All new commercial, residential, and industrial buildings have a series of pipes ensuring water gets to and from all the right places.
While the concept of plumbing systems is simple, it’s generally far more complicated than you think, as there are three types of plumbing, all with their own intricacies. Those are:
- Sanitary drainage systems
- Stormwater systems
- Potable water systems
Each of these three plumbing systems serves a distinct purpose to ensure clean water supply, proper wastewater disposal, and effective drainage in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings.
Sanitary Drainage Systems
Sanitary drainage systems are essential for healthy homes and communities. They’re designed to transfer human waste and wastewater from activities like cooking and washing from homes and businesses to community sewage systems.
These plumbing systems ensure all waste from a building leaves through the most appropriate channels and safely reenters the community with the smallest impact. While they come under one name, there are at least three main sanitary plumbing systems that plumbers can install:
Gravity System
A gravity system is the most common form of sanitary drainage system. This system relies on the ground’s natural slope to send wastewater into the sewage network. Gravity systems are most often used in areas with low water tables and a low flooding risk.
Low Pressure System
Low-pressure systems are slightly more complex than gravity systems. Plumbers install interceptor tanks with small electrical pumps underground. These pumps transport waste to sewage plants through small pressure lines.
Vacuum System
If you live in a flat area or have charged or reclaimed ground, your local plumber may recommend a vacuum system for sanitary drainage. Such a system uses electricity and a central vacuum station with vacuum valves.
Stormwater Drainage Systems
Stormwater drainage systems remove rainwater from structures and specific areas. They are generally designed to help water move away from roofs, surfaces, and subsoil. After the water is distributed away, it passes through a secondary system to help it move on to the next area. Plumbers typically install:
- Gravity-fed systems: Pipes that help water go through drainage systems
- Pump systems: Systems to pump water away from an area, often with rainwater tanks
- Stormwater discharge: Pipes and channels to discharge water into bodies of water
Potable Water Systems
Potable water systems help us enjoy fresh, clean water in our homes and businesses. They are a series of pipes connecting our structures to the community water mains and have a water valve so we can shut off the water to our properties when required.
Potable water systems are easily one of the most essential services plumbers provide. These systems include a series of pipes and fixtures to ensure adequate water to and from all appliances in a home.
Straight pipes are among the most common in homes and businesses. They direct water in the most straightforward manner. However, potable water systems also rely on elbows to change the direction of plumbing systems, right-angle tee pipes, and brass and gate valves. These valves control your appliances’ water flow.
Get Help with Your Plumbing Systems
Whether you’re experiencing issues with your plumbing systems or have a plumbing question you need answered, OP Plumbing Services PTY LTD is the team to call. We can assist with all your sanitary, stormwater, and potable water system needs.