APPLICATION

1.00 CRITERIA
Hunter Underground Systems

1.01 Advantages of PVCu drainpipe

1.02 Pipe Dimensions
1.03 Recommended minimum gradients
for Foul Drains
Choice of gradients
Hydraulic performance
Flow rate graphs
Pipe sizing
Surface water drains
1.04 Graph for converting discharge units to
flow rates (L/S)
1.05 Design Information
General Layout
Alternative pipe depth arrangements
Access to Drains
Access Fittings
Ventilation
Inspection Chambers, Access
and Manhole sizing
Minimum dimensions for Rodding Eyes,
Access Fittings, Inspection Chambers
and Manholes
1.06 Rodding point system
1.01 ADVANTAGES OF HUNTER UNPLASTICISED POLYVINYL CHLORIDE (PVCU) DRAINPIPE

• Strong, lightweight material with a high resistance to aggressive soil and chemicals found in domestic sewage.
• The ring seal push fit joints are easily and instantly jointed, making the system ready for testing even in bad weather.
• Joints capable of absorbing significant vibration and ground movement without joint failure.
• Flexible joints ensure that they remain watertight under working conditions to prevent pollution of the surrounding ground.
• Designed so that nothing in the pipes, joints or fittings projects into the pipeline to cause an obstruction.
• The smooth bore prevents particles clinging to the internal surface, reducing the accumulation of solids within the drain.
• The smooth bore aids higher velocity, which permits shallower falls and therefore less excavation.
• The infrequent joints and smooth internal bore result in lower turbulence and increased hydraulic performance thus
considerably reducing the possibilities of a blockage.

Identification pointers

Colour: bronze/golden brown

Lengths: 3m and 6m plain or single socketed ends.

British Standards: Hunter Plastics Ltd pipes and fittings are produced in accordance with BS EN 1401-1: 1998 whilst all
ancillary fittings and pipes are manufactured in accordance with BS 4660: 2000.

1.02 PIPE DIMENSIONS

NOMINAL DIAMETER MIN MAX WALL THICKNESS MIN WEIGHT KG/M (MEAN)
110mm (4in) 110.0mm 110.3mm 3.2 1.65
160mm (6in) 160.0mm 160.4mm 4.0 3.24
200mm (8in) 200.0mm 200.5mm 4.9 4.96
250mm (10in) 250.0mm 250.5mm 6.2 7.02
315mm (12in) 315.0mm 315.6mm 7.7 11.10

Design of Drainage or Sewerage Systems

The designer of any drainage or sewerage system should make themselves fully conversant with the following, Approved
Document H of the Building Regulations (England & Wales). Technical Standards Part M of the Building Standards (Scotland)
Regulations. Technical Booklet N of the Building N of the Building Regulations (Northern Ireland). BS EN 752: 1998 the British
Standard for Drains and Sewers outside Buildings. Sewers for Adoption by the Water Services Association/WRc. Standard
Specification for Water and Sewerage Schemes, (Scotland) (Northern Ireland).

Pipe Sizing and Gradients

The table below lists the minimum pipe sizes and gradients to prevent sedimentation build up and blockages in foul drains.
However, where the length of the drain or sewer that serves a small number of properties is very long the steeper gradient could
be considered. Also, where the ground is expected to settle steeper gradients should be used to compensate for the eventual
settlement. Conversely flatter gradients can be achieved when the standard of design and pipe installation is high.

1.03 RECOMMENDED MINIMUM GRADIENTS FOR FOUL DRAINS

PEAK FLOW ( LITRES/SEC) PIPE SIZE (mm) MINIMUM GRADIENT
<1 75++ 1:40
100 1:40
>1 75++ 1:80
100 1:80 *
150 1:150+

Notes: *Minimum of 1 WC. + Minimum of 5 WCs. ++ No WCs.

The above table sets out the minimum gradients for foul drains as recommended in approved Document H1 of the Building
Regulations 2002 and BS EN 752-4: 1998.
1.03 CONTINUED - CHOICE OF GRADIENTS
Choice of gradients should be such as to maintain self-cleansing velocity under normal discharge conditions.

