A clogged pipe is a home repair problem we have all had to remedy at one point or another. A basic understanding of how the plumbing in your house works and some preventative maintenance can help prevent future incidents. The plumbing system is a simple design that allows waste to descend the pipes in your house to the main drain and flow into the sewer or septic tank while preventing gases from entering.
Basic Plumbing Components
The p-trap is well known for catching small objects that have been dropped down the drain. And although this piece can be handy for saving jewelry, it’s main purpose is to allow waste to flow through while preventing noxious gases from entering your bathroom or kitchen. A small amount of water gets trapped in the curve and creates a dam to block gases. Every sink, toilet, and shower should have a p-trap for this very reason.
The waste lines direct any sewage from these spots to the main drain and away from your home. These pipes can be difficult to access as they are in your walls, floors, and underground. A clog in any of these pipes can be more difficult to fix and lead to sewage backing up into the house.
Vent pipes help the flow of sewage through the waste lines by allowing in air. The vent pipes connect to the waste lines from the roof. Blockage at the vent will create suction and make it difficult for waste to flow freely.