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drainage,
wastewater and vent systems
Drainage, Wastewater and Vent Systems
A home's drainage system relies on gravity
to carry wastewater away. The system consists of drainage,
wastewater, and vents (DWV). Within this system, several
components are used to move and dispose of waste to the
sewer or septic line in the basement. Gravity is responsible
for carrying the waste used in the sinks, toilets, and tubs
through a network of increasingly larger drainpipes.
Drainpipes can be made of galvanized caste
iron, which you'll find in older homes, or they are made
from PVC. Drainpipes in newer homes are made PVC because
it doesn't clog as easily. Drainage pipes from all of the
appliances lead to the waste stack. Gravity is used to push
waste water down vertically placed drainpipes which lead
to the waste stack. The waste stack connects to the main
sewer or septic line. The other end of the waste stack connects
to the roof vents.
The venting system is an important component
of waste drainage. It includes the vents in which gas pressure
escapes. Without vents, the sewer gas pressure building
up would overcome the system. The venting system is also
responsible for relieving the air pressure so that waste
water can drain properly. Venting pipes are connected to
the drainpipes and they extend up through the roofs of houses.
Often times, there are more than one rood vent per house.
In addition to vents, �traps� are another
essential component. During the process of waste disposal,
waste decomposes in the sewer line. As it decomposes, toxic
gases are produced. Traps are responsible for holding water
which prevents sewer gas from entering a room. They act
as the barrier between the sewer gas held in the drain and
your house. Keep in mind, if you don't use a drain for two
to three weeks, the water may simply evaporate causing sewer
odors.
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