BC – IA 102 (PLUMBING – PQF-L5)

LESSON 1 – SEWAGE DISPOSAL SYSTEM

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the end of the lesson, the learners should have:

1. Explained the importance of sewage disposal;
2. Enumerated the parts of the sewage disposal system; and
3. Inspected a septic tank.

DISCUSSION
Community: Individual Sewage Disposal System

Residential Individual Sewage Disposal Systems

A septic tank system will serve a home satisfactorily only if the system is properly designed,
installed, and maintained. A neglected or abused system may result in liquid waste overflow to the
ground surface or stopped-up plumbing in the home. Overflows not only create offensive odors, but
are also health hazards. Sewage may contain infectious disease organisms and are prime breeding
places for some kinds of mosquitoes and other insects.

The Septic Process

The septic tank is a water tight structure in which
organic solids are decomposed by natural bacterial processes.
Sewage flow is slowed within the tank to allow solids to settle
to the bottom (sludge) and to allow grease and floatable solids
to rise to the surface and accumulate (scum). Bacteria
biologically converts some of the solids to liquid. Liquid from
the middle layer of the tank passes out of the tank to a
subsurface leach field for absorption into the soil. Build-up of
solids (sludge and scum) within the tank will eventually result in an overflow of solid material into the
soil absorption area. This overflow will cause clogging in the absorption field area and may result in
system failure (ponding sewage and/or backed-up plumbing).

Drain fields
The drain field is where liquid from the septic tank flows
through pipes in your yard for final treatment by organisms naturally
occurring in the soil. Don't park cars and trucks on the drainfield or
septic tank. Also, don't install driveways, patios, carports, decks,
storage sheds, sports courts, landscaping plastic, and/or allow
animals to graze. These activities pack soil and may lead to pipes
breaking.

Your yard should also have a "reserve area" which is where your replacement drain field will
be located if your drain field fails.

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The Do's of Septic Tank Maintenance

 Use water sparingly. Do only full loads of wash at off-peak times and try to limit the number of
loads per day if possible.
 Limit use of garbage disposals. Ground up foods are hard on septic systems since they are not
digested by the human body first.
 Remove solids from the septic tank by periodic pumping. Pumping frequency will depend on
the size of the tank and the number of persons using the system. A 1,000-gallon system serving
a 4-person family will typically require cleaning every 2 to 3 years.
 Fix all plumbing leaks as soon as possible. A leaking faucet or toilet can overload the septic
system.
 To facilitate cleaning and maintenance, the homeowner should have a diagram showing the
locations of all septic system components with relation to the house. The diagram should be
passed to subsequent owners if the house is sold.

The Don'ts of Septic Tank Maintenance

 Do not plant deep rooted plants (trees, shrubs) within 10 feet of the septic system.
 Do not pour kitchen grease into drains.
 Do not flush cigarette butts, sanitary napkins, and other inorganic materials down the toilet.
 Do not drive over the septic system. Most septic tanks and sewer piping are not designed to
support the weight of an automobile. In addition, compacting the soil over an absorption field
will increase the likelihood of premature failure.
 Do not ignore warning signs of problems. Contact a licensed septic system repair company at
the first sign of trouble (found in the yellow pages under "septic").
 Warning Signs of Septic System Failure
 Sluggish drains or plumbing back-ups in the home.
 Outdoor odors.
 Gurgling sounds in pipes or drains.
 Mushy ground around the septic system.

Why Are Sewage Systems Important?

What is a sewage system? It is the entire network of pumps,
pipes, or mains used for collecting wastewater. Each area has its own
sewage system, and the sewage may originate from different places
such as homes or schools.
There are two main types of systems: domestic and industrial.
Sometimes, both systems are combined into one.
Although sewage systems are beneficial for disposing of wastewater,
if they are not built or maintained, they can cause a problem for the environment. Sewage water
contains a lot of substances that can be harmful to humans as well.
Therefore, it is imperative to understand the working of these systems and how we can
maintain them. This guide will help gain a better understanding of the parts of a sewage system, their
different types, and how to manage them.

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What do sewage systems consist of?

There are a few main parts of a home sewerage system such as the pipe, septic tank, soil, and drain
field.
 Piping
The pipes are used to get the wastewater from your home to the septic tank.
 Septic Tank
This tank is usually made from materials such as fiberglass, concrete, or polythene, and it is
placed underground. It is used to keep wastewater until solids settle to the bottom and they form
material such as grease, sludge, or oil that come up to the surface.
There is a T-shaped outlet along with some compartments that stop sludge and scum from flowing out
of the tank and into the drain field. Screens can also be used for the same purpose.
 Drain field
After wastewater flows out of the septic tank, it goes into the drain field. The water is treated
by the soil there, and this process is carried out each time there is new water in the septic tank. If the
drain field gets overloaded, wastewater will flow into the ground. It is recommended to have a backup
drain field in the case of such an event.
 Soil
From the drain field, wastewater enters the soil. Soil consists of microbes that are important
for the treatment of wastewater. These microbes help remove contaminants such as viruses, bacteria,
or harmful nutrients from the wastewater by digesting them. This process is necessary
before wastewater reaches the groundwater.

