You've probably heard the saying, "Knowledge is power." And it's definitely true when it comes to your home's plumbing. 

Understanding how your plumbing works can help you avoid major problems and even save money on utilities. Grab a cup of coffee and let's get started! What in Your House Requires Plumbing? 

Water Heater 

You may have a traditional storage tank-type water heater or something more modern, but either way, you need it to heat cold incoming water so that your dishwasher, washing machine, showers and other appliances can output hot water. It’s also important to know where your home’s main water shut-off valve is located – in case of an emergency, you need to be able to turn it off quickly. 

Understanding the pipes that run through your house will help you spot potential problems – like mold or mildew, which indicate that there’s a leak somewhere in your plumbing system. It will also allow you to take preventative measures like draining your water heater annually to remove sediment, which improves efficiency and extends the life of the appliance. 

Faucets 

From washing dishes to flushing toilets, your faucets get a lot of use. A broken one can really throw off your daily routine, so it’s important to have reliable ones in place. 

Your pipes deliver fresh water in and drain wastewater away. They’re typically made from copper, cast iron, galvanized steel or PVC. 

You’ll also have various fittings like unions where two different types of pipes meet and valves that control water flow to appliances. Tools you may need include an adjustable wrench, pipe cutters and plumber’s tape to make tight connections. And don’t forget sink hole covers to conceal unused holes. You don’t want to leave them exposed to the elements. 

Toilets 

A toilet is an essential part of a household’s sanitation system, removing waste and keeping water clean. Billions of people around the world lack access to safe, affordable toilets, putting their health at risk from deadly germs and leaving them without a place to wash, bathe or defecate. 

Modern toilets provide dignity, privacy and safety – for example, by enabling girls to stay in school during their menstrual cycle. Adequate sanitation also drives improvements in water and energy efficiency, reducing costs and promoting environmental sustainability.

Waste and vent pipes carry solids and liquids away from the toilet to a drainpipe and sewer line. Toilets come in a variety of styles, including gravity-fed and pressure assisted models. 

Sinks 

Your kitchen needs a sink for washing dishes, rinsing food and other purposes. A kitchen sink includes a faucet that supplies water and a drain to remove waste water. 

You may also have a bar sink for mixing drinks or a utility sink for soaking stained clothes or bathing your pets. These are often located in the laundry room or basement. They have shutoff valves like other plumbing fixtures. Blocked drains often happen with sinks or showers, so if you need help with clearing blocked drains in Geelong, calling a local plumbing company will help. 

Other types of kitchen sinks include drop-in sinks that sit in a cut section of your countertop and self-rimming sinks (also known as topmount sinks) that have a visible rim on the counter. There’s also the apron front sink, which is popular for farmhouse-style homes. 

Showers 

There are all kinds of options for showers, from basic rectangular tubs to oversized luxurious models with multiple water jets. They're great for relaxing after a long day, but it's important to keep in mind that they're also an energy-intensive appliance. 

Unless you're guilty of taking hour-long baths, showers usually use less water than tubs, so they're better for your utility bill and the environment. Understanding your plumbing type can help you troubleshoot issues like a clogged or leaky shower and ensure you're using the most efficient materials for your home. If you're ready to get 

started, contact the team at R.S. Andrews. 

Garbage Disposal 

Your garbage disposal is a necessary part of your kitchen plumbing system. This electrically powered appliance sits under your sink between the drain and the trap and grinds solid food waste into pieces small enough to pass through the plumbing. 

When it’s working properly, a disposal’s blunt metal “teeth” (called impellers) pulverize food chunks and grind them into tiny bits that get washed away with running water. There are continuous feed models that operate continuously, and batch feed units that work only when the lid is closed, making them safer for families with young children. 

It’s important to avoid putting certain foods into your disposal, however. Tough or fibrous items like banana peels can wrap around the shredder teeth and jam your disposal.