House drainage

system
Keyur Nagecha

Introduction:
Drainage system is provided to discharge
effectively the sewage of the building into the
public sewer.
Domestic sewage or sewage from a building
includes human excreta as well as discharge from
bathrooms, kitchen, lavatories etc.
Collected by sewers and finally discharge into the
public sewer.

Aims of house drainage:

To maintain healthy and hyginic conditions in the
building
Dispose off waste water as early and quickly as
possible
Avoid entry of foul gases from the sewer or the
septic tank.
Facilitate quick removal of foul matter e.g. human
excreta.
Collect and remove waste matter systematically

Principles of house drainage

Lay sewers by the side of the building rather than
below the building.
Drains should be laid straight between inspection
chambers, avoiding sharp bends and junctions as
far as possible
House drain should be connected to the public
sewer only when public sewer is deeper than the
house drain in order to avoid reverse flow.

Principles of house drainage

Lavatory blocks should be located such that the
length of the drainage line is minimum.
In case of multistory buildings they should be
located one above the other.
At least one wall should be an outside wall, to
facilitate the fixing of soil and vent pipes.
Should contain enough traps at suitable points for
its efficient functioning.

Principles of house drainage

Joints of sewer should be water tight and should
be properly tested before putting the drainage
line to use.
Lateral sewers should be laid at proper gradient
so that they can develop self cleansing velocity.
Size of the drain should be sufficient so that they
do not over flow at the time of maximum
discharge.

Principles of house drainage

Layout of the house drainage system should
permit easy cleaning and removal of
obstructions.
Entire system should be properly ventilated from
the starting point to the final point of discharge
House drain should be discontinued to the public
sewer by the provision of an intercepting trap.
This will avoid the entry of foul gases from
entering the house drainage system.

Principles of house drainage

All the materials and fittings of the drainage
system should be hard, strong and resistant to
corrosion. They should be non-absorbent type.
The entire system should be so designed that the
possibilities of formation of air locks, siphonage,
under deposits are minimized.
Rain water pipes should drain water directly into
the street gutters from where it is carried to the
storm water drain.

Important definitions and Terms:

Sewage:
Liquid wastes from the community.
Discharge from bathrooms, kitchen, washing
places, wash basins, latrines, urinals, industrial
wastes and storm water.

Important definitions and Terms:

Sullage:
Indicate waste water from bathrooms, kitchens,
washing places, wash basins etc.
It does not include waste water from W.C., urinals
etc.
It does not create bad smell since organic matter
in it is absent.

Important definitions and Terms:

Night soil:
Human and animal excreta.

Sewerage:
Entire science of collecting and carrying sewage by
water carriage system through sewers.

Important definitions and Terms:

Waste water:
Synonymous to sewage.
Includes both organic and mineral matter carried
through liquid media.
While the organic portion of the waste water is
putrescible (Liable to decay), undergoing biological
decomposition, the mineral matter may combine with
water to form dissolved solids
May form unsightly sludge deposits and may
contribute to the hardness of water in the effluent.

Important definitions and Terms:

Sewer:
Under ground pipe or conduit carrying sewage.

Soil pipe:
Pipe carrying sewage from urinals, W.C. etc.

Waste pipe:
Pipe carrying discharges from bath rooms, kitchens,
sinks etc.

Vent pipe:
Pipe installed for the purpose of ventilation or to carry
foul smell.

Important definitions and Terms:

Siphonage:
Breaking of Water seal of traps may due to
siphonic action.
Induced when water is suddenly discharged from
a fixture on the upper floor.

Anti siphonage pipe:

Pipe installed to prevent the water seal of traps.
Maintains proper ventilation and does not allow
the siphonic action to take place.

Important definitions and Terms:

Plumbing system:
Entire system of plumbing, fixtures, pipelines etc.
for providing water supply or drainage to a
building.

Sewerage system:
A system of sewers of different types and sizes in a
town collecting waste water from the town and
carrying it to the waste water treatment plant.

