Plumbing is one of the most essential services that every home needs. Without it, a home cannot function properly.
The modern plumbing system is made up of two separate subsystems that bring in fresh water and drain wastewater out. The water supply system includes a meter that registers the amount of water used, and it is linked to the drainage system by “bridges,” such as toilets and sinks. For professional help, contact Tidal Plumbing & Heating.
Drains are a necessary part of the plumbing system, but they can become problematic when they clog. This can cause water or waste to back up into your home or business, causing damage and potential health hazards. It’s important to be familiar with the different types of drains, what causes them to clog, and how to prevent future problems.
A clogged drain can be caused by several different things, including hair, food scraps, paper products that aren’t toilet paper, grease and oil. These items can block the pipes, causing the wastewater to back up into the sink or tub. In some cases, the clog may even extend up to the sewer line, causing an overflow of wastewater into the basement or yard. If you notice that your drains are backing up, it is important to call a plumber as soon as possible.
The best way to prevent a drain clog is to be vigilant about what you put down your drains. Only put biodegradable materials down your drains, and make sure that you run hot water down the drains on a regular basis. You can also use a snake to clear out the drains once or twice a year.
Clogged drains can be a serious health hazard, as they can lead to standing water that can attract insects and rodents. This water can also contain bacteria, which can lead to respiratory issues and allergies. In addition, the smell of a clogged drain can be very unpleasant. A clogged drain can also be a fire hazard, as it can lead to an overflow of water that could start a fire.
Infection at the drain insertion site is the most common complication of a JP or hemovac drain. If you notice redness, swelling, pus discharge or foul-smelling drainage around the drain insertion site, notify the physician immediately. The dressing should be removed daily, and the drain inserted site checked for infection.
A Jackson-Pratt drain consists of a perforated tube connected to a negative pressure collection device. The collection device is typically a bulb that can be squeezed to create a vacuum and then closed to remove fluid or air from the wound. The drainage fluid is usually bloody or purulent at first, but should gradually lighten to a clear yellow or golden color before it can be removed.
Water Pipes
Water pipes carry drinking water to sinks and toilets, and drain waste water into the sewage system. Several different types of pipes can be found in plumbing, including PVC, PEX and copper, each serving a specific purpose. The type of pipe used in a home plumbing system depends on how it will be used. For example, drinking water pipes must be corrosion-resistant to ensure the safety of the water supply. For this reason, most drinking water pipes are made of copper or PEX.
For decades, copper has been a popular choice for plumbing pipes because it can last up to 50 years and is corrosion-resistant. It’s also easy to work with, as you can bend it around corners and other obstructions easily. However, copper is quite expensive, and it can corrode when it comes into contact with certain chemicals.
Another alternative for plumbing pipes is polyethylene cross-linked (PEX). This plastic tubing is affordable and easy to install. It’s also resistant to both hot and cold temperatures, making it a good choice for heating and cooling systems as well as for water supply lines in homes. PEX is also easy to work with, as it’s flexible and can be manipulated into different shapes to fit tightly in spaces.
Both copper and PEX pipes can be used in homes, although you should note that the piping material will have an effect on the quality of your water. For example, if you have hard water, the minerals in the water can corrode the pipes and lead to leaks. In addition, the high pressure can cause abrasions and other problems with the piping system.
Whether you’re working on a plumbing project in your own home or a commercial building, it’s important to have a basic understanding of how pipes work and what the approved materials are. This will help you detect any problems early and deal with them competently. In addition, you’ll be better prepared for emergencies if you know what to look for. Fortunately, there are plenty of resources available online to help you get started.
Sewer Pipes
Sewer pipes transport wastewater from your home to the city sewer connection or septic tank, and they are essential for safe water use. However, these pipes are not invincible. They can be damaged by things like ground movement, which is why it’s important to have your plumbing system inspected regularly.
A broken sewer line can cause a sewage backup, which is both a health and environmental hazard. If your home experiences a sewage backup, you should call a professional plumber immediately. Sewage is full of bacteria that can lead to infections if it comes into contact with your skin or lungs, and it also contains the nutrients that mold needs to grow. The odor from sewage is another clear sign that there is a problem with your sewer line.
Luckily, there are many options for replacing your sewer pipe. If your sewer line is cracked or broken, a plumber can dig up the old pipe and replace it with new plastic or cast iron pipes.
Most new sewer lines are made of PVC or ABS plastic. These pipes are easy to work with and can withstand a lot of pressure. They’re also resistant to tree root intrusion. In older homes, you might have clay or cast-iron pipes. These pipes are strong and durable, but they can corrode over time. The corrosion of these pipes is caused by hydrogen sulfide gas that’s produced by the bacteria in your waste. The gas can also eat through the pipes and create holes, which can cause leaks.
Orangeburg pipe is a type of sewer pipe that you’ll be unlikely to see in your home today. It was constructed from cellulose fiber held together with adhesive and impregnated with liquefied coal tar. This material was lightweight and easy to work with, but it lacked the strength of cast-iron or clay pipes. This type of pipe could deform or collapse if it wasn’t properly “bedded” during installation. It was also susceptible to invasion by tree roots. Fortunately, modern technology has allowed us to re-line aging sewer pipes with epoxy resin, effectively creating a pipe within a pipe.
Plumbing Tools
Whether you’re a professional plumber or just an amateur DIYer, having the right tools can make or break your plumbing job. While some plumbers may use a variety of hand tools, there are also many power tools that are essential for plumbing jobs.
Power tools like drills and hammers can be useful for cutting pipes and other materials. Some of the most common tools for plumbers include a wrench, screwdrivers (flat and Phillips), a hacksaw, a drill, a sawzall, a torch, a pipe cutter, a plunger, pliers and a tape measure.
A wrench is an essential tool for plumbers, allowing them to apply a specific amount of torque to a nut or bolt. Plumbers often use adjustable wrenches, which are available in various sizes and can be adjusted depending on the pipe diameter. A pipe cutter is another vital tool for plumbers, as it allows them to cut through hard-to-reach areas that would be difficult or impossible with a standard pair of scissors or a wrench.
pliers and a wrench are both useful plumbing hand tools, as they can be used to loosen or tighten parts without damaging them. Plumbers often use slip joint pliers, which are versatile and easy to grip, and tongue and groove pliers, designed to grip objects with more precision.
Plumbers might have other plumbing tools on hand, including a hacksaw used to cut metal and plastic. Plumbers can also use a pair of goggles to protect their eyes from any hazardous substances they might come into contact with while working on a plumbing project.
Another important tool for plumbers is a borescope, which is an optical inspection device that allows them to view the inside of a pipe. This can help them identify any issues with the pipes and develop a plan for fixing them.
