Module-2

Essential requirements of a good sewer

(a) Cost: - The cost of the material from which sewer is made, should not be high costly
materials, will result in costly sewer.

(b) Durability: -Sewer should be durable and should last long.

(c) Impervious: - This is very important and essential property of a good sewer. Infiltration and
exfiltration to sewer can be estimated to large extent by this property. The sewer should be
impervious enough to avoid these problems. Joints in sewer line should also be impervious.

(d) Resistance to corrosion: - Because of the corrosive quality of sewage, resistance to corrosion
is more important. Therefore, the material used for sewer should be more corrosive resistant.

(e) Resistance to abrasion: - Since sewage contains sand and grit particles, when flowing in the
high velocity, the erosion of the sewer material may takes place. Therefore, the material of the
sewer should be more resistant to abrasion.

(f) Weight: - To facilitate handling and transportation, the sewers should be light in weight.

(g) Strength: - Sewers are mostly laid underground. They are therefore subjected to heavy
external loads. Also, in soft soils there are chances of depressing the sewer at some points. This
may create beam action in the sewer line. To withstand all such effects, the sewer should be
made from strong material.
 Types of sewers material

1. Asbestos Cement Sewers

• These are manufactured from a mixture of asbestos fibers, silica and cement. Asbestos fibers
are thoroughly mixed with cement to act as reinforcement.
• These pipes are available in size 10 to 100 cm internal diameter and length up to 4.0 m.
o
• The pipe and joints are resistant to corrosion and the joints are flexible to permit 12 deflection
for curved laying.
• These pipes are used for vertical transport of water. For example, transport of rainwater from
roofs in multistoried buildings, for transport of sewage to grounds, and for transport of less foul
sullage i.e., wastewater from kitchen and bathroom.

Advantages
• These pipes are light in weight and hence, easy to carry and transport.
• Easy to cut and assemble without skilled labour.
• Interior is smooth (Manning n = 0.011) hence, can make excellent hydraulically efficient
sewer.

Disadvantages
• These pipes are structurally not very strong.
• These are susceptible to corrosion by sulphuric acid. When bacteria produce H 2S, in presence
of water, H2SO4 can be formed.

2. Bricks sewers: - Brick sewers are made it site. They are used for construction of large size
sewers. Now a day‘s brick sewers are replaced by concrete sewers because lot of labour is
involved in the construction of brick sewers. This material is used for construction of large size
combined sewer or particularly for storm water drains. The pipes are plastered from outside to
avoid entry of tree roots and ground water through brick joints. These are lined from inside with
stone ware or ceramic block to make them smooth and hydraulically efficient. Lining also make
the pipe resistant to corrosion.
 3. Cast Iron Sewers

These pipes are stronger and capable to withstand greater tensile, compressive, as well as
bending stresses. However, these are costly. Cast iron pipes are used for outfall sewers, rising
mains of pumping stations, and inverted siphons, where pipes are running under pressure. These
are also suitable for sewers under heavy traffic load, such as sewers below railways and
highways. They are used for carried over piers in case of low-lying areas. They form 100% leak
proof sewer line to avoid ground water contamination. They are less resistant to corrosion;
hence, generally lined from inside with cement concrete, coal tar paint, epoxy, etc. These are
joined together by bell and spigot joint.

4. Plain Cement Concrete or Reinforced Cement Concrete

Plain cement concrete (1: 1.5: 3) pipes are available up to 0.45 m diameter and reinforcement
cement pipes are available up to 1.8 m diameter. These pipes can be cast in situ or precast pipes.
Precast pipes are better in quality than the cast in situ pipes. The reinforcement in these pipes can
be different such as single cage reinforced pipes, used for internal pressure less than 0.8 m;
double cage reinforced pipes used for both internal and external pressure greater than 0.8 m;
elliptical cage reinforced pipes used for larger diameter sewers subjected to external pressure;

Advantages of concrete pipes

• Strong in tension as well as compression.
• Resistant to erosion and abrasion.
• They can be made of any desired strength.
• Easily moulded, and can be in situ or precast pipes.
• Economical for medium and large sizes.
• These pipes are available in wide range of size

Disadvantages
• These pipes can get corroded and pitted by the action of H2SO4.
• The carrying capacity of the pipe reduces with time because of corrosion.
• The pipes are susceptible to erosion by sewage containing silt and grit.

