Plumbing provides water for consumption, cleaning, and water disposal in a house or building.  Plumbers are experts working with plumbing systems.  Learn how and when to hire a plumber.  In general, a plumbing system consists of two piping systems--one to convey clean water into a building and another to carry away waterborne waste.  Plumbing systems are as old as the existence of the first cities dating back to 2700 BC. Pipe used within plumbing systems must be made of material that will not be corroded by water.  Copper is one of the most resistant pipe materials.  Learn about Soldering Copper Pipes.  Other materials commonly used for pipe plumbing include cast iron, and plastic (PVC--polyvinyl chloride).   Clogged toilets and sink drains are among the most commom types of plumbing repairs made by homeowners.  Learn all about  unclogging a toilet bowl  and unclogging a sink drain.  You may also have to deal with frozen pipes.  Below is a basic plumbing diagram in a typical home.