The plumbing system in a home is crucial to the quality of life for most people. It enables us to perform our daily tasks, such as flushing the toilet, showering, and washing the dishes, but if the system breaks down, we may not be able to function properly. Plumbing systems include pipes that distribute water and remove waterborne wastes. A home plumbing system is different from the sewage system, which serves the entire city.
Plumbing systems follow the basic laws of nature to function correctly. For example, gravity and pressure limit how high water can be distributed in a home. In addition, water is not infinitely abundant. For these reasons, there are plumbing regulations that govern how much water can be pumped from one place to another. These regulations also help protect future buyers and tenants of the building. Plumbing regulations are governed by state regulations, and state regulations may differ from those of other states.
Pipes for sewage and water supply are made of copper, steel, or plastic. These materials are resistant to corrosion. In the past, galvanized iron was the standard for residential plumbing, but its use was limited by World War II and other concerns. Afterwards, copper was the most common choice for pipes. By the 1970s, the plumbing industry started using other materials, including copper, to conserve water. Lead, which is highly toxic, is no longer used in plumbing systems.
