The Golden State: Where & How to Live, Secure, Visit, Enjoy and Thrive in California

How To Design And Install Plumbing

The House Drain

The house drain is that part of the plumbing system which receives the discharge of all soil and waste stacks within the building and conveys it to the house sewer, Fig. 51. It may be installed underground, or it may be suspended from the basement ceiling. It is sometimes referred to as the collection line.

In most buildings, especially residences, the house drain can be installed under the basement floor. There are a number of advantages gained by this method of installation. It is more economical and does not reduce the headroom in the basement. Also, an unsightly network of piping is eliminated when the drain is placed below the floor.

In the larger types of buildings, because of their exceptionally deep basements, it may become necessary to suspend the house drain from the basement ceiling. In doing this, the mechanic must use good judgment in its location, the manner in which it is suspended, grade, change of direction, and other important considerations.

Under all circumstances, however, the mechanic must use precision in the installation of the house drain, because the efficiency of the waste and soil system is dependent primarily on the accuracy of the house drain installation.

Materials Used. The materials which can be used in the construction of the house drain are vitrified clay pipe and cast-iron soil pipe. These materials were discussed in Chapter III. It may be well for the reader to refer to this chapter for detailed information.

Classification of Drains. House drains are classified in four ways as follows: Combination, Sanitary, Industrial, and Storm.

Combination Drain. A combination drain receives the discharge of sanitary, as well as storm water, wastes. It is the oldest form of house drain and was used most commonly when public sewers were of the combination design.

Sanitary Drain. The sanitary house drain receives the discharge of sanitary and domestic wastes only. All storm water in excluded. This type of drain is most commonly used today, because most modern cities have drainage disposal terminals consisting of sewage treatment tanks.

Industrial Drain. The industrial drain receives the discharge from industrial equipment, sometimes of an objectionable acid nature. It must be terminated into some drainage basin not associated with the sanitary system.

Storm Drain. The storm drain receives the discharge of all storm, clear water, or surface water wastes. All sanitary wastes must be excluded. Its terminal is usually a river, dry run, lake, or natural drainage basin.