What happens after you run the shower, flush the toilet, or use the garbage disposal? Understanding basic plumbing can help you avoid common problems such as leaks and clogged drains.

Where Does It Go?

Water pressure and gravity work together to ensure that drained water makes its way into your home’s drain pipes. From there, it enters your home’s main drain, which is connected to the city sewer system.

If your home is connected to a septic tank, your pipes will drain wastewater into the tank. Sludge sinks to the bottom while the water flows into the drain field; from there, pre-treated water is filtered through the soil.

However, not all the water heads out into the municipal sewers or your home’s septic tank. Home sinks and toilets typically have a curved pipe, designed to hold a small amount of water. This bit of water “seals” the home drain system to stop sewer smells from traveling through the pipes and entering your home.

When Things Go Wrong

If you have a clogged sink or toilet, the odds are that something is stuck in the curved pipeline. Debris can accumulate in this area with relative ease if you’re not careful. In some instances, the debris can be removed by pouring boiling water down the drain or plunging the sink/toilet. In other cases, you may need to have a plumber unscrew the pipes and manually remove the blockage.

Another common problem is leaky pipes. If you notice a bad smell in the home, have a problem with mold growth, and/or have toilets that take a long time to drain, you may want to call a plumbing team to inspect your pipes for leaks. These are often caused by flushing items other than water or toilet paper, and you’ll want to repair the damage quickly before it affects your home’s foundation and structural integrity.

If the home has a septic tank, you’ll want to look out for black slime, gurgling drains, and reverse water flow. If you have these problems, you’ll need to call a plumber to drain your tank as soon as possible.

Knight’s Mechanical offers a range of plumbing services to keep your home system running as effectively and efficiently as possible. Call us if you have a problem or want to upgrade your system. One of our experienced technicians can visit at your convenience to offer the professional service and advice you need.