DIFFERENT TYPES OF SEWAGE SYSTEMS

Some main types of sewage systems are separate, combined, and partially separate.
 Combined System
A combined system is used to carry sanitary sewage and stormwater through one sewer
system. Treating the wastewater in this system is usually easy because it has been diluted by
rainwater.
There is an enormous volume of sewage, which means the water has a high velocity. Because of
this high speed of water and its ability to self-cleanse, there is no need for flushing. The combined
system is secure and cheap to implement, especially within house plumbing, since it only requires a
single piping set.
 Separate System
In a separate sewage system, there are different sewers for storm and surface water, while
there is the same sewer system for domestic and industrial sewage.
This type of system is less expensive than other types because it used less amount of water for
treatment, and the entire design is economical as well. The separate sewage system is preferred over a
combined sewage system because it is more economical. Another advantage of this system is that it
doesn’t affect stream pollution.

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 Partially Separate System

The partially separate sewage system is better than the separate system because it is cheaper
and easy to use in small-scale sewers.
This type of system takes water from kitchens, bathrooms, and the rainwater collected on the
roof through a single pipe. This allows a reduction in house plumbing because waste from all parts of
the house plus water from the roof uses the same pipe. Remaining water from other places falls into
separate sewers or drains. This system actively introduces stormwater into the sanitary sewage pipes
to increase the volume of water and allow it to flush itself.

MAINTENANCE OF SEWAGE SYSTEMS

It is crucial to maintain a sewage system properly, otherwise, they can be harmful to the
population and the environment. Maintenance of a sewage system also ensures that you save money
by not having to repair or replace the system repeatedly. Proper maintenance of sewage
systems prevents waterborne diseases from being spread. It is also vital for protecting water
resources.
Each homeowner should care for their home sewerage system. This will be a benefit for the
individual and the public. If the sewage system has been adequately constructed and is maintained, it
will provide treatment of water for the long term.
Following are some necessary steps you should take to ensure your sewage system functions
properly:
 Drain field Maintenance
A few things you can do to take care of the drain field are planting grass by it and keeping the
roof drains away from it.
By planting grass over and near the sewage system, you will prevent the roots from destroying
the system. You should also ensure that any potential flood sources such as a roof drain are kept away
from the system.
Make sure to avoid parking or driving any vehicle over the drain field system.
 Regular Pumping
There are a few factors that will decide how often you will need to pump the tank. It depends
on how many people live in the house, how much wastewater is generated, the amount of solids in the
water, and the dimensions of your septic tank.
Like you’ll need a professional for inspection, you will need one for carrying out the pumping.
 Conserving Water
If you save water correctly, there will be less water in the sewage system, thus improving the
efficiency of the entire system. To conserve water, you can use high-efficiency toilets or set up faucet
aerators.
Replacing traditional toilets with newer, more efficient models is an excellent way to conserve
your household water. Faucet aerators reduce the flow of water that enters the sewage system and
can also be used to reduce the flow of water in other places such as showers.
 Overloading Washing Machines

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People in the household should take care not to overload washing machines. Completing small
loads of laundry spread out over a few days is better than doing a very large load in one day.
For maintaining the septic tank, it is essential that you take care of the drain field. Make sure
not to dispose of harmful wastes in your sinks or toilets. You should also carry out a regular
inspection of the septic tank. Routine inspection should be done almost every three years by a
professional.

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LESSON 2 – THE WASTE/SOIL PIPE

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the end of the lesson, the learners should have:
1. Differentiated the three major component parts of the drainage plumbing system:
- The drainage
- The waste
- The vent
2. Illustrated the drain-waste-vent system.

DISCUSSION
Soil Pipes and Waste Pipes
If you’re not a qualified plumber or in the drainage trade it’s unlikely that you’ve ever needed
to know the differences between a soil pipe and a waste pipe – unfortunately the drainage industry
can sometimes be hard to get your head around, after all, surely a pipe is a pipe?! Unfortunately, not.
Whilst both types of pipes do carry out the same purpose - transporting waste water away
from your home to the main sewer network, there are a number of very crucial differences between
the two.

