Getting to Know the Plumbing System of Bathtubs
Bathtubs have been used for centuries. Though the purpose of a bathtub is to help people wash off dirt and freshen up, many would identify the bathtub as one of the most relaxing places in the home. It’s a place to unwind and have some alone time after a long or stressful day. They’re used nearly every day by most homeowners and their families. Their function is essential in a house, but many don’t know the basics of how bathtub plumbing works.
Through this article, homeowners can gain an even bigger appreciation for their bathtubs by learning about the inner workings of their plumbing system.
Home Plumbing System Basics
Homeowners shouldn’t be expected to know all of the details of their plumbing system. But it is helpful for them to have a basic understanding of how things work so they can identify when there’s a problem and effectively communicate the concern with a plumbing professional.
In a home plumbing system, there are two main subsystems: one to bring clean water into the home, and the other to carry wastewater away. In the first subsystem, the home relies on water pressure to carry the clean water into the house and through the pipes to various rooms and plumbing fixtures (bathtubs, sinks, washing machines, toilets, etc.) that require fresh water. The other subsystem relies on gravity to carry the wastewater away from the house and out to the main line, where it can then flood out to the sewer system.
Bathroom Plumbing Know-How
In the bathroom plumbing, there are two more systems to break down the plumbing system - hot and cold water pipes - since there are two temperature options for the water in the bathtub, sink, and shower. When clean water enters the house, it splits into those two systems.
The cold water pipe system has fewer steps. In it, water first passes through any water softeners or filters that exist in the home and then goes directly to the bathroom plumbing fixtures. But the hot water system has one additional step. Here, water has to pass through the water heater before heading through the pipes to reach the plumbing fixtures.
The Complexities of Bathtub Plumbing
There are endless options when it comes to design, materials, and technology used in bathtubs. Enameled cast iron is very heavy but is one of the most durable materials for a bathtub. Fiberglass-reinforced acrylic is another popular option because it is lighter and easier to shape. Since the bathtub style can vary quite a bit (built-in tubs, freestanding tubs, tubs with showers), so can the bathtub plumbing. For the tubs that also serve as a shower, their plumbing includes a diverter valve.
This allows the user to switch the water from running through the tub spout to the showerhead.
Many types of drains will influence the plumbing needs. Pop-up drain stoppers have a rocker arm that forces the stopper to move up or down, but tubs with a main drain opening use a hollow brass plunger that slides up and down to seal the drain opening.
Homeowners should spend some time getting to know the specific plumbing mechanisms of their bathtub. This knowledge can make them more aware of plumbing issues they may see and how to resolve those problems.
About Lodder Brothers Limited
At Lodder Brothers Limited, better plumbing has been their guarantee since 1975. Their goal is to make sure customers’ homes are kept in top condition with superior solutions and products. They focus on a customer-first mentality, which motivates them to provide the best service possible.
