HOUSE DRAIN

THE HOUSE DRAIN

House Drain is that portion of the plumbing system that receives discharges of all soil
and waste stacks within the building, and conveys the same to the House Sewer.
House Drain is sometimes referred to as the Collection Line of a Plumbing System. It
can be installed underground, or maybe suspended below the floor or inside the ceiling. In
large building, house drain is usually suspended from the basement ceiling to avail of the
gravity flow of waste to the main sewer.
Many Plumbers still believe that, by making the drainpipe larger than what is
necessary, will increase its efficiency. They may not know that scouring action will not work
effectively by increasing the size of the house drain. The solid wastes are carried along the
bottom of the pipe, and because the water flow within the larger pipe is shallow, and slow,
they become separated from the water, and remains at the bottom of the pipe. The result is
clogging of the drain branch, and ultimately, the entire house drain. To assure scouring
action, the house drain should be size correctly to have a flow about 50% of the pipe
diameter.
Types of House Drain:
a. Combined Drain
b. Sanitary Drain
c. Storm Drain
d. Industrial Drain

COMBINED DRAIN: is a type of house drain

that receives discharges of sanitary waste as
well as storm water. This is the oldest form of
house drain when public sewer are of the
combination design. This type of house drain
however, is already phase out and no longer
permitted
SANITARY DRAIN: This type of house drain receives the discharges of sanitary and
domestic waste only. The waste is conveyed to a public sewer, or septic tank, by the
house sewer. Storm water is not allowed in the sanitary drain.
Diameter of Maximum No. of Fixture Units that may be
Pipe connected to
mm in 2% slope 3% slope 4% slope
32 1¼ 1 1 1
38 1½ 2 2.5 3
50 2 5 7 8
63 2½ 12 13 14
75 3 18 18 21
100 4 84 96 114
125 5 162 216 264
150 6 300 450 600
200 8 990 1392 2220
250 10 1800 2520 3900
300 12 3089 4320 6912
INDUSTRIAL DRAIN: is a house drain that
receives discharges from industrial equipment
that contain some objectionable acid wastes.
Industrial drain that contains acid waste
terminates into a separate drainage basin.

STORM DRAIN: conveys all storm clear water,

or surface water waste except sanitary wastes.
Storm drain terminates into lake, river, dry run or
natural basin.
DETERMINING THE SIZE OF HOUSE DRAIN
The Unit system is the most practical method to use in determining the size of the
house drain. It has been formulated from tests conducted by the Uniform Plumbing Code
Committee, a body consisting of representatives of management, labor and government
standard agencies.
Plumbing fixtures were individually tested. The amount of liquid waste discharged
through their outlet orifices in a given interval was carefully measured. It was found, that a
washbasin being the smallest type of plumbing fixture, would discharge waste
approximately 7 ½ gallons in one minute interval. This volume was found out to be closely
one cubic foot of water.
The Code Committee has finally decided to adopt the washbasin discharge as One
Fixture Unit. One fixture unit represents 30 liters of water. Other fixtures discharges were
also tested and the corresponding results were established and listed in Table 5-1 called
Fixture Unit values.
DETERMINING THE SIZE OF HOUSE DRAIN
Before finding the size of a house drain, its service must be known first, whether the
purpose is for sanitary waste or as storm drain.
a. If the purpose is for sanitary waste, the Fixture unit load discharges will be the basis of
computation with reference to Table 5-1.
b. If the purpose is for storm drain, the roof area that accumulates the major rainfall water
will be the basis in determining the size of the pipe with reference to the tables. It seems
that the approach is quite complex, but simplified with the use of charts and data
compiled for years from the installation experiences recorded by the Code Committee.
ON HOUSE DRAIN, THE PLUMBING CODE PROVIDES THAT:
1. No water closet shall discharge into a drain less than 75 mm or 3 inches pipe diameter.
2. No more than two water closets shall discharge into any 75 mm horizontal soil branch,
house drain or house sewer.

