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Rooterman

When discussing plumbing, we often focus on our toilets, sinks, water lines to our ice maker, etc. We rarely consider our plumbing system as a complete unit. Yet, it is the entire system that we should consider because a problem in any area can completely disrupt your home.

If asked, do you know what type of plumbing system you have? Rooter Man Plumbing can help you figure it out.

Plumbing System Types

Water must enter and exit every home or business with indoor plumbing. It is what makes up your plumbing system. Which type you have may be based on whether you live in the city or rural Louisiana, but it will still function the same.

Sanitary Drainage System

The sanitary drainage system allows wastewater to exit your home or business. In areas where flooding is not an issue or a lower water table, the most used will be a gravity system, but three types of sanitary drain systems are available.

  • Gravity Systems: This type of wastewater drain is angled on a gradual slope toward a wastewater treatment plant. It relies heavily on gravity. If you have a septic tank and don’t have a nearby wastewater plant, your wastewater will filter out into a drain field using gravity.
  • Low-Pressure System: You may have a low-pressure system as a viable alternative to gravity systems. This means you have an interceptor tank and chamber which holds a submersible electrical pump. Organic waste will enter the interceptor, while liquid waste will be pushed through the pipes and toward the wastewater plant.
  • Vacuum Systems: This is the most uncommon alternative to gravity systems because we mostly use it in water-charged, reclaimed, or flat areas. We often use them at campsites or other recreational areas. They have a central vacuum station, pumps, a collection chamber, and discharge pumps.

The type of sanitary system you have may show how complex it will be to repair if you have clogged drains, broken sewer lines, etc., and how much it would cost to replace it if there are issues.

Stormwater Drainage System

In New Orleans and other cities, little holes typically go under sidewalks, large parking lots, and more. These are stormwater drainage systems. They carry excess water away from your home or local businesses to prevent flooding.

This is not typically something you will have to deal with unless the storm drains near your home or business aren’t working correctly. If it isn’t working and water is backing up onto your property, you will need to contact the local water board to report your issue. Remember that storm drains may not always be able to keep up during heavy amounts of rainfall or storms.  

Potable Water System

The potable water system in your home or business is the part that allows you to get clean, drinkable water. It consists of various pipes that connect to a single water supply. You can turn it on or off using a water cutoff valve near toilets and sinks or outside the building as the water main.

No matter who (the city or county) maintains the water quality where you live, you still may have to stay aware of your water system if you have:

  • Increased Water Bills
  • Lower Water Pressure
  • Leaking Pipes, Faucets, or Toilets

A good rule of thumb is that if the water is leaking beyond your water meter, it is the city’s problem. If it leaks closer to your home or business than the water meter, it is your responsibility to repair it.

Why Your Plumbing System Matter?

We live in a world where water is a commodity. Wasted or contaminated water is not ideal.

Water leaks in and around your home or business can lead to mold, mildew, and extensive water damage. If it encounters loose wiring in your home, it can cause electrical shocks or fires.

Sewage issues can lead to water contamination, which can mean that the water you brush your teeth with has salmonella, hepatitis, E. coli, and more. This is very harmful to your health.

If you want to know that your plumbing system is working, you can contact Rooter Man Plumbing. We will help you determine your plumbing system and allow you to take the best care of it to ensure it works properly no matter where you live in our service area.

 

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