To achieve a satisfactory installation, diameter and gradient should be adequate for the maximum flow and
competent supervision should be provided to ensure a high standard of pipe quality, laying, jointing and
workmanship. This is particularly important when pipes are laid to flat gradients.

The following guidelines on gradients should be observed.

(a) For flows of less than 1 L/s, pipes not exceeding 100mm nominal bore at gradients not flatter than 1:
40 have proved satisfactory.

(b) Where the peak flow is more than 1 L/s, a 100mm nominal bore pipe may be laid at a gradient not
flatter than 1 : 80, provided that at least one WC is connected.

(c) 150mm nominal bore pipe maybe laid at a gradient not flatter than 1:150, provided that at least five
WCs are connected.

(d) Experience has shown that for gradients flatter than those given in items (a) to (c), a high standard of
design and workmanship is necessary if blockages are to be minimised. Where this has been achieved,
gradients of 1:130 for 100mm nominal bore pipes and 1: 200 for 150mm nominal bore pipes have
been used successfully.

Where the available fall is less than that necessary to achieve the recommended gradient, increasing the pipe
diameter particularly at low flows is not a satisfactory solution. It will lead to a reduction in velocity and depth
of flow and an increase in the tendency for deposits to accumulate in the pipes.

Where it is expected that a drain may be affected by settlement, the selected gradient should be such as to
ensure that a satisfactory fall will be maintained.

Research has shown that high velocities of sewage flow arising from steep gradients do not cause increased
erosion of pipes or deposition of solids. In such situations drains should be laid at gradients which are the
most economical in excavation and cost. High velocities can, however, cause excessive turbulence at bends
and manholes and lead to fouling. Where this occurs it can be mitigated for example by using long radius or
sealed access fittings.
Hydraulic Performance
Various roughness values (k or Ks) for drain pipe are suggested by the industry, the commonest being 1.5mm,
0.6mm and 0.06mm. BS EN 752-4: 1998 recommends k values for foul and combined drains and sewers in
average condition of I.5mm and 0.6mm depending on the velocity of flow. Whilst it recommends k 0.6mm for
surface water. The smooth bore of PVCu drain and the infrequent joints result in lower turbulence and
increased hydraulic performance. Consequently Hydraulic Research Ltd in their ‘TabIes for the Hydraulic
Design of Pipes and Sewers’ recommend Ks 0.06mm for PVCu pipe with ring seal sockets at six to nine metre
intervals.

Flow Rate Graphs

The flow rate graphs on the following pages are for full bore flow and although public and trunk sewers are
often designed to run full during periods of calculated peak loading, it is recommended that estate drainage
and drains close to buildings should be designed to run part full. Therefore, a proportional depth should be
selected to allow for additions to the system, however, to ensure that trap seals are retained, foul drains and
sewers should not exceed 0.75 proportional depth.

When considering the flow rate one should remember that a pipe flowing half full would discharge half the
full bore capacity at the full bore velocity, however, there is no direct relationship between other proportional
depths.

Pipe sizing
Foul drains

The generally accepted method of sizing foul drains serving individual or small groups of buildings is the
discharge unit method. Discharge units for various sanitary appliances discharging to System III discharge
pipes are given in table 1.01.

Surface Water Drains

The drain should be sized to provide sufficient storage as protection against flooding and surcharge from
storms of predetermined intensities and frequencies.

For calculating the run off from roofs, and paved areas of up to 2000 m2 use the formula
Q = Ae x IF x RI
3600

Q = run off in litres per second

Ae = effective area in m2
IF = Impermeability factor
(The worst instance is covered using a factor of 1.0 see BSEN 752-4 for further information)
RI = rainfall intensity (use 50mm/hr for paved areas and 75mm/hr for roofs)

1.04 Converting Discharge Units to Flow rates (I/s)

Discharge units are figures used for calculation purposes only and are not related to the discharge rates
quoted in product standards. The method attributes discharge units for the sanitary appliances, which can be
converted to the flow (in litres per second) by using the formula below.

