This is a collaborative post
You use water every day for washing dishes, cooking, and doing laundry, among other household chores. But have you ever thought about how your home’s water system works? This system is more complex than you might think. It has different parts that work together to ensure that clean water flows in and wastewater flows out of your house.
Keep reading to learn how your home’s water system works and how wastewater is removed from your home. We’ll also discuss your water supply pipe responsibility as a homeowner.
How Water Systems Work
A water system typically has two main parts: the supply system that brings fresh water in and the drainage system that carries wastewater out. Both parts work together to keep everything flowing smoothly. It’s worth noting that water system manufacturers are liable for product defects. Therefore, you should contact them if you experience any issues with your plumbing.
Water Supply System
Water enters your home through the main supply line, either connected to a public water supply (if you’re in a city or suburban area) or a private well (if you’re in a rural area). This water comes in under pressure so that it can flow through the pipes and reach all parts of your home.
Hot Water System
The hot water that you use in the shower and sinks comes from a water heater. A traditional tank water heater keeps a large amount of water (usually 30 to 50 gallons) heated at all times. The water heater pulls cold water from your main supply, heats it to the temperature you’ve set (often around 120°F), and holds it in the tank. When you turn on a hot water faucet, the system releases hot water from the top of the tank while pulling fresh, cold water in at the bottom to replace it.
If you have a tankless or “on-demand” water heater, it works a little differently. Tankless systems heat water only when you need it. Cold water flows through a heat exchanger, which rapidly heats the water as it passes through. Since there’s no storage tank, a tankless system can keep providing hot water continuously—as long as you don’t exceed its capacity.
How is Wastewater Removed from Your Home?
Your drainage system directs used water and waste to either a public sewer system or a private septic system. Here are some of the most important components of your drainage system:
Drain Pipes
When water leaves your sink, shower, or toilet, it flows into the drainpipes, which are designed to carry wastewater away quickly. Drain pipes slope downward, using gravity to guide the flow of water and waste. They connect to larger pipes that lead to either a sewer line or a septic tank.
Traps and Vents
To keep harmful gases from entering your home, drain pipes have U-shaped traps that hold a small amount of water to block odors from sewer gases. Your house also has a vent system, which lets air into the drainage pipes to keep the water flowing smoothly. These vents typically run through your walls and out through your roof.
Sewer System vs. Septic System
If you’re on a public sewer line, your wastewater flows to a central treatment facility where it’s processed and treated. If you’re on a septic system, however, the wastewater flows into a septic tank buried on your property. Inside the tank, solids settle to the bottom while liquids flow out to a drain field, where they’re absorbed into the soil. You should maintain your septic tank regularly to keep your drainage system in good condition.
What’s Your Water Supply Pipe Responsibility
As a homeowner, you are typically responsible for the water pipes starting from the point they enter your property. This includes all indoor plumbing, as well as outdoor fixtures, such as hose bibs. You should always look out for leaks or corrosion, which can lead to bigger issues if not addressed.
Main Water Shut-Off Valve
You should know where the main shut-off valve is located. In case of a leak or pipe burst, you can shut off the water supply quickly to prevent major damage.
Maintenance and Repairs
You should perform regular maintenance and repairs to prevent major plumbing issues in the fixtures. Essentially, you should inspect exposed pipes for any signs of wear, replace old fixtures, and ensure that your water heater is in good working condition.
Keep Your Home’s Water System in Good Condition
As a homeowner, you should understand how your home’s water system works so you can avoid unexpected expenses. From where your water comes from to how wastewater leaves, each part of the system has a role to play in keeping your home running smoothly. You should also know your responsibilities as a homeowner so you can always keep your water system in good condition.
Disclosure: This is a collaborative post