| Plumbing is the skilled trade of working with pipes and | | | | corners, branch in two directions, reduce or enlarge |
| tubing for fluids such as water, sewage, steam and | | | | pipe size, or connect to some type of fixture. Pipes |
| natural gas. Plumbing originated during the ancient | | | | are made from several different metals and plastics. |
| civilizations such as Persian, Chinese, Indian and Roman | | | | You often can identify a pipe's purpose by its size and |
| civilizations as they developed public baths and needed | | | | makeup: indoor water supply pipes generally are |
| to provide fresh water and drainage. The piping used | | | | copper or galvanized iron pipe. |
| to convey the water and waste was often made of | | | | The plumbing system in your home is designed to |
| lead. Because lead is very toxic, nearly all modern | | | | direct fresh water and wastewater to where you |
| manufactured plumbing products and materials are | | | | want it to go, without incident. You want wastewater |
| lead free. | | | | to leave your home down a drain instead of overflow |
| | | | into your home and you want fresh water to come |
| A plumber is someone who installs or repairs piping | | | | out of a spout rather than leaking somewhere within |
| systems, plumbing fixtures and equipment such as | | | | the walls. The plumbing trade has adopted a number |
| water heaters and boilers. | | | | of basic strategies and conventions to keep water |
| A plumbing fixture is a device which is part of a | | | | controlled and go where we want it. It is a good idea |
| system to deliver and drain away water, but which is | | | | to understand how your plumbing system works |
| also configured to enable a particular use. | | | | before tackling any plumbing project. |
| Your house has several separate plumbing systems: | | | | If your plumbing fixtures drain slowly, the problem may |
| Sinks, toilets, washers, bath tubs, and related fixtures. | | | | be a clogged vent. This happens when vents are |
| Plumbing is something we use every day and which | | | | improperly located and when birds or animals deposit |
| most of us know little about. Shopping for your own | | | | debris in the vent where it exits the roof. |
| plumbing fixtures rather than getting them through your | | | | Whatever your intended plumbing projects, the first |
| plumber allows you choose from a wider selection and | | | | step is to familiarize yourself with the water system in |
| save money. | | | | your home. At the very least it is important to know |
| Plumbing systems are composed of pipes and fittings. | | | | where to switch off the mains in case of an |
| Metal or plastic pipes are joined by a variety of fittings | | | | emergency. |
| designed to couple lengths in a straight line, turn | | | | |