A home’s plumbing system is a complex network of water supply pipes, drain pipes, vent pipes, and more. Because plumbing is complicated and one of the costliest systems to install in a home, it pays to understand how the system works if you’re planning a new home building project or a major remodel.

Understanding the fundamentals of a plumbing system allows you to do two things. First, it helps you design a system that will work properly and pass plumbing codes. A properly designed system will deliver water to the various faucets, fixtures, and water-using appliances efficiently and carry away waste water without clogs. And second, it may save you money. By planning wisely, you can often reduce the overall plumbing expense significantly by locating bathrooms, kitchens, or laundry rooms near one another so that they can share parts of the system.

This section of HomeTips will guide you through some of the most important aspects of planning your home’s plumbing.