You must have heard about plumbing fixtures, but do you know what they entail? Continue reading to learn more about plumbing fixtures.
Plumbing fixtures refer to the fittings or features in your home used for the distribution or disposal of gas or water. Mostly plumbing fixtures are attached to the main water supply line, main drain line, or the plumbing system to allow easy water flow. The fixtures are critical in ensuring your home remains safe and hygienic. Without plumbing fixtures, you won’t have a way to dispose of waste or get water for daily use.
Plumbing fixtures should be correctly plumbed in or attached to the right place or part of your home. Where or how the fixtures are connected depends on your home and the building codes in your area. The efficiency of the plumbing fixtures depends on how they are installed, positioned, and maintained. Here is a list of the main plumbing fixtures in your residential or commercial property.
Sinks
Sinks are plumbing fixtures attached to a water drain directing water from your house into the sewer. There are bathroom sinks, kitchen sinks, or any other type of basin where you can wash hands or utensils. Sinks come in different types and sizes depending on the use and space to be installed in the house.
Showers
Showers are fixtures found in the bathroom. They can be fixed or handheld, so the choice depends on how you want to use them. Some types of showers include beach showers, electric showers, steam showers, and the standard water shower.
Bidets
Bidets are plumbing fixtures featuring a spigot attached for spraying water for cleaning after you use the toilet in addition to toilet paper. You can also use it instead of toilet paper.
Toilets, Urinal or Water Closets
These are plumbing fixtures that let you attend to nature’s call. With these fixtures, you don’t have to deal with the waste yourself. For instance, a flush toilet produces a forceful stream of water that removes waste.
Faucets
Spigots, taps, and faucets are found in commercial and residential properties. Faucets help control the flow of water out of the pipe. There are ball faucets, cartridge faucets, disc faucets, and compression faucets.
Dishwasher
A dishwasher is considered a plumbing fixture because it is permanently attached to the drain line and water supply. However, in some jurisdictions, it might be regarded as an appliance because it can be removed from the plumbing system and doesn’t directly affect how water gets distributed throughout your home.
Do Plumbing Fixtures Require a Vent?
All plumbing fixtures don’t need a vent. Some of them have special features that reduce their need for ventilation. For instance, waterless urinals don’t require ventilation because they don’t work the same as traditional toilets. They also don’t release any odors or gases into the air.
Similarly, faucets and sinks don’t require vents because they don’t produce much wastewater that requires venting from the system. However, other plumbing fixtures such as dishwashers, bathtubs, showers, and washing machines often need vents because of their high water usage.
It’s also worth noting that plumbing fixtures can share ventilation. You will find several fixtures connected to the same vent stack. However, several factors must be considered while connecting several fixtures to one vent stack. For instance, ensure that the number of fixtures doesn’t exceed the recommended size of the vent stack.
How to Choose Plumbing Fixtures
Type of Plumbing Fixture
When choosing plumbing fixtures for your commercial property or home, there are several things to consider. You should consider the type of fixture you require. There are several options available for you to select. For instance, if you need a new toilet, you can choose between a traditional or modern model.
Style and Finish
It’s also good to consider the finish and style of the plumbing fixtures. You need to pick plumbing fixtures matching your house interior. This helps create a cohesive look in your kitchen or bathroom.
Performance and Efficiency
You should also consider the performance and efficiency of the plumbing fixtures you buy. The fixtures are investments, so you need those you can use for many years and get value from the amount spent on them. Consider your specific needs to know the fixtures that can help you meet them more effectively.