Why Learn About Shower Plumbing? 

Showering should be the most relaxing part of the day, but sometimes it can turn into a plumbing nightmare. Becoming more knowledgeable about home plumbing comes in handy when a problem occurs. Below is some general plumbing information to help readers better understand how home plumbing works.

Home Plumbing System: How it Works

A home’s plumbing system consists of a water supply system and a drain-waste-vent system. The water supply brings freshwater from the water main under the street to the water meter, then to the home’s water heater. The freshwater then separates into the hot and cold copper pipes and travels to the faucets, showers, toilets, and any other freshwater supply in the home.

The drain-waste-vent system carries away wastewater from the freshwater sources to the main stack and then the sewer with the help of gravity. The pipes are slightly sloped downward for efficient drainage. There are cleanouts placed at various points of the pipes to access any drainage pipes easily.

The ventilation system, or main stack, prevents sewage gasses from entering the home and balances the pressure associated with the water pushing air through the pipes. These pipes are usually hidden in the house walls and go through the roof to the outside air.

Bathroom Plumbing Basics

The bathroom is where most plumbing fixtures and drains are located. It’s essential to have a general sense of how it works. All the bathroom fixtures – toilet, shower, bathtub and sink – are connected to the water and drain-waste-vent system.

The freshwater comes from the water heater and separates into two pipes for hot and cold water. These pipes supply hot and cold water to the sink, shower and bath. Only cold water is supplied to the toilet. Each fixture has a shut-off valve to stop the freshwater flow if a leak is present. 

The bathroom’s waste system is located underneath the floors. The wastewater is collected through the shower, tub, sink and toilet drain, then travels through an s-shaped trap to prevent sewage gases from entering the home. The water continues to the main stack and into the sewer.

How Do Showers Work?

When turning the shower on, the hot and cold water pipes bring freshwater from the water heater to the shower valve. The shower valve combines the hot and cold water and comes out of the showerhead or tub. Then the user turns the diverter valve, which diverts the water to either the tub or the showerhead. 

The mixing valve mixes the hot and cold water when turning the hot and cold handles for the perfect temperature. Notice the delay directly after water diverts the bathwater to the showerhead. The thermostatic valve senses the water temperature before going through the showerhead.

Copper pipes are preferred for the water supply system because the freshwater doesn’t change in quality. The ¾ in pipes creates optimal water pressure to the shower. Anything bigger than ¾ will cause sporadic temperature changes. The waste coming from the shower goes into the tub drain. Into the trap, then to the sewer. 

About Albert Nahman Services 

Albert Nahman Services provides quality plumbing, sewer & drain, and HVAC services to all customers in Berkeley. After being in business for 30 years, Albert Nahman Services still delivers exceptional plumbing services to all their neighbors.