Q = k DU

The quantity of water (Q)

The frequency factor (k)
The square root ( )
The sum of all the discharge units (DU)
BANANA GRAPH

1.0

0.9

0.8

0.7

Discharge
Proportional Depth

0.6

0.5

0.4

0.3
Velocity
0.2

0.1

0
0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1.0 1.1 1.2 Fig. 1
Proportional Velocity and Discharge

DIAGRAM SHOWING PROPORTIONAL DEPTH

d
Proportional Depth
D
 Table 1.01 System III
Discharge Units
Appliance Litres per second
Wash Hand Basin, Bidet 0.3
Kitchen Sink 1.3
Dishwasher Domestic 0.2
Domestic Washing Machine up to 6kg 0.6
Commercial Washing Machine up to 12kg 1.2
Bath 1.3
Shower Tray without plug 0.4
Shower Tray with plug 1.3
Bowl Urinal 0.4
Urinal Stall 0.2 (i)
Water Closet 6.0 litres 1.2-1.7 (ii) (iii)
Water Closet 7.5 litres 1.4-1.8 (ii) (iv)
Water Closet 9.0 litres 1.6-2.0 (ii) (iv)
i. per person
ii. with siphon flush cistern only
iii. since January 2001 this is the maximum flush allowed for a newly installed WC suite
iv. only use to replace the same size siphon

Table 1.02 Frequency of use of appliance k

dependent upon the type of building
Intermittent use, dwelling, guesthouse, office 0.5
Frequent use, hospital, school, restaurant, hotel 0.7
Congested use, toilets and showers open to the public 1.0
Special use, laboratory buildings 1.2

Example of Calculating Proportional Flow Using The Flow Rate Graphs

We wish to discharge to foul water drains from thirty-four two bed terraced houses containing.

Appliance Discharge Units

Kitchen Sink 1.3
Domestic Washing Machine up to 6kg 0.6
Bath 1.3
Water Closet 6.0 litres 1.2-1.7
Wash Hand Basin 0.3
TOTAL for one two bed terraced houses 5.2
TOTAL for thirty-four two bed terraced houses 176.8

Q = k DU Q = 0.5  176.8 DU transposes to a flow rate of 6.65 l/s

Intermittent use factor 0.5

The flow rate graphs on the following pages are for full bore flow. When pipes are designed for less than full
capacity, the proportions of velocity, discharges and depths are shown on the banana graph.

The Hydraulic Research Tables state that for a velocity of approximately 0.75m/s we would select a Ks0.6mm for
PVCu pipe in a normal slimed condition.

Reading from the Ks 0.6 graph we find that a 110mm diameter pipe flowing full bore will carry 8.0 l/s at
0.84m/s when laid at a gradient of 1.65.

Refer to the banana graph to see that where the proportional depth line of 0.7 strikes the discharge line we have a
reading of 0.86 on the bottom of the banana graph. Therefore a proportional discharge factor of 0.86 x 8.0 l/s
(the full bore flow) = 6.88 l/s
Where the proportional depth line of 0.7 strikes the velocity line we have a reading of 1.11 on the proportional
velocity and discharge line of the bottom of the banana graph. Therefore a proportional velocity factor of 1.11 x
0.84 m/s (the full bore flow) = 0.93 m/s

110mm dia. pipe laid at 1:65 will carry 6.88 l/s flowing at a speed of 0.93 m/s.
 2000

1000
Discharge litres/s (running full)

100

10
9
8
7
6
5

10 40 100 500 1000

Gradient 1 : x

Discharge rate of PVCu drain/sewer pipes in the nominal range from 110 to 630 for different gradients based on a
roughness height of 0.06mm. Suitable for PVCu pipe with ring seal sockets at 6-9m intervals
 2000

1000
Discharge litres/s (running full)

100

10

10 100 1000
Gradient 1 : x

Ks 1.5mm only required for UPV-C sewers in a poor slimed condition.

 6 7 8 91 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1 2 3 4 5 6

Roughness
Ks 0.6mm

m/ TY
4.0 OCI N
VE MEA

s
L

s
m/

s
3.0

m/
1000
2.5

s
m/

/s
2.0

5m

s
m/
1.7

s
1.5

m/
25

/s
1.

0m

/s
9m

s
1.

m/
0.

75

/s
0.

6m

/s
0.

