How to Understand Drain Pipe Functionality

Drainpipe functionality is a broad term that applies to many different uses inside and outside. Obviously, drainpipe removes or channels away water and waste, but there are enough variables in terms of pipe diameter, material (plastic, steel, aluminum, etc.), exibility/rigidity, and perforation (yes or no) that scope needs to be narrowed more specically. To understand functionality, then, begins with understanding all aspects of drainage. This article conducts an overview of interior and exterior drainage applications and discusses how to address leaks and other problems. Interior drainpipe forms a network known as the drain-waste-vent (DWV) system. There used to be a distinction between waste piping (it carried solids) and drain piping (it didnt), but that distinction has gone by the wayside. Today, whatever empties plumbing xtures (and thus gets wet) is considered drainpipe, while vent piping carries only air (or should; doubling it as drainpipe for a higher story, called wet venting, is improper practice). The two are interconnected, with the drainpipe funneling its contents down to a single exit point and the vent piping equalizing air pressure to maintain ow. Exterior drainpipe is used to remove storm water and sewage. But this functionality takes shape in several different ways. As all the tributaries in the DWV system come together, diameter has to increase. When it leaves the house, exterior, inexible, non-perforated pipe connects it to the sewer or septic tank. However, rainwater accumulates on the roof and in the yard, and sometimes springs, high water table, or runoff from above percolates up from the ground. Different drainpipe congurations are used to handle these conditions. For instance, gutters and downspouts are interconnected piping that collects storm water from the roof. If they empty out next to the foundation, excess hydrostatic pressure can stress foundation walls and/or water can seep into the crawl space or basement. If instead downspouts are tied into a peripheral footing drainpipe system, these problems are less likely to occur. Of course, this system must ow into a retention pit, rain garden, city storm sewer, or to daylight. Excess water accumulation in the yard is often addressed through the use of curtain or French drains. Here, a sloped ditch is dug, lined with gravel, and tted with perforated drainpipe. Gravity assists in guiding the water along the ditch and through the drainpipe. Similar to the footing system, the output of these constructs must be handled properly. Historically, drainpipe material was usually made out of cast iron or galvanized steel. Modern pipe is some form of plastic, commonly PVC or ABS. This reduces the chance of leaks and corrosion. More details about various materials can be found at http://HomeInspectionWA.net.