Plumbing is any complex system that carries liquids for various purposes through a variety of active or passive systems. Most modern plumbing makes use of complex pipes, pumps, drainage fixtures, and other apparats to transport liquids. There are three main categories of plumbing namely mechanical, electrical and hydraulic. In addition, there is also something called green plumbing that involves using recycled material in place of traditional materials.
Mechanical plumbing involves the use of pipes and fixtures made of iron, brass, copper, steel, bronze, aluminum, titanium, and stainless steel. These pipes are used for carrying water from the taps and lavatories to the drains. They are cleaned after each use and are kept in good condition by professional plumbers.
The electrical plumbing fixtures and supplies are carried in the form of supply lines, circuit breakers, and electrical wires. Drainage fixtures are put in place to take away the sewage waste water from the house and bring it to a septic tank or disposal unit. These drain fixtures are constructed to carry a certain volume of liquid every day, according to the demand of the household. Newer household building structures make use of dual drainage system to carry water to the tanks.
Hydraulic plumbing fixtures and supplies consist of hand-operated devices for controlling the flow of water. These devices are usually attached to faucets. For instance, a kitchen sink has a float switch attached to it that can be manually controlled to turn on or off the water supply systems. Water control systems have been very useful in homes with well water and are now almost standard in most new buildings. The old style water faucets still exist and can be operated manually with a wrench or a screwdriver.
A special category of pipes called cold water supply lines are used to supply water to heat appliances such as water heaters and clothes dryers. Cold water supply lines are usually made of copper, brass, or steel. These pipes have the added advantage of not corroding due to the temperature and do not rust when placed in areas with high humidity.
Different types of plumbing systems are available to cater for different needs. In case of an emergency when the main supply of water is cut off, emergency drain pipes and fixtures shutoff valves are put in place to allow the clean water to flow into drainage systems. This prevents the risk of disease spread due to stagnant water in the drains. When your plumbing system is blocked, it is a good idea to seek help from plumbers who have the experience and knowledge of dealing with these types of drainage systems. Do not worry if you are not able to fix the problem on your own.