When we think about plumbing inside our homes, we usually imagine sinks, showers, and toilets. Nevertheless, plumbing is not only for these installations. It consists of a system of pipes that bring fresh water in and take away contaminated or used water from the house, including rainwater runoff.
There are four main types of plumbing systems in buildings: potable, sanitary, stormwater, and drainage. Each type has a specific job to keep water flowing smoothly and safely.
In this blog, we’ll discuss how these systems work and why they’re important. This guide will help you understand how proper plumbing supports building maintenance and regulates water flow.
What to know about plumbing?
Just like the human body has a circulatory system, so does a house have a plumbing system. There are mainly four types of plumbing systems that manage water flow: potable, sanitary, stormwater, and drainage. Potable plumbing systems bring in clean drinking water while sanitary systems deal with human wastes, stormwater systems take care of rainfall overflow, and flooding is averted by means of drainage systems.
It consists of pipes, valves, faucets, and filtration shelters that help facilitate clean water input while ensuring the disposal of waste materials. Regular maintenance is crucial since it will prevent leaks and clogs that can result in expensive damage.
Types of Plumbing Systems
Potable (Drinking) Water Plumbing Systems
A potable water system brings clean, drinkable water into a building from local water mains. It includes a water valve to shut off the water if needed in an emergency and a water meter to track how much water is used. This type of plumbing system ensures the water is safe for drinking and other uses.
Within the building, 4 different types of plumbing pipes and fixtures are used to distribute water to various appliances:
- Straight Pipes: These are common in the system and come in different lengths, directing water efficiently.
- Tee Sections: These pipes are right-angled and help direct water in multiple directions.
- Elbows: These are used to alter the course of the pipes.
- Brass and Gate Valves: These control the flow of water in the system.
Sanitary Plumbing Systems
Sanitary plumbing systems are responsible for removing waste from a building, including human waste and wastewater from activities like cooking and washing. This waste is then sent to the local sewage system. The pipes inside the building connect to either a community sewer line or a septic system. This plumbing system also includes ventilation pipes that help gases escape and ensure the system operates properly at atmospheric pressure.
3 Main Types of Sanitary Plumbing Systems
- Gravity Systems: These are the most common type and use the natural slope of the ground to move wastewater to the sewage network. They work well in areas where flooding is rare and the water table is low.
- Low-Pressure Systems: These systems use a small electrical pump located in an underground interceptor tank. The pump moves waste through small pressure pipes to the main sewage plant. They are an alternative to gravity systems and are used when gravity flow isn’t feasible.
- Vacuum Systems: These systems use electricity and are typically installed in specific conditions such as reclaimed land or flat areas. They use a central vacuum station with vacuum pumps and a collection chamber. Waste is moved through vacuum pipes and valves connected to the central station.
Stormwater Plumbing Systems
Stormwater plumbing systems are designed to manage and remove rainwater and snowmelt water from buildings. They have specific features to ensure that water is effectively directed away to the local rivers or lakes, rather than being sent to water treatment plants.
3 Key Ways of Stormwater Management
- Roof: The roof directs rainwater into downpipes and carries it away from the building. The size and design of the roof and downpipes depend on the amount of rainfall the area receives.
- Surface: For paved or unpaved areas, water is removed by the slope of the surface. Adjacent drains may help if included, but the goal is to prevent water from pooling on flat surfaces.
- Subsoil: Water trapped below ground is managed by subsoil drains. These underground pipes collect stormwater and direct it to proper drainage systems to prevent it from flowing onto neighboring properties.
Systems for Moving Water
- Gravity-Fed Systems: Pipes are angled so that water flows downward naturally through the drainage system. The size of these pipes is based on rainfall intensity and the area being drained.
- Pump-Based Systems: In areas where gravity systems won’t work due to land slope, pumps are generally used. These systems often include rainwater tanks and help move water to where it needs to go.
