What Bathroom Plumbing Comprises

You can't talk about home plumbing systems without mentioning the plumbing in bathrooms. Bathroom plumbing — tubs, faucets, sinks, showers and toilets — that's a lot of water involved. A bathroom's plumbing comprises two major components — the water supply system and the drainage system. Both of these systems work together to ensure the bathroom is functional all the time. Here is a breakdown of how each system works.

Water supply system

If you've ever gone without running water in your bathroom, then you probably know that you shouldn't take a flushing toilet or a hot shower for granted. Water supply to your bathroom may be disconnected because the water connection at the main water shut off valve has been cut off or when there is a problem with the shut off valve at your bathroom. 

There are two primary sources of water to homes and bathrooms are municipal water and water from a privately dug well. Your bathroom water supply plumbing supplies clean water to the various points of use, be it the tubs, faucets, sinks, showers or toilets. For homes with water heater installation, the water will be delivered to the bathroom through two separate lines. One line will carry hot water while the other will supply cold water to the various bathroom fixtures that need it.

Wastewater/waste removal system

The water used at the various bathroom fixtures will have to exit the home. Bathroom sinks, tubs, showers, and toilets are all connected to drain pipes and sewer lines, which facilitate the flow of wastewater and sewage from the bathroom to the sewer system. Once directed outside through the system of drain pipes and sewer lines, wastewater and sewage goes to mains sewerage system connected to the home. Homes that are not connected to the mains sewerage usually rely on a septic tank system to dispose of the wastewater and sewage leaving their homes.

In addition, vent pipes are installed near the drain pipes connected to the tubs, faucets, sinks, showers, and toilets to direct gases produced within the drainage system up and out the roof. The pipes also help to provide the air pressure required for wastes to flow freely.

To ensure your bathroom plumbing installation is carried out properly, you should let a qualified residential plumber handle the job. They will help you install plumbing that can handle the water delivery and waste removal needs of your bathroom.

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