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If you have ever gone camping for a weekend, you know it
doesn't take long to miss running water, flushing toilets, clean clothes,
and hot showers. These modern conveniences are the benefits of plumbing
systems. In an emergency, you should know how to turn water off quickly
before it ruins floors and walls. The main shutoff valve is located either
outside where the main water supply enters, or just inside—particularly in
cold climates. Turn the valve clockwise to shut it off. Call your utility
company if the problem involves a valve between the street and the house.
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Plumbing has come a long way due to technological
advancements. Unfortunately, many people are unfamiliar with their
plumbing systems and what is required to keep them operating. There are
several major parts to a plumbing system :
- Water Heaters
Most homes have their water heated be either electric, gas, or
oil-fired water heaters. Tanks range from 32 to 80 gallons,
and have different heating capabilities. They are covered with a
layer of enamel to prevent rusting. To guard against both excessive
temperature and pressure, these heaters must have a
temperature/pressure relief valve to release water when either the
temperature or pressure threshold of the water heater is reached.
The Temperature settings need to be adjusted for maximum safety and
heater life, as do magnesium rods suspended in some tanks to attract
electrolytes in the water.
- Water Softeners
Water in some geographical areas contains excessive calcium and
magnesium deposits, known as "hard" water, which leave
rings and can be unhealthy. The sodium used in water softeners
should not affect diet, but drinking water can be averted around
water softeners to avoid excess sodium in drinking water.
- Toilets
Toilets, though they may seem complicated, are actually very simple
mechanisms that require proper maintenance to keep flushing for a
lifetime. Different mechanisms that require occasional inspection
include the rubber stopper and valve seals used in flushing the
toilet, to check for tightness.
- Septic Tanks
Liquid and solid wastes are separated in septic tanks. A working
tank should always be filled to the level of the outlet pump. As the
liquid level rises, excess will flow through the outlet and into the
drain field, which consists of perforated pipes flowing away
from your house to relieve liquid wastes. They should be made of
either steel (most durable) or fiberglass, and hold from 500 to 1500
gallons.
- Seepage Pits
Seepage pits can have a lifetime of 20 years if properly installed
and maintained. This includes a professional servicing/pumping every
2 to 4 years, depending upon the frequency of use and number of
people in your family.
- Connections
Plumbing in your house is useless if the piping connecting
everything is leaking or in bad shape. There should be NO
cross-connections, points where contaminated water or wastes and
potable water are allowed to mix.
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