The ABC’s of a typical Home Plumbing System.
“A”– Fresh Water Supply. (water In)
In the Chicagoland area residential homes have water pipes that are connected to your home that supply either fresh water supplied from a city source or an individual dedicated well water source.
The most common supply system in Northern Illinois is a (City Water System.).
Typically, residential and established cities in the suburbs are dependent on Water Supplied from a city water system. City engineers have designed and built a series of underground pipes that are called ‘Water Mains” these are designed to run under city streets for easy servicing.
City Water Supply:
Advantages of City Supplied Water.
- When your home is permanently connected to the city water supply. Your family can depend on a reliable flow of water into your home without the use of any additional equipment or electrical power to power a pump system.
- A clean, tested, treated and reliable water supply is provided from City Water systems. Almost always worry-free water for your family.
Well Water Supply:
Many homeowners have well supplied water and traditionally these homes reside outside city or town water boundaries.
- No service fee for well drawn water. Once the cost for a pumps, testing, drilling and assembly are finished you can have a reliable flow of water at essentially no cost. Up front costs can be defrayed with no charge monthly service over the long term.
- Pure clean ground water free from Chlorination Most wells will provide homeowners with a lifetime clean safe drinking water.
- No water restrictions. Well water is controlled from the owner of the home and this right of water ownership has no restrictions on usage times of amounts.
HT Strenger suggests testing your well water annually and always be alerted by any changes in the taste and a cloudy appearance or coloration. Plus take note of the local geography and changes to the area that may effect your well water.
A well pump and tank require electricity to function, a battery back up system or a small generator can be used if your property is likely to have power outages or restrictions.
“B”– Move the Water in your home. (Plumbing)
Now that water is supplied to your home. How is it efficiently distributed through out the the home to provide for all its functions ?
Water Pressure moves your water naturally through your home.
Sometimes, the way water flows in your home depends on how high your water supplier’s tank is. The tank is usually taller than the houses nearby, so gravity helps push the water down and give it pressure.
Hot Water Heaters:
Fresh water is directly pushed into the plumbing lines of your home. Because of the climate of your home its not uncommon for very cold water to be supplied in your home at all times. Warmer water can be through out homes that are in hot arid climates like Arizona and New Mexico. Hot water that is used for bathing, laundry, automatic dishwashers and faucets needs to take detour to a Water Heater before it can be used . Hot water temperature can be controlled by a stand alone gas or electric water heater.
Water temp. is regulated by a thermostat that is built into the the water heater – ask your HT Strenger Technician about how to set and maintain the best water temperature for your application.
Plumbing Tip : In Illinois Water Heaters should be installed and serviced by a certified and licensed plumber.
Most water heaters use electricity, natural gas, or solar to operate.
“C”– Move the Water out of your home. (Sewer)
Most every home relies on Gravity to drain away and away from your home into the city sewer system or into a catch basin that leads to a septic field.
Because waste water is not a desirable it is the main reason service plumbers are in high demand – wastewater and damage done from water to your home is not a problem homeowners wants to experience.
Keeping your sewer system clean and free flowing is key to a pleasurable home ownership experience.
Sewer Clean Out Access Points.
Plumbing systems are designed for access for common clogged or slow moving problems. , removable plugs allow access to the system and a trained technician with the correct tools can un-clog or repair most clogged systems the first time. Sometimes foundations or land can move and disconnect the sewer line from the home and main sewer – Installing a new Sewer System is most of the time your only alternative.
Plumbing Venting
Many homes have sewer vents that release gas and reduce pressure so sewer pipes can flow freely. Drains with proper venting allow wastewater to flow through the system efficiently.
Drain Traps
Curved sections of pipe found beneath your sink, built into the base of your toilet and in your homes basement sewer drains prevent sewer gases from escaping. Water remains in the trap and forms a barrier to keep sewer odors from your living area.
Preventing clogs in the drain traps.
Try to keep all objects out of your drains that could clog your system. Prevent clogging by using strainer filters that keep food and debris out of sink drains, Avoid pouring Grease or Oils down your drains or toilets. Try to keep hair out of drains, avoid flushing anything down your toilet except waste and toilet paper. Do not use wipes unless they are thrown into the garbage.
Some Sewer and Draining Fundamentals
Use these common sense guidelines to avoid or delay a costly home owner problem.
- Keep your drains clear.
- Inspect your pipes.
- Drain your water heater.
- Winterize your plumbing.
