Our modern lives are dependent upon the complicated network of fixtures and pipes which supply water to every household appliances like showers, bathtubs and sinks, and toilets. It also eliminates waste water efficiently without creating sewer backups and odors. This system can cause serious difficulties if a component is damaged. Being aware of what needs to be checked and working on the home plumbing system is key.
A majority of the plumbing inside your home can be hidden behind walls or beneath floors, but it's important to understand what you're seeing. The plumbing system is made up of two subsystems which don't share a common symbiosis: the supply system and the drainage system. The supply system is responsible for bringing fresh water to the home from the city's water line or the well. The drainage system drains waste (dirty water) away to the sewer line in your city or the private septic tank.
A key element of the drainage system is that of the "water trap" within each fixture. This pipe is angled downwards to stop sewage from flowing up the fixture. The traps usually are lined with the water needed to keep rodents out of the drain. They are connected to branch drain lines, which plumbing basics for homeowners ultimately connect to that main drainage.
One of the best ways to determine if there is a leak is to switch off every faucet in your house. Also, make sure the dishwasher and washing machine aren't running. Monitor your watermeter and see if the reading changes. It could mean there's a plumbing issue or leak somewhere.