ILLUSTRATION 1: Determine the size of a Sanitary House Drain to serve 6 water

closets, 5 urinals, 5 shower bath, 6 washbasins, 4 floor drains and 3 combined fixtures
with a grade of 3%
DETERMINING THE SIZE OF HOUSE DRAIN
SOLUTIONS:
1. The house drain is to serve Sanitary Waste. Refer to Table 5-1, the Fixture Unit
values are:
6 x 6 water closets -------------------------- 36 units
5 x 5 urinals --------------------------- 25 units
2 x 5 shower bath -------------------------- 10 units
1 x 6 wash basins --------------------------- 6 units
1 x 4 floor drain -------------------------- 4 units
3 x 3 combined fixture --------------------------- 9 units
TOTAL -------------------------- 90 units
2. Refer to Table 7-1, under column 3% slope, a 100 mm (4”) pipe could serve 96
fixture units.
3. For a 90 fixture units, specify a 100 mm or 4” diameter house drain pipe.
GRADE OR SLOPE OF THE HOUSE DRAIN
Numerous tests proved that the sloped of a house drain has contributed much to
the effectiveness of the plumbing system. The house drain being a horizontal pipeline
must produce the necessary velocity and discharge capacity at a certain inclination, to
attain scouring action. House drain must function without abnormal or subnormal pressure
in the plumbing system.
It is recommended under any circumstances that a 2% slope for the house drain
should be maintained. There are instances however, were less than 2% slope was
adopted, under the following circumstances.
1. When the depth of the sewer line in relation with the depth of the basement floor is
low.
2. Long sewer line would require lower pitch but should not be less than 1%.
3. In case the sewer line slope is very slight, installation of the pipe should be guided by
levelling instrument for accuracy to prevent sags or trapped piping.
GRADE OR SLOPE OF THE HOUSE DRAIN
The grade or slope of the house drain
could be estimated by dividing the total pitch in
centimeters (which is the distance between the
house sewer and the elevation of the basement)
by the length of the longest branch in meter.
For instance, if the longest branch of a
house drain is 8 meters, and the total drop is 16
centimeters, dividing 16 by 8 meters the value is
2%. A pitch or slope more than 2% will increase
the velocity and discharge capacity of the pipe,
the effect could be:
1. A danger that it might decrease the depth of
the water that is necessary to create a
scouring action.
2. This might cause a minus pressure if the
drain is over loaded to a flow capacity.
HOUSE DRAIN CLEANOUT
On house drain cleanout, the National Plumbing Code provides that:
1. The house drain shall be provided with adequate number of cleanouts to prevent
breaking of the floor, in case of drain stoppage.
2. The location of the cleanout depends upon the good judgement of the plumber where it is
readily accessible, in case of line trouble.
3. Any branch of the house drain terminating at a floor drain or fixture, shall be provided
with 100 mm diameter pipe, extended at least 2 inches above the floor inserted in a 45
degrees Y branch in the direction of the drain flow.
4. The cleanout shall be equipped with threaded screw cover provided with a raised head
that could be removed easily with a wrench.
5. A cleanout extended above the floor, shall not be utilized as a floor drain.
6. The trap of a floor drain shall be placed not more than 50 centimeters below the finished
line, to facilitate cleaning in case of line trouble.
7. A cleanout shall be installed at every 20 meters interval distance, and also at the base of
all soil and waste stack.
HOUSE DRAIN APPLIANCES
House Drain appliances includes the
following:
1. House Trap – defined as a device installed in the
house drain immediately inside the foundation
wall of the building. It serves as the barrier and
prevents the gases coming from the public sewer
or septic tank in circulating through the plumbing
system. A. House Trap Assembly, B. Back Flow
Valves, C. Balanced Valve and D. Unbalanced
Valve.
2. Area Drain – The area drain assembly consists
of a running trap installed under the basement
floor to protect it from freezing. The trap is
equipped with cleanout. The minimum size of an
area drain is 10 mm or 4” pipe to drain basement
entryways, loading platforms, or driveways.
HOUSE DRAIN APPLIANCES
3. Floor Drain - A floor drain is defined as; a
receptacle used to receive water to be drained from
the floor into the plumbing system. Sanitary
authorities recognized floor drain as plumbing fixture
properly designed and located where to receive liquid
floor waste.
