A Back To School Guide to Plumbing

Homeownership comes with a lot of responsibilities, responsibilities that no one teaches. They have to be learned on the go after a home is purchased. One of the things that homeowners fear the most is paying for unexpected major repairs that have the potential to cause damage to their property. In many cases, the fear comes from a lack of knowledge about what a homeowner is dealing with. This is often the case with plumbing problems.

A little knowledge can go a long way towards easing some of the hassles of homeownership. Learning about a home’s plumbing can empower the homeowner to make smart decisions regarding repairs and maintenance. Here is a quick guide to the basics of plumbing from local experts.

Where Does it All Start?

Every home is connected to a water source through a municipal hookup. The municipal water supply enters the home through one single source. The connection between the source and the house is made by a water meter that monitors water usage for billing purposes. After that, the water enters the house and can usually be found in a garage or a basement. Looking for a water heater is often a good place to start. From there, the water splits to feed the home's water heater and the cold water sources. Most fixtures in the house receive hot and cold water, so two lines are run to each point of use.

Once water arrives at a point of use, another problem presents itself: where does it go after it’s used? Of equal importance to freshwater plumbing is the drain and sewer system that takes it away from the house. Each toilet, sink, and appliance is hooked to a system of drains that removes sewage. They all meet in one main pipe before draining into the municipal sewer system.

Common Plumbing Fixtures

Common plumbing fixtures are:

• Sinks and faucets
• Showers and showerheads
• Toilets
• Appliances like dishwashers and washing machines
• Water heaters
• Floor drains
• Hose bibs

These constitute some of the most important plumbing fixtures in a home. When it comes time to upgrade these fixtures, look for water-saving and energy-efficient models to save money on utility bills.

Plumbing Maintenance

Look at the average water bill in a home, and it’s easy to see that plumbing does its fair share of work. In the average home, hundreds of gallons of water are used and drained away daily. With all this hard work, it becomes obvious that wear and tear can take a toll on a home’s plumbing.

Plumbing maintenance is a great way to get continued reliable service from a home’s plumbing. Plumbing maintenance can include things like:

• Water heater maintenance– i.e., draining the water heater and replacing the anode rod
• Drain cleaning
• Inspections of plumbing fixtures looking for damage and potential issues
• Water softener maintenance

Altogether, these steps can extend the plumbing’s lifespan, reduce utility bills, save money on repairs, and prevent the likelihood of problems.

About Laney's Inc.

Laney's Inc. has over 60 years of experience serving its neighbors in Fargo, ND, and the surrounding areas. They offer competitive pricing, honest advice, and fast response times. Call them today for plumbing services in Fargo, ND.

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