The concrete sewers can be protected internally by vitrified clay linings. With protection
lining they are used for almost all the branch and main sewers. Only high alumina cement
concrete should be used when pipes are exposed to corrosive liquid like sewage.

5. Corrugated iron sewers - Corrugated iron sewers are used for storm sewers. The sewers
should be protected from the effects of corrosion by galvanization or by bituminous coatings.
They are made in varying metal thickness and in diameters upto 450cm.

6. Plastic sewers- (PVC pipes) Plastic is recent material used for sewer pipes. These are used for
internal drainage works in house. These are available in sizes 75 to 315 mm external diameter
and used in drainage works. They offer smooth internal surface. The additional advantages they
offer are resistant to corrosion, light weight of pipe, economical in laying, jointing and
maintenance, the pipe is tough and rigid, and ease in fabrication and transport of these pipes.

7. High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Pipes

Use of these pipes for sewers is recent development. They are not brittle like AC pipes and other
pipes and hence hard fall during loading, unloading and handling do not cause any damage to
the pipes. They can be joined by welding or can be jointed with detachable joints up to 630 mm
diameter (IS:4984-1987). These are commonly used for conveyance of industrial wastewater.
They offer all the advantages offered by PVC pipes.

8. Steel sewers
There sewers are used where lightness, imperviousness and resistance to high
pressure are the prime requirements. There sewers are flexible and can absorb vibrations and
shocks efficiently. There are mainly used for trunk or outfall sewers. Riveting should, as far as
possible be avoided. These are used under the situations such as pressure main sewers, under
water crossing, bridge crossing, necessary connections for pumping stations, laying pipes over
self supporting spans, railway crossings, etc. They can withstand internal pressure, impact load
 and vibrations much better than CI pipes. They are more ductile and can withstand water
hammer pressure better. These pipes cannot withstand high external load and these pipes may
collapse when negative pressure is developed in pipes. They are susceptible to corrosion and are
not generally used for partially flowing sewers. They are protected internally and externally
against the action of corrosion.

9 Vitrified Clay or Stoneware Sewers

These pipes are used for house connections as well as lateral sewers. The size of the pipe
available is 5 cm to 30 cm internal diameter with length 0.9 to 1.2 m. These pipes are rarely
manufactured for diameter greater than 90 cm. These are jointed by bell and spigot flexible
compression joints.

Advantages

• Resistant to corrosion, hence fit for carrying polluted water such as sewage.
• Interior surface is smooth and is hydraulically efficient.
• The pipes are highly impervious.
• Strong in compression.
• These pipes are durable and economical for small diameters.
• The pipe material does not absorb water more than 5% of their own weight,
when immersed in water for 24 h.

Disadvantages
• Heavy, bulky and brittle and hence, difficult to transport.
• These pipes cannot be used as pressure pipes, because they are weak in tension.
• These require large number of joints as the individual pipe length is small.

Shapes of Sewers
Sewers are generally circular pipes laid below ground level, slopping continuously towards the
outfall. These are designed to flow under gravity. Mostly sewers of circular shape are used in
all the sewerage schemes, because of the following facts:

(i) It affords least perimeter and hence construction material required is minimum.

(ii) They are easy to construct and handle.

(iii) Since it has no corners, there are less chances of deposition of organic matters.

(iv) They possess excellent hydraulic properties.

However, sewers of non circular shapes are used for the following reasons.

(i) To develop self cleansing velocity in the sewer, when the flow is minimum.

(ii) To effect economy in the construction.

(iii) To increase the headway so that a man can enter easily for repairs, and

cleaning. Following are the non-circular shapes of sewers which are commonly used for

sewers:

1. Box or rectangular sewers

2. Egg-shaped or avoid sewers

3. Basket-handle sections

4. Horse shoe sewers

5. Parabolic sewers

6. Semi-circular sewers

7. Semi-elliptical sewers

8. U-shaped sewers
1. Box or rectangular type sewers
In olden days these sewers were constructed by laying concrete at bottom and
constructing the sides with masonry. But now a day‘s masonry has been completely replaced by
concrete. These are mainly used for out fall sewers. They have got relatively high hydraulic
mean depth at large flows and therefore can have higher velocities when laid to the same slope as
that of a circular or egg-shared sewer. They are therefore most suitable for large size storm
sewers.

