Ask anyone what a plumbing fixture is and they would probably reply faucet. Plumbing fixtures are devices that are connected to a plumbing system and interact with water. Plumbing fixtures are designed for a particular use, and while this design can vary, fixtures generally are designed with one function in mind. There are a confusing number of plumbing fixtures in the market today.
All plumbing fixtures must be made of a smooth, non-corrosive, non-absorbent material. These materials are naturally anti-microbial and promote easy cleaning. Bathtubs, sinks, showers, tubs, toilets, and faucets are some of the common plumbing fixtures. Pipes drains, and valves are an integral part of a home’s plumbing system that supplies water to each of the plumbing fixtures and also drains it away.
There are literally millions of fixtures with different shapes, styles, colors, and materials. Most plumbing fixtures are porcelain as it is easy to clean, doesn’t rust, and is attractive. Porcelain fixtures include toilets, sinks, bathtubs, showers, and bidets. As fixtures are intended for long, durable use exposed to water on a constant basis, so they tend to be made of materials that resist rust, erosion, and water staining.
The most important plumbing fixture in any household is probably the toilet which uses a flush system to move waste out of our homes into a septic tank or a sewage system. Although toilets are sturdy and reliable as they are in constant use, toilet problems will eventually occur. The most common toilet trouble is clogging. The purpose of the tank is to hold the water needed to flush the toilet and to conceal the plumbing parts that fill and empty the tank. Constant use wears out the parts and needs to be replaced periodically for the efficient functioning of the toilet. Cotton swabs, cotton balls, hair, facial scrubs, diapers, sanitary products, wet wipes, or similar items that are flushed down the toilet do not easily dissolve and are responsible for most clogs.
A bowl-shaped plumbing fixture sinks are used for washing hands, dishes, and other small objects. The sink has a faucet that provides both hot and cold water and a drain. They often get clogged due to soap and debris that builds up and gets trapped in the piping. There are many types of sink material to choose from and although most sinks are made with porcelain, they also made with wood, metal, stone, and glass. Cast Iron sinks are durable and long-lasting and have been a top choice for many decades. Composite sinks are scratch, heat, and chip-resistant and come in top designer colors. All sinks have drains with a P-trap. This is a curved piece of drainpipe directly under the sink that holds a small amount of water in it when the water is turned off. This prevents foul-smelling air from the drain system which comes back up through the sink and into the home.
Bathtubs are large containers filled with warm or hot water for a person to bathe while fully immersed in the water. Modern bathtubs are made from fiberglass and acrylic Expensive and often more durable baths are made from enamel, cast iron, steel, and luxurious waterproof wood. Modern baths have overflowed, drains, and faucets (taps) for delivery and draining of water. Caulk and sealant can deteriorate the bathtub allowing water to leak behind the finish materials and fixtures. These leaks are often difficult to detect until they have caused significant damage.
Showers are plumbing fixture that uses the house’s water pressure to propel water through one or more showerheads. From water-efficient showerheads that can produce different effects and different pressures to retrofitted steam showers, there are showers to suit everyone’s needs. Water-efficient showerheads help reduce water consumption considerably.
A dripping faucet is one of the most common plumbing problems. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some faucets are just made with solid brass, providing a superior look, performance, and durability. The faucet dispenses water in both hot and cold temperatures.
Unwanted water is released from the plumbing fixture through the drain where it travels through the pipes to a septic system or community sewage system. The drain is protected by a strainer to prevent hair, soap, and debris from clogging the lines.
Each drain has a trap in its line. This helps in preventing noxious sewer gases from entering your home. Most Drains must be vented so that negative air pressure cannot siphon the trap dry and prevent positive air pressure in the sewer from forcing gases past the water seal.
There are hot and cold-water lines connected to valves known as Angle stops which are used to turn off the water supply to the faucet. If these valves fail, the leak tends to go unnoticed for long periods of time. Failure of these valves can be damaging. These valves are as important as they control and direct the water from the water pipe in the wall to the fixture.
Hard water and chemical cleaning materials can damage the fixtures and pies. A smoothly operating, efficient plumbing system enables you to have clean, freshwater as close as your faucet and warm water to keep your home and your family clean. Performing preventative maintenance for your plumbing can help you avoid a major plumbing problem.
Whether for your home or your business at Katys Plumbers we offer a comprehensive range of plumbing services including plumbing installations, plumbing repairs, plumbing maintenance, and plumbing upgrades in Houston. Other services we provide include toilet repair, water heater repair, home plumbing, kitchen plumbing, leak repair, faucet repair, clogged toilets, bathroom remodeling, pipe repair, water heater installation, emergency plumbing, plumbing repair, residential plumbing, and commercial plumbing.
Our plumbers work in shifts around the clock, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days of the year. No matter what time you call us, we will help you. Are your plumbing problems stressing you out? Get them under control and regain peace of mind with help from Katy’s Plumbing. Call us today at (713) 231 9307 or mail us at plumbingservice10@gmail.com. We are available 24×7 to discuss your plumbing problem and have one of our experts inspect the issue as soon as possible. Make sure to visit our website at http://www.waterkaty.com/