Know Your Plumbing System

Incoming: Water Supply
The water supply for most houses comes from one of two places: a private well or a service pipe that connects to the municipal water supply. For houses with private wells, a pump pushes water up into a pressure tank (usually in the basement or crawlspace), where it is stored for use. Houses with city water have a water supply line that flows from the municipality's water supply. Water passes through a water meter that measures the volume of water used in the house. In case of repairs or emergency, both systems usually have a shut-off valve located near the beginning of the incoming line that enables the water supply to be temporarily cut off. Water supply lines are usually made of copper, CPVC (chlorinated polyvinyl chloride) plastic, or galvanized steel. Pipes carrying cold water branch out from the main pipe. Some water is directed to the hot water heater for heating, and hot water pipes originate from there.