2. Egg-shared sewers

This shape has got better hydraulic properties, but it is costly. Firstly due to longer
perimeter more material for construction is required and secondly because of its odd shape it is
difficult to construct. This sewer requires always a good foundation and proper reinforcement to
make structurally stable. In India they are rarely used. They are most suitable in care of
combined sewers.
The main advantage of this sewer is that it gives a slightly higher velocity during low
flow, than a circular sewer of the same size.

Standard Egg Shaped Sewer

 New/ Modified Egg shaped Sewer

3. Basket-handle sewer.
The shape of this sewer resembles the shape of a basket handle. Small discharges flow
through the bottom narrower portion. During rainy days, the combined sewage flows in the full
section.

Basket-Handle Section
4. Horse-shoe sewers
This is as shown in fig. Its top is usually semi-circular with sides inclined or vertical. The
bottom may be flat, circular or paraboloid. Its height is more than width. It is mostly used for
sewers in tunnels. It is used for the construction of large sewers with heavy discharged such as
trunk sewers. This shape gives increased head room.
 Horse shoe sewer section
5. Parabolic sewers
In this form of sewers, the upper arch takes the shape of parabola as shown in fig. The
invert of the sewer may be flat, parabolic or elliptical. They are used for the disposal of relatively
small quantities of sewage.

Parabolic section

6. Semi-circular sewers
The semi-circular sewer gives a wider care at the bottom and hence, it becomes suitable
for constructing large sewers with less available headroom. Now a day there are replaced by
rectangular sewers.
 Semi-circular Section

7. Semi-elliptical sewers
This shape of sewer is more suitable for soft soils as they are more stable. This shape is
not suitable for carrying low discharges and it is normally adopted for sewers having diameter
greater than 180cm or so.

Semi-elliptical section
8. U-shaped sewers
Two sections of U-shaped sewers are shown in fig. Trench provided at the bottom is
called cunnette. These are easy to construct. Their invert may be flat or semi-circular. The sides
are generally vertical and top may be flat or arched.
 Laying of sewers
Marking of The Alignment
• The center line of the sewer is marked along the road with a theodolite. The position of the manhole
is also marked.
• A line parallel to the sewer centre line is marked on the ground. This line is known as offset line and
it is usually marked at a distance of 2 to 3 m or OFFSET DISTANCE = ( 0.5 x trench width) +0.6m
from the centre line of the sewer.
• Along the offset line pegs are driven at an interval of 7.5 to 15 m.
• This offset line should be drawn on that side of the trench which is not likely to be disturbed by the
piling of the excavated earth

2. Excavation Of Trench

• After marking the center line of the sewer, the excavation of the trench is started. The excavation may
be carried out either by manual labor or by machines like power shovels, track excavators, etc.
• The width of the trench at the bottom is generally kept 15 cm more than the dia of the sewer pipe. At
the point of sewer joint, the width of the trench is made 60 cm for a length of 60 cm.
• Pipes in firm ground no need of embedding of concrete and the bottom half portion of the trench is
excavated as the shape of the pipe.
• Pipes in softer or ordinary grounds need embedding of concrete.
3. Timbering Of the Trench
• When, in ordinary soil, the depth of excavation is more than 2 m, timber bracing or sheet piling is

4. Dewatering Of Trench
• If water is met with during excavation, it is removed by pumping or any other suitable method.
5. Preparation Of Sub-grade
• For soft soil, the bed of the sewer is prepared by plain concrete (1:3:6). The thickness of concrete
varies from 15 to 20 cm. The bedding layer is not required in case of rocky or hard soil.

6. Laying And Joining Of Pipes

• After the bedding concrete has been laid in the required alignment and levels, the sewer pipes are
lowered down into the trenches.
• Smaller pipes less than 40cm dia can be directly handled by masons and their helpers.
• Larger pipes can be lowered by passing ropes around each end of the pipe length.
• For very large pipes machines have to be used.

Testing of sewer line

It is necessary to test the sewer after its laying for water tightness before backfilling of
the excaved earth.

Water test: - This test is performed for underground sewer pipes before back filling is done. The
test should be carried out by suitably plugging the lower end of the drain and filling the system
with water. A knuckle band shall be temporarily jointed at the top end and a sufficient length of
vertical pipe is jointed so as to provide the required test head.

