Let’s face it: Many homeowners, especially those living in condos, don’t think much about their plumbing system until it gives them problems. Albeit it’s not necessary to learn how to repair your pipes, it’s still important that you know the basics so that you can prevent any issues with it. Plumbing issues in a condo building can be a huge headache because it’s likely it could affect other homeowners in the building!
In this article, we will share what you need to know about plumbing systems in a condominium:
How A Condo Plumbing System Works
Condos come with potable water and drain pipes, which are pressurized. The clean water comes from the city’s municipal water systems to your plumbing fixtures and your sinks, washers, dishwashers. Now, your drainage system funnels wastewater from your appliances in the sewer pipe and into the city’s wastewater treatment plant. Backflow valves and other safety features are needed for condos to prevent contamination of clean water with wastewater.
The Types Of Plumbing Pipes In Condos
In a condominium, you can find different types of plumbing pipes, such as the following:
- Potable water pipes: These are plumbing pipes that are made from copper, CPVC, PVC, or PEX that carry clean water to your sinks and other water fixtures.
- Risers: They are pipes that carry water between floors in condos and multi-level buildings.
- Gravity tanks: These are huge water storage tanks placed on the rooftops of tall buildings to keep the potable water system pressurized. They also help avoid low water pressure situations.
- Drain lines: These are connected to your water fixtures at home; they’re responsible for funnelling wastewater from the fixture to the sewer pipe and on to the wastewater treatment facility.
- Waste stacks: These funnel wastewater but with human excrement. They are typically connected to toilets, bidets, and urinals.
- Vent stacks: These don’t carry water but air to help balance the building’s plumbing system. They also help prevent clogs.
- Sewer pipes: They are pipes that connect your building’s drain and waste stacks to the city’s sewer system. You can typically find them outside and underground.
The Complexity Of A Condo’s Plumbing System
When a pipe in a condo clogs, breaks, or develops a small leak, it will be difficult to determine who pays for the repair. This is because the plumbing system in this property is divided into public and tenant-owned pipes. What makes it even more complicated is that there are cases when two or more units share a particular section of plumbing pipes.
This is why dealing with plumbing system issues in a condo building is stressful. For this reason, it’s crucial you know the basics of it so that if you encounter a problem with it, you will know what to do.
Let’s say you’re experiencing issues with your plumbing system—perhaps, there’s low pressure in your shower, or there’s a leak under the sink. But who do you call? In such situations, it’s important to call a professional plumber to know the extent of the problem. The plumber will be able to identify whether the issue is at your building’s expense or the problem started from your unit.
Conclusion
At this point, you now know the complexity of dealing with a condominium’s plumbing system. A condo’s plumbing system is really something that must be taken care of properly, or many people will get affected. Because of this, you must look for a reliable plumbing professional that can help identify issues quickly and has an excellent reputation.
If you are looking for quality and reliable commercial plumbing services in Langley, then you have come to the right place! At Top Tier Mechanical, our experts guarantee professional, efficient, and transparent plumbing services. Get in touch with us today for a free quote!