Understanding the plumbing system in your flat
Have you ever stopped to think about the plumbing system in your flat? Maybe not, in fact, probably not. But, did you know that understanding how your system works and where your pipes are could create fewer problems down the line?
The plumbing systems in flats can be complicated. Unlike standalone houses, flats have lots of residents within one building, and each relies on a shared plumbing infrastructure. It works by using central risers and shared drainage stacks that can go to every home in the building, unlike standalone homes which have their own pipework systems.
From water supply lines to drainage systems and water heaters, the intricacies of these components can impact daily life.
I’ve collaborated with the London plumber Staunch & Flow to bring you this guide, which aims to unravel the mysteries of plumbing in flats, providing you as a resident with a better understanding of their systems.
How does your flat’s plumbing system work?
The first step is understanding how your system works, and plumbing in a building of flats can be quite an intricate tapestry. There are water supply lines that form the main network, and they deliver water to every tap, shower and appliance.
In most apartment buildings, a main water supply enters the building before branching into vertical pipes, known as risers, which distribute water to each floor. Individual flats then connect into these risers to supply kitchens, bathrooms and utility areas.
As well as this kind of vertical system, there are horizontal systems too, so that waste water can be drained away from the building and into the drainage system underground. Drainage relies on both vertical and horizontal drains to take wastewater to the sewers.
When it comes to your hot water, the building will have a water heater in the form of a combi boiler or hot water cylinder. Some buildings might even have a central communal heating and hot water system that supplies every apartment from one plant room.
If you don’t know already, you should find your main cold and hot water pipes into the building. It’s really useful to know this information should you ever run into issues. It’s also worth locating your stopcock, as this allows you to shut off the water supply to your own flat quickly if a pipe bursts or an appliance starts leaking.
Learning a bit more about vertical and horizontal drainage in flats
Drainage is absolutely key to a flat’s plumbing system. Without it, the water would quickly leak and cause all sort of damage to the building, including stubborn mould. While water enters an apartment building via vertical pipes (risers), it exits through vertical and horizontal pipes known as stacks.
Vertical drainage uses stacks that carry wastewater from upper floors to the main sewer line below. It’s a gravity-driven performance that helps to ensure efficient disposal. These stacks are typically hidden within service cupboards or purpose-built ducts that run the full height of the building, making them accessible for maintenance without disturbing every flat.
Meanwhile, horizontal pipes weave through walls and floors, transporting wastewater to the main vertical stacks. This is why it’s important you know where all your vertical and horizontal drains are.
You need both these kinds of drainage otherwise the building would run into all kinds of issues, most notably damp. And because many flats share the same drainage stacks, a blockage or leak can sometimes affect several properties at once rather than just one (great).
When you understand how the plumbing system works in a flat, it’s easier for you to report any disruptions and ensure the plumbing performance is up to scratch.
How does the drainage work for your toilet and sinks?
Let’s get into the specifics of toilets and sinks, as every flat needs at least one of these.
Toilets rely on either a high or a low pressure system. High-pressure systems use the building’s mains pressure to get rid of waste, while low-pressure systems rely on pumps to pump the water out. Every toilet is also connected to a soil pipe, which carries waste into the building’s main drainage stack, and then ventilation pipes help equalise air pressure within the system. This helps to prevent horrible smells and helps water flow away efficiently.
Sinks also contribute to the symphony of your flat’s plumbing. From dishwashing to handwashing, sinks play a vital role, and the drainage beneath them connects to the broader network. Water goes down the plughole and enters the vertical stacks system I mentioned before to exit into the sewers.
The U-shaped pipe beneath your sink, known as a trap, always holds a small amount of water, creating a seal that prevents unpleasant sewer gases from entering your home. Who knew?
How to report a plumbing issue in your flat
There’s nothing more frustrating than a plumbing issue that you can’t resolve because you rent the property. Problems should be reported to your landlord as soon as you notice them, as water can create a lot of damage very quickly. Plus, reporting an issue sooner rather than later could prevent a small problem from turning into a big one.
If your building has a management team and you notice any leaks, unusual sounds or irregular water flow, it may be worth notifying them as well as your landlord. If the issue appears to be affecting neighbouring flats or communal areas, let your landlord know this too, as it can help maintenance teams identify whether the problem lies within your pipework or the building’s shared plumbing system.
