From Leaks to Clogs: Navigating Residential Plumbing Repair

Residential Plumbing Repair: What You Need to Know

Plumbing maintenance and residential plumbing repair can be so frustrating. A do-it-yourself repair frequently takes multiple trips to the hardware store, a collection of unused parts, and triple the time a residential plumbing repair professional might take.  However, homeowners should know enough about residential plumbing to communicate well with a professional plumber. Here is a short “Plumbing 101” list to acquaint homeowners with essential plumbing information.

Plumbing can be divided into potable and wastewater portions.

• Potable water is the clean water supply provided by the water utility, usually a municipal or commercial water supply company.

• Wastewater is rather obvious. It is the water after it has been used for cleaning, bathing, and toilet use. Wastewater can be divided into two types: gray water is water after cleaning, and black water is water after toilet use.

A homeowner is responsible for the plumbing of the potable water from the water meter to the faucet and the wastewater from the drain to the municipal sewer main. That is, both the outdoor plumbing and the indoor plumbing.

Common involvement with potable water supply is rare unless voluntary.

• Some homeowners will add a water filter or softener system before the water reaches a faucet or appliance. These devices will need a regular change of filter or the addition of softener chemicals.

• Outdoor plumbing is also quite common. Homes with pools, hot tubs, or lawn sprinkler systems may have extensive and complicated plumbing—all the responsibility of the homeowner.

• Fixtures and appliances are changed frequently, sometimes for aesthetics and sometimes for necessity.

• The most frequent problem with fixtures and appliances is a leaking faucet or connection. These are always simple repairs.

• Leaking pipes are rare, but when they happen, they are serious since the water is under pressure. It is vitally important to locate the water supply shut-off valve for such emergencies.

Wastewater problems become a little more complex because of the substances that we add to the water.

• Gray water often contains food substances, which tend to be quite sticky.

• Gray water frequently contains oils, fats, and grease, which is very sticky. As the fatty water enters the drain, it cools, the fat solidifies, and begins to clog the drain. Oh, and remember, it is sticky and tends to collect other particles.

• Gray water used in cleaning and bathing certainly contains soap in many forms. You guessed it. Soap also tends to be quite sticky.

• Black water is seriously unsafe since it contains hazardous biological material. It is not just smelly and disgusting; it is also dangerous. Fortunately, black water tends to liquify very quickly and poses a low clog probability. However, the size of the toilet drain is the largest unobstructed opening, which makes it susceptible to receiving items that should not be flushed.

• People, especially very young people, have been known to flush clothing, toys, electronic devices, and, yes, excess toilet paper. Flushable wipes—yeah, you should not flush them since they do not dissolve quickly. Diapers and feminine hygiene products should not be flushed.

The two largest residential plumbing repair problems with wastewater are clogged pipes and leaks. Since wastewater combines, it should all be considered black water. Consider both problems and residential plumbing repair emergencies to be handled immediately.

The last section to understand is the sewer lines between the home and the utility sewer main. Most of these sewer lines are made of PVC pipe, a very strong and stable product. The fatty clogs often reach this far. If a flaw or crack does develop, roots will invade. When roots invade sewer lines, they will continue to grow until the entire pipe is filled with roots. This is the responsibility of the homeowner.

Need Help Understanding Residential Plumbing Repair? Doctor Cool is Ready to Help!

Homeowners are responsible for both potable and wastewater plumbing, from the water meter to the sewer main, and should understand the basics to communicate effectively with plumbers. Common issues include leaks, clogs caused by food and grease in gray water, and improper disposal of items in black water systems. Understanding these residential plumbing repair fundamentals helps homeowners address common plumbing problems and know when to seek professional help.

Let Doctor Cool assist with all of your Residential Plumbing Repair questions to prevent costly League City Plumbing Repairs. Call Doctor Cool & Professor Heat today at 281-338-8751 or email Doctor Cool and let our professional Residential League City Plumbing Repairs Contractors assist with all of your Residential Plumbing Repair needs.