House Drainage

The following terms are commonly used in the house drainage system :

1. Soil pipe : It is a type of pipe that carries the liquid waste carrying human excreta. The function of a soil pipe is to carry waste water and solid waste or human excreta to a soil drain, septic tank, underground drainage system or sewer.



2. Waste pipe : It is a pipe through which liquid waste without human excreta flows.



3. Vent pipe : It is a pipe installed for ventilation purposes. This pipe should be one metre above the roof level and a cowl should also be provided on this.


Vent pipe is also called anti-siphonage pipe. Vent pipes are installed to provide air flow from a drainage system. Air circulation is provided within the plumbing system to protect the trap seals. Multi-storey buildings have a main ventilating pipe, which is connected to a branch vent pipe for each floor.

4. Rain water pipe : It is a pipe which carries storm water. The rainwater that collects in the roof is discharged to the ground with the help of rain water pipes. Apart from this, water can also be taken to sewer or rain gutter through this.



5. Anti-syphonage pipe : It is a pipe installed in the house or building drainage to preserve the water seal of a trap. It maintains proper ventilation and does not allow syphonic action.


What are soil pipes made of ?

Most modern soil pipes are made of UPVC, light in color and boasting excellent durability and resistance, UPVC soil pipes are arguably the best for your budget as well.


Where is my soil pipe?

In most modern homes, soil pipes are easily recognizable on the top of the roof or on the side of your home. You can easily see a modern plastic clay pipe as it splits into the shape of a tree branch.


What is the difference between waste type pipe and soil type pipe?

Knowing the difference between soil pipe and waste pipe can help you prevent material from flowing down the wrong drain.

Liquid waste flows through the waste pipe without human excreta

Removing the waste from the toilet through the waste pipe is not recommended as it may create a foul odor that can cause discomfort to the neighbors and nearby people. Mud pipes are better suited for physical waste than waste pipes, whereas waste pipes are suitable for kitchens, bathrooms, etc. These come out from the roof of the house and allow methane or other types of dangerous gases to go into the air rapidly without stopping.


How do soil vent pipes work?


Ventilated soil pipes release any odors into the atmosphere – eliminating the build-up of bad odors. The way these pipes are vented encourages aerobic sewage digestion which simply means oxygen can enter the system to remove the gases, yet prevent anaerobic decomposition which is the breakdown of waste.

The vent facilitates that the drainage system remains at atmospheric pressure. This is important because if the soil pipe is not pulled out, and in this case if the toilet is flushed or the sink is emptied, a partial vacuum will be created behind the wastewater as it goes down the pipe. As a result, the U-bends of toilets and sinks will fill with water and allow odors and gases to pass through the pipes in your home.