Owning a home comes with a lot of responsibilities, including repairing plumbing issues. While some problems are serious and require professional help, others can be resolved with a bit of knowledge and DIY skills. 

Your plumbing system delivers clean water and safely carries away waste to prevent contamination and protect your health. Learn these three plumbing basics every homeowner should know to keep your house in good condition. 

Drain field 

A septic system's drain field (also called a leach field) removes wastewater from the home and distributes it back into the soil. This helps keep unpleasant odors out of the home and prevents harmful toxins and excessive nutrients from entering groundwater. 

The septic tank is a watertight container that stores household wastes below the surface. Solids sink to the bottom forming sludge, and oils and grease float to the top as scum. Compartments and a T-shaped outlet allow only liquid wastewater to exit the septic tank into the drain field. 

A septic drain field is a series of perforated pipes laid in gravel-filled trenches. As the effluent trickles through these pipes and into the soil, it is naturally filtered by microorganisms and absorbed into groundwater. The drain field must be free of obstructions and properly maintained to ensure its performance. For example, trees and shrubs with shallow roots should not be planted over the drain field; they can ensnar and damage the pipes. 

Water heaters 

Water heaters are an integral part of modern household plumbing. They provide hot running water for showers, bathing, washing dishes and laundry. Without them, many basic household tasks would be unfeasible. 

Most household water heaters are tank-type units, holding from 20 to 80 gallons of hot water. They use electricity, natural gas, propane, heating oil or solar energy to heat incoming cold water and store it. 

There are a number of things you should know about your water heater, including its dip tube and shut-off valve. The dip tube is where the cold water pipe from your house’s main line splits and enters the tank before it flows to your hot water service line. The hot water supply port is located at the top of your tank, as heated water has less density and naturally rises. 

Lastly, your water heater has a drain valve that allows you to drain the tank when it’s full of sediment or move the unit to a new location. It also has a pressure relief valve to prevent dangerous levels of heat and pressure buildup inside the unit. 

Toilets

Toilets are one of the most important fixtures in any bathroom. However, choosing the right toilet requires a lot of decision-making and preference. There are many different toilet types, styles, and mechanisms available on the market today. 

Fortunately, many of these are designed to be water-efficient, which can help reduce your water bill over time. Some also offer features such as power flushing, which can make it easier to clear a blockage in the toilet. 

The word “toilet” was originally a euphemism, and many manufacturers avoid using it in their advertising. For example, Kohler’s high-end products are marketed as “commodes” or “closets”. This suggests that manufacturers feel that the word toilet conveys an image of lower class and cost. Despite the social stigma associated with the word, it is still essential to public health. Effective sanitation prevents waste from polluting rivers, waterways and groundwater sources. It also saves lives by preventing diseases like cholera. 

Sinks 

Sinks are an important part of any home. They allow us to wash our hands, clean dishes, and prepare meals. When choosing a sink, it’s important to consider the style, features, and material. A professional installer can help you choose the right sink for your needs and budget. 

Professionals are well-versed in the plumbing process, which allows them to install your sink quickly and efficiently. They also have specialized tools that help them work more effectively. This saves time and money. Plus, they know how to avoid common mistakes that can delay the installation process. For help with blocked drains in Melbourne, seek help from a professional plumber. 

Another advantage of hiring a professional is that they often provide warranties or guarantees for their work. This gives you peace of mind that your new sink will last for years to come. And if you have any problems, the plumber will come back and fix them at no additional cost to you. This is a great way to get the most out of your investment.