Plumbing is the network of pipes, valves, fixtures and related components installed in a building to deliver clean water and safely remove wastewater. This beginner’s guide covers plumbing fundamentals, common systems and tools, basic skills, and practical guidance for learning or hiring a professional.
Understanding the plumbing system: A typical plumbing system has two primary parts: the water supply system and the drainage (or drain-waste-vent, DWV) system. The supply system brings potable water into the building and distributes it under pressure to fixtures such as sinks, toilets and showers. The drainage system moves wastewater and sewage away from fixtures using gravity and venting to prevent sewer gases from entering the building.
Types of pipes: Plumbers commonly use several pipe materials, each with advantages and limitations:
– Copper: durable and corrosion-resistant, often used for hot and cold water supply.
– PVC (polyvinyl chloride): lightweight, affordable and commonly used for drain, waste and vent piping.
– CPVC (chlorinated PVC): similar to PVC but rated for hot water supply.
– PEX (cross-linked polyethylene): flexible, easy to install and increasingly popular for residential water supply.
– Cast iron or ABS: often used for DWV systems in older or commercial buildings.
Valves: Valves control water flow and isolate sections of a system for repair. Common types include ball valves (quick on/off), gate valves (used for full-flow shutoff), globe valves (flow regulation) and check valves (prevent backflow). A main shutoff valve for a building and localized shutoffs under fixtures are essential for emergency repairs.
Fixtures: Fixtures are the points where occupants use water—sinks, toilets, showers, bathtubs, faucets, and appliances like dishwashers and washing machines. Proper installation and venting of fixtures ensure efficient drainage and prevent odors or siphoning of traps.
Water heaters: Water heaters store or produce hot water for fixtures. Common types include storage tank water heaters (which keep a reservoir of hot water) and tankless (on-demand) heaters that heat water as it flows through. Proper sizing, venting and maintenance (like flushing sediment from tanks) help maintain efficiency and extend service life.
Drainage systems: The drainage system includes drain pipes, vents, traps (the U-shaped bends under fixtures that hold water and block sewer gases), and the building’s sewer or septic connection. Vents allow air into the system so wastewater flows smoothly and traps remain charged. Proper slope, sizing and venting are critical to prevent clogs and sewer-gas issues.
Maintenance: Regular maintenance keeps plumbing working reliably. Typical tasks include checking for leaks, insulating exposed pipes in cold climates, flushing and inspecting water heaters, cleaning traps and strainers, and monitoring water pressure. For water-quality guidance and best practices, see the EPA’s drinking water resources EPA – Drinking Water.
This is an overview; for specific projects or problems beyond basic maintenance, consult a licensed professional plumber to ensure work meets local codes and safety standards.
A few key milestones in the history of plumbing
Plumbing has shaped public health and urban life for millennia. Notable milestones include:
Ancient civilizations: Early complex water-management systems appeared in the Indus Valley (wells, cisterns and drainage) and other early societies, showing sophisticated planning for water supply and sanitation.
Ancient Greece: Greeks used lead and terracotta pipes and developed early flushing devices for sanitation.
Ancient Rome: Rome built extensive aqueducts to bring fresh water to cities, public baths, fountains and toilets, and used lead piping and valve technologies to distribute water widely.
The Middle Ages and Renaissance: Sanitation declined in many regions during the Middle Ages, contributing to disease outbreaks. The Renaissance brought renewed interest in engineering and improvements in valves, fixtures and plumbing techniques.
The Industrial Revolution: Widespread use of cast iron and improved manufacturing led to more robust and reliable piping. Urbanization drove major investments in municipal water and sewer systems.
Modern times: Today’s systems use a variety of plastics, metals and computerized controls. Modern plumbing standards, codes and municipal infrastructure ensure safer water delivery and wastewater treatment. For public health context on sanitation’s role in preventing disease, refer to the CDC’s healthy water information CDC – Healthy Water.
What are the five types of plumbing?
Plumbing work generally falls into several specialty categories. Five common types are:
Water supply plumbing: Brings potable water into buildings and distributes it to fixtures and appliances.
Drain-waste-vent (DWV) plumbing: Removes wastewater and sewage and vents gases—this includes sewer lines, traps and vent piping.
Natural gas plumbing: Supplies natural gas to appliances such as stoves, furnaces and water heaters; requires strict adherence to safety codes and regulations.
Fire protection plumbing: Systems designed for fire suppression, including sprinklers and standpipes, which must meet specific codes and inspection standards.
