Most people would think that plumbing and drainage are one and the same, but as emergency plumbers, we know better. There are a few major differences between drainage and plumbing, and we are going to tell you what they are below. So, without further ado, let us dive straight into it.
The Main Difference
The main difference between plumbing and drainage is that plumbing means that water is coming into your home, and drainage is water waste flowing away from your house. It is also important to differentiate between water mains and plumbing, which is something that our team of plumbers are able to assist with if you need us to. To put it simply, water mains involves having water in your home and the plumbing is the water that flows around your house. A great example of this is this: if your toilet is blocked, it is a drainage problem. However, if it won’t flush, then it is a plumbing problem.
What Actually Is Drainage?
Drainage is just the process of moving any waste away from your home safely and efficiently; as a result of this, drainage systems usually utilise the natural force, gravity, to assist in the transportation of waste along the sewer pipes to join up with the main sewer, and travel through it to the treatment facility.
The pipes in drainage systems are usually angled downwards. If you are having issues with drainage, it can be a lot more concerning than problems with plumbing, as it can leave problems long after the system has been repaired by a drainage expert, especially if the dirty wastewater has been soaking into the floor inside of your property. It is important to resolve any drainage problem as soon as you notice it in order to avoid long-lasting problems.
Generally, a plumbing company can take care of work inside of your home, but drainage specialists will take care of things that occur outside of your home, in the sewers themselves.
What Is A House Plumbing System?
The plumbing system in houses is the system that is inclusive of the pipes, fittings, and tanks required to transport water around your home. It is a very complex network and because it is so complicated and one of the more costly systems to repair, it is definitely beneficial to understand how your plumbing system works. By understanding the basics of a plumbing system, you will have a better understanding of any problems that occur, and whether you need to call a local plumber or fix the problem yourself.
When your plumbing system begins to leak, it is very inconvenient but can be resolved with minimal damage and hassle; there is a very simple way to find out if you have a burst pipe in your home, and it is by looking for the huge fountain of water coming from one of your pipes! An experienced plumber can replace or repair a broken pipe for you, and have your home dry and back to normal in no time at all.
The Reasons Why It Is Important To Have A Proper Drainage System
It is very important that you have a proper, working drainage system within your home or other premises; this is because it helps to keep your property hygienic and that all waste is drained successfully.
Below, we will outline a few of the most common problems that arise when a drainage system is damaged or has been poorly installed. These include:
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The foundations of your property can be affected by this and can become damaged.
- Poor drainage systems can lead to a large increase in mould, dampness, and mildew.
- Water can begin to pool around your garden or property walls.
- If the drainage system in your property has not been installed properly, an awful and unpleasant smell can begin to linger around your home.
- Blockages can occur in your pipework constantly, which can cause overflowing drains.
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Rodents can infiltrate damaged pipework, leading to rats and other animals in your home.
Importance of Drainage in Winter
While it’s important year round that your home or business is equipped to handle the expected run offs from the rain and bad weather we tend to experience in Great Britain, it’s especially important in Winter. More often than not, the weather in Winter gets significantly worse, with an increase in rain and sleet and strong risks of snow and ice build up. With the freezing temperatures we get in Winter, water that isn’t being properly drained risks freezing over and causing blockages and damage that could burst pipes, leaving you with a hefty and unexpected repair cost.
What Are The Similarities?
Yes, we have gone over the major differences between plumbing and drainage, but are they similar at all? The short answer is kind of. Both of these systems are very similar to each other, apart from the functions that they are used for; both plumbing and drainage rely on nature to operate properly, and they depend on pressure and gravity to continuously flow in and out of your home. Their systems are very delicate, and a tiny difference in ‘pressure zones’ within your home can render your plumbing system completely and utterly useless.
Here at MH Heating Solutions, we provide a range of plumbing and heating services to Sutton Coldfield, Shirley, Redditch, and more! Get in touch today to find out more!