Important definitions and Terms:

Rain water pipe:
Pipe to carry rain water.

Trap:
Device connected at the end of soil pipe or waste
pipe to stop the entry of foul gases inside the
building.
Bent pipe in shape of U which always remains full
of water.

Important definitions and Terms:

Water seal:
The vertical distance between the crown and the
dip of the trap is known as water seal.
The portion always remains full of water.
Generally the water seal varies from 75mm to
100mm.
Water seal is required to prevent entry of foul
gases in the building from the drains.

Components of Drainage and plumbing system:

Pipes
Traps
Sanitary fittings.

PIPES
In a house drainage system a pipe may have the
following designations depending on the function
it carries.
Soil pipe:
Pipe carrying sewage from urinals, W.C. etc.

Waste pipe:
Pipe carrying discharges from bath rooms,
kitchens, sinks etc.
It does not carry human excreta.

PIPES
Vent pipe:
Pipe installed for the purpose of ventilation or to
carry foul smell.
Vent pipe is open at top and bottom to facilitate
exit of foul gases.
Exit is kept at least 1m above the roof level.

Rain water pipe:

Pipe to carry rain water.

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PIPES
Anti siphonage pipe:
Pipe installed to prevent the water seal of traps.
Maintains proper ventilation and does not allow
the siphonic action to take place.

PIPES
Common sizes of pipes for different functions:
Pipe
Soil pipe
Waste pipe horizontal
Waste pipe vertical
Rain water pipe
Vent pipe
Antisiphonage pipe
(1)Connecting soil pipe
(2)Connecting waste pipe

Diameter
mm
100
30 50
75
75
50
50
40

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Traps
Devices which is connected at the end of the soil
pipe or waste pipe to stop the entry of foul gases
inside the building is known as trap.
It is a bend pipe in the shape of U which always
remain full of water.
The vertical distance between the crown and the dip
of the trap is known as water seal.
Generally the water seal varies from 75mm to
100mm.
Water seal is required to prevent entry of foul gas.

Requirements of a good trap:

It should possess adequate water seal at all time.
Non absorbent material
Internal and external surfaces should have smooth
finish so that dirt etc. does not stick to it.
Free from any inside projections, angles,
contractions, so that flow is not obstructed.
Self cleansing.
Simple in construction, Cheap and readily available.
Should have suitable access for cleaning.

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Causes of breaking of water seal:

Water seal may break due to the following
reasons.
Faulty joints
Crack in the bottom of seal
Creation of partial vacuum in the sewer fittings
Increase in the pressure of sewer gases
Non use for a prolonged period

Causes of breaking of water seal:

The breaking of water seal can be prevented by
Connecting the portion between soil pipe and trap
by a vent pipe
Use of anti siphonage pipe in the building.

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Classification of Traps:

Traps
Classification

Classification

based on shape

based on use

P trap
Q trap
S - trap

Floor trap or Nahni trap

Gully trap
Intercepting trap
Grease trap

Classification based on Shape

P Trap:
The most common of these traps
in houses is referred to as a Ptrap.
It is the addition of a 90 degree
fitting on the outlet side of a Ubend, thereby creating a P-like
shape.
It can also be referred to as a sink
trap due to the fact it is installed
under most house sinks.

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Classification based on Shape

P trap

Classification based on Shape

S-trap
An S-shaped trap is also known as
the S-bend invented byAlexander
Cummings in 1775
"S" traps are no longer accepted
by the plumbing codes and are
even illegal in many US state, as
these traps tend to easily siphon
dry even when well-vented.

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Classification based on Shape

Q trap
Modified S trap
Reduce siphonage
compared to S trap

Classification based on use

Floor trap / Nahni Trap

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Classification based on use

Floor trap / Nahni trap:
Used to collect wash water from floors, kitchens
and bathrooms.
It forms the starting point of waste water flow.
Made up of cast iron, PVC
A removable / detachable grate is provided at the
top to prevent entry of the coarse solid matter.
Some times floor trap is also available with extra
strainer to collect the coarser materials
Water seal restricts the entry of foul gases.

