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At the end of this topic, student should be
able to:
1. Define a house drainage system;
2. Explain the aim and principles of house
drainage system;
3. Illustrate the components of house
drainage system;
4. Explain the plan and maintenance of
house drainage system.

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• House drainage system is sewer
lines designed for every house to
discharge effectively the sewage
of the house into the public
sewer.
• Domestic sewage or sewage from
a building includes human
excreta, discharge from
bathrooms, kitchen, lavatories
etc.
• Sewage collected by sewers and
finally discharge into the public
sewer.

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 The Aims of House Drainage
1. To maintain healthy and
hygienic conditions in the
building;
2. Dispose off wastewater as
early and quickly as possible;
3. Facilitate quick removal of
foul matter e.g. human
excreta;
4. Avoid entry of foul gases
(sewer gas) from the sewer
or the septic tank;
5. Collect and remove waste
matter systematically.
Principles of House Drainage
Construction
1. Lay sewers by the side of the
building rather than below
the building;
2. Drains should be laid straight
between inspection chambers
(manhole), avoiding sharp
bends and junctions;
3. 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;
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House Drainage Plan

I.C – Inspection Chamber

WS – Wash Basin
W.C – Water Closet
SP – Soil Pipe
RWP – Rain Water Pipe
CW – Compound Wall
W – Water Cooler
WP – Waste Pipe
S – Sink
VP – Vent Pipe
GT – Gully Trap
PS – Public Sewer
O.J – Oblique Junction

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 Principles of House Drainage
4. 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;
5. At least one wall should be an
outside wall, to facilitate the
fixing of soil and vent pipes;
6. Should contain enough traps
at suitable points for its
efficient functioning;
8. Joints of sewer should be
water tight and should be
properly tested before
putting the drainage line to
use;
9. Lateral sewers should be laid
at proper gradient so that
they can develop self
cleansing velocity;
10. Size of the drain should be
sufficient so that they do not
over flow at the time of
maximum discharge;
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 Principles of House Drainage
11. Layout of the house drainage
system should permit easy
cleaning and removal of
obstructions;
12. Entire system should be
properly ventilated from the
starting point to the final
point of discharge;
13. 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.
14. All the materials and fittings
of the drainage system should
be hard, strong and resistant
to corrosion. They should be
non-absorbent type.
15. The entire system should be
designed so that the
possibilities of formation of
air locks, siphonage, under
deposits etc. are minimized.
16. Rain water pipes should drain
water directly into the street
gutters from where it is
carried to the storm water
drain.
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 Important definition and terms
1. Sewage:
o Liquid wastes from the
community.
o Discharge from bathrooms,
kitchen, washing places,
wash basins, latrines
(public toilet), urinals,
industrial wastes and storm
water.
2. Sullage (grey water):
o Indicate wastewater from
bathrooms, kitchens,
washing places, wash basins
etc.
o It does not include waste
water from W.C., urinals
etc.
o It does not create bad
smell since organic matter
in it is absent.
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 Important definition and terms

3. Night soil:
o Human and animal excreta. o While the organic portion of
4. Sewerage: the wastewater is
putrescible (liable to decay),
o A system of collecting and undergoing biological
carrying sewage by water decomposition, the mineral
carriage system through matter may combine with
sewers. water to form dissolved
5. Wastewater solids;
o Includes both organic and o May form unsightly sludge
mineral matter carried (we mud) deposits and may
through liquid media; contribute to the hardness
of water in the effluent.

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 Important definition and terms
6. Sewer:
o Underground pipe or
conduit carrying sewage.
7. Soil pipe:
o Pipe carrying sewage (night
soil) from urinals, W.C. etc.
8. Waste pipe:
o Pipe carrying discharges
(sullage) from bath rooms,
kitchens, sinks etc.
9. Vent pipe:
o Pipe installed for the
purpose of ventilation or to
carry foul smell.
10. Siphonage:
o Breaking of water seal of
traps.
o Induced when water is
suddenly discharged from a
fixture on the upper floor.
11. Anti-shiphonage pipe:
o Pipe installed to prevent
the water seal of traps
breaking.
o Maintains proper
ventilation and does not
allow the siphonic action to
take place.
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 Important definition and terms
12. Plumbing system:
o Entire system of plumbing,
fixtures, pipelines etc. for
providing water supply or
drainage to a building.
13. Sewerage system:
o A system of sewers of
different types and sizes
in a town collecting
wastewater from the town
and carrying it to the
wastewater treatment
plant.
14. Rain water pipe:
o Pipe to carry rain water.
15. Trap:
o Device connected at the
end of soil pipe or waste
pipe to stop the entry of
foul gases inside the
building.
o Bent pipe in shape of ‘U’
which always remains full
of water (water seal).
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 Important definition and terms
16. Water seal:
o The vertical distance
between the crown and the
dip of the trap.
o The portion always remains
full of water.
o Generally the water seal
varies from 75 mm to 100
mm. Components of house drainage
o Water seal is required to system
prevent entry of foul gases 1. Pipes
in the building from the 2. Traps
drains. 3. Sanitary fittings

