How The Plumbing Industry Works

How The Plumbing Industry Works

by

Adriana Noton

Plumbing originated in the ancient civilizations of the Greeks, Chinese, Indians, Persians and Romans. It did not, however, become a widely used system during the nineteenth century. At this time, there was an increased concern about the methods for waste disposal because people threw away waste on the street or in rivers. Originally, plumbing piping was built using products such as wood, clay, lead and stone. The pipes made from lead proved to be toxic when people began to fall ill with lead poisoning.

Plumbing is work related on fixtures, tubing and pipes. A person who practices the installation and repair of these units is known as a plumber. This business is vital to communities because it offers an effective source for waste management and clean water. Plumbing focuses on serving one building, while sewage and water arrangements are built to attend to the demands of multiple buildings.

In most parts of the world, the government is responsible for regulating the work done within this industry. They do this to ensure the health and safety of residents is not compromised. There are several building codes and regulations developed for this same purpose.

The industry has advanced because of the advancements in technology. Video cameras are not being used to help plumbers diagnose and fix problems hidden in a system. Other equipment has simplified the process as well. Some examples of commonly used equipment: pumps, gauges, water softeners, water heaters, backflow preventers, heat exchangers and control systems.

In the past, plumbing systems relied on the science of gravity to transport water throughout. Today, high-pressure pumps do this work. Piping is no longer made from wood, clay, or stone. Instead, modern systems utilizes durable materials that are non-toxic such as brass, copper and plastic. Stainless steel, iron and lead are used for some drain and vent lines. The units that are not curved are called pipes or tubes. The units that are often curved and connect tubes and pipes together are called fittings or valves. Fixtures are designed to drain and deliver water. Sinks, toilets, showers, and drinking fountains are examples of fixtures.

The main categories of piping: metal and plastic. Copper pipes are common in homes. They can be higher priced than plastic pipes. Still, they are able to withstand corrosion and extreme temperatures of water. Rustproof galvanized pipes were once widely used for moving water in and out of homes. They are not common today. Because of their price and availability, stainless steel piping is not prevalent. However, this type of steel piping can tolerate salt water.

Plumbing systems and subsystems are categorized. Tap water is possible through potable water supply. Vents, traps and drains make up the system that dispose of sewage and water within a structure and its vents. Septic systems handle sewage as well. Sub-surface and surface drainage involve the natural or artificial removal of water from surfaces and sub-surfaces. Fuel gas piping is another category.

Fire stopping practices are done worldwide. This form of fire protection involves sealing off joints and openings that are in wall and floor units. Special contractors handle most of this work.

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