Reminders in installing Floor Drain.
1. Floor drain is usually installed on basement floor,
near the heating equipment, below the kitchen
sink, and vicinity of the laundry.
2. The 75 mm or (3") P-Trap is recommended
minimum size for floor drain It should be installed
not more than 20 centimeters below the floor line.
3. The P-trap should be Deep Seal type.
4. The low inlet hub pattern P-trap is commonly used
as floor drain.
HOUSE DRAIN APPLIANCES
4. Yard Catch Basin - Yard catch basin is defined as
a receptacle used to catch surface water drained from
cemented courts, driveways, and yards. It could be a
terminal for drain tile installations used to drain water
from athletic fields.
5. Garage Catch Basin - Garage catch basin is a
device designed to convey wastes from garage, wash
rack, grease pits and repair floors into the house
drain. Wastes coming from these areas contain
objectionable elements like grease, oil, grit and
gasoline that are detrimental to the drainage
installation as well as the sewage disposal system.
These sediments cause stoppage and affect the
operation of the sewage disposal plant. The function
of garage basin is to retain these noxious materials
and discharge the associated water into the house
drain. The efficiency of the garage catch basin
depends on how it is regularly cleaned.
HOUSE DRAIN APPLIANCES
6. Grease Basin - Most stoppage in the plumbing
system were found to be caused by grease and oil
contained in the waste dis charges. This is more
prevalent in large kitchens serving hotels, dining rooms,
clubhouses and restaurants. To overcome this problem,
a device known as a grease trap is installed on the
waste line. The efficiency of a grease trap is dependent
on the attention given to it. Removal of the grease is
done regularly to obtain the full benefit of the device.
But removal of the grease is a disagreeable work, and,
in most instances, is done only when the trap ceases to
function. Big establishments clean their grease trap
almost daily.
STORM DRAIN
THE STORM DRAIN
Storm Drain is that unit of the plumbing system that conveys rain or storm water to a
suitable terminal. Storm water is normally discharged into street gutter conveyed by public
drain system and carried to some natural drain age terminal like canals, rivers, lakes and
the like.
As a general rule, storm drain is not permitted to discharge into a septic tank or to
the main sewer line. The collection and disposal of storm water is an important phase of
plumbing system that should not be ignored, otherwise, water coming from the roof if not
properly diverted might create problems like:
1. Settlement of the structure cause by erosion or washing away the soil from the
foundation.
2. Subjecting the basement floor and walls to unnecessary ground water pressure and
possible leakage.
3. Rundown water may create walls and window leakage.
4. Water may spill on people passing by or approaching entry door.
5. Erode the surrounding grounds and cause disfiguring of the landscape areas.
THE STORM DRAIN
The disposal of storm water has become a major concern of the Local and
National Government. Large amount of appropriation is regularly incorporated in the
annual budget for drainage purposes. Among the government' s priority program on
infrastructure, is toward flood control. The trend is to provide a storm sewer line, to serve
not only the commercial and industrial establishments, but also residential houses in
disposing off storm water. Laws and Ordinances were passed making the connections of
storm drain to the storm sewer line compulsory.
Splash Pan is a collector of water coming down from the downspout leading the
accumulated water away from the house at a relatively low rate of flow
CLASSIFICATION OF STORM DRAIN
Storm Drain is classified into Three types:
1. The Inside Storm Drain - is sometimes
located under the basement floor or within
the walls of the building. This type of storm
drain is commonly found in buildings
constructed along congested business
district, or building that occupies the entire
frontage of the lot. The drainpipe is laid
under the floor or walls of the structure.
For large building, storm drains are laid in
two or more lines convey not only the
water coming from the roof, hut also those
waters accumulated from the inside court
or open areas towards the street gutter or
public storm drain.
CLASSIFICATION OF STORM DRAIN
2. Outside Storm Drain - is installed outside the
foundation wall of the building. This type of
drainage is possible on location where the lot is
not totally occupied by the building.