Classification based on use

Gully trap:

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Classification based on use

Gully trap:
Special types of traps which disconnect sullage
drain (collected from bath, kitchen etc.)
from the main drainage system
A well designed gully trap serves two or three
connections from the nahni trap.
A gully trap is usually made of stoneware and a
C.I. grating is provided at its top.

Classification based on use

A gully trap is fitted inside a masonry chamber
and a water seal of 60 to 70 mm is provided.
It is placed near to the external face of the wall
and is kept slightly higher or even in line with the
pavement of the ground level.
The gully trap leads sewage to a sewer or to an
inspection chamber or to a man hole.

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Classification based on use

Intercepting trap:

Classification based on use

Intercepting trap:
Also known as
disconnecting trap or
interceptor it is provided
at the junction of house
drain with the public
sewer or septic tank.
Provided in the last
manhole of the house
drainage system.
The domestic sewage is
carried by the pipeline to
fall in the semi circular
open channel within
manhole.

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Classification based on use

The sewage flows to the main
sewer through the
intercepting trap.
The primary object of
providing intercepting trap is
to prevent entry of foul gases
in the public sewer to house
drainage.
It also has an inspection arm
which is kept closed by plug.
The plug is opened for
cleaning or inspection of the
pipe lines.
Plug is also called cleaning
eye.

Classification based on use

Advantages of intercepting trap:
Restricts entry of foul gases of public sewer line.
Prevents entry of harmful bacteria and
contamination from public sewer system.
Make access for the cleaning and removal of the
debris and garbage.

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Classification based on use

Disadvantages of intercepting trap:
If the discharge is less than designed than solid
heavy particles may retain and settle in the trap
resulting in decomposition and foul smell
If lead or plug is not tightened the foul gases from
public sewer will enter the house drain.
Cleaning is difficult through the inspection arm of
the trap.
Interceptor itself may form an obstruction to the
normal flow of sewage.

Classification based on use

Grease trap:
Used in large hotels, restaurants or industries
where large quantity of oily waste are expected to
enter the water flow.
If oily substance is not removed or separated it
may stick to the drainage system and cause ugly
scum and blockages to re-aeration.

21

 Grease trap:

Classification based on use

A grease trap is either a masonry or cast iron
chamber with a bent pipe or Tee pipe at the
outlet end.
Because of the sudden increase in the area of flow
at the entry the velocity of flow is reduced,
resulting in the separation of oily and greasy
matter from the wastewater
This greasy matter, floating on the top can be
removed later.

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Sanitary fittings

Sanitary fittings
The following sanitary fittings are commonly used
in buildings, for efficient collection and removal
of wastewater to the house drain.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Wash basin
Sinks
Bath tubes
Water closets
Urinals
Flushing cisterns

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Wash basins:

Wash basins
Usually made of pottery or glazed earthware or
enameled iron, glass, plastic, pressed steel etc.
There are two types of washbasins

Flat back

angle back

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Wash basins
An ordinary wash basin is mounted on brackets
fixed on wall, while a pedestal type basin is
mounted on pedestal rising from wall.
Typical wash basin sizes
Flat Back
mm
630 x 450
550 x 400
450 x 300

Angle Back
mm
600 x 480
400 x 400

Wash basins
Bowls are made with and without overflows, and
the overflows are of several varieties.
In Fig. the overflow consists of a strainer A and a
nozzle, or horn, B, to which a waste pipe is
attached by a cemented slip joint, or by a rubber
cone connection. The latter is preferable.

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Wash basins
the overflow duct A, which is molded on the
basin, leads into the waste outlet B through holes
C in the connection under the rubber plug D.

