Strongsville Plumbing is the network of pipes, fixtures and other apparatus that transports water and waste in buildings. Its main objectives are to supply clean water and remove sewage, ensuring a hygienic environment.
Understanding the basics of Plumbing can help you avoid costly repairs and problems down the road. This article will cover the basic principles of plumbing work, including gravity, pressure and water seeking its own level.
The status of your drains probably isn’t at the top of your mind. After all, you have a lot going on: getting the kids to school and practice, work and home maintenance, food prep and cleaning. But, it is important to have well-functioning drains because clogged ones create a stink that can permeate the entire house.
A drain is a device that removes fluid and/or gas from a wound or body cavity to prevent contamination and promote healing. Drains can be passive or active, where passive drains rely on gravity or other forces (body movement, pressure differentials) to remove fluid (2). Examples of passive drains include foley catheters and penrose drains. Active drains are usually inserted into a patient’s body through the skin. Examples of active drains include Jackson-Pratt drains and thoracostomy tubes (chest drains) (2).
All drainage fluid is odorous and often has a cloudy, pale yellow or yellow-green appearance (3). It is important to assess the drainage fluid daily for changes in color, consistency and odor. The drainage fluid should gradually lighten in color and have a less foul odor as time passes (4).
It is recommended that patients with active drains get them regularly cleaned to help reduce bacterial colonization and infection (5). It is also important to note that drains are not a substitute for appropriate debridement, wound care or surgical technique.
To unclog a drain, start by removing the drain screen and wiping away any visible blockage. Then, pour a pot of boiling water down the drain. If this doesn’t work, try the baking soda and vinegar method. Or, swap the baking soda for 1/2 cup of liquid chlorine bleach and follow the same process (6).
Fixtures
A plumbing fixture is any receptacle or device connected to the plumbing system that delivers water, such as sink faucets, bathtubs, showers, toilets and bidets. These devices are necessary for the supply of clean water in homes and commercial buildings, as well as for removing wastewater. Plumbing fixtures are available in a variety of styles and materials to suit aesthetic preferences and functional needs.
In addition to their aesthetic appeal, modern plumbing fixtures are designed with the environment in mind. They offer a number of features that reduce water usage, which in turn cuts down on energy costs. For example, low-flow toilets and shower heads help to reduce the amount of water consumed each time they are used. Water-efficient fixtures also help to reduce the load on water heaters, which means they can operate more efficiently and last longer.
Upgrading old fixtures to new, more efficient models can result in significant savings on your monthly energy and water bills. In addition, many of these high-efficiency models carry the WaterSense label, which indicates that they meet certain environmental and performance standards set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Choosing the right plumbing fixtures is not always easy, but an experienced design professional can help you examine your options and find solutions that fit within your budget. When making a decision, consider whether you want your new fixtures to match the style of your home, as well as your personal preferences and lifestyle.
Upgrading your fixtures can improve the look and feel of your home, as well as increase its resale value. Old, outdated fixtures can be more prone to failure and may require frequent repairs. Newer fixtures are more reliable, provide better functionality and offer a wide range of style and design options.
Pipes
The pipes in a plumbing system are what carries the water and other liquids through the system. Various types of pipe exist, and each has its own advantages.
For example, copper pipes are a staple in homes and can last for upwards of 50 years. They’re also resistant to corrosion, making them the ideal choice for residential drinking water lines. Meanwhile, PVC pipes are a common choice for drains and waste lines. They can handle a lot of pressure, and they’re able to weave through walls and ceilings easily. They’re also inexpensive and easy for do-it-yourselfers to install.
Another type of plastic pipe that’s become popular is PEX, which stands for cross-linked polyethylene. Unlike traditional PVC, PEX can be used in long, continuous runs without worrying about the material weakening over time. This newer type of piping is easier to install than older varieties, and it can be run underneath the ground. PEX can even be used for hot and cold water supply lines.
Metallic piping is often made from iron or steel, and may be galvanized or ungalvanized. It can be found in power plants, chemical facilities and industrial settings. It can be constructed of a variety of materials, including carbon steel, stainless steel, copper, nickel, aluminum and inconel alloys.
Most metal pipes are joined using compression or flare fittings. However, a few are joined using a method known as sweating, where the joints are heated to a point where they shrink and seal themselves. Alternatively, the pipes can be joined with solder, which is far quicker and less expensive than other methods. In some cases, such as when piping is running underground, the connections are secured with a gasket joint to allow for lateral movement and expansion/contraction caused by changing soil conditions.
Water Heaters
Water heaters heat incoming cold water so that appliances and fixtures such as showers, tubs, and sinks can produce hot water. These appliances usually live in a garage, basement or utility closet somewhere in your house. The water then travels through the plumbing pipes from your water heater to faucets around your home.
Most homes in North America use storage tank-type water heaters, which have an insulated tank that keeps water at an optimal temperature until it’s needed. Gas or electric heating elements heat the water and an adjustable thermostat regulates and maintains the temperature. Some systems also have a pressure-relief valve to prevent excessive internal pressure.
These tanks range in size from about 20 to 80 gallons. If your household uses a lot of hot water, consider upgrading to a larger tank or installing several point-of-use units to meet demand.
Hissing, rattling and banging noises are often caused by the sediment and scale build-up within your water heater or from clogged venting or drain lines. If this is the case, call your plumber for advice and to make any necessary repairs.
If you’re concerned about your water heater’s energy efficiency, consider a new gas or propane model with an Energy Star rating. These units can save you up to 30% on your utility bills.
In areas where space-heating boilers are common, it’s also possible to use boiler-heated (primary) water to heat a separate cylinder for mains-pressure domestic hot water (DHW). These vessels are called indirect cylinders or unvented cylinders in the UK and are usually heated by electric immersion heaters and may be powered by electricity, natural gas, oil, or heating oil. In most other parts of the world, however, water heaters use mains-pressure DHW from a local utility company and are not connected to central heating boilers.
Water Filters
Water filters reduce unwanted impurities and contaminants that can wreak havoc on pipes and water-using appliances. Most home filtration systems use a combination of different methods to perform multiple levels of filtration. They may include sediment, mechanical, chemical, mineral and bacterial filters to provide safe and clean drinking water for household consumption.
A mechanical filter uses a physical barrier to trap dirt and debris like rust and silt in your water before it gets to the next level of filtration. This prevents them from clogging and reducing their effectiveness over time. Next, water flows through a carbon filter to eliminate chemicals and other harmful substances from your water. It’s important to replace the filter at regular intervals to ensure that it continues to work properly.
Lastly, most home filtration systems have a microbiological filter that targets bacteria, viruses and other pathogens to prevent them from making you sick. These also tend to need replacement on a regular basis.
Filters that remove heavy metals are popular, as these can leach from old or damaged pipes or industrial pollution and cause serious health problems. They’re especially helpful during water contamination scares or natural disasters when public water supplies are compromised.
There are many types of water filters to choose from, including countertop pitcher and faucet-mounted models and undersink units. The latter typically connect to your sink’s water line beneath the kitchen counter and require professional installation. They’re a great choice for those who want the best quality and convenience, though, as they can filter more water than smaller, less expensive options. They don’t clutter the countertops and can even be installed in a kitchen faucet for easy refilling.
