The Basics of Shower Plumbing Systems

Getting To Know the Plumbing System of Showers

Showers are a lifesaver! They deliver a steady stream of hot water to clean off the dirt and grease from the skin and hair, but they do a lot more than that. They’re a place to relax and unwind and have a moment to oneself. Whether people take a shower every single day or not, the shower gets used a lot. Taking a shower is a central part of people’s daily routines, and it’s also a central part of the plumbing system. 

In this article, homeowners can learn how shower plumbing plays a role in the overall plumbing system, as well as some plumbing basics.

An Overview of a Home’s Plumbing System

It’s tough for homeowners to learn every detail of the plumbing system, and they shouldn’t have to! However, it is good to know a few basics of how the overall plumbing system works. By having a broader knowledge about the plumbing system, homeowners will be able to spot problems when they arise and communicate with a plumbing professional about the situation.

There are two main sub-systems in the plumbing system. One is responsible for bringing clean freshwater into the home, and the other is responsible for bringing wastewater away from the home. It is the water pressure that helps the pipes carry clean water into the home and distribute it to different faucets and plumbing fixtures when activated. 

When carrying wastewater out of the home, the pipes rely on simple gravity. When the wastewater reaches the bottom of the house, it will enter the main line, which collects all wastewater and carries it out to the sewer system.

Breaking It Down: Bathroom Plumbing

Bathrooms are at the center of the plumbing system. They typically contain the most plumbing fixtures and appliances over any other room. Whether the main water supply comes from a private well or the city’s water system, it all goes through the same process. It enters the house and branches off into two-pipe systems. 

Some water will go to the cold water pipe system and the rest to the hot water pipe system. Water in the cold water pipes is brought directly to the bathroom’s plumbing fixtures when activated. 

However, water in hot water pipes must first pass through the water heater before making its way to the bathroom plumbing system. Leaks and clogs are among the most common bathroom plumbing problems, but they can easily be prevented by being mindful of what’s washed down the drain or the toilet.

Breaking It Down Further: Shower Plumbing

There are a lot of choices when it comes to shower designs and materials. Acrylic materials (solid, hard sheets of plastic) are a durable option for shower walls and are easy to install. But glazed ceramic and porcelain tile are also commonly used for their versatility in design. There are tons of options for shower and tub design, along with many plumbing intricacies, some of which depend on the type of shower and tub in the home. 

If the shower has a tub, it will have a diverter valve that allows someone to switch the water from running through the tub spout to the showerhead. The pipes from the shower are also connected to the pipes for the sink and toilet. That’s why people experience a change in pressure or temperature in the shower when the toilet is flushed.

It’s also why clogs in the sink or toilet can impact the shower drainage as well. With the complex interconnectivity of shower plumbing, it’s always best to call a professional when experiencing any plumbing problems. 

About All Clear Plumbing

All Clear Plumbing has been a local, family-owned and operated plumbing and heating business proudly serving Belleville, NJ since 1952. Homeowners know them for their attention to detail and friendly customer service. Their goal is to always provide area property owners with the expert, reliable plumbing and heating services they need – and fast.

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