Plumbing
Plumbing in the United States is a highly regulated and technically detailed field that plays a crucial role in modern residential construction and home renovation. For homeowners, understanding the basics of plumbing systems—how they are built, what materials are used, and what rules govern their installation—helps ensure safer homes, fewer leaks, and more cost-effective maintenance. Although professional plumbers handle most complex repairs, informed homeowners are better prepared to plan renovations, communicate with contractors, and even perform simple do-it-yourself projects. A typical American home’s plumbing system has two main components: the supply system and the drain-waste-vent (DWV) system. The supply system delivers clean, pressurized water from the municipal line or a private well. This network must withstand significant pressure, so proper material selection and secure joints are essential. The DWV system, on the other hand, removes wastewater through gravity and v...