Wash basins
the porcelain bowl is constructed
with a recess a to contain a combined
standing overflow and waste plug b.
The base of the waste plug is
perforated and forms a good strainer,
which can easily be cleaned by lifting
out the entire waste plug and
overflow arrangement.
The top of the plug b slides in a guide
which is secured to the marble top c
by a lockout d. The standing waste is
suspended by a bayonet catch, as
shown

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Wash basins
the bowl c is made plain without
even a stopper, and has a strainer
only.
The stopper and standing overflow
are contained in the tube a.
The surplus water escapes through
the holes b. Bowls are also made
with flushing rims, and the faucets
are placed below the top, having only
the handles in sight.
The rim of the bowl is thus freed
from all obstructions, and the hands
of the bather cannot be injured by
the nozzles of the faucets.

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Sinks

Sinks

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Sinks
Normally rectangular basin used in kitchen or
laboratory for cleaning utensils and glasswares.
Made of glazed earthware, stainless steel or
enameled pressed steel.
Sink has an out let usually of about 40mm dia.
Outlet pipe discharges water over a floor trap or
nahni trap.

Sinks
Mouth of outlet pipe is provided with grating of
brass or nickel to prevent entry of coarse solids.
Common sizes of kitchen and laboratory sinks
Kitchen sink
mm
600 x 400 x 150
600 x 450 x 250
750 x 450 x 250

Laboratory sink
mm
400 x 250 x 150
450 x 300 x 150
600 x 400 x 200

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Bath tubs

Bath tubs

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Bath tubs
For long and luxurious bath
Made of iron or steel coated with enamel,
enameled porcelain or of plastic.
May be with parallel sides or with parallel sides
or with tapering sides.
It is provided with outlets and outflow pipes,
usually 40mm diameter,

Bath tubs
A trap with proper water seal is used at the
outlet.
Conventional sizes of bathtub:
Length
Width
Depth

1.7 to 1.85 m
0.7 to 0.75 m
0.6m

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Water Closets (WC)

A water closet is a sanitary fitting which is
designed to receive human excreta directly and
convey to the septic tank or underground sewer
through a trap.
Types of W.C.
Indian Type
European Type
Anglo Indian Type

How it works

32

Water Closets (WC)

Indian Type

Water Closets (WC)

Indian Type
Simple in construction and working.
Used in squatting (siting) position.
Made of porcelain
The pan and trap are available as two separate
pieces.
They are assembled at the time of laying

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Water Closets (WC)

Closet is setup at the floor level and pair of foot
rests are provided on both side of the pan.
The trap consists of a hole on the top of the
connection to anti-siphonage pipe.
The length of pan varies from 450mm to 675 mm
and water seal varies from 50mm to 75mm.
A flushing rim is provided on the top interior
surface for flushing the closet with water which
may be supplied through the flushing tank,
cisterns or direct flush valve.

Water Closets (WC)

European type
Water Closet

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Water Closets (WC)

European type
Water Closet

Water Closets (WC)

European type Water Closet
Usually made of porcelain.
Wash down water closet provided with a seat and
a cover.
Pan has a flushing rim to spread the flush water
Excreta directly falls in the trap.
Less chances of excreta becoming foul.
Pedestal type European WC also known as
commode is commonly used.

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Water Closets (WC)

The closet is either fitted with P or S trap.
Can also be used at upper floors, while in case of
Indian type W.C. the upper floor has to be
depressed to receive the pan fixed at floor level.
Generally a low level flushing cistern is used with
the European type W.C.
The length of pan varies from 500 to 600mm and
depth varies from 350mm to 400mm

Water Closets (WC)

The pan is set up on the pedestal of comfortable
height.
Now a days even wall mounted European W.C. are
used.

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Water Closets (WC)

Anglo Indian W.C.

Water Closets (WC)

Anglo Indian W.C.
Main advantage of Indian W.C. is that it can be
used in squatting position since it is fixed at floor
level.
While in European W.C. which is fixed at about
400mm above floor level can not be conveniently
used in squatting position.
The problem with Indian W.C. is that the excreta
does not fall directly in the trap.