What is Soil Pipe?

A soil pipe is just that, a pipe that is designed to carry soiled water away from your home,
whether that be from your toilet, urinal or bidet. Soil Pipes are much wider than waste pipes.
Soil Pipes need to be vented (generally at the top or very near to the top of building) to allow
for the safe disposal of gases and to reduce odors and ensure that the pipes are creating a safe area –
often gases from soil pipes can be harmful to health (but not always) which is why it’s best to ventilate
the pipes as high as possible.
Vent pipes and outlets are an important part of any soil waste system, not only do they
ventilate the systems but they also regulate pressure ensuring the positive pressure does not (in
extreme cases) push waste water back to your sink, or worse toilet – vent pipes help to regulate this
pressure!

What is a Waste Pipe?

A uPVC waste pipe carries water from things you use each day such as your shower, sinks,
dishwasher and washing machine, similarly to soil pipes in that they are directing the waste water
away from your home.

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DRAIN-WASTE-VENT (DWV) SYSTEM

The drain-waste-vent system, also known as the sanitary system, is all of the plumbing in your
home minus the water supply system. This includes the drain pipes, drains, and vents. When
wastewater enters the drain system, it has to flow past the drain trap—a U- or P-shaped piece of pipe
that creates a water seal to prevent sewer gases from entering the home. Every drain in your home
should have a goosenecked P-trap.
The drainpipes send water to the main sewer line, located underground. The main sewer line
sends water to the municipal sewer system or septic tank, if you have one.
The drainpipes are attached to a system of vent pipes, which bring fresh air to the drain
system. This helps prevent suction that could slow or stop drain water from flowing freely. The vent
pipes usually exit the home via a roof vent.
Wastewater ends up in the main waste and vent stack, which curves to become the main sewer
line that exits the house near the foundation. If you are connected to a municipal system, the sewer
line connects with the main sewer line located near the front curb. If there is no sewer service
available, the sewage would empty into a septic system.
The DWV system is one of the most important and complicated systems in the home.
Contractors usually install it first and plumbing codes help ensure proper safety and sanitation. Strict
regulations, such as pipe size, slope, and fixture height, must be followed to keep contaminants out of
the house.

How Drain-Waste-Vent Plumbing Systems Work

Understand how your home’s drain-waste-vent (DWV) plumbing systems work with this
expert illustrated explanation.
Hidden behind the walls and floors of a house, a system of large pipes carries drain water and
waste to the sewer or septic system. The DWV system actually consists of three types of pipes:
• Drain pipes collect water from sinks, showers, and tubs,
• Waste pipes carry waste from toilets, and
• Vent pipes exhaust sewer gasses and supply air to the pipes to keep things flowing smoothly.
All drain and waste lines slope downward from sinks, tubs, toilets, and fixtures. Gravity carries
the waste and drain water to the sewer or septic system.

How drain-waste-vent plumbing works?

As shown in the illustration, a house has at least one
main stack. The stack is a large (often 3- or 4-inch-diameter) vertical
pipe that runs from above the roof down to the main sewer line.
The house’s various toilets, faucets, tubs, and appliances have
horizontal drain and vent pipes that run into the main stack. Horizontal
drain pipes must be sloped so water cannot settle in them.
Venting is a sometimes a complicated matter, but the principle is
straightforward: A vent pipe allows air to come behind the drain water
so it flows smoothly. Without venting, drain water can gurgle, much like

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water coming out of an upturned thin-necked bottle. Because vent pipes are essential to keep drain
plumbing flowing smoothly, local and national codes have very specific requirements for their sizes
and placements.

Plumbing traps. Each fixture has a trap, which is a curved section of pipe. The curved portion of the
trap holds water in such a way that noxious gases cannot back up into the house. The water held by
the trap is replaced each time the fixture is used.

Drains that penetrate a wall have a P trap; those that go through the floor have an S trap.

A sanitary tee directs traffic in your home’s drain-waste-vent plumbing system to make sure wastes
go down to the sewer and gases go out the vent stack.
Sanitary Tee Diagram
Like other types of T fittings, it connects two pipes for a main run and one at 90 degrees
for a branch run. A little different than a standard tee, it’s designed so waste will flow
through it smoothly—the branch run curves toward the perpendicular main run (a
similar tee with a long, sweeping curve is called a combination tee).