3. Overhead Storm Drain - is adopted when the

street drainage is higher in elevation than the
basement floor of the building. The purpose is to
avail of the gravity flow of water. The pipe is welI
fitted and suspended inside the ceiling by
suitable hangers spaced at closer intervals.
Size of Storm Drain
The size of Storm Drain is determined under the following considerations:
1. Gauging the rainfall over a given period, whether it is constant or exceedingly heavy
shower of short duration.
2. Consider the varying roof areas, the slope, and the distance of water traveled before it
reaches the conductors of the roof.
3. Water drain faster on high pitch roof. Hence, re quires a larger drainage pipe than that
of a flat roof.
4. The height of the building, contribute largely to the velocity of water falling inside a
vertical pipe conductor. The velocity fall accelerate the flow of water entering into the
storm drain.
5. The use of improper fittings and short offsets that will affect the flow of water must be
avoided.
Size of Storm Drain
DIAMETER OF PIPE MAXIMUM DRAINED ROOF AREA
mm in 2% Slope 3% Slope 4% Slope
75 3 114 142 170
100 4 242 315 388
125 5 438 566 694
150 6 700 903 1,105
200 8 1,463 1,888 2,313
250 10 2,563 3,309 4,055
300 12 4,100 5,290 6,480
350 14 5,576 7,203 8,830

The conservative estimate of maximum rainfall in the Philippines is about 20 mm in

a 5 minutes interval. Using this data, the approximate volume of water that will be
accumulated on the roof in one minute can be readily computed using Table 9-1, Size of
Storm Drain.
Size of Storm Drain

ILLUSTRATION 1 : What size of storm drain is adequate to serve a roof having a slope of
2% with a general dimensions of 20 x 30 meters?
SOLUTION :
1. Solve for the Roof Area: Area = 20 x 30 = 600 sq.m.

2. Refer to Table 9-1. Under 2% slope, 600 sq.m. is within the limit of 700 sq.m. roof
area which could be served effectively by a 150 mm. pipe diameter.
ROOF LEADER
Roof Leader is popularly known as
water conductor or downspout either
concealed or exposed type. It connects the
roof terminal to the storm drain. The size of
roof leader can be found easily with the aid of
Table 9-2.

ILLUSTRATION 2 : How large is a downspout required to drain the roof with a general
dimensions as shown in Figure 9-6.
SOLUTION 2 : 1. Find the area of roof Area : A = 10 x 20 = 200 sq. m.
2. Refer to Table 9-2. Under column 1. the 200 sq. m. roof area is within the
limit of 166 to 335. Thus, specify 100 mm or (4") diameter downspout.
ROOF LEADER

3. Find the area of roof - B.

A = 8 x 20 = 160 sq. m.
4. Refer to Table 9-2. The value of 160 sq. m.
requires a 75 mm (3") roof leader.
5. Therefore, specify a 75 mm pipe diameter.
FIRE PROTECTION IN
BUILDING
INTRODUCTION
The protection of building structures from the hazards of fire is one utmost concern
of the government. Hence, for a continued citizens awareness of damages brought by fire
to life and property, the month of March was declared as fire prevention month.
Planners and builders have their own contributions in this campaign, by making
their plans and constructions conform to the Fire Code Requirements. The owner on the
other hand, is much more concern of his investment protection. However, despite the
advancement in fire protection technology, fire is still common occurrence in buildings of all
types. Records showed that the loss of life and damages to property is considerably
enormous in every incident of fire.
Modern design and construction techniques, did not escape the blame for allegedly
having increased the potential of fire, especially, in tall buildings attributed to the following:
1. Light material construction methods do not offer inherent protection against fire unlike
the cement plaster or concrete.
2. Non-integrally constructed floors and walls provide fuse for fire and smoke.
3. False ceiling containing electrical, and other services, are hidden locations where fire
can start unnoticed.
INTRODUCTION
4. Punched-hole for installation of telephone and other related services, violates the design
structural integrity.
5. The central air conditioning system can serve as passage for smoke.
6. The use of plastic materials for trim and covering of interior structures create potential
ignition for fire and smoke.
7. Furniture style and materials plus interior designs could ignite or fuel fire.