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Water Closets (WC)

An Anglo Indian W.C. removes both this problems.
Here closet is fixed 400mm above the floor level.
Upper rim of the pan is properly enlarged so that
legs can rest on it while using in squatting
position.
The inner shape of the pan is intermediate
between the two types, with wider top area of the
trap.

Water Closets (WC)

The excreta directly falls in the water contained by
the trap.
The top flushing rim and seat etc. are similar to
European type.

38

Requirements of a good water closet:

Convenient in use for persons of different age
groups.
Effective flushing with small quantity of water.
pan surface should be Smooth, durable
It should not crack with time..
Excreta should not stick to it and flow down
easily.
Attractive in appearance.

Requirements of a good water closet:

Water of trap should not be splashed when
excreta falls in to it.
Urine should not be splashed outside the pan.
Water in the trap should provide and effective
and air tight seal.

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Urinals
There are two types of urinals
Bowl Type

Stall Type

40

Urinals
Bowl type urinal is an oval shaped bowl made of
porcelain.
Fixed on wall at comfortable height.
A hole is provided on the top for connecting the
flushing pipe with flushing rim.
Another hole is provided at the bottom of
connecting with the surface drain or underground
sewer.

Urinals
IS 2556 part 6-1992 describes the detailed
specifications for the various vitreous urinals.
Standard sizes of bowl type urinals
Flat back pattern
Angle back pattern

430 x 260 x 350 mm

340 x 430 x 265 mm

A stall type urinal normally has more than one

units, with a centre to centre spacing of 0.6 to
0.7m.

41

Urinals
The contents of urinals are collected and
discharged in to the soil pipe through floor trap
(nahni trap).
Automatic flushing cistern are generally provided
for stall type urinals which operates at regular
interval of 10 to 15 minutes.

Flushing Cistern:
A cistern or tank which is installed above the
latrine or urinals for flushing water is known as
flushing cistern.
It is made up of either Cast Iron or porcelain.

42

Flushing Cistern:
CI cistern is operated using chain and handle,
while porcelain is operated using small handle or
push button.
The capacity of cistern varies from 5 to 10 litres.
For Indian type W.C. the C.I. cistern is fixed at
about 2.0m above the floor while the European
type W.C. porcelain cisterns are fixed at about
60cm above floor level.

Flushing Cistern:
Flushing cisterns are of two types
Valve less siphonic type (Bell type cistern)
Valve fitted siphonic type (A float type)

43

Flushing Cistern:
The Burlington, or bell, style WC cistern is an old
fashion, found in old houses or houses with Indian
style Commode, with high level WC cisterns.
Burlington cisterns were usually made entirely from
cast iron (the body, bell, lever etc) and are easy to
recognise by the 'well' in the bottom of the cistern in
which the 'bell' sits.
The down pipe from the cistern to the lavatory pan
extends vertically up within the bell - the ball valve in
the cistern is set so that the water level is just below
the open top of the pipe.

Flushing Cistern:

44

Flushing Cistern:
When the cistern chain is pulled, the bell is lifted
by the lever at the top of the cistern which draws
the water under the bell upwards and into the
open top of the down pipe, once the water has
started to flow down the pipe, a syphon effect
draws the remainder of the water into the down
pipe until air is drawn under the bottom edge of
the bell.

45

Flushing Cistern:
Apart from the ball valve, the Bell cistern does not
have any parts to wear and can be is very reliable.
Disadvantages:
They tend to be mechanically noisy as the top lever
pivots and lifts the cast iron bell.
They tend to suffer from condensation on the outside
this is due to the use of cast iron for the main cistern
rather than the actual design.
They can be temperamental to operate If the water
level is not set high enough, as if not enough water is
drawn up and into the down pipe when the bell is
lifted, the syphon effect will not start.

Flushing Cistern:
Float type:

46

Flushing Cistern:
A syphon type lavatory cisterns flush is more
reliable than the older Burlington bell style flush
and can be used with high level, low level and
close coupling cistern positions.
The cisterns itself are usually made from plastic
or ceramic.

