Plumbing systems are essential for the normal operations of every property, whether commercial, residential, industrial or public. The Plumbing system of any property comprises three parts:

• Water supply
• Drainage
• Equipment and fixtures

The primary purpose of any plumbing system is to provide and ensure a safe and hygienic water supply & drainage system. It also involves providing proper equipment and fixtures to support the supply and drainage systems.

Water Supply Systems

Every property requires water for several purposes, including hygiene, drinking, bathing, washing, etc. The supply of cold and hot water must be ensured for performing these activities. While your cold water supply comes from the mains, you need a heating appliance, such as a boiler, to provide hot water to your property. The water supply system consists of several pipes, valves, and pumps to ensure that your kitchen and all your bathrooms get their share of hot and cold water. Several factors should be considered when selecting the type of piping for your water supply systems. These factors primarily include the climatic conditions and water quality of your area. So if you live in Winchester, your local Plumbing in Winchester company should be able to provide you with recommendations based on these factors.

Cold and Hot Water Piping

The piping should be selected carefully as plumbing regulations prohibit some materials.

PVC- Polyvinyl Chloride

PVC is a very common plastic used in manufacturing numerous items, such as PVC pipes. These pipes are used for domestic, commercial, and industrial applications such as swimming pools, drain systems, underground sprinkler systems, packaging, automotive, and toys.

CPVC- Chlorinated PVC

CPVC pipes are considered more long-lasting and durable for hot and cold water. Regions with a highly corrosive water supply can benefit from CPVC piping.

Copper

Copper is more expensive than the above two materials but is also the most durable. It is anti-corrosive and does not have any harmful effects on water. However, water pH needs to be considered when installing copper pipes. Regular water supply has a pH ranging from 7.2 to 8.0. Copper should not be used if the PH is less than 6.5.

Galvanized Steel

Galvanized steel pipes corrode quickly but still have a lifespan of around 40 years. The corroded chunks can block the pipes entirely and restrict water flow. Another problem faced by galvanized steel pipes is that it does not match brass or copper. It will result in rapid corrosion if it comes in contact with these metals.

PAX

PEX is a type of cross-formulated polyethene. The X in PEX means that the molecular chains of polyethene are interlinked, making PEX incredibly durable even under extreme conditions of pressure and temperature. PEX is also highly resistant to chemicals. As it is a highly flexible material, the pipes can be installed with much fewer fittings than conventional plumbing systems. It is anti-corrosive and freeze resistant.

Kitec

Kitec combines the qualities of both plastic and metal to create a pressure pipe that serves multiple purposes. It is prepared by laminating aluminium tubes with plastic, both internally and externally. These composite pipes can be used for various applications. They are non-corroding and highly resistant to oils, fats, alkalis, and acids.

Poly

Poly pipes are soft plastic and commonly used for cold water only, and they can easily crack and age rapidly. Joints, where clamps are used, are often vulnerable to breakage.

Water flow control

Valves are an essential component of water supply systems and are required to ensure safety and efficiency. The size, type, and number of valves depend on the extent of the plumbing network on your property. Although a professional plumber or plumbing company should ideally advise you what type of valves are required at which locations, we are mentioning some types of valves usually found in residential water supply networks.

Shutoff Valves

These valves are simply for shutting off the water supply. They are of several types, such as ball, gate, and globe valves. They are often installed to isolate plumbing components or fixtures so that these components can be serviced without shutting off the entire water supply. One example is the installation between pressure tanks and pumps. Your main supply valve is often a shutoff valve. From Plumbing in Eastleigh to Cambridge, every plumbing system has shutoff valves.

Flow-control Valve

A flow-control valve is used to control the flow of water. They can be used to regulate or restrict water flow if the supply is inadequate. Diaphragm, mechanical, and orifices are all examples of flow control valves.

Relief Valves

These valves work to reduce excess pressure by permitting air or water to escape from a plumbing system. They are often installed in water systems which develop pressure over the tank or the system’s tolerance limit. Components like submersible and positive displacement pumps often create excessive pressure, so relief valves are installed in such systems. Water heaters may require the installation of a combined temperature and pressure relief valve.

Altitude Valves

As the name suggests, these valves are typically installed at the base of tanks to prevent overflow. They have adjustable springs which allow you to set the desired level, thus allowing the valve to operate automatically when the storage tank is full.

Check Valves

These permit unidirectional water flow through pipes. Take the example of submersible pumps. A check valve is installed at the top of the submersible pump to prevent backflow. Some water systems may another more than one check valve.

Must Read: Plumbing Services: Benefits and the Services They Provide