PLANNING FOR FIRE PROTECTION

One of the many responsibilities given to Architects and Engineers by their License
to Practice, is the protection of buildings against loss of life and damage to property from
fire. The owner on the other hand, is very much concerned with the preservation of the
structure and its contents from the destructive effect of fire.
As part of their responsibilities, planners and builders should look into al the facets
of possible problems that may be encountered including fire safety.
PLANNING FOR FIRE PROTECTION
Tall building presents variety of unique problems, more particularly on fire safety.
Therefore, problems on fire safety must be addressed at the very start of the planning
stage. Because the belief that these imposing structures of modern technology are totally
immune to fatal fire, is hard to accept.
To some extent, a useful way to consider tall building is to define a high-rise
building in terms of fire protection.

Fire Protection Problems on Tall Buildings are:

1. Too high to be completely accessible to fire fighting equipment from the ground.
2. Too high to make a complete evacuation of the occupants.
3. Tall enough to make possible chimney for air and smoke passage.

The National Fire Protection Association maintained a comprehensive set of

standard rules in planning to minimize fire hazard. The guidelines include the equipment
design for fire fighting which is mandatory.
 The Fire Code on the other hand, considers the building density in the
locality and the flammability of the structures and its contents. It also imposes
the following requirements:

1. Fire resistance of the building and its contents.

2. Limitation of volume to adjacent vulnerable buildings.
3. Exits and fire tower stairs.
4. Protection against defective electrical system.
5. Lightning protection.
6. Detection and alarm systems
7. Automatic sprinkler systems
8. Standpipe and hose systems
9. Automatic smoke and heat venting
10. Smoke and heat shafts
11. Control of air conditioning ducts
12. Communication in high rise buildings
13. Elevator control
14. Fire command station in tall buildings
 The scope of thus Chapter on Fire Protection in Building is limited only to
the topics that are related to the subject of plumbing. Discussions will be limited
to the following:
1. Water and water supply for fire fighting
2. Water pumping systems
3. Standpipe and hoses
4. Sprinkler systems

INTRODUCTION
Water is the number one enemy of fire. Even with the latest modern and
sophisticated fire fighting equipment, gadgets, tools and other concoctions, water is still
an essential requirement in combating fire.
On high rise building, water is supplied through:
1. Elevated water tank or
2. Underground reservoir
Elevated Water Tank
The Elevated Water Tank is a traditional design of storing water in an elevated
reservoir for the following purposes:
1. To supply a constant pressure of water in the distribution lines.
2. To store sufficient water to balance the supply from the demand.
3. To prevent excessive starting and stopping of the pump.
4. To provide dependable supply for fire reserve.

The Elevated Water Tank has also the following disadvantages;

1. Unsightly appearance
2. High cost of construction
3. Requires massive structure and foundation for its tremendous weight.
Underground Reservoir
The underground water reservoir is one alternate to replace the elevated water
tank. It is a reinforced concrete structure constructed on one side of the building,
provided with a small vent rising above the ground. The reservoir is covered with earth
from 60 to 90 centimeters blended with the lawn and landscape shrubbery. It completely
eliminates the problem of unsightly appearance and weight.
Cost comparison would be difficult because of the number of factors involved.
The savings for materials and other construction costs may be sufficient to cover the cost
of an automatic pumping system.
The idea of storing large volume of water for a protracted fire fighting is
impractical. A 30 minutes supply that could be used by the building personnel, in the
mean time that the fire department has not arrived yet, is sufficient. Thereafter, the
trained personnel of the fire department, will take over with their own water supply or
drawn from the street fire hydrant.
Standby Power
In case of fire incidence, the power supply in the building is automatically cut off
which could be a tragedy.
A standby diesel powered generator is a must. This unit and its fuel stock are
separately housed in a fire resistant enclosure sufficiently away from the possible
location of fire in the main building.

Elevated Water Tank Underground Reservoir

The Up-Feed Pumping System
The Up-feed Pumping System provides a continuous flow of water from the deep
well through the domestic and fire reservoir. The continuous flow of water prevents it
from becoming stagnant and rancid. The fire reservoir has the priority over the domestic
reservoir by means of a simple weir. Even if the domestic reservoir is totally empty, the
fire reservoir would remain full of water.
A small 20 gallons per minute jockey pump will supply the necessary pressure for
the sprinkler system, and consequently, a signal from the sprinkler system will start the
750 gpm main pump. If this pump becomes inadequate for the demand, a diesel engine
driven pump of equal capacity will automatically takes over.

