Homes require many functioning systems in order to provide the best shelter for residents. Electrical systems, appliances, heating and air and plumbing all ensure the house is safe and beneficial for residents. In fact, every homeowner should understand the importance of a plumbing system in a home and how it benefits them. A home’s plumbing system enables safe drinking water, warm bath water, clean water in general for hand, clothes and dish washing and removes dirty waste water.
Enables Clean Water
One of the most important benefits of your home’s plumbing system is that it allows you to enjoy clean drinking water. Clean water in your home is also used for washing, bathing, and cleaning. California counties, such as Sutter and Yuba, and cities, such as Yuba City and Marysville, require basic water codes, but to ensure the best possible water for your home and family a complete whole house water treatment system is ideal. Four issues can occur without proper water treatment: hard water, odorous water, stains and bacteria or toxins.
Hard water occurs when calcium, magnesium, iron, or other minerals build up in pipes. This can often go undetected until it becomes problematic. Signs of hard water include dry skin and hair, rings around drains, calcium buildup in appliances which can lead to a shorter appliance life.
Even though a home’s plumbing system passes code regulations, poor-tasting and odorous water may be present. Normally, water is colorless and odorless with a nonexistent or slight mineral taste. Well water and some municipal water supplies, however, can produce a bad taste or smell. Hydrogen sulfide, decaying matter, or metals in the water supply can cause unpleasant odors and taste.
In addition, some metals, such as iron or manganese, will leave a rust colored stain in your tub, toilet, dishwasher. These harsh minerals can also alter hair color. Water with a low-PH can leave a blue-green stain in the same areas. Water stains can appear over time on anything your untreated water comes in contact with.
Furthermore, impure water can be infected with harmful bacteria, viruses, and toxins. These pathogens can live for months if untreated. A water treatment system, such as Kinetico, can address all these issues and ensure safe, quality water in your residence.
Supplies Hot Bathing Water
Another perk of your home’s plumbing system is that it supplies hot bath water. Most traditional tank water heaters hold 30-60 gallons of hot water and have limited lifespans meaning they will need to be replaced over time. Newer tankless water heaters last longer, offer faster and endless hot water and use less energy which can save money on utility bills. Traditional water heaters have a lower initial installation cost and may wear out more quickly, whereas tankless water heaters have a higher initial cost, but may have a greater cost savings overall.
Wastewater Removal & Sanitation
After water has been used for bathing, washing, appliances and removing human waste, it needs to be safely removed from the home and transferred to the municipal sewer or septic system. If the home’s plumbing is not engineered correctly, cross-contamination from wastewater backup, leaks or even heavy metal and mold can infect the clean water entering the home. Essential air gap separators between potable water and a drain prevents contamination and backflow. You may be familiar with your dishwasher’s air trap which is often near the faucets on the sink top. Another type of trap in the drainpipe under sinks holds water in the drain which prevents sewer gas from passing back into the building. Toilets have a similar water trap.
Prevention
Considering the importance of your plumbing system, it’s imperative that you call a local professional plumbing contractor when you need help. Leaks in walls, ceilings and floors can lead to toxic mold. Mold grows in warm, moist environments and can cause respiratory health issues. And pipes in older homes may contain lead, which has been shown to cause serious cognitive malfunctions in people who use the water from these lead pipes. Hire a licensed plumbing contractor to inspect and replace any lead-based piping in your home as soon as possible.
Fletcher’s Plumbing & Contracting understands residential plumbing, including mobile home plumbing. Our team of experienced plumbers have all the tools and skills necessary to get the job done right. Contact us today at FletchersPlumbing.net.