Month: October 2023

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Month: October 2023

What Are The Types Of Plumbing Systems?
October 17, 2023 Blog Jeffrey Steeves

Whenever someone thinks about plumbing, they usually think about their sinks, showers and toilets. However, plumbing is more complicated than that.

All plumbing systems are connected to a series of pipes that have two uses; for us to use and to get rid of waste. Here’s what you need to know about the different types of plumbing systems.

THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF PLUMBING

There are three different types of plumbing systems; sanitary drainage, stormwater drainage and potable water. Each of these systems have their own unique functions and purposes. Here is a more in-depth look into how these systems operate.

SANITARY DRAINAGE SYSTEM

A sanitary drainage system is what helps get rid of wastewater. This system contains a series of pipes that were designed to specifically dispose of waste. This waste comes from things such as doing the laundry and putting food down the drain. Once the waste enters the pipes, it is then transferred to a local sewer system.

STORMWATER DRAINAGE SYSTEM

You may have noticed those little holes on the sidewalk. Those are known as storm drains. These are used to carry excess water away from a house. Back in the day, the water that went down a storm drain used to go into a sanitary drainage system. And in some areas, they still do. These days, however, rainwater is sent to a storm sewer instead.

Your gutters also play a pivotal role when it comes to draining rainwater. However, if they’re not maintained, it can lead to serious issues.

Here are a few common signs of malfunctioning gutters:

  • The paint starts peeling off the house
  • The gutters are cracked
  • The gutters are split
  • Your home has sustained water damage

POTABLE WATER SYSTEM

A potable water system is what enables people to use water within a building. This system is comprised of various pipes that’s connected to a single system. A valve can be located on this system, which is used to cut off the water supply. Furthermore, there is also usually a meter that tells you how much water is being used throughout the building.…

Why plumbing is important for community health, safety and water sustainability
October 10, 2023 Blog Jeffrey Steeves
    • Plumbing allows us to manage water
    • Plumbing prevents epidemic diseases
    • Plumbing conserves water

There are several things that the human race takes for granted and plumbing is near the top of that list. People grow up thinking of water as a basic necessity. However, we don’t realize there was a time when bathing was considered dangerous and people would go on years without bathing. Just as people would also throw their waste on the streets, or just about anywhere (and many still do).

We don’t really pay much attention to the system of plumbing in Alexandra, Johannesburg, that is running underneath and around our homes and leaking water everywhere. The closest we come to thinking about it is when we face water problems, or when the geyser is malfunctioning, or when the drain clogs.

Truth is, the system of plumbing in most of our cities, despite the many problems with maintenance, leaks and pollution, still works wonders for us. Our lives would have been a lot more difficult and demanding if not for the ease provided to us by the plumbing systems.

Allow us to enlighten you on how plumbing is taking care of a lot more than just our overflowing drains and busted water lines.

    • Plumbing allows us to manage water: With the development of plumbing systems, the human race was able to manage, control and direct water for their personal use. Furthermore, plumbing allowed us to keep clean and dirty water apart thereby improving our health, hygiene and wellbeing. It is only because of intricate well-maintained systems of plumbing across South Africa that communities have access to clean water conveniently and comfortably in our homes.
    • Plumbing prevents epidemic diseases: Remember the plague, or Black Death? Water can be the source of various infectious diseases – and history is full of such instances. Many epidemics in the past have been caused because of water. The Black Death took away almost half the European population as a result of unsanitary conditions – in the absence of modern plumbing. Plumbing harnesses water, allowing communities in every country to have drinking water clean by adding disinfectants to it. Even more, even if an epidemic were to begin, one of the control measures that can be taken is adding antidotes in the water. As we sit in our homes, oblivious to the dangers lurking outside, the system of plumbing is keeping us safe.
    • Plumbing conserves water: There are many ways in which plumbing prevents water wastage. One way it does so is through hot water recirculation or tankless water heaters. We are all guilty of running the water for several minutes while waiting for the hot water to finally find its way through. Hot water recirculation prevents that by keeping hot water ready for our usage. And acquiring that system is super easy regardless of where you live.
    • Comfort and beauty: Until the 1800s indoor plumbing systems were considered a luxury. Even in the 60s in developed European countries, an outdoor privy was the norm. Today, modern plumbing in most parts of the world allows us to use washrooms and toilets in the comfort of our own homes. There are vast tracts of Africa where this is not yet the case – but we are getting there. Imagine spending a day in a place with no toilet and you’ll soon realise how plumbing has changed our lives. In addition to comfort, plumbing has allowed us to bring beauty into our lives. Modern plumbing now allows us to have upmarket bathing systems in our house. Something that was once a luxury has today become a source of entertainment and relaxation.
    • Energy saving: Advancements in plumbing are happening every day. With the passage of time, we are seeing more and more energy efficient plumbing systems. Plumbing makes possible for water efficiency, which in turn leads to greater energy savings. Such modern plumbing systems around the world encourage less water wastage, which leads to less amount of water in geysers and less transported. This saves a lot of energy. Water faucets with sensors for instance are a great way of reducing water wastage.
    • Plumbing saves lives: Health professionals readily acknowledge the role clean sanitary conditions play
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