A home's plumbing system is a complex network of pipes, valves, and fixtures that supply clean water and remove waste. A plumber in Melbourne will tell you that it includes the water supply line that brings municipal water into your house, hot and cold water lines for faucets and appliances, and drain pipes that carry wastewater and sewage away from sinks, bathtubs, showers, toilets, and other fixtures. 

Water Supply 

The water supply system routes freshwater into your home. It starts with the main water line, which may come from a municipal water source or a private well. From there, it connects to your water meter and then splits into cold and hot water lines for household use. The water supply lines then connect to fixtures, such as sinks, 

toilets, showers, and faucets. 

These fixtures can be made of a variety of materials, including cast iron, PVC, or ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene). Faucets control the flow and pressure of water to each fixture. 

The drainage system, also known as the drain-waste-vent (DWV) system, removes wastewater and sewage from your home’s fixtures. It includes the sewer line, which carries waste away from your house to the municipal sewage system or your private septic tank, and vent pipes, which allow sewage gases to escape while maintaining proper drainage pressure. The venting system also prevents sewage from backing up into your house’s fixtures. 

Drainage 

Drainage consists of a network of pipes that transport waste water, sewage and other debris away from sinks, tubs, showers, toilets and appliances like dishwashers and washing machines. It includes drain pipes, vent pipes and traps. The drainage system routes municipal water to your home and carries waste from those fixtures to the sewer line or septic tank. 

While most homeowners are aware that they should clean their drains regularly, many are not. Dirty drains can build up over time and cause a clog. This can be problematic as it can prevent water from flowing freely and can even cause water damage to your house. 

Additionally, blocked drains may attract mosquitoes, which can transmit dangerous diseases such as dengue fever, malaria and yellow fever. If left untreated, drainage problems can lead to soil erosion and heaving, which can affect the foundation of your home. This could cost you a fortune in repairs and replacements. To avoid these issues, always keep your drains clear of food, hair, cigarette butts and other debris. 

Vent Pipes

The vent pipes allow air into the plumbing system to help water and waste move through the drainage pipes. Without a vent, the fluid would create a vacuum that could cause blockages in the drains. Vents also remove sewer gasses and their foul odors, which can enter the home when they escape from the P-trap under toilets and sinks. 

The drainage and vent systems work together to ensure your home’s plumbing system removes wastewater and noxious gases efficiently. Problems with the p-trap or vent can cause draining issues, bad smells, and even sewage leaks. To prevent these problems, make sure to regularly inspect your vent pipes and replace any that are clogged or damaged. There are several different plumbing vent pipe options, including a vent stack that runs through the roof and re-vent pipes that connect to drain lines near specific fixtures. You should also insulate your vent pipes when the weather turns frigid to avoid them freezing and blocking the flow of air. 

Traps 

Every drain in a home, from the kitchen sink to the bathtub, contains a special type of pipe called a trap. These traps, which are usually in a "U" shape, retain water and keep dangerous sewer gasses from traveling back up through the sink drain into your home. 

This curved section of pipe creates a water seal that stops these gases and odors from entering your living space. It also prevents clogs and pests from finding their way into your plumbing system. 

The simplest way to check whether your traps are working correctly is by running water through each one. This flushes the stale water and keeps the trap sealed. When a trap dries out, however, it can cause serious problems for your plumbing. Traps that dry out most frequently include basement floor drains, kitchen sink drains and rarely-used bathroom drains. Proper maintenance and regular checks can avoid this problem.