3 Types of Plumbing Systems in Your Home

Plumbing is something we tend to take for granted, but it’s a vital part of our homes. Whether you’re interested in a remodel or you’re planning a new build, understanding the three types of plumbing systems will help you better navigate the process. Here are the basics of everything you need to know.

1. Water Supply System

The water supply system, also called the potable water system, is what brings clean water into your home. It’s connected to either the city water or a private well, and provides all the water to your faucets and fixtures. So every time you turn on the water at your kitchen sink, do laundry, or water your garden, you’re using the water supply system.

Main Components

Here are the main components that make it work:

• Main water line: This connects your home to the city’s water distribution line or private well.

• Pipes: These connect your fixtures to the main water line and use pressure to work.

• Fixtures: Faucets, showerheads, and spigots allow you to access water.

Cost

Main water line installation costs $50 to $150 per linear foot, while piping an entire home costs $1,500 to $15,000. Fixtures range from $160 to $360 each, depending on location and materials.

2. Drainage System

The drainage system, also referred to as the sanitary drainage system, is what removes all of the wastewater from your home into the city’s sewer system or the septic tank. Unlike the water supply system, which relies on pressure to move the water, the drainage system uses gravity. Furthermore, there are two types of wastewater: gray and black. Gray water is from your baths, showers, washing machines, dishwashers, and all the sinks except for the kitchen sink. Black water is from your toilets and kitchen sinks.

Main Components

The main components of your drainage system include:

• Main drain line: The pipe that connects your drain pipes to the city’s sewer line or septic tank.

• Drain/waste pipes: These pipes use gravity to move the wastewater out of the home.

• Plumbing stack vent: A pipe that extends out from your roof that allows noxious fumes and gases to escape from your plumbing.

Cost

Sewer line installation costs $50 to $250 per linear foot, while drain pipes cost $700 per piping run. Plumbing stack vents cost $1,500.

3. Stormwater Drainage System

The stormwater drainage system carries all the excess water from rain or melting snow away from your house into a storm sewer. This system prevents flooding if you have basements, and keeps your driveways and walkways free of pooling water. Common drainage system types include ditches and swales, catch basins, French drains, and slot drains.

Main Components

These components work together to make up your stormwater drainage system:

• Inlets: These are openings where the water flows into the storm drainage system.

• Trunk line/main: The piping takes all the excess water into a storm sewer.

Cost

Drainage system installation costs $4,600 on average. However, it can run as little as $2,100 or as much as $7,100, depending on the system type and required prep work.

How to Spot Which Plumbing System Is Causing Issues

Having plumbing issues at home is always a struggle, especially since we rely so much on our kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms. Here are tips to help you figure out which plumbing system is the root cause of your problems. If you notice any of these signs, it’s best to call a plumber near you to come take a look.

Water Supply System

Anything related to the water you get from your faucets has to do with your water supply system. So if your water pressure is too low in your shower, the water is poor quality with strange smells or taste, or you experience an unusual spike in your water bill, you’ll need your water supply system checked out.

Drainage System

When functioning perfectly, all of the wastewater from your sinks, bathtubs, and toilets leaves your house through the drainage system. Signs of an issue with this plumbing system include clogged or slow-moving drains, bad smells, including sewage smells, and strange sounds. These issues should be taken seriously since, if left unchecked, you could have an even bigger problem on your hands, like a sewer backup.

Stormwater Drainage System

Stormwater drainage system issues can cause costly damage to your home because the excess water can pool around your foundation instead of draining away from your house. Over time, this can cause foundation cracks and even failure. Signs that your stormwater plumbing system has issues include puddles around the home, sinkholes, damaged landscaping, and exposed tree and plant roots.