Plumbing Fixture Types

Plumbing is a basic element in a modern home.

Although humans lived without interior plumbing for most of human history, it is now considered a necessity by many people who enjoy the comforts of the modern world. Interior plumbing works by pumping water from a natural water source or reservoir into a house, and draining used water through a series of pipes into a sewage and water-treatment system.

Toilets

Toilets are used to conveniently dispose of human waste and send it hygienically to a water-treatment plant. Toilets are located in private bathrooms because of cultural expectations requiring privacy for bodily functions. Because of increasing concerns about water usage, newer toilets have been made to be far more efficient than older models and use significantly less water per flush. When a toilet is flushed, water rushes from a storage tank on the back of the toilet through the bowl, taking whatever is in the bowl with it into the sewer. The rear storage tank is simultaneously and automatically refilled.

Bathtubs and Showers

Bathtubs and showers are used for washing. Bathtubs and showers can exist independently, or are sometimes combined to save space in the bathroom. Showers are equipped with spray heads that create a wide spray of water, while bathtubs have faucets affixed to their sides for filling. Independent showers are usually installed in a shower stall that is about three feet square. Bathtubs can range from four to six feet in length, and are sometimes fitted with luxurious extras such as jacuzzi jets.

Sinks

Sinks are probably the most utilitarian plumbing fixtures. Sinks are found in kitchens, bathrooms and sometimes in laundry rooms as well. The primary purpose of a kitchen sink is for washing dishes and for various roles in the preparation of food. Bathroom sinks are generally used for washing hands, brushing teeth and shaving. Sinks found in laundry rooms are sometimes oversized for soaking and washing large items. Older sinks featured two taps, one for hot water and the other for cold water. Newer sinks usually have a single tap with an adjustable lever that allows you to mix the hot and cold water to suit your needs.

Floor Drains

Most basements are fitted with floor drains that connect with the main drainpipe of the house. While floor drains are not often thought of as plumbing fixtures, they can play a critically important role if and when flooding causes large amounts of water to enter the basement. A functioning floor drain in the basement can make the difference between a small flood on the basement floor and a very destructive flood in which the basement fills entirely with water.

References

• The Free Library: The Different Types of Plumbing Fixtures
• 3D Plumbing: Plumbing Fixtures