5m
0.
NOMINAL
Discharge litres/s

SIZE
6
30
100 mm

5
00
mm

4
00
mm

3
15
mm

2
10 50
mm
9
8
7
6 2
00
5 mm
4
1
3 60
mm

1
10
mm
1
6 7 8 91 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1 2 3 4 5 6
10 100 1000
Gradient 1 : x

Ks 0.6mm suitable for UPV-c foul water sewers in a normal slimed condition
1.05 DESIGN INFORMATION

General layout

The layout of drains should comply with the relevant Buildings Regulations and British Standard Codes of Practice listed
previously under ‘Design of Drainage Systems’. The following is intended as a guide only. The layout of any drainage system
should be as simple as practicable. The following detailed design considerations apply to all drains.

A drainage system must be planned and laid in such a manner that effluent is conveyed from the house to the sewer, cesspool or
other places of disposal as speedily as possible and without causing an unacceptable nuisance, or danger to health. Drains must
be constructed so as to be as far as possible self-cleansing and so reduce the risk of blockages of a minimum, whilst adequate
mans of access must be provided for the purpose of inspection, testing and clearing should an obstruction take place. Drains
must be watertight to prevent pollution of the surrounding ground by soil wastes, and adequate ventilation is essential.

Principles to be Observed in the Design of a Drainage System

The following are the main points which must be considered in designing a drainage system:-

1. Pipes to be laid at such a gradient as to ensure a self-cleansing velocity. See section 1.03

2. Pipes to be of sufficient size to cope effectively with the maximum load to be carried. See section 1.03

3. Efficient mans of ventilation to be provided and maintained. See following pages

4. Adequate means of access to be provided. See next web page

5. Length of branch drains to be kept to a minimum and all junctions to be made in the direction
of the flow. See Table 1.03

6. Pipes to have watertight joints. See section 6.04 - 6.06

7. Every part of the drainage system to be adequately supported. See section 6.08

8. So far as circumstances will permit, drains should not pass under buildings. See section 8.13

9. Drains to be laid as far as possible in straight lines between points where access is provided

10. Drains not to be laid in close proximity to trees owing to the possibility of damage being caused by roots.
Access to drains

The Hunter Underground range offers many different types of components for gaining access to drains: 230mm diameter
Shallow and 450mm diameter full height Inspection Chambers, Sealed Rodding Access Fittings, Manhole Bases, Gullies and,
within traditional manholes, Channel and Sealed Access Fittings.

Full details of these products are given in Section 2 (page 17). Access is required to drainage installations for testing, inspection,
maintenance and the removal of debris. Access to drains allowing rodding in both directions can be provided by either
manholes, or pre-formed inspection chambers, and by some access fittings. Rodding eyes provide access in only one direction.
Every section of drain or sewer should be accessible without entering buildings.

Siting of access points

Access should be provided at the following points:

a). on or near the head of each drain run

b). at a change of gradient or alignment

c). at a change of pipe size

d). at a junction (see note 1) or at a bend (see note 3)

e). at drainage fittings such as intercepting traps or anti-flood valves

Notes:

1. Where a branch joins a main pipe without an inspection chamber or manhole at the junction, access should be provided
on the branch within 12m of the junction.

2. Deep inspection chambers may restrict the use of trenchless technology equipment and should not be used in highways or
other high use areas when excavation for repairs would be unacceptable.

3. On drains, bends with an angle of not more than 45˚ may be used outside inspection chambers. Where bends occur
outside manholes and inspection chambers, this may restrict access for CCTV surveys.

The table below indicates the recommended maximum distances between access points. These are based on manual cleaning
techniques, consequently where only remotely operated and automatic equipment will be used for maintenance (e.g. jetting), the
spacing may be increased.

