Plumbing Basics
Understanding and maintaining your home's plumbing system.
How Plumbing Works
Two Systems
| System | Function |
|---|---|
| Supply | Brings fresh water in (under pressure) |
| Drain/Waste/Vent (DWV) | Takes wastewater out (gravity) |
Key Components
| Component | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Main shutoff | Cuts all water to house |
| Water heater | Heats water for fixtures |
| Supply lines | Carry water to fixtures |
| Drain lines | Carry waste away |
| Traps | P-shaped pipes that prevent sewer gas |
| Vents | Allow air in, help drains flow |
Essential Skills
Shutting Off Water
| Type | Location | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
| Main shutoff | Near meter, basement, or crawlspace | Major leak, leaving town |
| Fixture shutoff | Under sink, behind toilet | Working on that fixture |
| Water heater | On unit | Working on heater |
Know where your main shutoff is before an emergency.
Unclogging Drains
Order of escalation:
| Method | How | When |
|---|---|---|
| Plunger | Create seal, pump vigorously | First try |
| Baking soda + vinegar | 1/2 cup each, wait 15 min, hot water | Mild clogs |
| Drain snake | Feed in, rotate to grab clog | Stubborn clogs |
| Clean the trap | Remove P-trap, clean out | Sink clogs |
| Call plumber | When above fails | Serious blockages |
Avoid chemical drain cleaners - they can damage pipes and are dangerous.
Fixing a Running Toilet
Diagnosis:
| Symptom | Likely Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Constant running | Flapper not sealing | Replace flapper ($5) |
| Periodic running | Flapper slowly leaking | Replace flapper |
| Water too high | Float set wrong | Adjust float |
| Tank leaks to bowl | Flush valve | Replace flush valve |
Flapper replacement:
- Turn off water at shutoff
- Flush toilet to empty tank
- Remove old flapper from hooks
- Install new flapper
- Attach chain (slight slack)
- Turn water on, test
Fixing a Dripping Faucet
Compression faucet (two handles):
- Turn off water
- Remove handle (screw under cap)
- Remove packing nut
- Replace washer at bottom of stem
- Reassemble
Cartridge/ball faucets:
- Buy repair kit for your brand/model
- Follow included instructions
- May be easier to replace entire faucet
Clearing a Clogged Toilet
| Method | How |
|---|---|
| Plunger (flange type) | Get seal, pump firmly, repeat |
| Hot water + dish soap | Pour in, wait 10 min, plunge |
| Toilet auger | Snake specifically for toilets |
If above fails: Possible blockage deeper in line. Call a plumber.
Common Repairs
Replacing a Faucet
Tools needed: Basin wrench, adjustable wrench, plumber's putty, Teflon tape
Steps:
- Turn off water, disconnect supply lines
- Remove old faucet (nuts underneath)
- Clean surface
- Install new faucet per instructions
- Connect supply lines
- Turn on water, check for leaks
Replacing a Toilet
Steps:
- Turn off water, flush, sponge out remaining water
- Disconnect supply line
- Remove bolts at base
- Lift toilet straight up
- Scrape old wax ring off flange
- Place new wax ring on flange
- Set toilet, press down firmly
- Install bolts, don't overtighten
- Connect supply line
- Caulk base (leave gap at back)
Fixing Leaks
| Location | Fix |
|---|---|
| Supply connection | Tighten or replace supply line |
| Compression fitting | Tighten or replace ferrule |
| Threaded connection | Apply Teflon tape, tighten |
| Pipe joint | Depends on pipe type |
Understanding Pipes
Common Pipe Materials
| Material | Use | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Copper | Supply lines | Durable, expensive |
| PEX | Supply lines | Flexible, easy DIY |
| CPVC | Supply lines | Rigid plastic, affordable |
| PVC | Drain lines | White plastic, glued |
| ABS | Drain lines | Black plastic, glued |
| Cast iron | Older drain lines | Heavy, may need replacement |
| Galvanized | Older supply | Corrodes, often replaced |
Working with PEX
Why it's DIY-friendly:
- Flexible (easier to route)
- Push-fit or crimp connections
- No soldering
- Freeze-resistant
Connection types:
- Push-fit (SharkBite): Most expensive, easiest
- Crimp rings: Moderate, need tool
- Expansion: Professional-grade
Water Heater Basics
Maintenance
| Task | Frequency | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Check temperature | Annually | Should be 120°F |
| Drain sediment | Annually | Extend life, efficiency |
| Check anode rod | Every 3 years | Prevents tank corrosion |
| Check pressure relief valve | Annually | Safety |
Signs of Problems
| Sign | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Lukewarm water | Heating element/thermostat |
| No hot water | Pilot light, element, gas |
| Rusty water | Anode rod, tank corrosion |
| Rumbling noises | Sediment buildup |
| Leaking | Tank failure (likely replacement) |
Tank Lifespan
| Type | Typical Life |
|---|---|
| Electric | 10-15 years |
| Gas | 8-12 years |
| Tankless | 20+ years |
When to Call a Plumber
| Situation | Why |
|---|---|
| Main line blockage | Requires professional equipment |
| Gas water heater issues | Safety |
| Sewer line problems | Needs camera inspection |
| No water to house | May be main line |
| Major leaks | Minimize damage |
| Permit required | Code compliance |
| You're not comfortable | No shame in calling a pro |
Preventing Problems
| Practice | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Don't flush non-flushable items | Prevent clogs |
| Use drain screens | Catch hair, debris |
| Don't pour grease down drain | Prevents buildup |
| Insulate pipes in cold areas | Prevent freezing |
| Know your shutoffs | Faster emergency response |
| Annual water heater maintenance | Extends life |
Key Takeaways
- Know your shutoffs - Before you need them
- Plunger is your friend - Solve most clogs
- Teflon tape for threads - Always wrap properly
- Don't overtighten - Can crack fixtures
- Match parts to your fixtures - Bring old parts to store
- Turn off water before working - Prevent floods
- Know your limits - Some jobs need professionals