Subsidence of test water may be due to

(a) Absorption by pipes and joints
(b) Leakages at joints etc.
Any leakage if visible and defective part of work if any should be made good.

Test for straightness and obstruction: - For this test, a mirror is placed in front of one end of
sewer and the image of the section is observed. If the sewer line is straight, the image should be
circular. If it is not a complete circle, then it is not straight. For testing for obstruction, by
inserting a steel call at upper end and if there is no obstruction in the sewer line, the call will
emerge out from the lower end.

Ventilation of Sewer

Sewage flowing in sewer has got lot of organic and inorganic matters present in it. Some
of the matters decompose and produce gases. These gases are foul smelling, corrosive and
explosive in nature. If these gases are not disposed of properly they may create a number of
difficulties. They may cause air locks in sewers and affect the flow of sewage. They may prove
to be dangerous for the maintenance squad working in sewers. They may also cause explosions
and put the sewer line out of commission. For the disposal of these gases, ventilation of sewer
line is a must.
Methods of Ventilation

Following are some of the means or fittings which help in the ventilation of sewers,

1.Laying sewer line at proper gradient.

2.Running the sewer at half full or 2/3 depth.

3.Providing manhole with gratings.

4.Proper house drainage.

5.Providing the ventilating columns or shafts.

 Cleaning of sewers
1. Manual Cleaning (Basic, but Hazardous)
Manual cleaning is the oldest method of sewer cleaning, where workers enter sewers with rods, hooks,
or buckets to remove blockages. This is labour-intensive and often risky due to the exposure to harmful
gases, confined spaces, and pathogens.
Advantages: Can be used in areas where machines can't reach.
Disadvantages: Risky for workers, time-consuming, and not ideal for larger sewers.
2. Mechanical Rodding and Bucket Machines
Machines like mechanical rodders use rotating blades or cutting devices to break up obstructions such
as tree roots, sediment, or grease. Bucket machines use a series of buckets and cables to drag out debris.
Advantages: Efficient for moderate blockages, faster than manual methods.
Disadvantages: Can be limited by the size of the sewer, and sometimes causes damage to pipes.
3. Hydro-Jetting (Water Jetting)
Hydro-jetting uses high-pressure water jets to dislodge blockages and clean the inner walls of pipes.
This method is excellent for removing grease, mineral deposits, and even tree roots.
Advantages: Non-invasive, environmentally friendly, and effective for tough blockages.
Disadvantages: High-pressure water could damage old or weak pipes, and the equipment can be costly.
4. Vacuum Truck (Suction Cleaning)
A vacuum truck can suck up waste and debris from sewers. This is often used after hydro-jetting to
remove dislodged material or for general cleaning of larger sewers and manholes.
Advantages: Quick and effective for removing large quantities of debris.
Disadvantages: Requires access to large sewer openings like manholes and the equipment is expensive.
5. Chemical Cleaning
In chemical cleaning, safe chemicals are used to dissolve blockages or control root growth in the sewer
system. This method is used when there are specific blockages like grease or root infiltration.
Advantages: Effective for specific blockages like fats, oils, and grease (FOG) or tree roots.
Disadvantages: Needs to be carefully controlled to avoid environmental impact or damage to the sewer
system.
SEWER APPURTENANCES

Sewage flowing in the sewer line contains a large number of impurities in the form of silt,
fats, oils, rags etc. Under normal flows they are not likely to settle and choke the sewers, but
during small flows self-cleansing velocity is not likely to develop and the chances of choking of
the sewers are increased. Chokings have to be removed time to time, and facilities should be
provided on the sewer lines for this purpose. Therefore, for proper functioning and to facilitate
maintenance of the sewage system, various additional structures have to be constructed on the
sewer lines. These structures are known as sewer appurtenances. Following are the important
appurtenances,

1. Manholes

2. Inlets

3. Catch basins

4. Flushing devices

5. Regulators

6. Inverted siphons

7. Grease and oil traps

8. Lamp holes

Manholes

The manholes are R.C.C or masonry chambers constructed on the sewer line to facilitate a
man to enter the sewer line and make the necessary inspection and repairs. These are fitted with
suitable cast iron covers. The manholes should be installed at every points where there is a
change in direction, change in pipe size, or considerable change in gradient. As far as possible
sewer line between two subsequent man holes should be straight. The centre distance between
manholes is less for sewers of smaller size while it may behave such a size that man can easily
enter in the working chamber. The minimum size is 50cm diameter.
Components of manhole

