All About Drains
Drain systems inside the perimeter of the foundation is referred to as the building drain. Outside of the foundation the drain system is referred to as the building sewer. Drainpipes within the perimeter of the foundation can be made of the following materials ABS plastic, PVC plastic, copper DWV, galvanized steel, or cast iron.
Cast iron is quieter and more expensive than the plastics. If sound is not an issue the plastics are a good choice for drainage. Copper is seldom used for drainage because of cost. Plastics are perfect for disposing of sewer or drain water, but not for pressurized drinking water. The sewer or building sewer pipe materials are ABS, Cast Iron, PVC and Clay. Clay is never allowed with in the foundation perimeter. Clay is one of the most common drain materials used outside.
Clean drinking water is important for your health, safety, and taste. Drainpipes are important for your health and safety. Proper disposal of drain water protects us from clogged drains, leaking pipes, mold growth, water damage, and cross connections (drain water and drinking water connections). Properly installing a drain system protects the health and safety of the community as well. Sewer water can infect washes, streams, rivers, lakes, and oceans. All sewer drain water must be treated by public or private treatment stations, before draining into our waterways.
Drainpipes are not garbage cans, be careful about what goes down drainpipes. Garbage disposals should not be used for throwing out grease, food, flowers, soup, fish, meats, rice or potatoes. If you are doing the dishes clean all the food off of dishes and into the trash. If you have a little food on the plate that is okay, after you run a garbage disposal run the water for at least a minute to rinse out the drain. Anything that does not wash out of the drain will result in build up, and over time result in a clogged drain.
Be careful not to let hair go down the drain, use strainers wherever possible. Avoid combing or brushing hair over a sink.
Toilets are not trash cans. Paper towels, napkins, baby wipes, and sanitary products should go into the trash can. Putting these products in to the toilet can cause the entire sewer drain to back up and may cause a flood in your house. If you have a clogged drain you can have it cleaned by a roto plumber that does drain cleaning.
If you are remodeling, repiping, or having drain problems now may be a good time to replace your drains. If your sewer drain needs replacement there are several ways you can take care of the problem. There is trench-less technology that includes relining the sewer pipe, there is also pipe bursting. Complete pipe replacement may be required for low or high spots, or if the pipes joints are broken or misaligned. Before you replace your sewer drain have a plumber inspect your sewer line with an inline video camera locater. It is always a good idea to have your sewer line video inspected before you purchase a new home. Depending on how severe the problem, and how hard to replace the pipe, sewer system replacement can be expensive.
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