Plumbing is the complex system of assembly devices, drains, fittings, pipes, tubes and valves etc, that distribute water in a home for a variety of purposes as well as remove waste water from utilities. Plumbing is distinctly different from sewage systems; simply it means that plumbing can be used to address the water supply and drainage lines in a home whereas sewage systems include a group of buildings.
The term ‘plumbing’ originates from the Latin word ‘plumbum’ which stands for “Lead”; pipes were once made from lead and lead is denoted by the abbreviation ‘Pb’.
Plumbers and plumbing contractors are the real forces behind the many luxuries we experience in our homes – continuous flow of cold and hot water and clog-free sinks and drains. A minor plumbing problem or a faulty sink or tap can leave a home flooded in no time; hence it is absolutely important to enlist the services of established and licensed plumbing contractors to maintain homes and buildings.
A good plumbing contractor must have the experience, skills and qualification; in addition the contractor should also have good management and financial skills to interact and negotiate with clients. An established and skilled plumbing contractor has to understand a home or a family’s need for a streamlined plumbing system and there are many areas where they can extend their help and services.
This is even more vital in the case of building or buying a new home; several home builders enlist the services of a plumbing contractor to liaise with home buyers and suggest any changes or remedies before fittings and fixtures are installed.
Know the landscape
Many countries around the world have regulations in place for laying of pipes and drainage systems. These have been put in place over the last fifty odd years. A reputed plumbing contractor has to be well aware of the local landscape area to understand how the presence of old trees and tree roots can come in the way of plumbing lines if a new home is being built; on the other hand, if a home has old pipes which were laid before the plumbing code standards were put in place, he has also to know how to replace the old pipes with new ones that will not compromise the existing landscape but remain firm and damage free at all times.
Appliances
A licensed and reputed plumbing contractor should also have the skills to inspect water lines and connections to home appliances like heaters, dish washers, washing machines etc., and be able to suggest ways and means to maintain pipes, filters and drains without corrosion and damage.
Plumbing vents
Some homeowners are not even aware that pipelines and vents for home plumbing extend from the roof in which regular maintenance is necessary to keep them free from becoming clogged with debris, tree leaves, twigs and other elements. A good plumbing contractor has to know the general layout of the building with knowledge about the positioning of plumbing vents; he should also be able to suggest practical and usable remodel if necessary.
