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Understanding Your Home’s Plumbing System



You probably don’t think about your plumbing until something goes wrong. A clogged drain, a leaking pipe, or a broken water heater can ruin your day. But understanding the basics of how your plumbing works can help you catch problems early, perform simple maintenance, and know when to call in a professional.


Plumbing shouldn’t feel overwhelming. We make it easy to understand.


How Your Home’s Plumbing Works

Your home’s plumbing system is like the veins and arteries of your house, delivering fresh water where you need it and taking waste away. It consists of two main systems:

1. Water Supply System

This is how fresh water gets into your home. Whether it comes from a municipal water supply or a private well, water enters your home under pressure through a main supply line. From there, it travels through a network of pipes to your faucets, showers, toilets, and appliances.

Key parts of this system include:

  • Main Shut-Off Valve – Controls water flow to your entire house. Knowing where this is can prevent major damage in an emergency.

  • Water Meter – Tracks your water usage. A sudden spike could indicate a hidden leak.

  • Water Heater – Heats water for showers, washing dishes, and laundry. Regular maintenance, like flushing the tank yearly, keeps it running efficiently.


2. Drain-Waste-Vent (DWV) System

After you use water, it needs to go somewhere. The DWV system removes wastewater and prevents sewer gases from entering your home.

Important parts of this system:

  • Drainpipes – Carry used water away from sinks, tubs, and appliances.

  • P-Traps – The U-shaped pipe under your sink keeps sewer gases out and catches debris.

  • Vents – These let sewer gases escape outside instead of into your home.

  • Sewer Line or Septic System – Connects your home to the city’s sewer system or your private septic tank.


Common Plumbing Issues and What They Mean

Your plumbing system works hard, but when something’s wrong, you’ll notice. Here are a few red flags:


🚰 Slow Draining Sinks or Tubs

A slow drain usually means a clog is forming. Common culprits include hair, soap scum, grease, or food scraps. A simple drain cleaner or plunger can help, but if the issue persists, it might be deeper in your pipes.


🚽 Constantly Running Toilet

If your toilet keeps running long after you flush, it could be a faulty flapper or a fill valve issue. This can waste gallons of water every day—so fixing it quickly can save money on your water bill.


💦 Low Water Pressure

A sudden drop in water pressure could mean:

  • A leak in your pipes

  • A clogged aerator (the small screen at the end of your faucet)

  • Issues with the municipal water supply

Noticed low pressure in just one faucet? Try cleaning the aerator. If it’s a house-wide problem, it’s time to investigate further.



💧 Water Stains or Mold Growth

If you notice damp spots on your ceiling or walls, you could have a hidden leak. Over time, even small leaks can lead to mold growth and structural damage.


🔥 No Hot Water

If your water heater isn’t doing its job, check the pilot light (for gas heaters) or the circuit breaker (for electric heaters). If the pilot light and circuit breaker work, check the heating element or thermostat


Plumbing Maintenance Tips to Prevent Problems

Regular upkeep prevents costly plumbing disasters. Here’s what you can do:


✅ Keep Drains Clear

  • Use a drain strainer to catch hair and food debris.

  • Never pour grease, coffee grounds, or food scraps down the sink.

  • Flush drains with hot water and baking soda once a month to prevent buildup.


✅ Inspect for Leaks Regularly

  • Check under sinks, around toilets, and behind appliances for signs of moisture.

  • Listen for dripping sounds or running water when no taps are on.

  • Keep an eye on your water bill—an unexplained spike could mean a hidden leak.


✅ Take Care of Your Water Heater

  • Flush the tank once a year to remove sediment buildup.

  • Set the thermostat to 120°F to prevent scalding and save energy.

  • If your heater is over 10 years old, consider replacing it before it fails unexpectedly.


✅ Know When to Call a Pro

Some plumbing issues are easy DIY fixes, but others need expert attention. Call a professional if you have:

  • Persistent clogs that don’t clear with plunging or drain cleaners

  • Water backing up into sinks or tubs (a sign of sewer line issues)

  • Burst pipes or major leaks

  • No hot water, despite troubleshooting


Your plumbing system is one of the most essential parts of your home, and a little knowledge can help you avoid major headaches. By understanding how your system works, recognizing signs of trouble, and performing basic maintenance, you can keep things running smoothly.


But when things go beyond DIY fixes, To the T Plumbing & Heating is here to help! Whether it’s a leaky faucet, a water heater issue, or an emergency plumbing situation, our friendly and knowledgeable team is just a call away.


Got a plumbing question? Reach out—we’re happy to help (and we’ll probably pet your dog while we’re at it!).

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