Table 1.03

Distance from: To access To access To junction To inspection To manhole

fitting Type 1 fitting Type 2 or branch chamber and inspection
shallower chamber deeper
Hunter 230mm than 1.2m than 1.2m
Shallow Access
chamber

Start of external drain* 12m 12m _ 22m 45m

Rodding eye (DS670) 22m 22m 22m 45m 45m
Access fitting Type (1) _ _ 12m 22m 22m
min. 150mm dia.
Access fitting Type (2) _ _ 45m 22m 45m
min. 225mm dia.
Inspection chamber
shallower than 1.2m 22m 45m 22m 45m 45m
Manhole & inspection _ _ _ 45m 90 (Up to 200m
chamber deeper for man-entry
than 1.2m size drains and
sewers - see
BS EN 752-3:1997
*Note: Soil stack or ground floor appliance
Access fittings

Access fittings Type 1 and 2 are drain fittings that have an opening on to the pipe, which is widened into a small chamber capable
of being fitted with a cover. The chamber should preferably be the same size as the drain pipe but should not be less than 100mm
diameter. An example of a type 1 access fitting is Hunter’s access pipe DS309, or access junction DS680 which can be installed
within a chamber with a cover at ground level to provide a sealed drainage system. An example of a type 2 access fitting is
Hunter’s shallow access chamber DS71 Risers DS72 and Frame and cover DS69.

The diagram below illustrates principals taken from the taken on the previous page. Hunter’s rest bend (DS663) must always be
used at the base of a soil stack with a type 1 or 2 access fitting within twelve metres because British Standard 752.3: 1994 states
‘every drain and sewer length should be accessible for maintenance and cleaning without the need to enter buildings’. However,
should the property owner need to unblock the underground drain within the property’s curtilage an access fitting at the bottom of
the soil and vent pipe will allow a set of drain rods to be passed easily through to Hunter’s shallow access chamber where any
debris can be removed.

Access pipe S309

Type 2. Shallow access chamber base (DS71)

Shown with 2 no. raising pieces (DS72)

Bedding/
Rest bend
backfill
DS663
materials

Bedding/backfill
material to Appendix
A of BS5955

Main drain

Ventilation of the underground drainage system

All drainage systems need adequate ventilation to the open air in order to reduce the build-up of toxic or explosive gases in the
system, and to equalise air pressure when effluent flows through a pipe.

In order to ensure the drainage system is ventilated by a flow of air, a vent pipe or soil and vent stack should be provided at:

1) the head of each main drain

2) a drain fitted with an intercepting trap

3) any drain subject to surcharge

Ventilation cont-

Ventilating pipes open to outside air should finish at least 900mm above any opening into the building within 3 metres, and should
be finished with a vent cowl.

All inlets entering a foul water or combined drainage system must be trapped with a sufficient depth of seal to prevent syphonage.
This includes all yard gullies, rainwater and surface water inlets. Drains carrying surface water only do not usually need traps.

Inspection chambers, access and manhole sizing

The depth of any inspection chamber or manhole is determined by its minimum internal dimensions, since there must be adequate
access or entry for rodding and maintenance.

Minimum dimensions for rodding points, access fittings,

and inspection chambers (non man-entry)
Table 1.04
Recommended dimensions for rodding eyes, access fittings and inspection chambers (non man-entry)

Minimum nominal internal dimensions1 Clear opening Remarks

Type of access Depth to invert from
cover level Rectangular length Circular diameter Rectangular length Circular diameter
and width and width
(m) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm)

Rodding point - - Preferably same size - Same size as pipework4

as drain but not less
than DN100

Access fitting2 0.6 or less, except 150 x 100 150 Same size as access Same size as access The depth restriction is
imposed because of the
Type (1) where situated fitting4 fitting4
limited access afforded
See Table NB.1 in chamber and is based on the
ability to manipulate a
Access fitting2 0.6 or less, except 225 x 100 225 Same size as access Same size as access stopper at arms length
Type (2) where situated fitting4 fitting4 from the surface
See Table NB.1 in chamber

Inspection chamber3 0.6 or less 225 x 100 190 for drains - Min 190
shallow up to DN 150
Restricted to inspection
1.2 or less 450 x 450 450 Min 430 x 430 Min 430 and remotely operated
equipment - no
personnel entry

Restricted to inspection
Inspection chamber4 Greater than 1.2 450 x 4505 4505 Max 300 x 300 Max 350 and remotely operated
deep equipment - no
personnel entry. Max
size imposed to prevent
personnel entry.

Notes: 1 These sizes apply to straight-through pipes, larger sizes may be required for turning chambers or chambers
with several side branches.