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 Important definition and terms
16. Water seal:
o The vertical distance
between the crown and the
dip of the trap.
o The portion always remains
full of water.
o Generally the water seal
varies from 75 mm to 100
mm. Components of house drainage
o Water seal is required to system
prevent entry of foul gases 1. Pipes
in the building from the 2. Traps
drains. 3. Sanitary fittings

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 Components of House Drainage System

Pipes Traps Sanitary

According to According to
shape use

• P trap • Floor trap

• ɋ trap • Gully trap
• S trap • Grease trap
• Intercepting trap 15
 Components of House Drainage System

Pipes Traps Sanitary

• Soil pipe • Wash basin

• Vent pipe • Sink
• Waste pipe • Bath tub
• Rain pipe • WC
• Anti-shiponage pipe • Urinal
• Flushing Cistern

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• Definitions of traps:
o Fittings at the end of soil pipes or waste pipes
to prevent foul gases coming out of the soil pipe
or waste pipe.
• It is a bend pipe in the shape of ‘U’ which always
remain full of water (water seal).
• Water seal is required to prevent entry of foul gas.
• Traps classifications:
o According to shape; OR
o According to use.

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 Requirements of a good trap

1. It should possess adequate water seal at all time.

2. Non absorbent material.
3. Internal and external surfaces should have smooth
finish so that dirt etc. does not stick to it.
4. Free from any inside projections, angles,
contractions, so that flow is not obstructed.
5. Self cleansing.
6. Simple in construction, cheap and readily available.
7. Should have suitable access for cleaning.

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 P-TRAP
• Commonly found in houses.
• It is the addition of a 90o fitting on the outlet side of a U bend,
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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 S-TRAP
• An S-shaped trap also known as the S-
bend, was invented by Alexander Cummings
in 1775.
• "S" traps are no longer accepted by the
plumbing codes as these traps tend to
easily siphon dry even when well-vented.

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 S-TRAP
• It is used for fixing water closets in toilets.
• The only difference between P trap and S trap is that P trap is used
for outlet through the wall where as S trap is used for outlet
through the floor.

P-trap

S-trap

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P-TRAP vs. S-TRAP

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 ɋ-TRAP
• Modified S – trap.
• Reduce siphonage compared to S trap.
• This trap is used in toilet under water closet. It is almost
similar to S trap and is used in upper storey other than
ground floor.

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 FLOOR-TRAP

• A.k.a Nahini 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, and 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.

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 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 nahini trap.
• A gully trap is usually made of stoneware
and a C.I. grating is provided at its top.
• A gully trap is fitted inside a masonry
chamber and a water seal of 60 mm to 70
mm is provided.

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 GULLY-TRAP

• Or 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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 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.
• 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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GREASE-TRAP

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 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.
• 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.
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INTERCEPTING-TRAP

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 INTERCEPTING-TRAP
ADVANTAGES:
• 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.
DISADVANTAGES:
• 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. 31
 • Soil pipe
Pipe carrying sewage from urinals,
W.C. etc.
• 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
SOIL PIPES
gases.
Exit is kept at least 1 m above the
roof level.

SOIL AND VENT PIPES

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 Rain pipe:
Pipe to carry rain water.
RAIN PIPE

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

WASTE PIPE 33
ANTI-SHIPONAGE PIPE

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

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 The following size of pipes
commonly used in house drainage

Pipe Diameter (mm)

Soil pipe 100
Vent pipe 50
Waste pipe horizontal 30 – 50
Waste pipe vertical 75
Rain pipe 75
Anti-shiponage pipe
1. Connecting soil pipe 50
2. Connecting waste pipe 40

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• The following sanitary fittings
are commonly used in buildings,
for efficient collection and
removal of wastewater to the
house drain.
1. Wash basin
2. Sink
3. Bath tub
4. WC
5. Urinal
6. Flushing Cistern

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 System of Plumbing for House Drainage
• There are four (4) plumbing
system for house drainage;
1. Single stack system.
2. One pipe system.
3. Partially ventilated single
stack system.
4. Two pipe system.