Flushing Cistern:
The syphon is basically an inverted U within the
cistern with the bend above the level of the water.
One end of the syphon is coupled to the down pipe
connecting the cistern to the pan, the other end of
the syphon is near the bottom of the cistern and
incorporates a perforated disc covered by a flexible
material (the flap valve) which can be moved up and
down within the syphon by means of a vertical rod
attached to a lever mechanism.

47

Flushing Cistern:
Float type:

Flushing Cistern:
When the perforated disc is lifted up within the
syphon by the vertical rod being operated by
either by a handle or chain action, the water
above the disc/flap is forced over the top of the
inverted U and flows down in the pipe to the pan.
Once the water starts to flow down the down
pipe, the syphon effect created draws the rest of
the water out of the cistern to flush the lavatory.
The syphon continues to work until air is drawn
into the cistern.

48

Flushing Cistern:
Float type:

Flushing Cistern:
Disadvantages of float type cistern
The linkage between the rod which raises the disc can
become detached from the handle or chain rocker.
Setting the correct water level - if the water level is
too low, there will be insufficient water above the disc
to start the operation of the syphon.
However, once the correct water level has been set,
this won't be a problem unless something does wrong
with the material on the perforated disc
The flap valve (i.e. the flexible covering on the
perforated disc) will become worn after years of
operation

49

System of Plumbing

Single stack system

One pipe system
Partially ventilated single stack system
Two pipe system.

50

Single stack system:

In this system, the waste water from bathroom,
kitchen, wash basin, urinals etc and human
excreta from water closet is discharged through a
singh soil pipe and also this pipe acts as
ventilating pipe.
The traps should have water seals at all times at
least to a depth of 75mm.

Single stack system:

ADVANTAGES:
Simplicity of layout, design and plumbing.
More economical.
Improved external appearance because of single
pipe.
Compact plumbing.

51

Single stack system:

DISADVANTAGES:
Water seals may be evaporated during dry
weather.
Possibility of self or induced syphonage leads
sucking of water seals.
Due to blockage or bad design, the waste water
from drainage pipes may be forced up through
traps by back pressure..

52

One Pipe System:

A separate vent pipe is provided.
Traps of all water closets, basins etc. are
completely ventilated.
In multistory building to use this system toilet
blocks of various floors are placed one over other.
Waste water discharged from the different units
can be carried through short branch drains to
common soil and waste pipe (S.W.P.)
System is bit costlier than single stack system.

53

Partially ventilated single stack system

Modified form of single stack system and one
pipe system.
Waste from W.C., basins, sinks etc. is discharged
into one common soil and waste pipe (S.W.P.).
However a relief vent pipe is also provided
provides ventilation to the traps of water closets
only.
The traps of basins etc. are not directly connected
to the vent pipe.

Two pipe system:

Separate provision for Soil Pipe and Waste Pipe is
provided.
The discharge from W.C. is connected to the soil
pipe.
While the discharge from baths, sinks, lavatory basin
etc are connected to the waste pipe.
All the traps are completely ventilated by providing
separate ventilating pipes.
Thus, four pipes are required.
The discharge from waste pipe disconnected from
the drain by means of a gully trap.

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Anti-siphonage pipe
Pipe installed to preserve the water seal of traps.
Maintains proper ventilation and does not allow the
siphonic action to take place.
In case of a multi storied building, the sudden flush
of water in the upper story results in the sucking of
air from the short branch of the pipe connecting the
W.C. to the soil pipe of lower story.
The sucking of air causes partial vacuum on the
downstream side of the water seal of the lower W.C.

55

Anti-siphonage pipe
The pressure at the upstream side of the water
seal is more which forces the water up the trap
and siphons it out in the branch.
This can be avoided by connecting the crown of
the trap to the atmosphere through an
antisiphonage pipe.
A ventilating pipe can therefore be used as an
antisiphonage pipe.

56

How automatic syphon works:

57

House Drainage Plan

Before starting the plumbing work
prepare drainage plan

The site plan is drawn to a suitable scale

Shows position of baths, w.c., urinals, wash
basins and other drainage units.
Shows position of gully traps and floor traps.