Medical gas plumbing: Specialized systems that supply gases (oxygen, nitrous oxide, etc.) in healthcare facilities; these require precise installation and testing under strict standards.
Each category has its own codes and certification requirements. Local building departments and organizations such as the International Code Council provide code guidance; you can learn more at the ICC website ICC – Codes & Standards.
What are basic plumbing skills?
Basic plumbing skills let you handle common household issues and small installations. Important skills include:
System knowledge: Understanding how supply and DWV systems work and how components interact.
Installing fixtures: Installing sinks, toilets, faucets and showerheads, including making water and drain connections.
Repairing leaks: Locating and repairing leaks in pipes, fittings and fixtures.
Replacing washers and seals: Replacing faucet washers, O-rings and seals to fix drips.
Unclogging drains: Using plungers, manual drain snakes or augers to clear blockages; knowing when to avoid harsh chemicals that can damage pipes.
Installing piping and fittings: Cutting, joining and fitting PEX, PVC, copper and other pipes with appropriate tools and methods.
Soldering and sweating: Joining copper pipes using solder (sweating) requires practice and safety precautions.
For beginners, many helpful resources exist online and in trade publications; if you’re new to plumbing or the work is complex, hiring a licensed plumber is recommended. (See this list of basic plumbing skills for more detail quickservices — basic plumbing skills.)
How do I learn plumbing?
Steps to learn plumbing effectively:
Learn the basics: Read books, watch instructional videos and take introductory online courses to understand components and common techniques.
Get hands-on experience: Practice simple tasks—tightening fittings, replacing washers, unclogging a drain—under supervision when possible.
Take a formal course: Trade schools, community colleges and apprenticeships provide structured training and sometimes certification.
Apprentice with a professional: Working as an apprentice or helper for a licensed plumber provides real-world experience and mentorship.
Study codes and regulations: Learn your local plumbing codes and permit requirements—these ensure work is safe and compliant.
Obtain necessary licenses: Many jurisdictions require licensing for plumbers. Check local requirements and pursue licensure as appropriate.
Stay current: Attend workshops, read industry publications and take continuing education courses to learn new materials and technologies.
Developing competence takes time and practice. For safety-critical systems (gas, fire suppression, medical gases), formal training and certification are essential.
Must-needed plumbing tools
Essential tools for basic plumbing work include:
Plunger: Effective for clearing clogs in toilets, sinks and showers.
Adjustable wrench: For turning nuts and fittings of various sizes.
Pipe cutter: Cleanly cuts copper, PVC and other pipe types.
Tongue-and-groove pliers (channel locks): For gripping and turning fittings and pipes.
Basin wrench: Designed for tightening or loosening nuts in tight spaces under sinks.
Hacksaw: For cutting metal and plastic pipes when a pipe cutter isn’t suitable.
Propane torch: Used for soldering copper pipes and thawing frozen sections (use with caution).
Teflon (PTFE) tape: Seals threaded pipe joints to prevent leaks.
Plumber’s putty and silicone sealant: For sealing drains and fixtures; use the product appropriate for the application.
Drain snake (auger): A flexible cable tool to clear deeper or stubborn clogs.
Level: Ensures pipes and fixtures are properly aligned and sloped for drainage.
Also keep a basic toolkit—screwdrivers, hammers, tape measure, utility knife—and personal protective equipment. For specialty tasks, such as soldering or working with gas lines, specific additional tools and training are required.
How much does plumbing cost?
Plumbing costs vary by region, the scope and complexity of the job, materials, and whether permits or code upgrades are required. Typical ranges (subject to local variation) include:
Leak repair: $150–$450 for common leaks, depending on access and repair complexity.
Clogged drain cleaning: $100–$300 for standard drain clearing; more for severe blockages or sewer line work.
Toilet repair or replacement: Repair often runs $200–$450; replacing a toilet can range from $400–$1,000 or more depending on the fixture and installation complexity.
Sink or faucet repair/replacement: Repairs typically $200–$450; full replacements can range $500–$1,500 including fixtures and labor.
Shower or bathtub installation: $1,500–$5,000 or higher depending on materials, enclosure type and changes to plumbing or tile work.
These are ballpark figures—always get multiple written estimates and confirm whether permits, inspections or upgrades to meet current codes are included. Upfront quotes help avoid surprises. For larger projects, request detailed itemized estimates and timelines from licensed contractors.