Drain Waste Vent (DWV) Pipe Sizes

The pipes of a DWV system are larger in diameter than normal water supply pipes—typically 1
1/4 inches to 4 inches—to minimize the possibility of blockages.
The main soil stack for toilets is normally a 4-inch pipe; showers usually have a 2-inch pipe.
Sinks, lavatories, bathtubs, and laundry tubs may be served by 1 1/4- to 2-inch pipes. Though
some old homes may have pipes made of lead, most drain piping is ABS plastic, cast iron, or copper.
Some vent pipes are galvanized iron.
To operate properly and safely, each drain must be served by a vent line that carries sewer
gases out through the roof. Several vents may be connected together and joined to one larger soil
stack as long as there is no drain above the connection point. Or vents may pass through the roof on
their own. Wherever vent pipes penetrate the roof, special flashing protects against roof leaks.
All waste lines should have cleanouts at easily accessible locations. A cleanout is simply a Y-
shaped fitting in the line that is capped off. If a blockage occurs in the drainpipe, a cleanout offers a
convenient place for a plumber to snake out the line.

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The plumbing code specifies minimum diameters for drains and vents in the vertical main
stack, horizontal branch drains, and separate vent systems. The diameters are related to the number
of fixture units. To determine drainpipe diameter, look up the fixture or fixtures you’re considering in
the code’s fixture unit chart. Add up the total fixture units. Then look up the drain diameter specified
for that number of units, as shown in the chart below.
The plumbing code also specifies the maximum allowable distance between fixtures and vents,
as shown in the chart below right. This distance—from a fixture’s trap to the main stack, a secondary
stack, or another vent—is called the critical distance. The code lists critical distances by size of fixture
drain.
The height of the fixture drain is also regulated by code, which specifies that no fixture drain
may be completely below the level of the trap’s crown weir or the drain would act as a siphon and
empty the trap.
Figuring in the ideal drainpipe slope of 1/4 inch per foot, the length of that drainpipe quickly
becomes limited. But, if the fixture is vented properly within the critical distance, the drainpipe’s run
to the stack or drain may be any length.
If your fixture is too far from its vent, you have several choices: You can increase the size of the
drainpipe, you can move the fixture closer to the existing vent, or you can add a vent closer to the
fixture location.

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LESSON 3 – PLUMBING INSTALLATION

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the end of the lesson, the learners are expected to:
1. Identified the different materials used for the drainage system and water system.
2. Differentiated plumbing system and drainage system.
3. Explained the key stages in water system.

DISCUSSION
Types of Plumbing and Drainage Systems in Buildings
Plumbing system is used for water supply in building. It supplies water to kitchen toilet outlets
via distribution system of pipes. Drainage system is used to get rid of human wastes through well-
arranged network of drainage pipes.

For distribution system pipes generally used are GI, copper, HDPE, CPVC, mostly now a days
CPVC plastic pipes are used as they don’t get rusted, light weight, easy installation and maintenance
and economic.

Types of Plumbing Systems in Buildings

Plumbing system in buildings consists of underground tank which is supplied water via
municipal or water department supply lines, from there with the help of pumps and piping
distribution system water is supplied to overhead tank and thereby due to gravity water reaches to
home outlets.
The overhead tank can however be eliminated if water is supplied directly from underground
tank to kitchen toilet outlets, there comes the need of pumps which can give uninterrupted supply of
water with required pressure to outlets so that when one opens the tap he gets continuous supply of
water. Such pumps are called hydro-pneumatic system.
Such pumps consist of small steel tank with water on one side and air on another separated by
a rubber membrane. As the pump starts it supplies water to the wet side thus causing rubber
membrane to expand and air compresses on other side thus causing extra pressure on wet side which
is connected to water supply line. So as one opens the tap, gets the required quantity of water. This
causes the pressure to drop and the pump is automatically switched on again thereby maintaining the
pressure of water and at same time supplying the water to outlets.

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The advantage of such plumbing system in buildings is that requirement of overhead tanks is
eliminated. Secondly these pumps are designed to get the required equal pressure to all floors, unlike
in traditional way water flows from underground tanks to overhead tanks and the upper floors gets
water with less pressure and lower& ground floor gets high pressure due to gravity and more height.
This gives energy conservation also because it eliminates the need of supply of water ten or
twenty floors to overhead tank and then supply by gravity to all floors.
Continuous power supply backed up with generator is required to operate this system
efficiently, else if no power no supply of water.
Pumps are of two types:
 Submersible pumps
 Open type Pumps
Submersible pumps are used inside the water and require very less maintenance. Both types can be
used for traditional as well as hydro-pneumatic system.

