The success of any plumbing system is the product of the success of all its individual components. To put it in an illustrative way, the system only works well if its constituent parts or sections are in tiptop condition. It’s referred to as a system because it’s a coherent entity made up of several independent but interrelated elements or components all working together to ensure your plumbing wellbeing. But just like in any other complex ecosystem, some of these elements are more important than others. The following plumbing areas are of particular importance and should hence be afforded extra care.
The System Control Section
One of the most important functions of a plumbing system is the supply of clean water to the home or business premises. Your home plumbing system is connected to the utility mains by an inlet/supply pipe. In order to control, monitor, and bill the amount of water consumed in your home, the utility company installs a monitoring gauge called a water meter, which continuously records the amount of water flowing into your homestead. The utility company also installs a shutoff valve for opening and closing your entire water supply. As you can see, these two gadgets serve a very critical role in the management of your plumbing system. As such, you should always ensure that they are in perfect condition. Ensure that the meter is billing well by shutting off all water supply for a few hours with the main valve and then check for any changes in its original reading. You can also use the meter to evaluate your plumbing system for water leaks by shutting off all consumption for some time and then comparing readings.
The Sewerage & Drainage Section
Sewerage systems are elaborate plumbing installations, which are mainly used for the disposal of soluble waste in the home. Sewage systems consist of drainage pipes and various waste disposal installations like the septic tank. Drainage pipes are basically used to dispose of waste water in a home plumbing system. You are supposed to inspect the sewer system before you even buy a house in order to note its size/volume, age, maintenance record, and feed piping (sewer lines) system. This should be followed by regular system inspection and maintenance routines by qualified plumbers. Sewer systems are usually installed underground; hence you need to hire specialists to do the inspections. And anytime you notice any anomaly in your sewer system, do not hesitate to call a licensed DC emergency plumber for a professional fix. You should pay special attention to the physical layout of the sewer lines so that you can monitor their underground network from the surface.
The Water Heating Section
The home water heating system is one of the most integral areas in a plumbing system. The water heater provides warm water to the entire household and it is especially critical during cold weather conditions. It is also a major consumer of energy and water and should hence be kept under close watch to ensure optimal efficiency. The water heating section includes various inflow and outflow pipes, an electrical heater, and some models come with a water storage unit. You should be conversant with all its design specifications and functional elements, such as its construction type, age, size, and energy source (electricity, gas or solar). All faults should be reported to professional plumbers specializing in this field as soon as possible.