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 Single stack system

• From the figure it is clear

that only single pipe acts as
soil pipe, waste pipe and
ventilation pipe.
• This is poorly ventilated
system
• It is simple system and easy
to construct.
• Risk of water seal breaking in
the trap is high because of
induced siphonage.
• Waste or air of the waste
pipe may be forced up due to
back pressure.
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 One pipe system

• A separate vent pipe is

provided in this system. It is
clear from sketch in
comparison to single stack
system.
• This system is costly and
difficult to construct.
• Ventilation is provided to
sullage pipe and soil pipe too.
• Arrangement of pipe work is
difficult.

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 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 which is
providing ventilation to the
traps of water closets only.
• The traps of basins etc. are
not directly connected to the
vent pipe.
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 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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 Introduction
• 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.
• 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.
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 Requirement of a good house drainage

• Quick removal of sewage - • Ventilation:

Drains should be laid such that o Entire drainage system
easy and quick removal of should be properly
sewage is possible. ventilated on the house
• Self cleansing – The slope of side.
the drain should be such that o The ventilation pipe
self cleansing velocity is should be carried
developed in them. sufficiently high above
• Typical gradients the buildings
o 100mm dia. - 1 in 40 (grad) o All the inspection
o 150mm dia. - 1 in 60 (grad) chambers should be
o 230mm dia. - 1 in 90 (grad) provided with fresh air
inlets.
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 Requirement of a good house drainage
• Safety:
o Drains should be laid in
such a way so as to ensure
their safety in future.
• Flexibility:
o Drains should be laid such
that it provides flexibility
of expansion, extension,
modification and repair.
• General rules:
o All soil pipes should be
carried directly to the
manholes without gully
traps.
o Pipes should be laid in
straight lines both in
horizontal as well as
vertical directions.
o Any abrupt change in the
direction of flow should be
avoided.
o Where pipes intersect or
where there is change in
the direction of pipe,
inspection chamber should
be provided.
o All rain water pipes should
discharge over gully traps
and should be disconnected
from the drain.
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 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.
• Following tests are usually
conducted for water
tightness and leaking joint.
1. Air test.
2. Coloured water test.
3. Hydraulic test.
4. Smell test.
5. Smoke test.
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 Testing of drains and pipes

• Air test: o The escape of air from

o Can be applied for the leaky joints will form
underground and vertical bubbles which are visible.
pipes. o These joints are then
o Particular section is repaired.
selected and the plugs are
provided at the upper and
lower ends.
o Air is forced in the pipes
by suitable equipment such
as a pump.
o The leaky joints are found
out by applying soap
solution.
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 Testing of drains and pipes
• Coloured water test:
o Coloured water is allowed
to flow from one point to
another.
o It will come out through
the Leaky joints.
o Identified leakages are
repaired.
• Hydraulic test:
o Most important test.
o Applied for water
tightness of the
underground drains.
o Lower end is provided
with a plug and at the
upper manhole, the water
is filled to a height of
about 600 mm – 900 mm
in case of house drains.
o If there is no drop in
water level for a period
of about 10 min., it can be
safely assumed that no
joint is leaking.
o Sweated joints are
detected and repaired.
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 Testing of drains and pipes
• Smell Test:
o Similar to air test.
o Air is mixed with some
smelling gas which can be
easily recognized.
o Such air is allowed to pass
through the drain.
o The escape of air from
leaky joint is detected by
smell and such joints are
then repaired.
• Smoke test:
o Similar to the air test.
o Except that smoke is
introduced in the drains.
o Applied to detect
leakages in the existing
drains.
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• For efficient working of house
drainage system:
o properly maintained;
o cleaned at regular
intervals.
• Points to note:
1. Entry of undesirable
elements:
• Undesirable substances
like grit, sand, decayed
fruits, vegetables,
pieces of cloth, leaves
etc. do not enter the
system.
2. Flushing:
• Flush the system once
or twice a day.
3. Inspection
• Regular inspection at
regular intervals for
obstructions and
blockages, leakages.
4. Quality of materials
• Good quality
5. Use of disinfectants
• Maintain good sanitary
condition
• Keeps lavatory blocks,
toilets free from smell
and infections 50
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