Getting to Know Your Bathroom
Bathroom Anatomy
The bathroom is where you do your personal rituals. Whether you’re brushing your teeth, grooming yourself, showering, using the toilet, or washing your hands, the bathroom is fully equipped to meet your hygienic and sanitary needs. Many people usually take their bathroom for granted because everything is in place. But knowing the basic features of your bathroom can be a good thing.
It’s interesting that people frequently use the bathroom but know very little about the plumbing behind it. They only care about the plumbing when there’s an emergency. Although you don’t have to be an expert plumber, a basic understanding of how plumbing works can help you in case of an emergency. You will be able to save money if you can fix small bathroom problems. The bathroom is an important part of your home, so you should give it the care and maintenance it needs to stay in good condition.
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A bathroom has two separate sets of pipes, one for incoming clean water, and another for draining or discarding used water. As such, the bathroom also requires two elements to be functional: drain-waste-vent and water supply.
Think of it this way: whenever you flush the toilet or turn on the shower, the supply-side plumbing part makes sure new water flows in. On the flip side, the drain-waste-vent gets rid of used water through a drain and sends it straight into the sewer or a septic tank. Water must go through a long and winding system to reach your home, more so your bathroom. That’s why people must know how to conserve water, as it is usually sourced from the water system of your city.
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Since many of the bathroom components are hidden from view, they are usually thought of as complex. But actually, everyone can learn a few general maintenance tips and tricks. As a rule, remember to check for a consistent release of warm water from your shower head, the continuation of a toilet flush, no visible leaks, and enough water pressure in your sink. Learn how to make quick fixes from a professional plumber or friends who know how to deal with such things. But if you think the problem may be symptomatic of a bigger issue, call a professional for help right away.
P-Trap
It may sound sinister, but the P-Trap is actually the U-shaped section of the drain pipe that is usually located under the sink. It is shaped like that so when you accidentally drop something valuable down the sink, you can check the P-Trap to see if you can still retrieve it. This is a part of your bathroom’s plumbing that can be removed simply by looseningthe big nut at each end of it. Remember to shut off the water supply and leave a bucket underneath to catch the water that will drain out.
Pressure Balancing System
The pressure-balancing valve is a helpful device which regulates the temperature in your water. It is a known anti-scalding measure found in most faucets and showers. It prevents your water from getting too hot while you are washing up. This is best for homes with children or elderly people.
Thermostatic Valve
Like the pressure-balancing valve, the thermostatic valve can also regulate the temperature of water in your home. This one can even control the temperature for faucets in your home. The thermostatic valve controls and senses the actual temperature of the water, while a pressure-balance valve is limited to controlling and sensing the ratio of cold water to hot water. That said, they work together to get a smooth temperature control based on your needs.
Shut-off Valve
The shutoff valve is the one that controls the water flow of the entire house. You can use it to cut the water in case of major plumbing emergencies, like a big leak or burstpipe. This valve helps prevent excess water from damaging your bathroom. The shutoff valve usually looks like a faucet and may be found attached to certain pipes in the bathroom. You should find out where yours is located, so you will know which valve to close in case of a plumbing emergency. When all else fails, this is the first thing you need to shut down before trying anything else.
Fast Az Services is one of the most reputable home repair services in Alabama. Contact us today for any inquiries.