Submersible Pump System

Types of Drainage Systems in Buildings
Drainage system is of two types:
1. Waste water is from showers, basins, kitchen sinks, washing machines, and the like. This is also
called grey water. Normally a minimum of 75 mm dia. pipes are used for drainage of waste water.
2. Soil water or sewage is from WCs and urinals. This is also called black water. Minimum of 100 mm
diameter pipes are used for waste water. When run horizontally, soil water pipes should be run at a
steeper slope, such as 1:40, as they have solids. These can be of cast iron or of PVC.
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A grease trap should be used when draining waste from kitchens, grease should not be allowed
to enter the normal drainage system. A grease trap is nothing but a small inspection chamber. The
grease floats, and should be removed manually on a daily basis. The inlets and outlets into this
chamber should be designed in a way that minimizes disturbance of the floating grease layer.

Stone ware (ceramic) pipes are used when soil and waste water is to be transported in external
soil. An inspection chamber is used to clean blockage in the line and change direction of pipes.
Inspection chamber is a short version of manholes which are used on the streets.

If municipal government drainage is not available on a small project, or exterior of city, provide
a septic tank and a soak pit. A septic tank is a rectangular underground tank with compartments. It is
always full of sewage that can be removed manually. The less water put into a septic tank, the better it
will function. The effluent that flows out of this, which is about 70% purified, is then put into a soak
pit. A soak pit is a cylindrical tank with porous brick walls surrounded by a layer of gravel.

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A soak pit should not be placed near any occupied structure, water body, or water supply pipe.
It also cannot be used where the water table is high, as groundwater will then enter and flood the pit
through the porous walls.
What’s the difference between Plumbing & Drainage?
A pipe has broken, water is running somewhere it shouldn’t – but who do you call? Is this
plumbing or drainage?
The difference between the two has long been a source of confusion. In our industry it pays to
know the difference even if, like us, you handle both.
Plumbing is the system that carries water into a building.
Drainage is the system that drains water away from a building.
Plumbing includes pipes, tanks and fittings that are required for water supply.
The water going through your plumbing pipes is clean; it’s come from the underground pipe
network straight from your water supplier. When a plumbing pipe has a leak, it’s inconvenient but
resolvable with minimal damage. You can usually tell when a plumbing pipe springs a leak because
the water pressure means you are likely to have a fountain of water springing from a pipe! A good
plumber can repair or replace a broken plumbing pipe for you and have you back to normal in no
time.
Drainage involves the process of removing waste water from your home.
Drainage pipes are angled downward, making use of gravity to drain the water away to a
sewage treatment facility or septic tank.
Problems with drainage can be more of a cause for concern. Poor drainage can lead to mould
and mildew, and even damage to the structure of a property if water is left to pool around the
foundation rather than being drained away. A leak in a drainage pipe can be smelly and leave
problems behind after the pipe has been fixed – especially if dirty waste water has been dripping onto
the floor inside your home.

The 14 Basic Components of your House Drain Hardware

Of course, you know that your drain system is made up of vertical and horizontal pipes of
various sizes and materials. However, more frequently than not problems arise with the 13 items
listed below. This will help you know what they are actually known as, their location, and their
purpose.

1. House sewer trap

The house sewer trap is the main clean out for both inside and
outside your home. It is usually located at the very front of your home or
basement. It is U shaped and has 2 clean out plugs. If the caps are not on
properly odors can escape into your house, or waste water can escape as
well. If objects enter your drain pipes, they will usually get caught inside the
belly of the trap, hence the name trap.

2. Grease trap

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A grease trap us typically installed on commercial establishments, such as restaurants. As its

name implies it traps grease inside a holding tank. A grease trap does not allow the grease to flow
down your house sewer, or into the public sewer.
3. Sewer access pit
A sewer access pit may also contain your water service line, or even
your gas line in some unique cases. It is also more commonly known as a
sewer pit. It is often an overlooked component of your drain hardware.
However it provides a vital function of easy access, a safe walking surface, and
a virtually air-tight structure. This may not seem important, until someone
trips and falls in your pit, or noxious odors escape from out of it.

4. P Trap drain hardware

As its name suggests, a P trap is in the shape of the letter P. When it is

installed it looks like a sideways P. A P trap is used to trap plumbing fixtures
such as sinks, washing machine drains, area drains, and even toilets. Like any
drain trap, its primary functions are to form a water barrier to block the
escape of sewer gases, and to catch foreign objects before they block your
drain pipes. P traps are installed on most in house plumbing fixtures

5. Area drain hardware

An area drain, like its name seems to apply, collects water from a
specific area. Typically an area drain is installed for a driveway, back yard, or
in a basement. An area drain can also be known as a yard drain, driveway
drain, trench drain, or floor drain. They all serve basically the same purpose
in terms of drain hardware. If you think your area drain is not that important,
learn how a blocked outside drain can cause flooding and damage.

