When some mention plumbing many would just rather not dwell on drains and the contents there in. But there are tried and true reasons that govern the humble drain. Sewage consists of liquids and solids. Slope too fast, the water runs off leaving the solids behind and eventually plugging the drain. To little slope the stuff just sits, leading to other problems. So what is the optimum slop? For drains 2 ½ inches in diameter and less, the rule of thumb is a ¼ inch per foot. A 25 foot run would drop 6 ¼ inches. For larger pipes the slope is 1/8 inch per foot or about 3 1/8 inches for the same 25 foot run.

Plumbing Design for High Rise Buildings

Multi story buildings present their own problems. A vertical drop in a two story home is one thing, but commercial high rise buildings present other issues. You need to control the drop velocity and pressure of the discharge. Many modern systems use a special connector that breaks the fall and merges the streams slowing the velocity and lowering the pressure during the fall. Air is introduced through an aerator that contributes to the slowing of material in the pipe. Previous designs used a plumbing shaft with drains sloping in a square pattern down to the exit point as depicted in some movies.

Drain Complications

Air; we all are aware of the numerous pipes poking through our roof. These are the vent pipes that introduce air to prevent a vacuum causing a buildup of material where the drains enter and drop to the main sewer line. Single vents may service multiple fixtures; however any horizontal piping has to be installed at a slight angle to drain away condensation that may accumulate in the vent piping. Unlike supply systems that are pressurized, drains rely only on gravity to do their job. So installation in new construction is somewhat critical.

Different Types of Pipe Material

In residential installations nearly all fixtures are plastic. Gone is the cast iron pipe and lead poured seals found in older homes. Plastic is cheaper to purchase and install and does not rust or corrode like iron. It has a smoother interior reducing fluid friction and turbulence. Fixture design accommodates a smooth transition when lines meet, and are directional. The traditional ceramic piping is no longer used and seldom encountered today and was a less expensive alternative to cast iron.

Stormwater Drainage Systems

Drains that carry away excessive water during storms are separate from the sewage system and dump directly into their discharge destination rather than route all that water through sewage treatment plants. So storm drains dump directly into the natural streams, rivers, lakes or harbors. Like the commercial systems, home systems have gutters to direct water flow from the roof away from entry points like doors and porches. Those with basements may have a deep drainage system to carry water away from the foundations of the home. These systems all discharge into open areas or a drywell system. They are separate from the sewage systems for the same reasons as the commercial systems so as not to overwhelm the septic system.

Septic Tanks & Leach Fields

Those in rural situations have to deal with septic tanks and leach fields. These systems can be over burdened with excessive water. The septic tank uses bacteria to break down the solids, then transfers the liquids to the piping leading to the leach field where the water is discharged and distributed into under surface areas. As in most situations the physical constant is that flow is from a high concentration to low. Without this differential nothing would happen. If the leach field becomes over saturated it can cease to function and cause water to backup into the septic tank.

Piping Plumbing Work & More in Spring, The Woodlands, Magnolia, Montgomery & Conroe Texas

As can be seen, designing your drain system requires consideration of numerous factors and requires a thorough knowledge of the salient facts. As you will have to live with it, protect yourself by consulting a professional.
Orsack Plumbing Company are available to meet all your plumbing needs.