Most people know that plumbing brings clean water into a house or business and removes waste water. But do you know the purpose of each part of a plumbing system? 

A drain pipe allows wastewater and sewage to flow out of a building into a sewer system. A water or supply pipe carries pressurized freshwater in, and a vent pipe regulates air pressure in the pipes to prevent vacuuming. 

Drains 

While plumbing brings fresh water into your home, it also takes wastewater away. Unlike supply pipes, which run under pressure, drainage pipes are angled downward and rely on gravity to drain waste into the sewer line, where it’s funneled to your local sewage treatment plant or septic tank. 

A sink’s drain pipe usually includes a “P-shaped” trap that fills with water when the sink is empty to prevent noxious sewer gases from drifting up into the house. A vent pipe, which runs along the roof and connects upward from each drain stack, regulates air pressure to assure a steady flow of waste and water through the pipes. 

Cleaning kitchen and bathroom drains regularly helps prevent them from becoming clogged and slow to drain. If you notice your sinks filling up with standing water, it’s likely time to clean the drains. This will reduce the risk of a leaky pipe or drain collapse, which can cause costly damage. 

Soil Waste 

Soil pipes are the drains for toilets and urinals, which carry human waste. They’re buried underground and connected to a drainage system that discharges sewage into the sewer. 

Traditionally, this was an open sewage system where waste was discharged directly into the surrounding land. It wasn’t until civilizations became centralized and developed cities that we were able to develop separate water and sewage systems, which helped to curb epidemics like typhoid fever. 

Soil and waste systems have two main functions: to transport soiled water (blackwater) away from your bathroom fixtures, and to transport wastewater (greywater) away from kitchen sinks, baths, showers and washing machines to the sewer. Knowing the difference between these two is important because it’ll help to minimize blockages, prevent sewage spillage and allow for proper ventilation. Soil pipes are also vented differently to avoid the build-up of dangerous gases such as methane. They’re typically larger in diameter than waste pipes. However, this can depend on your property. 

Vents 

Most homeowners have a general idea of how their home plumbing works. They know to clear a drain clog and how the system works to bring fresh, clean water into

their homes. 

However, a key component of a healthy plumbing system is often overlooked – the vent pipe. This underappreciated element can be the difference between a smooth plumbing flow and clogged drains. 

The venting system protects trap seals by balancing air pressure in the drainage pipes. This prevents siphonage from pulling waste back into the plumbing fixture and also ensures that sewer gases can escape and flow out of the house. 

To properly vent a drainage pipe, it should be one size larger than the drain it connects to. It should also have a cleanout to remove any debris that may build up in the pipe. The cleanout allows you to easily access the vent and clean it out in the event of a clog. 

U Bends 

The U bend or P-bend that sits under every sink is a vital component in plumbing. It stops foul gases such as sewer gasses from wafting back up through the drain and into your kitchen. It also helps trap solids dropped down the drain which can otherwise cause a clog further along the pipework. 

Most people have a vague idea of how their home’s plumbing works and can usually clear up the odd drain clog. However, there are some aspects of plumbing that remain a mystery even to the most intrepid do-it-yourselfer. Professional plumbing professionals are needed more than most homeowners realize. 

For example, if you notice water bubbling out of the vents on your roof then you should immediately check the condition of your gutters and downpipes. A good plumber can help you to prevent problems from occurring and provide a range of plumbing services. Look into sites like https://www.fixitrightplumbing.com.au/plumber-canberra/blocked-drains-canberra/ to get a better understanding of plumbing services that are offered.