Plumbers Dunwoody is the network of pipes, fixtures, and fittings that bring water into and remove wastewater from buildings. It’s an essential part of construction projects and ensures clean drinking water, facilitates waste disposal and heating, and protects buildings from damaging water-borne diseases like cholera.
Becoming a plumber has several benefits, but it’s not for everyone. Learn more about what to expect from this trade before making the decision.
The water supply line is vital to carrying fresh, clean drinking water into your home. It’s typically a large-diameter pipe connecting to a public water source or a private well. From there, your water travels through several pipes before arriving at your house. The system also includes a main plumbing valve to shut off the water and a meter that tracks your home’s water usage.
Your drinking water plumbing system depends on the correct functioning of all components for its effectiveness. This includes the piping that transports water, the plumbing fixtures that use that water, and the drains that remove wastewater. The sensitivity of this system means that any issues with it will have far-reaching consequences. For this reason, it is important to maintain a plumbing system with regular inspections and services from professional plumbers.
The pipes transporting water throughout a plumbing system are designed to meet specific requirements. For example, some piping is designed to be corrosion-resistant and can handle high pressures. Other piping is designed to be more flexible and can accommodate curves and bends in the water supply system. The type of piping you choose will depend on the location and purpose of your system and your budget.
For the piping that transports potable water, you’ll want to consider its durability and strength. Stainless steel is an excellent choice, as it’s resistant to corrosion and damage from extreme temperatures and human activities. Other options include galvanized steel and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). PVC is popular for plumbing fixture drainage lines, as it’s inexpensive and easy to work with. It can withstand cold and hot temperatures and is less prone to blockages than copper or steel pipes.
The piping that connects the sanitary drainage system to the water supply system must be leak-proof and backflow-resistant. Backflow is the reversal of flow in a plumbing system, which can introduce contaminants into a safe water supply or cause water to back up into lower-level pipes and fixtures. A backflow preventer assembly, backwater valve, or other device should be installed to protect against this.
Drainage systems collect used water and waste from plumbing fixtures and send it away for disposal. Like supply lines, they are mostly angled downward, using gravity to ensure wastewater moves quickly toward sewerage pipes and doesn’t back up into sinks, toilets, or bathtubs. Drainage pipes also have vents to escape toxic gases and chemicals, preventing foul odors from developing inside homes.
If you have ever noticed a strong sewer smell coming from your home, it’s likely because the standing water in your drain traps has evaporated, allowing sewer gasses to enter your living spaces. To refill their drain traps, you can avoid this by regularly running water at all available outlets, especially your toilets.
Aside from preventing sewer gasses from entering your home, the main function of a drainage system is to prevent wastewater from flooding your property. This is achieved by collecting excess rainwater in gutters and directing it to drains at the lowest point of your structure. In addition, a stormwater drainage system can help minimize erosion and protect gardens and other areas with soil from constantly becoming muddy and washing away.
Because drainage systems are primarily underground, they’re usually out of sight and out of mind until something goes wrong. But when problems arise, it’s important to know whether you have a plumbing or drainage issue so you can call the right plumber.
While plumbing covers everything with water supply and distribution, drainage is responsible for collecting, transporting, and treating wastewater. This includes baths, showers, kitchen and laundry sinks, toilets, urinals, and any other appliance in your home that uses water.
As the name suggests, drainage systems utilize gravity to move wastewater away from your home and into sewer pipes. These pipes are then taken to your local sewerage treatment plant or septic tank. To avoid blockages, it’s crucial to dispose of waste properly, including food scraps, oils, and other liquids, rather than pouring them down the drain. If you suspect your drainage system isn’t working, a plumber can use specialized equipment to inspect your pipes and recommend the right solution.
In addition to delivering water, plumbing systems can also provide heating and cooling. This is achieved through a network of pipes that carry steam, hot and cold water, or gas throughout buildings. The pipes can also transport sewage and other wastes to sewer systems or treatment plants.
Plumbing is a trade that requires extensive training and certification. Many plumbers attend a vocational school or community college to earn their credentials, but there are also opportunities to learn on the job with an apprenticeship. Plumbers must be physically fit and comfortable working with tight spaces and heavy equipment. They often work unscheduled shifts and may be on call for emergency repairs.
It is important to differentiate plumbing from process piping. While both systems use pipes, plumbing deals with fluids for end-user applications, while process piping is associated with industrial manufacturing processes. Knowing the difference can help consumers understand what type of plumbing services to seek and avoid. In addition, it is helpful for consumers to see the distinction when requesting quotes or estimates from plumbing companies. This will ensure that the right plumbing service is fairly priced. This can save homeowners money and reduce the risk of overpaying for plumbing services.
Generally, the more efficient your plumbing system is, the less water and energy it consumes. Improving its efficiency can significantly reduce both your energy and water bills and help protect the environment. Leaks, poorly insulated pipes, and appliances that aren’t energy-efficient all contribute to wasted water and energy, but they can be easily addressed through regular inspections and maintenance.
Energy-efficient plumbing systems use less water and electricity for heating, cooling, and general operation. Their insulated pipes minimize heat transfer and loss and have shorter runs to hot water supply points, which also helps conserve energy. These efficiencies are further enhanced by implementing a hot water recirculation system and using energy-efficient appliances that meet specific energy standards.
The choice of pipe material is another important consideration for a plumbing system’s energy efficiency. PEX pipes are popular among eco-conscious consumers due to their insulation properties and corrosion resistance. Also, the design of a plumbing system can impact its energy efficiency, with pressure regulators helping to maintain an optimal water pressure level that preserves both water and electricity.
Proper plumbing installation has a significant influence on the level of energy consumption in residential and commercial buildings. Its effects range from minimizing water waste and optimizing heating processes to reducing air conditioning costs, promoting water conservation, and adopting eco-friendly practices.
Inefficient toilets account for a quarter of indoor water consumption in residential homes, so checking and fixing leaks promptly is important. Water-efficient showerheads, faucets, and appliances, such as washing machines and dishwashers, can be installed to reduce water usage further. Rainwater collection and greywater recycling systems are other ways to reduce water and energy consumption.
Remembering that a plumbing system can become inefficient over time is crucial, and this often happens without noticeable signs or symptoms. Regular inspections conducted by qualified professionals can reveal hidden issues before they escalate and ensure the plumbing system is functioning at its best. In addition to routine maintenance, upgrading outdated and inefficient equipment with high-efficiency new systems is also advisable.