6. Dry wells
Dry wells are underground holding tanks used to collect rain water,
also known as storm water. Water is sent directly to the dry well via roof
leaders, or a house storm water piping system. The dry well tanks
themselves are constructed with weep holes and typically surrounded with
crushed stone and a filter fabric. This careful construction allows for water to
seep into the surrounding soil, and takes a burden off of the public sewer
system.
Dry wells have to be carefully designed by an architect or engineer. Typically, they are installed
at the time of the home’s construction using heavy equipment, with the piping installed by a Licensed
Master Plumber. If a dry well ever need to be cleaned, sometimes the cover can be removed and
cleaned by hand. But more frequently a specialized vacuum truck is needed to safely and quickly
remove any sediment and debris.

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7. Detention tank drain hardware

Detention tanks have some similarities to dry wells, but serve a different purpose. This type of
drain hardware is specifically designed to “detain” rain and waste water, not “retain it”. The big
difference is that a detention tank does release all water accumulated in the tank to the public sewer
systems. The purpose of a detention tank is when heavy rain occurs, or a flash flood, it detains the
water long enough to prevent the public sewer system form becoming overburdened, or surcharged.
Similarly, the dry wells, detention tanks are installed at the time a building is newly
constructed. Due to their weight, very heavy excavation equipment is needed to put them in place.
Licensed master Plumbers are required to install the actual piping leading to and from the tanks.

Design tank systems are carefully engineered

8. Leaders and Gutters
Leader and gutters are considered rain hardware, even though traditional plumbers or drain
cleaners have little to do with them. Unless you own a commercial property, leader and gutter work is
not handled by a plumber or drain cleaner. If cleaning is needed, there are specialized services that
perform that. It is always a good idea to clean your gutters and leaders after the Fall season, and
before Winter arrives. After a big snow melt, clogged leaders and gutters can create havoc when a
rush of melted snow comes down off your roof.

9. Main sewer line

Your main sewer line is considered the drain piping after your main house trap, and the piping
after the foundation wall. Repairing, replacing, and installing new main house sewer lines is Balkan’s
specialty. it is also among the most expensive plumbing jobs that a homeowner can encounter.

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10. Septic System

A septic system is specialized drain hardware that acts as a private sewer treatment system. A
septic system is typically composed of a tank that retains the sludge and solids, and an overflow tank.
Many systems have a leaching field. When a septic system needs cleaning only a specially licensed
contractor can perform this work. It also requires specialized equipment such as a pump truck with a
waste conveyance permit. Read this post to learn more about septic systems.

Typical Septic System and Drain Field

11. House drain hardware
Your house drain is the horizontal piping that typically runs under your basement floor from
the rear of your basement, up to your main house trap. In some cases, it is above the finished grade of
your basement floor, and hung along a side wall. The house drain may contain various clean out
points, and is considered the “trunk” of your drain system.
12. Stack line
A drain stack is a vertical drain line. A stack runs up from the house drain to the upper floors of
your home. Typically, at each floor, including where it ties into the house drain, there is a clean out.
When a clog exists in a drain stack it is more difficult to locate and clear. That is because it may be
located behind a finished wall.
13. Branch line
If a house drain is considered the trunk of your drain system, the branch lines are considered
the individual lines that radiate out to all of your plumbing fixtures. Branch lines for a home can be
any size from 2″ up to 4″ for a typical private home.

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14. Plumbing vent lines

The last piece of “drain hardware” we’ll speak about are your drain systems vent lines. Venting
is often overlooked, but is a vital part a properly functioning drain system. Your drain vent lines allow
air to enter your drain system to displace the water as it flows through. It is similar to when you drink
out of a bottle or can of soda. if you don’t allow air to displace the soda escaping from the can of bottle
is doesn’t flow properly. The liquid can flow unevenly, of even stop monetarily. When that happens
with a drain line it is much more inconvenient. That is why every plumbing fixture in your home must
have a vent.
HOW DO OUR WATER SYSTEMS WORK?
Water is a renewable resource that is provided naturally through the earth’s water cycle, in the
form of precipitation. While water is provided by nature, many of us rely on a complex network of
pipes, pumps, equipment, and people provided by our community’s municipal water systems to safely
deliver clean water to our taps, and remove used water from our homes and businesses.
There are 6 key stages in our municipal water systems:
 Source water – the lakes, rivers and underground aquifers that are the source of our water
supply, fed by rain and melting snow.
 Water treatment – the processes to filter and purify water so that it is safe for human use.
 Water distribution systems – the pipes and pumps that deliver clean water to our taps.
 Wastewater collection systems – the pipes and pumps that take away used water from our
toilets, drains, bathtubs, and laundry. These are also called sewers.
 Wastewater treatment – the processes to remove contaminants from our used water so that it
can be safely returned to the environment. This is also called sewage treatment.
 Stormwater systems – the pipes, ditches and natural systems that channel our rain water and
snow melt away from our homes and businesses and back to the natural environment.

