You must be aware that the main feature of drainage system is to remove used water to sewage system. The drains generally work through gravity only and the more closer the drainage system is to vertical pipe, the easier and quicker it will flow away. Almost all drainage pipes are located at an angle in order to keep used water flowing to the sewage continuously.
A horizontal drain pipe will be blocked by soap and grease leftover causing several problems such as build up for blockage and slow water drains. Contact professional to clear blocked drains and maintain drainage system of your house.
What do you mean by plumbing?
Plumbing can be categorised under two subsystems where the first subsystem can bring freshwater from the mains water supply and the second subsystem takes away wastewater to sewage plant. The water that comes n your property will pass through a meter which then registers the amount you use. Having burst pipes means you should know where the main water stop valve is which remains very close to the meter.
Bad drainage system and surface water drainage
Foul drainage will carry water coming from the kitchen sink, shower, bathroom and your laundry away from the property. This water is actually wastewater and should be transported to the local sewage treatment plant. All the water coming to your property from mains supply has to pass through bad drains.
Surface water drainage is for the water which is not connected to home plumbing. This includes – rainwater collected by your patio, driveway, gutters and sports fields. As it has not been contaminated, it is not harmful and can be diverted to a river, stream or soak away. Storm-water flowing to bad drainage may cause flooding and foul water flowing to the surface water drain leads to contamination of the streams.
How the drainage system works
It is easy to know how the drainage system works. It will function completely with gravity and don’t use pressure to move water through plumbing. The water appliances, toilets and sinks within your house should be connected with pipes.
When you turn on the tap or flush the wastewater, it will first go to small pipe in your house and then connect to larger sewer pipe under the road. This sewage will then join a network of sewers which goes to sewage treatment plant.
House drainage components and parts
If you know about most drainage system parts, then this may be crucial in times of need. Most drainage components and parts can be hidden behind the walls, under floors or sink. By knowing about which is responsible for what can actually save your effort, time and money.
- Fixture drains – This is noticeable part shower drain or sink about which everyone knows. It remains open and usually comes with blocking mechanism.
- U-bends or P-traps – You will find p-trap right away after the fixture drains which is a curved pipe and shaped in either U or P letter. It will hold standing water and avoid sewage gasses from rising.
- Toilet trap – Toilet trap is somewhat like p-trap in function and shape for blocking sewage gasses.
- Branch drain lines – They usually connect fixture drain traps to main drain lines and run in a horizontal way. These are hidden behind the walls.
- Main drain line – These remain hidden under the basement floor or foundation slab. The main drain line gets connected to sewer line and carries all waste water of your house.
- Clothes washer standpipe – Though most washing machine pipes remain hidden, the standpipe usually remain exposed. Drain tube of washing machine takes water to the standpipe which then takes it to the sewage.
- Pipe shut-off – Stop valve is usually close to water meter and should prevent water damage or flooding.
Common drainage problems
Most home drainage problems are easy to detect and can be prevented easily. This can be from turning into huge water issue by getting caught on time. Here is a list with common plumbing drainage problems you should know:
- Clogged drains – If the drain gets blocked, sluggish or starts emitting foul smell, then you need to unclog it in order to prevent serious problem. It is a good idea to know how you can unblock sink
- Attic mildew – The hot air which comes from fans in the bathroom or moisture to attic may form mildew. This can be fixed by improving ventilation or moving vent outlets outside your house.
- Wet spots on lawn – The natural grass and soil leads to water pooling. This may be prevented by repurposing your lawn to dry well or pond as holding tanks for excessive water. Another solution is to install rain garden or drainage system.
- Water pools on walkways or driveway – In order to keep your walkways properly drained, you may install catch basin that acts as surface drain. Try to change sidewalk to stepping stones with space between them where water can drain easily seem to be another good option.
- Overflowing gutters – When gutters overflow, it is already time for cleaning them. When they are not maintained properly, the gutters are the house of fallen leaves and small animals. If the gutters remain clean, then it can be cracks, dislocated gutter pipes or undersized gutter. So, you will need the help of a good plumber in such case.
- Downpipe problems – When the downspout cannot handle all rainwater, this may lead to pressure on your home foundation or flood the basement. It is possible to relieve it with the installation of gutter extensions to the most favourable garden areas through professional drainage services.
Many water-related problems can be reduced or prevented by knowing about the plumbing system, its components and parts. You need to flush daily with hot water and avoid common drainage system issues like blocked sink and drain.
If you worry about any plumbing problem to happen, then it is advised to switch off plumbing system. Make sure you are aware about exposed pipes in the house and search in Google, “emergency plumber near you” in the case you need to clear blocked drains immediately.
