Many typical plumbing-related difficulties, such as broken pipes, a leak underneath the sink, clogged drains, and clogged toilets, can be avoided by first learning more about the typical house drainage system. Using our Beginners Guide to House Drainage systems, you will understand the basics of your home plumbing system.
The primary function of the drainage system is to transport wastewater to the sewage system. If you’ve ever wondered what drainage is, think of it as all the used water leaving your house through the plumbing.
It is critical to note that your drains solely work by gravity. The closer your drainage system is to a vertical pipe, the quicker and easier it will drain, which is frequently difficult to achieve in standard household construction. Most drain pipes are installed at an angle to keep used water flowing to the sewer consistently.
A horizontal drain pipe is commonly clogged by soap and grease residues, creating problems such as water draining slowly and leading to a blockage. What occurs when your drain water enters the public sewage is a very different story. Typically, your local authorities handle everything that extends beyond the lateral drain.
What is Plumbing?
The plumbing on our properties provides us with access to water. But what exactly is plumbing? It is typically split into two subsystems. One subsystem brings freshwater from a nearby mains water supply, which is then routed to our taps and water fixtures via a network of pipes. The other subsystem transports the wastewater to the sewage treatment plant.
All water entering your property passes through a metre, which records how much you use. When dealing with burst pipes, it is critical to locate the main water stop valve, which is usually located very close to the meter.
How Does a Drainage System Work?
It is simple to understand how the drainage system operates. It works solely on gravity and does not need any pressure to flow water through your pipes. Pipes connect all of your home’s water appliances, sinks, and toilets.
When you flush or turn on the water, the wastewater initially flows via a small pipe in your home before connecting to a larger sewer pipe beneath the road. This sewage is then routed through a network of municipal sewers to a sewage treatment plant.
Parts and Components of House Drainage
Knowing most of the components of your drainage network can be helpful in an emergency. Most drain components and parts are well hidden beneath our sinks, walls, or floors, but understanding which is in charge of what can save you time, effort, and even money.
Fixture Drains – This is the visible portion of your sink or shower drain that everyone knows. It is open and frequently includes a blocking mechanism such as a plug.
U-bends or P-traps – A p-trap is a curved pipe fashioned in the letter “P” or “U” located immediately after the fixture drains. It collects standing water and keeps sewer gases at bay.
Toilet trap – Similar in design and function to the p-trap, the toilet trap blocks sewage gases.
Washing machine standpipe – While most of your washing machine’s pipes are covered, the standpipe is frequently left exposed. The washing machine drain tube transports water to your standpipe, which transports it to the sewage system.
Branch drain lines – These connect fixture drain traps to main drain lines and run horizontally. They are frequently buried behind walls.
Main drain line – This is hidden beneath your foundations or basement floor and connects to the municipal sewage system, carrying all of your home’s wastewater. A problem here will require specialist advice from a professional drainage company.
Water shut-off – Usually located near your water metre, your stop valve is your way to avoid floods or water damage.
Surface Water Drainage And Foul Drainage
Now that you’re familiar with plumbing and drains, it’s time to learn about foul water drainage and how it varies from the surface drainage system.
These are generally split into several sets of pipes in modern properties.
Pipes will transport water from the bathrooms, kitchen sink, shower and washer away from your property through foul drainage. This water is classified as wastewater and must be transferred to your local sewage treatment plant. All water leaving your home from the main supply must pass through your foul drains.
Surface water drainage is the water on your land that is not connected to your home’s plumbing. This includes rainwater collected by gutters, patios, recreational areas, and driveways. It is not deemed toxic because it has not been contaminated and can be channelled to a soakaway, a river, or a stream.
If you live in an older home, the design may have combined both systems, but it is better to maintain them separately. Stormwater pouring into your foul drainage system can create floods. And foul water flowing into your surface water drain can contaminate the streams to which it is discharged.
Common Drainage Issues You Should Be Aware Of
Most house drainage issues are simple to identify. If identified early enough, you may prevent them from becoming a significant water problem.
The following are some of the most typical plumbing drainage issues:
Drains that are clogged or sluggish – If your drain becomes clogged, slow, or emits foul smells, you must unclog it immediately to avoid causing a worse problem. You will need a professional drain-unblocking company if the problem is more serious.
Water accumulates on your driveway or walkways – to keep your walkways well-drained, build a catch basin that acts as a surface drain. Another solution is to replace your walkway with stepping stones with space between them where water may quickly drain.
Gutter overflow – If your gutters are overflowing, it is time to clean them. When gutters are not adequately maintained, they create a haven for fallen leaves and, occasionally, small animals. If your gutters are clean, the problem could be an undersized gutter, displaced gutter pipes, or cracks. Repairs will necessitate the assistance of a specialist.
Downpipe problems – if your downpipe cannot manage all the rainwater, it might strain your home’s foundation or flood your basement. You must alleviate it by utilising professional drainage services to add gutter extensions to strategic places on your property.
Final Thoughts
A small amount of knowledge can save you time, money and hassle. So now that you are equipped with a basic understanding of your household drainage systems, you can effectively manage your household better.