 years ago, indoor plumbing was an incredible luxury reserved for the very wealthy. As late as 1940, only around half of all American homes had hot running water or flush toilets!
Hopefully, these facts may give homeowners a new appreciation for their plumbing systems. But history lessons aside, it behooves every homeowner to learn more about their home’s plumbing - and the best place to start is with the basics.
The Ins and Outs of Water - Supply and Drainage
Every home’s water supply system starts with the water main - a large pipe that draws water from the city main or a private well. There’s always a shutoff valve on the home’s water main, typically located in a service box in the front yard or close to where the main enters the home. This is a handy thing to know in the event of a burst pipe or other plumbing emergency.
Once it enters the home, the water main splits into two subsystems that run parallel throughout the house and connect with every fixture - the hot and cold service lines. The hot line runs through the water heater before meeting back up with the cold line. In most homes, these are copper pipes, although many new builds instead used PEX tubing.
When water is used anywhere in the home, it becomes wastewater and needs to be disposed of. A home’s drainage system carries wastewater ever downward through larger PVC pipes. These connect to the home’s main drainage line, called the lateral line, which connects to the city sewer main or the home’s septic tank.
An Overview of the Home’s Plumbing Fixtures
The supply and drainage systems connect to the home’s many plumbing fixtures to deliver and dispose of water. Supply fixtures include faucets, showerheads, hose bibs, and outlet valves for washing machines, dishwashers, and refrigerators. Drainage fixtures include sinks, tubs, shower basins, and appliance drains.
Some fixtures, such as toilets, serve the supply and drainage functions simultaneously. As plumbing technology advances, fixtures are becoming more sophisticated and water-efficient - for those with older homes, upgrading the fixtures is a fantastic way to save money, reduce water waste, and enjoy greater convenience.
Why Drain Cleaning Is a Necessity
When most people think about plumbing maintenance, they typically think about upkeep to the supply system (replacing worn faucet parts, inspecting service lines for leaks, flushing the water heater, etc.). But the drainage system needs its fair share of regular maintenance, too - primarily in the form of drain cleaning.
In handling all that wastewater every day, a home’s drains and drain pipes can get pretty nasty. Grime and debris accumulate over time, and if left unchecked, will give the drains an unpleasant odor and eventually form a blockage.
Routine drain cleaning is the best way to prevent these unwanted scenarios and keep the home’s plumbing flowing smoothly. Professionals use special equipment to clean out the drainage system from the drains themselves down to the home’s lateral line, where many clogs tend to occur. DIY drain cleaning (using only safe, non-caustic household items like baking soda and vinegar) can help but is no substitute for an annual or semi-annual drain cleaning from a pro!
About A & W Plumbing and Heating, Inc.
A & W Plumbing and Heating, Inc. has served the Murphysboro, IL community with pride for over 15 years. Their courteous expert technicians always show up on time and provide clear communication, personalized solutions, and up-front pricing. A & W offers financing, membership perks, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee on every job. Call now for drain cleaning services!
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Plumbing emergencies rarely wait until morning to strike. That’s why A & W Plumbing and Heating, Inc. is available to answer your calls and dispatch technicians at all times. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Certified Technicians
Our technicians are fully certified and licensed to work in your home or business. Rest assured that any repairs or installations you need will be completed safely and to code the first time around!
Satisfaction Guarantee
At A & W Plumbing and Heating, Inc., we believe in providing services that are done right the first time. We guarantee that you’ll be satisfied with our work, or we’ll come out and fix it at no additional charge to you.
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