Plumbing 

Plumbing - All You Wanted To Know About Pipes And Fittings

Before we know details about plumbing, let us find out what plumbing is. Simply put, plumbing involves putting up and maintenance of drainage and water supply systems. A person who specializes in plumbing is known as a plumber. These days, it is not possible to think of a house or any building without plumbing because plumbing takes care of the very necessity for human living - water.

Origins of Plumbing

Plumbing is as ancient as the oldest civilizations that came up in the ancient cities. The trade of plumbing can be traced to the ancient civilizations of India, Rome, China and Persia. Thousands of years back, plumber applied their trade in these countries and fixed pipes for baths, drains and other water supply sources.

Plumbing Systems

Most plumbing systems relate to toilets, washers, bathtubs, sinks and anything and everything related to supply and drainage of water. You need to know a little bit about plumbing fixtures before you can buy plumbing systems for your home. Pipes and fittings are also part of the plumbing systems. Plumbing systems need frequent cleaning and maintenance, which is the reason why plumbers are always in great demand.

Importance of Plumbing

Plumbing helps keep residential areas clean. It is crucial for urban development. Plumbing systems not just carry water to homes and offices, they are also crucial in carrying away waste water and disposing it at locations where the contaminated water cannot give rise to diseases. The lack of good plumbing has often been felt in developing countries and rural areas, where poor sanitation has given rise to many kinds of diseases.

Apart from sanitation, plumbing sets you free from having to source water from wells and similar natural sources, and to plan your life around available water supply. Those living in impoverished regions around the world with no plumbing would understand the importance of plumbing in their lives.

Common Plumbing Problems

Since plumbing fixtures are meant to carry waste and water all the time, frequent corrosion of pipes and fittings is a common problem with this trade. The aim of any plumbing job should be to ensure that wastewater goes to the right drain, and clean water flows through the right spout. You also need to prevent leaks that could corrode the walls and inflict sever damage to the buildings.

Some common plumbing problems involve clogged drains, faulty faucets and sinks, garbage disposal problems, water heaters, valves, septic tanks, pumps, wells etc.

Pipes and Fittings

Pipes and fittings are the most important aspect of plumbing. A good plumber needs to keep in mind the quality of the pipe and fittings when installing plumbing fixtures in any building. Safety glasses, hats and fire shields are necessary when the plumber is welding metal pipes and fittings.

There are different types of pipes for different plumbing applications. Rigid copper pipes are good for newly developed systems, while flexible pipes are good for creating joints. PVC pipes are used for irrigation and conduits for ventilation units. ABS or Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene pipes are used for carrying electrical cables and black poly pipes carry corrosive chemicals and gases.

Similarly, tubing comes in many different forms. Water supply tubes connect the supply source to a tap, or spout. Materials used for tubing include plastic, chrome, copper, brass etc. Vinyl tubing is used for pressure fittings and is cheaper than metal tubing. Traps are put under sinks to carry water to the drain. Traps are made of plastic or chrome.

It is very important top select the right type of pipes, tubing, traps and fixtures depending on your requirements, failing which your plumbing fitting would not work well and create problems.

Business Opportunities in Plumbing

If you wish to start a business where your services will always be in demand, plumbing is the right choice. As long as plumbing systems exist, there will be a demand for plumbers in homes, schools, offices and all building where people work or reside. Plumbing requires skill, and you will need to have an open mind when you come up against an intractable clogged drain or a leaking pipe to solve that problem.

While minimum wages for plumbers is assured, you can actually earn more if demand outstrips supply of service. In order to become a plumber, you need specialized training for this trade. A course in plumbing at a plumbing school lasts for 2 years, and upon completion of the course, you can then get an associate’s degree in plumbing.

A plumbing school, however, will not teach you most of what there is to learn in the field. You will be taught the basics of plumbing, and about pipes and fittings, but the real test of your knowledge will be outside the school, at your workplace i.e. in homes, schools and offices where you will provide your services, and also learn a lot about plumbing. You need to know the best kind of pipes and fixtures, and you have to get it right the first time. Otherwise, your work may result in unpleasant leaks, odors and dampness on the walls. If you are working in industrial plants, then it is even more crucial for you to do the best plumbing possible job.

Of course, the drawback of plumbing as a profession is that you are expected to get into the most unpleasant spots to repair sinks, toilets, and bath systems. However, the appreciation you receive from people later is worth the trouble.

The Role of Plumbers

Plumbers do not just repair broken pipes, replace worn tubes or take care of leaking sinks; they also lay plumbing systems in newly constructed buildings. Plumbers lay pipe systems for municipal water supply, and for stoves, heating systems and air conditioners. Plumbers also provide their expertise in laying waste disposal ducts.

Plumbers are hired by manufacturing plants to create assembly line ducts; as well as pipes and fittings for pharmaceutical, chemical and food packaging companies.

Many plumbers have niche areas of expertise they work on, like soldering, sheet metal fabrication and pipelaying. Steam layers are called in to work on manufacturing sectors.

Plumbing Precautions

Plumbing requires certain precautions that you should keep in mind. Use a shield to protect your eyes when welding. Soldering requires you to wear fire resistant gloves, hat and glasses. Ventilation is very important when you are working with fumigants.

Avoiding Plumbing Problems

Certain small precautions can prevent many plumbing problems. Do not let the sinks to be clogged; ensure that things that can clog the sinks are not thrown in them. Avoid lye-based cleaners for drains. Do not pour dirty water in the toilet since objects left over in the water may clog the toilet.