Plumbing and heating are the two primary systems that provide convenience, comfort, and safety to homes. Each has a unique function and uses different equipment.
Plumbing is the art of installing, maintaining, and altering piping, fixtures, and appliances connected with a water supply and drainage facilities. This includes both private and public water supply systems, as well as venting systems.
The main function of plumbing is to bring pressurized, treated water into a home or other structure, as well as out of it. It also supplies and takes away waste water, such as sewage.
Unlike gas or electric utilities, plumbing is an art that requires skilled professionals who can repair, install, and maintain these systems. These professionals are known as plumbers and work under the supervision of a licensed plumber.
Some plumbers may also have specialized training and expertise in heating systems. This is often a result of an apprenticeship or on-the-job training.
A plumber can install, repair, and maintain water, sewage, and gas lines in houses, commercial buildings, factories, schools, hospitals, and other places. They can also fix leaky faucets, replace old toilets and showerheads, install water heaters, and perform other maintenance or repairs related to these systems.
The pipes and fittings used in plumbing are made of plastic, copper, or some other material. Depending on the type of pipe, it may be welded or threaded. For plastics, solvent welding is often used.
There are many types of piping materials, and each can have its advantages and disadvantages. For example, some materials are prone to corrosion.
Other materials, such as copper, are corrosive-resistant and a good choice for bringing pressurized water into homes. However, they can become brittle when exposed to cold temperatures.
Another type of piping material is plastic, such as polyethylene (PEX). PEX is a flexible pipe that stretches to accommodate the expansion of freezing water but returns to its original size when the water thaws. It is not as strong as copper, but it has many benefits.
Some modern plumbing materials do not contain any lead, so they are not harmful to children and others who are susceptible to lead poisoning. For this reason, they are often used in older homes.
Using PEX can help reduce the number of fittings in plumbing systems and the overall cost of plumbing. It is a popular choice for new construction and repiping because it can be installed with fewer fittings than rigid piping.