House Drainage Plan

Longitudinal section of the drain is also drawn.
Sections shows distances, invert levels, size and
levels of inspection chambers and man holes,
gradients of pipes and position and level of public
sewer.

58

59

Requirement of a good drainage plan

Quick removal of sewage:
Drains should be laid such that easy and quick
removal of sewage is possible.

Self cleansing:
The slope of the drain should be such that self
cleansing velocity is developed in them.
Typical gradients
100mm dia
150mm dia
230mm dia

1 in 40 (gradient)
1 in 60 (gradient)
1 in 90 (gradient)

Requirement of a good drainage plan

Ventilation:
Entire drainage system should be properly
ventilated on the house side.
The ventilation pipe should be carried sufficiently
high above the buildings
All the inspection chambers should be provided
with fresh air inlets.

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Requirement of a good drainage plan

Safety:
Drains should be laid in such a way so as to ensure
their safety in future.

Flexibility:
Drains should be laid such that it provides
flexibility of expansion, extension, modification
and repair.

Requirement of a good drainage plan

General rules:
All soil pipes should be carried directly to the
manholes without gully traps.
Pipes should be laid in straight lines both in
horizontal as well as vertical directions.
Any abrupt change in the direction of flow should
be avoided.

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Requirement of a good drainage plan

Where pipes intersect or where there is change in
the direction of pipe, inspection chamber should
be provided.
All rain water pipes should discharge over gully
traps and should be disconnected from the drain.

Testing of drains and pipes:

After laying the house drains and fitting the
pipes, their water tightness should be ascertained
by applying various tests.
Usually tested in sections between successive
chambers, and vertical pipes are tested in groups
having one common inspection chamber.

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Testing of drains and pipes:

Following tests are usually conducted.
Air test
Coloured water test
Hydraulic test
Smell test
Smoke test

Testing of drains and pipes:

Air test:
Can be applied for the underground and vertical
pipes.
Particular section is selected and the plugs are
provided at the upper and lower ends.
Air is forced in the pipes by suitable equipment
such as a pump.

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Testing of drains and pipes:

The leaky joints are found out by applying soap
solution.
The escape of air from leakey joints will form
bubbles which are visible.
These joints are then repaired.

Air test

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Testing of drains and pipes:

Coloured water test:
Coloured water is allowed to flow from one point
to another.
It will come out through the Leakey joints.
Identified leakages are repaired.

Testing of drains and pipes:

Hydraulic test:
Most important test
Applied for water tightness of the underground
drains.
Lower end is provided with a plug and at the
upper manhole, the water is filled to a height of
about 600 900mm in case of house drains.

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Testing of drains and pipes:

If there is no drop in water level for a period of
about 10 minutes, it can be safely assumed that
no joint is leaking.
Sweated joints are detected and repaired.

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Testing of drains and pipes:

Smell Test:
Similar to air test.
Air is mixed with some smelling gas which can be
easily recognized.
Such air is allowed to pass through the drain.
The escape of air from leaky joint is detected by
smell and such joints are then repaired.

Testing of drains and pipes:

Smoke test:
Similar to the air test.
Except that smoke is introduced in the drains.
Applied to detect leakages in the existing drains.

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Maintenance of House Drainage System:

For efficient working of house drainage system
properly maintained
Cleaned at regular intervals.

Following points to note:

Entry of undesirable elements:
Undesirable substances like grit, sand, decayed
fruits, vegetables, pieces of cloth, leaves etc. do
not enter the system.

Maintenance of House Drainage System:

Flushing:
Flush the system once or twice a day.

Inspection
Regular inspection at regular intervals for
obstructions and blockages, leakages.

Quality of materials
Good quality

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Maintenance of House Drainage System:

Use of disinfectants
Maintain good sanitary condition
Keeps lavatory blocks, toilets free from smell and
infections

?
No
Then

Thats All

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Thats All

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