Plumbers In Shreveport encompass all work for single-family homes, apartments, and other non-commercial spaces. When choosing a residential plumber, it is important to consider their licensing and experience, reputation and reviews, 24/7 emergency services, pricing transparency, insurance coverage, and warranties.
Homeowners often take their residential plumbing for granted until something goes wrong. Understanding some of the terminology and best practices can help you communicate more effectively with your plumber, helping you save money in the long run!
Commercial plumbing involves piping systems for commercial spaces like restaurants, shops, retail outlets, hospitals, hotels, manufacturing plants, warehouses, and care homes. The daily plumbing usage in a commercial area is significantly higher compared to residential. Therefore, the piping system requires more durable fixtures and has to be designed with high-grade materials. In addition, commercial spaces have a wider range of sinks, faucets, and toilets than residential buildings.
A commercial plumber is a specialist who services and repairs these piping systems. They have a vast knowledge of the different types of fixtures and their installation procedures. They also know how to handle larger and more complex pipe configurations. In addition, they are familiar with the codes and regulations that govern the installation, maintenance, and repair of commercial plumbing.
The most significant difference between commercial and residential plumbing is the size of the piping system. Residential piping is usually limited to a single home and its adjacent garage. Commercial piping is typically found in large buildings with multiple floors, such as office spaces, malls, and hospital buildings. As a result, the piping system is usually more expansive and complicated than in a residential building.
Another important difference is the amount of water used regularly. While a residential property might have just one family using the plumbing, a commercial space might have hundreds of people going in and out every day. This means that the plumbing system is under much more wear and tear, which increases the risk of leaks and other problems. It also requires more frequent maintenance and inspections. This is why many residential plumbers don’t venture into the realm of commercial plumbing.
The water supply systems in residential homes can be either direct or indirect. Indirect water supply systems use a cold water storage tank or cistern in the loft to feed the kitchen tap and the rest of the house’s cold taps. This type of system is usually more cost-effective as compared to a direct plumbing system. It can also be more environmentally friendly since there is less waste and fewer pipes are used.
However, indirect systems require a large amount of space in the loft for the bulky cisterns. This may not be suitable for some homes, especially those with small families or children. They can also cause back siphonage, which is not good for the health of the household members. The cisterns can also get contaminated with bacteria, so it is important to keep them clean and free of dirt, dust and pests.
Indirect plumbing systems are commonly found in older houses, and they are generally not as efficient as the newer direct plumbing system. Indirect systems can be more susceptible to leaks and corrosion of parts because they are not as well-insulated as the newer systems. Additionally, the cold water cistern can become full of stagnant water, which can be a breeding ground for germs.
A plumber can help you select and install the right plumbing system for your home, and he or she can also repair and maintain your existing pipes and appliances. Plumbing professionals have high ethical standards, extensive industry experience and are certified to offer the best services for your home. They undergo strict background checks and drug tests to ensure that they are reliable and trustworthy. They also have the proper tools and skills to do a thorough job on any plumbing work in your home.
Most homes are plumbed with either a direct or indirect water supply system. These systems differ in how cold taps are fed from the mains. Direct systems have all cold water feed directly from the mains while indirect systems use a cold water storage cistern in the loft to supply cold kitchen and garden taps, and your hot water cylinder.
Indirect systems impose less pressure on the distribution system as the rising main does not pass through every tap in the house. This results in less wear on plumbing materials and quieter operation. They also offer some water retention in case your mains fails, however they can be noisy if there is a significant demand for cold water.
If you need to drain your water storage cistern/tank in an indirect system close the mains stop-valve (or the supply pipe off the rising main if you can’t access the loft) and open all the cold taps/faucets (including the kitchen sink if your property is multi level). This will drain most of the water but it won’t completely empty the cistern/tank unless you also open the bathroom cold taps/faucets.
Direct systems have all taps feed from the mains, which imposes more pressure on the distribution system but offers the benefit of being able to draw drinking water from any tap in your home when your supply is cut. You can check this is the case by turning on both the cold and hot taps in one of your sinks. If no water flows at all, you have successfully isolated your water tank. Direct drainage systems can be single-stack or dual-stack. A single-stack system has a single large pipe that all the household waste pipes feed into, with a vent positioned above roof level to allow gases to escape. Dual-stack systems have separate pipes for household and rainwater wastes, with the latter draining down to a soakaway or into the sewerage system.
Depending on the pipe material, a broken water line could contaminate the water inside your home. This is why it’s important to know what kind of pipes are installed in your home.
Copper is a popular choice for residential plumbing, especially in areas with hard water. This material is durable and resistant to corrosion. However, it can rust when exposed to acidic liquids. Additionally, copper is prone to leaking. In contrast, PVC (polyvinyl chloride) pipes are a more durable and cost-effective option. PVC is also highly resistant to high water pressure and can be used indoors or outdoors.
Galvanized steel is another common water piping material, particularly in older homes. This type of pipe is coated with zinc to help protect against rust. However, galvanized steel is not as durable or resilient as other options.
Other types of piping include flexi hoses or braided hoses. These piping pieces make the final connection between the water supply line and appliances like toilets, sinks or showers. They are typically made from rubber surrounded by stainless steel and come in different lengths. These piping options are commonly available in hardware stores and may be labeled as “flexi pipes” or “flex lines.” They may be identified by a black or red plastic fitting that can be removed for inspection. Lastly, polybutylene piping is another type of piping that can be found in homes, though it’s not up to code in many areas.
The drainage system gets rid of the water that is used in the toilets, showers, and sinks in your home. It is more complicated than the supply system and one of the most costly systems in a house to repair or replace. The drainage system consists of the drain lines, sewer line, vent pipes, and water storage tanks.
Like the supply system, the drainage system is regulated by building and plumbing codes. It is also the least visible component of a residential plumbing system. Often called the DWV (drain-waste-vent) system, it is made up of a network of pipes that convey wastewater and sewage to a municipal sewer line or septic tank.
The most obvious feature of the drain system is the trap, which sits underneath every residential sink. This curved piping seals off sewer smells and prevents backflow of waste. It also helps keep mildew, mold, and rot from growing in residential structures.
All drain lines pitch, or angle, downward toward the sewer line. This is because they are not under pressure, unlike the supply system. The piping that carries waste from the lowest level of a home to the municipal sewer line or septic tank is known as the main drain line.
This system also has venting pipes, which carry noxious fumes from the traps up through the roof of a house. The vent piping is important because it maintains equal air pressure throughout the drain system and prevents suction power from pulling wastewater out of the drain traps. It also keeps noxious gases from entering living spaces, and it prevents the backflow of water through fixtures. Without the vent system, a home could have serious health problems and damage its structure.