WATER SYSTEMS
How does water get from the source to our taps?
In municipal water systems, water is withdrawn from the water source and treated before it is
pumped to our homes and businesses. The quality of the source water determines the type of
treatment method. Most systems will include several stages of filtration (to remove suspended

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particles, debris and algae) and disinfection (to remove bacteria and viruses and purify the water).
Disinfection methods include chlorination and treatment with UV (ultra violet) light.
After treatment, municipal water systems distribute water to homes and businesses in large
pipes called water mains that are usually buried under our roads and sidewalks. Water mains are
maintained by our local governments, and paid for by water rates and property taxes.
Water lines are smaller pipes that transport the water from water mains to individual homes,
apartments and businesses. Water lines are the responsibility of the property owner.
How do we know our water is safe to drink?
Water in municipal systems is required to meet strict water quality standards established in
provincial regulations, and is tested regularly to ensure that it is safe to drink.

The Best Piping Material for Plumbing Installations

The pipes used for plumbing installations in homes and businesses can be manufactured from
many different materials. Like in any engineering decisions, the best option changes depending on the
application and project conditions. Also, each material has advantages and limitations.
The most common piping materials used for plumbing are copper, PVC, CPVC and PEX. This
article will provide an overview of these four materials, and others that may be found in the
construction industry.
Regardless of the piping material used, you can reduce project costs by optimizing the
plumbing system layout. This will reduce the total piping length required, along with fittings and labor
costs. Building Information Modeling can help you optimize plumbing installations and other MEP
systems.

Copper Pipes
Copper is very durable, and it has been the traditional plumbing material since the 1960s.
Other materials have been introduced since then, but copper is still one of the best options. The main
drawback of copper piping is its high price, and it requires soldering and additional fittings. Given its
value, copper piping is tempting for thieves when exposed.
PROS CONS
 Resistant to leaks  Expensive
 Proven reliability  Old installations may contain lead solder
since the 1960s  Old copper pipes can be recycled, but copper mining and
 Durable manufacturing cause environmental damage. For this reason, copper
 Does not pollute is not considered a green material.
water
 Heat tolerant
 Long lifespan
 Old pipes can be
recycled
 Corrosion resistant
Some common applications of copper piping include hot and cold drinking water supplies, and
refrigerant lines for HVAC systems. Type K copper pipe has the thickest walls, and is commonly used
in underground service lines. Type L has intermediate walls, while type M has the thinnest walls, and
they are commonly used for wall supply lines.

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Polyvinyl Chloride Piping (PVC)

PVC is a plastic material that is commonly used in plumbing, and it comes in two sizes:
Schedule 40 and Schedule 80.
 Schedule 40 PVC is the most commonly used, having thinner walls and a lower price.
 Schedule 80 PVC has thicker walls, making it more durable but also more expensive.
The following table summarizes the pros and cons of PVC as a piping material.
PROS CONS
 Resistant to rust and corrosion  Cannot be used for hot water, since heat deforms PVC.
 Resistant to high water pressure  PVC degrades with UV light, which means it cannot be
 Low cost exposed to sunlight.
 Easy installation, no welding or  Not safe for drinking water.
metalwork  Not recyclable.
 Versatile: multiple sizes and
fittings
 Strong and durable
 Non-conductive
PVC is commonly used for the drain lines of sinks, toilets and bathtubs. Other common
applications include indoor plumbing, underground plumbing, vent stacks, main water supply lines,
high-pressure piping, and storm drainage systems.

Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride Piping (CPVC)

As implied by its name, CPVC is PVC piping with a higher chlorine content. CPVC is suitable
for hot water and drinking water, unlike normal PVC. Compared with copper, CPVC pipes are
smoother, and they produce less noise when water flows through. CPVC piping is also insulated to
prevent energy loss, more flexible than metallic piping, and fire resistant.
PROS CONS
 Safe for drinking water  CPVC pipes split when frozen
 Easy installation  Not recyclable
 Can carry hot water  More expensive than PVC
 More flexibility than PVC and metallic pipe  Manufacturing process is highly polluting
 All the benefits of PVC, and more durable
 Fire resistant
 Nonconductive
Some common application of CPVC piping include hot and cold water supplies, hot water
drains, and disposal pipes (waste and water).