2 Fitting with a removable cover that permits access into the pipe, either from surface level or from within
a chamber.

3 Chamber with a removable cover constructed on a drain or sewer that provides access from surface level
only, but does not permit entry of a person (BS EN 752-1).

4 The clear opening may be reduced by 20mm in order to provide proper support for the cover and frame.

5 It may not be possible to gain access to side branches. The upper part of the chamber may be reduced to a
minimum of 300 x 300 or 350 dia. to form a shaft.

Hunter Plastics Limited only manufacture preformed inspection chambers that provide access from ground level, but do not permit
entry of a person (non-man entry). Hunter does manufacture products that can be used within manholes that accommodate man
entry, such as channel pipe, channel bends and Type 1 access pipe and junctions. For the recommended dimensions of these
manholes refer to Table NB3: BSEN 752:3. 1997.
TYPICAL DRAIN LAYOUTS
SEPARATE SYSTEM

SVP SVP SVP SVP SVP SVP

IC IC IC

BIG BIG BIG BIG BIG BIG

RWP RWP RWP RWP RWP RWP

SAC SAC SAC

IC

COMBINED SYSTEM

This diagram shows the variety of ways Hunter drainage products can be utilised to make the same connections.

RP

SAC

IC
BIG BIG BIG BIG
BIG BIG

TG TG BG BG TG TG
IC IC IC

KEY

Trapped Gully TG Drainage layouts shown are for

Rodding Point RP guidance purposes only. All
Inspection Chamber IC drainage schemes should
Shallow Access Chamber SAC comply with local authority
Soil Vent Pipe SVP requirements.
Back Inlet Gully BIG
Bottle Gully BG
Rainwater Pipe RP
1.06 RODDING POINT SYSTEM
Head of Drain Access

Rodding points eliminate the need for the majority of conventional manholes. However, there are obviously certain cases where
these are unavoidable or are required by local building control regulations.

Using the standard range of Hunter fittings, various combinations of rodding points may be formed - a number of these are
illustrated in the next few pages.

By using this method of installation considerable savings may be made over the traditional form of manhole construction.

The Ramped Rodding detail shows a method of using the DS22 sealed plate access point in the DS3 square hopper. However,
the DS22 can be directly solvent welded onto the pipe end.

The following details provide a vandal-proof access but should only be situated in paths or borders, as the DS22 or DS670 are
not designed for heavy loads.

Rodding Point System

Shallow Rodding Point

DS670

DS676

110mm Rodding Point

Rodding Point System

Rodding Point for Deeper Inverts

DS670

DS208

DS211

DS557
DS211
Rodding Point System
Ramped Rodding Point

DS22 sealed plate solvent welded to

square hopper DS3

45˚ bend DS331

45˚ branch DS678

Suitable backfill material

110mm pipe to suit length

45˚ bend DS331 or DS676

Rodding Point System

45˚ Swept Junctions are
used for blind connections
on drain runs

DS331

DS678

Blind connection to 110mm drain (plan view)

Rodding Point System

The layouts below illustrate the savings that may be made using the Rodding Point System.

TRADITIONAL SYSTEM WITH MANHOLES

Using a traditional manhole system extra time and labour costs are spent on unnecessary excavation and installation. Manholes
require either precast concrete rings or a concrete base with a engineering brick chamber to be constructed, then drainage
channel needs to be haunched and covers and frames need to be set in position.

MAIN SEWER MH

SURFACE WATER DRAIN

MH MH MH MH MH MH MH

MH
MH

RW Gully RW Gully

SVP SVP SVP SVP SVP

RW Gully RW Gully

MH MH

Rodding Point System

Using the rodding point system deep excavation is not required. Swept 135˚ junctions are installed on the drain branches and
the main drain run with rodding points fitted at ground level. An inspection chamber or manhole must be fitted in the system to
allow debris to be removed from the system. Otherwise, eliminating extra time and labour costs on unnecessary excavation and
installation makes savings.
MAIN SEWER MH

SURFACE WATER DRAIN

MH MH

MH

RP RP RW Gully RP RP RW Gully RP

SVP SVP SVP SVP SVP

RW Gully RW Gully

RP
MH