Your Plumbing System: Do You Know How It Works?

When something goes wrong with your plumbing system and you have a specialist help you, do you understand what the specialist is saying? Many homeowners do not, so here is a blog post where we break it down for you.

The DWV System

The drain, waste, and vent system carries waste out of your home and to the city sewer lines.

The most important part of a DWV System is that every drain must have a trap and every trap must have a vent. The V-shaped pipes under your sink are the traps, they hold wastewater, which prevents nasty sewer gas from flowing up into your home. The pipes coming out of the top of your home are the vents, without a vent water flowing through a trap, creates a vacuum, and siphons the trap dry.

Air Admittance Values

These valves allow air into the drain, waste & vent system but not out. These valves can take the place of vents out of your roof. Air Admittance Valves aren’t allowed in all situations.

Different Types of Pipes for Water Supply

Galvanized Pipes

Galvanized steel is unlike any other type of pipe. Most of the time, galvanized steel pipes have threaded connections that screw together when assembled. The life span for galvanized pipes is about 70 years. If your water flow is on the low side it might be due to you having galvanized pipes because over time galvanized pipes are prone to mineral buildup that will slow your flow. The best thing to do is a complete replacement but if that is not possible you can improve your flow by replacing any exposed horizontal pipes.

Copper Pipes

Until less costly materials became available copper was the standard water supply pipe. You can connect copper pipes in several different ways but most are sealed by melting metal solder into the joint. The lifespan for copper pipes depends on the local water, it can last as little as 25 years or 2 to 3 times longer.

PEX

PEX is so much easier to install than any other type of pipe due to its flexibility. PEX is the most common choice for new water lines because of its flexibility, low price point, and its immunity to aggressive water. PEX comes in a range of colors. PEX has been used in Europe for decades but recently has been introduced to North America.

CPVC

Unlike metals, the plastic pipe doesn’t corrode, so it’s been common in areas with aggressive water. It’s been used for the last 40 years. CPVC is connected with a glue-like cement. CPVC can have compression fittings.