Cross-Linked Polyethylene Piping (PEX)

PEX pipes are considered one of the biggest innovations in plumbing. PEX is an extremely
flexible pipe similar to a hose, which can bend around edges and obstructions. In addition, it uses
compression fittings and does not require glue.
PEX can easily be used with existing piping, including copper, making it great for reparations
and retrofits. While PEX has a higher cost than PVC, installation costs are lower and maintenance is

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minimal. PEX pipes and fittings have been used for over 30 years, but they gained popularity after
2010.
PROS CONS
 Flexible  Water contamination studies are still taking place.
 Versatile However, PEX has been approved in states with stringent
 Heat resistant regulations.
 Freeze resistant, since the  The fittings require a special tool
material can expand and  Cannot be connected directly to a water heater
contract.  Cannot be used outdoors, since the material is damaged
 Nonconductive by UV rays.

Due to its versatility, PEX piping is commonly used in retrofits and renovations. PEX is also
used in areas with low ventilation, where joining pipes with glue can be dangerous. The material is
suitable for hot and cold-water supplies.
Other Piping Materials
The four piping materials described above are the most widely used in plumbing systems, but
they are not the only options. The following are some examples of materials that are less popular or
no longer used.

Galvanized Steel Piping

This material was popular in the past, but no longer used due to its negative effects:
 Internal rusting in small diameter pipes, due to the zinc coating
 Can get clogged over time
 Lead can be released by corroded pipes
 Water discoloration
 Galvanized steel is also a heavy material, which limits its applications in plumbing. These pipes
were commonly used in greywater and non-potable water drains.

Stainless Steel Piping

Stainless steel pipes are durable but very expensive, even more than copper pipes. They are
used in areas prone to corrosion, such as coastal environments. This material offers the following
advantages:
 Strong and corrosion resistant
 Pipes can be produced flexible or rigid
 Available in several sizes and lengths
Cast Iron Pipes
Cast iron pipes are usually manufactured as a bell and spigot type, and they are the heaviest of
all plumbing pipes. They are very durable, and allow the use of PVC to replace parts of a cast iron
piping system. However, cast iron pipes are very heavy, and require additional supports during
installation.
Some common applications of cast iron pipes are water distribution systems and underground
installations, such as the main pipes on drainage and sewer systems.
 Grey Plastic Polybutylene Piping (PB)
 This plumbing material is inexpensive and easy to install, but prone to leaks.
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 High-Density Polyethylene Piping (HDPE)

 HDPE is a flexible material that offers corrosion resistance and a long service. However, this
comes with a price, and HDPE is more expensive than PVC.

Brass Piping
Brass has been used in plumbing installations for a long time, even before copper. When using
this material, a critical requirement is ensuring that the alloy does not contain lead. Red brass pipe is
considered the best option, since it contains a high amount of copper.
PROS CONS
 Highly resistant to corrosion  May contain lead.
 Heat resistant
 Soft material, which allows tight seals
 Physical properties similar to copper
 Long service life
Brass piping is commonly used in water supply lines, water removal drains, pump fittings, water tanks and
wells.

Polypropylene Piping (PP)

Polypropylene pipes are rigid plastic pipes, similar to CPVC. However,
they are not joined with chemicals, and instead heat is used to adhere
mating ends.
 PP is commonly used in Europe, and has not received much attention
in the US.
 PP is durable, safe for humans, and considered an environmentally
friendly material.
 The main drawback is a complex installation process that requires specialized tools.
 PP piping is commonly used in hot and cold-water supplies, and drains.

ASSESSMENT

LEARNING TASK
1. What are the different materials that can be used in drainage system and water system?
Explain each briefly. (20 pts)
2. Differentiate plumbing system and drainage system in your own words. (5 pts)
3. Enumerate and explain the key stages of water system. (10 pts)

PERFORMANCE TASK
 Find at least 10 plumbing materials (including tools, fittings, fixtures and other things related
to plumbing) at home or in your community. Take pictures of it, state its name and describe its
function and importance in the whole plumbing system and in the community in general. (60
pts)
Note: Always wear your face mask when going outside.

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REFERENCES
 https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.ny-engineers.com/blog/which-is-the-best-piping-
material-for-plumbing-installations%3fhs_amp=true
 https://www.google.com/amp/s/theconstructor.org/building/types-of-plumbing-drainage-
systems-buildings/13117/
 https://www.blockbusters.co.uk/blog/whats-difference-plumbing-drainage/
 https://www.balkandraincleaning.com/house-drain-hardware/
 http://www.valueofwater.ca/water-facts/how-do-our-water-systems-work/

Prepared by:
College of Teacher Education-Sogod Campus
SOUTHERN LEYTE STATE UNIVERSITY
Sogod, Southern Leyte, Philippines
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