All About The 3 Main Types of Plumbing Systems
While you may not think about it, anytime you use your bathroom sink, kitchen faucet, or flush a toilet, you are relying on a complicated system of pipes and valves to bring the water you need where you need it. The same goes for using the plumbing system at work or at a restaurant.
These processes also require at least one of three main types of plumbing systems. The three most common types of plumbing systems are storm drainage, sanitary drainage, and potable water. Read on to learn all about them and how they work.
Storm Drainage
After a heavy rain or storm, there is often a lot of runoff from the roofs and roads. This runoff flows into the storm drainage system, which consists of an interconnected network of pipes and drains that channel water to nearby bodies of water such as lakes or rivers. Without such a complex system, flooding and other environmental issues could become far worse.
Sanitary Drainage
The sanitary drainage system is what most people think of when they hear the words “plumbing system”. This system consists of pipes that carry wastewater away from buildings, such as bathrooms or kitchens. The sanitary drainage system consists of wastewater pipes that transport wastewater from sinks, toilets, showers, and other fixtures away from buildings. This wastewater is then treated at local sewer treatment plants before being released back into the environment. Proper maintenance of the system is essential, as it helps ensure that water remains clean and safe for use.
Potable Water
Finally, potable water is any type of water that is safe to drink or use without risk of illness or contamination. This type of water is typically supplied by the local water utility, and it travels through a system of pipes to reach your home. The potable water system consists of various components such as filters, pumps, and valves that help maintain clean drinking water in homes and businesses.
This system has to be always kept apart from the other two plumbing systems, as no cross-contamination is allowed – potable water needs to remain safe for drinking. To maintain high-quality drinking water and prevent crossover with other pipes, it is important for this plumbing system’s materials to perform well.
Overall, all three of these plumbing systems are important in keeping our lives running smoothly and efficiently. They need to be inspected regularly by a qualified plumber to ensure that they are working properly and safely. With proper care, these systems will last for years with minimal disruptions.
Plumbing Transport Systems
Pressure is what makes plumbing transport systems work, and this pressure comes from a combination of gravity and pumps. Gravity is what drives water down through the pipes while pumps move it along in other directions. This allows water to move throughout buildings and also be discharged into various places, such as storm drains or sewage treatment plants.
Pumps
There are two major types of pump systems used in plumbing: displacement and centrifugal. Positive displacement pumps use pistons to displace water from one side of the pump to the other, while centrifugal pumps rely on an impeller to move the water around. Both types of pumps have their advantages and disadvantages, so it is important to consider your needs before deciding which type of pump system is right for you. Pumps also play a role in filtering out harmful chemicals and gases from the water.
Valves
Valves are another important part of plumbing systems, as they allow for the control of the flow and pressure of water or other liquids. The most common type of valve used in plumbing is the shutoff valve, which is used to shut off water when necessary. If there’s a leak or a plumber needs to work on a pipe, they will use the shutoff valve to stop the flow of water. Additionally, check valves are used for backflow prevention, while pressure relief valves regulate the pressure in pipes and tanks.
Plumbing systems can be complicated and intimidating but understanding their basics is essential for proper maintenance. Storm drainage, sanitary drainage, and potable water are just some of the components that make up a plumbing system. Additionally, pumps and valves play an important role in keeping your plumbing running smoothly.
What Should You Do When Your Plumbing System Fails?
No matter how durable the plumbing system is, there will eventually come a time when it needs to be repaired or replaced. When this happens, the best thing to do is to call a professional plumber. They have all the necessary training and tools for taking care of any plumbing problems you may have. This ensures that your repairs are done correctly and quickly, with minimal disruption to your daily activities.
These three main types of plumbing systems all play an important role in our everyday lives. Storm drainage systems help keep roads and homes safe during heavy rains. Sanitary drainage systems transport wastewater away from buildings and keep our water clean. And potable water supplies us with drinkable, safe water for everyday use. All of these systems rely on pressure and valves to move the liquid through their pipes, so it is important to maintain them properly with routine inspections and repairs when necessary. When it comes time to repair or replace your system, always call a qualified plumber to ensure the best results. Doing so will save you time and money in the long run.