Technical SolutionsTechnical SolutionsTechnical Solutions

Current as at December 2006

3 : D R A I N A G E (Below Ground Sewerage)

Junctions in drains

Background Drains installed at grade

Over the past twenty years PVC-U sweep junctions Drains of equal size
have been permitted for drainage in plumbing should be joined at grade
regulation. The design of these fittings has undergone by means of a 45
change in this time resulting in a shorter fitting with a junction. Fig. 3.
Graded
reduced throat radius. Sweep junctions may contribute branch
to blockages when installed on grade. The problem is drain
compounded when several junction fittings are laid in
close proximity and connecting to soil fixtures.

Aim 45 Junction 45 bend

The aim of this technical solution is to clarify the
use of junction fittings (both sweep and 45) in order
to minimise the problems of blockages currently being
experienced the field. Graded drain
Junctions in drains
Fig 3.
45 junction Fig. 1. Drains installed at grade
Sweep junction Fig. 2.
Junctions in drains installed other than at
grade or vertical
45 or sweep junction is permitted
(a) Other than at grade
Where a sweep junction is used the invert of the
branch drain must be at least 10mm higher than the
soffit of the main drain. Fig. 4.
Graded branch drain invert

10mm
Fig.1
45 junction
Graded main drain soffit

Graded branch

Graded main
drain

Fig. 4
Fig. 2
Plan and elevation
Sweep junction
view of sweep junction
connection

Plumbing Industry Commission Page 1 of 2

Technical SolutionsTechnical SolutionsTechnical Solutions
Current as at December 2006

3 : D R A I N A G E (Below Ground Sewerage)

Junctions in drains continued

(b) Junctions installed in a vertical plane (c) Vertical stack connection
Sweep or 45 junctions installed on their back Junctions installed on their back below ground can
below ground may be used for connection of a single not be used for the connection of a vertical stack. A 90
discharge pipe or a drain, provided: bend to a 45 junction must be used. Fig. 6.
The vertical riser does not exceed 2m in height
Branch drains connected off the vertical riser must be
independently supported
The maximum unsupported length is 500mm 90 bend
Where a vertical riser extends to ground level or
where the invert of the main drain and the invert
of the branch drains exceed 1m, concrete support is
required under the junctions. Fig. 5.
45 Junction on
Concrete support grade
500mm max.
unsupported Fig. 6
Connection of a stack

2m max.

45 or sweep
junction

Concrete support

2m max.

45 or sweep
junction

Concrete support

Fig. 5
Connection of a single discharge pipe or a drain to a
sweep or 45 junction below ground

Plumbing Industry Commission Page 2 of 2