Plumbers install and repair water pipes, drains, septic systems and sewers. Newport Plumbing also ensures that your home’s plumbing system meets building regulations and safety standards. Learning the trade of plumbing requires a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on training. Most people begin their careers as an apprentice before becoming licensed plumbers.
Plumbing pipes supply and remove water to and from your home, creating vital drain and vent systems. They may also be linked to a city-managed water and sewer network that delivers fresh drinking water or directs wastewater to treatment plants. Pipes are made of a variety of materials. Each is best suited for specific functions in your home’s plumbing system. Among the most common pipes are polyethylene (PEX) and polybutylene (PB). PEX, in particular, is an affordable plastic tubing that does not leach rust into your water supply.
PB pipe was a popular choice for new residential construction during the 1970s through the mid-1990s, but it eventually began to lose its popularity as plumbers discovered it was prone to leakage at the joints. Today, a more durable and versatile choice is ABS piping. Its light weight and ease of installation make it ideal for a variety of applications. It’s also color-coded for easy identification and comes in several sizes, including 1/4-inch, 1/2-inch and 3/4-inch diameters.
Plumbing fixtures are used for a variety of purposes in the home. Some of them are essential for everyday use, like the toilet or faucets, while others are more decorative and can be used as part of a bathroom design scheme. Fixtures are made from materials that can withstand constant exposure to water and are designed to be durable. These include porcelain, plastic, fiberglass, marble, glass, and stainless steel or copper.
A fixture can have a drain that allows the water to flow out and stoppers that can be used to prevent overflowing. They also have vents that allow air to enter the drain line to help break up waste and keep it from getting stuck in the pipes. Plumbing fixtures are regulated by codes, which require that the materials used to manufacture them have smooth, impervious surfaces and are defect free. They also need to be installed in a way that provides easy access for repairs and cleaning.
Drains are the pipes used to eliminate waste water from bathrooms, sinks, and toilets. They take this wastewater into a pipe under the house and then out to the main sewer system. A clog in a drain can cause the water flow to stop and back up. This is why a plumbing expert should be called when a drain pipe becomes clogged. One of the best methods to unclog a plumbing drain is a drain bladder, a heavy-duty rubber expansion balloon that inject pressurized water into a clogged pipe. These can be purchased individually or in a kit with several sizes.
The downside to using a drain bladder on a clogged pipe is that it may shoot water into a place with plenty of water to flow. This could cause the water to travel away from the clog and potentially damage a fragile pipe. Therefore, it’s important to know your home’s piping type and avoid relying on a drain bladder on older or brittle pipes.
Sewers are complex networks of pipes and equipment that collect wastewater from homes and businesses in a community, then transport it to treatment facilities. They include collection pipes, pumps, lift stations, screens, flow meters and other equipment. Wastewater from a home enters the sanitary sewer system through sink and toilet drains. Each drain has a trap that prevents sewer gases and odors from entering the house.
The wastewater then flows down large drain pipes that exit the house underground through a house lateral pipe. Laterals typically have a cleanout for removing any debris that might block the flow of wastewater. Clogged sewer lines are usually caused by small particles of food, grease or plastic wrappers that accumulated together over time, forming a clot in the line. A clog can spread throughout every drain and eventually develop an unpleasant odor that needs thorough cleaning and inspection.