- Stormwater Discharge and Harvesting: Larger pipes and channels may be used to direct water to rivers, lakes, or the sea. In densely populated areas, this can sometimes lead to pollution in local waterways.
Drainage Plumbing Systems
A drainage plumbing system is a network of pipes designed to remove human waste and manage water accumulation around buildings. This system helps carry water away from driveways, roofs, walkways, and underground areas to prevent flooding. Effective drainage systems are crucial for maintaining a healthy environment and preventing damage and waterborne diseases in both residential and commercial buildings.
Types of Drainage Systems in Buildings
1. Surface Drainage System
This system handles excess water on the land’s surface. It utilizes natural channels or constructed drains to regulate water and boost land productivity by removing excess moisture. There are two main types:
- Regular Surface Drainage: Operates by gravity during heavy rainfall or irrigation.
- Controlled Surface Drainage: Uses check gates in flat areas to manage water flow.
2. Subsurface Drainage System
This system lowers the water table, removes excess water through open ditches, and keeps the root zone unsaturated. It includes:
- Relief Drains: Lower the water table to support vegetation and surface water.
- Interceptor Drains: Prevent water from reaching certain areas.
3. Slope Drainage System
This system is designed to direct water downward and uses quality pipes with a slope to ensure smooth water flow. The ground should slope away from buildings to prevent water accumulation. A minimum slope of 1% with a tolerance of 1% – 2% is required. Polymer concrete can be a cost-effective option for this system.
4. Downspout & Gutter Drainage System
This system has two parts:
- Gutter Channels: Run horizontally along the roof edge to gather runoff water.
- Downspouts: Vertical pipes that carry water from the gutters to ground level, directing it away from the building. Proper installation and maintenance prevent foundation damage and redirect water to drainage areas. A downspout is typically required every 30-40 feet.
| Important Note! Regular maintenance by professional plumbers is very crucial for drinking water pipes and fixtures to prevent leakages and waste. This helps avoid building wall damage, environmental problems, and protects people and animals from harmful sewage. |
Conclusion
Plumbing is like your home soulmate. It keeps everything running smoothly and upholds your house’s worth. Regular maintenance is vital since it helps to enhance plumbing performance and thus prevents issues like mold and water damage. Mold is not only unsightly; it also poses a health threat. Therefore, addressing issues concerning plumbing before they escalate becomes imperative.
We hope this blog has helped illuminate some important aspects of the essential types of plumbing systems found within our homes. However, don’t hesitate to call a professional plumber whenever you are unsure about solving plumbing issues by yourself. Sometimes, even simple tasks such as unclogging toilets may become complicated, thereby causing further problems if done incorrectly. Keep your plumbing system in check so that your house can be grateful!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is plumbing?
Plumbing refers to the system of pipes and fixtures installed in a building to distribute drinkable (potable) water, remove waterborne waste, and manage water accumulation from harming the structure of the building itself. It differs from the water and sewage systems that serve groups of buildings or entire cities.
How does a house plumbing system work?
A home plumbing system brings freshwater in and takes wastewater out.
- Potable water pipes deliver drinkable water to sinks, showers, and appliances.
- Sanitary pipes carry wastewater to the sewer or septic system.
- Stormwater pipes manage rainwater runoff.
- Drainage pipes remove waterborne waste and reduce rainwater flooding in the buildings.
Together, these 4 types of plumbing systems make sure that water flows efficiently and safely throughout the home.
What are the different areas of plumbing?
Plumbing work is divided into eight areas:
- Water supply
- Gas fitting
- Sanitary
- Roofing (stormwater)
- Drainage
- Mechanical services (heating, cooling, and ventilation)
- Fire protection
- Irrigation
What is the main line in plumbing?
The main line, also known as the sewer line or main sewer line, is the pipe that connects your home to the city’s sewage system or a septic tank. Everything from our shower, sink, garbage disposal, and toilet flows through this pipe.
