How Your Home's Plumbing System Works

Most property owners don't give the plumbing system a second thought, let alone a hand. That is, until something goes wrong. Responsible homeowners, however, know that knowledge is power. Understanding the basics of your plumbing system can help you take better care of it, spot trouble before it gets worse, and even save money on repairs.

In this brief article brought to you by Texas Rooter, we break down the basics of residential plumbing systems. If your plumbing is giving you problems, or if you want to upgrade to something better, then call or message Texas Rooter to hire a local, uniformed plumber today.

The Two Sides of Plumbing: Supply and Drain

Your plumbing system has two main parts: the water supply system and the drainage (or waste) system.

• The water supply system brings fresh and clean water into your home. It usually starts with a main water line from your local utility company. That line connects to your home’s many pipes. These then deliver water to your sinks, showers, toilets, washing machine, dishwasher, and more. All of this movement is thanks to pressure.
• The drain system comes into play after. Once water is used for washing hands, showering, flushing toilets, or doing laundry, it becomes wastewater. That water needs to be safely removed from your home. The drain system uses gravity (not pressure) to move wastewater through drainpipes and into the sewer or septic tank.

Pipes, Pipes, and More Pipes

Let’s talk materials. Older homes might have copper or galvanized steel pipes while newer ones often use PEX (a type of plastic) for water supply lines. Drainpipes are usually made from PVC (white plastic) or cast iron in older buildings.

Each type of pipe has its pros and cons, but they all wear down eventually. That’s why it's so important to keep an eye out for leaks, corrosion, and low water pressure.

Key Parts of a Plumbing System

Pipes make up a large portion of the plumbing system, but they're not the only parts at play. Some of the other main players include, but are not limited to the:

• Water Meter: Measures how much water your home uses.
• Main Shut-Off Valve: Lets you turn off all water to your house in an emergency.
• Fixtures: Things like sinks, toilets, showers, and bathtubs.
• Traps: Curved pipes under sinks that stop sewer gases from entering your home.
• Vents: These keep air flowing in the drainpipes so water moves easily.

Common Plumbing Problems (and Why They Happen)

Even the best plumbing systems need help every now and then. Here are a few issues you might run into:

• Leaky Faucets or Pipes: Often caused by worn-out parts or old pipes.
• Clogged Drains: Too much hair, grease, or other debris can block water from flowing.
• Low Water Pressure: Could mean buildup in the water line or a hidden leak somewhere.
• Running Toilet: Often due to a broken or worn flapper valve inside the tank.
• Frozen Pipes: If temperatures drop, water inside pipes can freeze and cause them to burst.

This is NOT a comprehensive list, but it covers the most common. If something seems off, then don’t wait. Calling a plumber in Euless, TX early can save you from major damage and expensive plumbing repair service later on.

When to Call the Pros at Texas Rooter

You are always welcome to call or message Texas Rooter. Our live representatives and dedicated plumbers are on standby to respond at any time of the day - or night. With that said, there are some moments that demand an urgent call:

• Major leaks or flooding
• A sudden drop in water pressure
• Water that looks dirty or smells bad
• Repeated clogs or slow drains
• Strange noises from your pipes

Remember, a quick repair today beats a premature replacement or expensive water damage restoration any day of the week. Plus, why delay repairs when Texas Rooter is always ready to help with quick and affordable service?