The sensing unit which control the operations of the pumps are:
1. The Bubble Control Units in each of the two reservoirs.
2. The Dual Control Unit that regulates the supply for the pressure tank.
These controls are connected to a large central cabinet underground pump room
adjacent the reservoir.
Hydropneumatic Tank
A hydropneumatic tank is used to store air
under pressure that will balance out-surge from
the two domestic pumps and reduce the
frequently starting, and stopping of the motor. It is
an improvement of the closed system, where
several pumps are sequenced automatically to
supply an even pressure. It has the advantage of
using only two pumps when necessary.
One disadvantage of this system is the
difficulty in maintaining the ratio of 60% air to 40%
water. Water from deep well to the tank becomes
air bound as water stored therein gives up its
absorbed air. The dual control installation
eliminates the need for manual adjustment of this
60% to 40% ratio by employing two sensing
devices within a single control.
Hydropneumatic Tank
A drop air pressure inside the tank will send signals to start the pump, and the rise
of water level, automatically send signals to stop the motor.

The Standpipe and Hose

The Standpipe is a pipe installed in buildings not
as part of the water supply or disposal system, but
primarily, for use as water conveyance in case of fire.
The Fire Hose is always located near the stairs
for use by firemen in case of fire. It is incased in glass
cabinets with the following label: Break Glass in Case of
Fire.
The Standpipe and Fire Hose Functions as follows:
1. Upon arrival of the firemen, the standpipe Siamese Twin
is immediately connected to the street fire hydrant, or to
any other water source by their fire hose.
2. The firemen would immediately goes up the building and
connect their fire hose to the standpipe, freeing them
from the inconvenience of carrying their hose to the
upper floor of the building.
3. With the standpipe and hoses, the firemen were provided
with an ever ready fire fighting tools and equipment that
saves time and effort which may spell the difference in
saving life and property.
4. The length of the firemen hose is limited to a certain
height, but because of the standpipe provision, the upper
most floor of a tall building, could be reached by the fire
fighters.
The Automatic Sprinkler System
The automatic sprinkler system consists of horizontal pattern of pipes
placed near the ceiling of industrial and commercial buildings, warehouses, stores,
theaters and other structures where fire hazard require their use.
These pipes are provided with outlet and sprinkler heads that open
automatically at temperatures of 135° F to 160° F and emit a series of fine water
sprays.
The Sprinkler System includes:

The Wet Pipe refer to the piping installations wherein both the mains and
the distribution pipes are constantly filled with water.

The Dry Pipe refers to the piping installations where there is no water
standing in the distribution pipe, except during the occurrence of fire. This is
generally confined to unheated buildings.
The Automatic Sprinkler System
Operations of the wet pipe system,
depends upon the nozzles opening in the area
affected by the sensitive elements within the
nozzles themselves. Remote valves in the dry
pipe system may be activated by sensitive
element to admit water to sensitive heads.

Spacing of the sprinkler heads

The spacing of sprinkler heads depends
upon the following conditions:

1. Fire rating of the building

2. Constructions of the ceiling
3. Types of occupancy
4. Total area
The Automatic Sprinkler System
The coverage of one sprinkler head varies from 20 square meters for light hazard
occupancy to about 10 square meters for extra hazard condition. Nozzles are set about
2.40 to 3.60 meters apart on the supply pipes, and spaced about 3.00 to 4.00 meters apart
at right angle exposed beams or panels.
Special Installation Requirements
1. At least one fire department connection on each frontage.
2. A master alarm valve control for all water supplies other than fire department
connections.
3. Special fire walls between protected areas.
4. Sloping water proof floors with drains or scupper to carry away waste water.

When a gravity tank is used with sprinkler system, it must have enough water
reserve for this purpose and enough water to operate at least 25% of the sprinklers for
30 minutes. This time is sufficient to give the fire department a chance to arrive and take
over.