Access shaft
Upper portion of manhole
It is an access to working chamber
Minimum size of access for rectangular manholes is 0.75m to 0.6m
And for circular manholes diameter of access shaft is 0.7m
 Working chamber
Lower portion of manhole
Provides spacing for cleaning and inspection
Minimum size for rectangular manholes is 1.2m x0.9m
And for circular manholes diameter is 1.2 m
The height should preferably be not less than 1.8m

Base and side walls

Base of the manhole is made up of plain cement concrete bed
Minimum thickness of concrete bed is as shown below
Side walls of manholes are made of brick masonry or stone masonry or RCC
The brick walls are very common
The thickness of brick wall is 20cm –depth 1.5m
The thickness of brick wall is 30cm –depth more than 1.5m

Steps or ladder
The steps are made of cast iron
The top step is placed 45cm below the manhole cover
Lowest step not more than 30cmabove the benching
The width of the step is usually 15cm

Cover and frame

Both cover and frame are of cast iron
The frame supporting cover is generally 20 to 25cm high, its base is 10 to 12cm wide
Weight varies from 90 to 27kg
Drop Manhole

It is a measure of connecting high level branch sewer to low level main sewer. They are
connected through a vertical pipe. The installation of a drop manhole becomes necessary when
there is difference in levels is more than 60cm between branch sewer and the main sewer, which
can be avoided by increasing the sewer grade.
Street Inlets

These are meant to admit the surface runoff to the sewers and form a very important part of
the system. Their location and design should therefore be given careful consideration. Storm
water inlets may be categorised under three major groups viz, curb inlets, gutter inlets, and
combination inlets, each being either depressed or flush depending upon their elevation with
reference to the pavement surface. The actual structure of an inlet is usually made of brick work.
The clear opening shall not be more than 25mm. The connecting pipe from the street inlet to the
main street sewer should not be less than 200mm dia. and should have sufficient slope.
Maximum spacing of inlets would depend upon various conditions of road surface, size and type
of inlet and rainfall. A maximum spacing of 30m is recommended.

Curb Inlets

Curb inlets are vertical openings in the road curbs through which the storm water flows and
are preferred where heavy traffic is anticipated.

Gutter Inlets

Gutter inlet is sometimes called horizontal inlet also. This inlet is constructed in road gutter
and storm water enters directly into it through horizontal grating provided at the top of the inlet.
Such inlets are suitable for roads having steep slope, because its capacity to handle storm water
is quite large.

Combination Inlets

These are composed of a curb and gutter inlet acting as a single unit. Normally, the gutter
inlet is placed right in front of the curb inlet but it may be displaced in an overlapping end-to-end
position.
Catch Basins

They are meant for the retention of suspended grit, sludge and other heavy debris and
floating rubbish from rain water which otherwise might have entered and cause choking
problems. The outlet pipe from the catch basin may be submerged in order to prevent the escape
of odours from the sewer and provision that also causes retention of floating matter. Their use is
not recommended since they are more of a nuisance and a source of mosquito breeding apart
from posing substantial maintenance problems.
Grease and Oil traps

The sewage from kitchens of hotels and restaurants and industries contains oil and grease
and fats. If these oils and greases are not removed from the sewage they will stick to the interior
surface of the sewer and clogging. Sewage from garages, particularly from floor drains and wash
racks, contains oil, mud and sand.The principle, on which oil and grease trap work, is since oil
and grease being lighter than water float on the surface of sewage, and the outlet is provided well
below the surface so the water is excluded from oil and grease.If silt also has to be excluded, it is
done by providing outlet at top. The silt settles at bottom and silt free water can be drained
through outlet.
Traps - Types and Uses

A trap is a device which is used to prevent sewer gases from entering the buildings. The traps
are located below or within a plumbing fixture and retains small amount of water. The retaining
water creates a water seal which stops foul gases going back to the building from drain pipes.
Therefore all plumbing fixtures such as sinks, washbasins, bathtubs and toilets etc. are equipped
with traps. This article tells you the features of traps, various types of traps and water seal.

A trap has following features.

It may be manufactured as an integral trap with the appliance as in some models of

European WC, or it may be a separate fitting called an attached trap, which is
connected to waste or foul water outlet of appliances.
The traps should be of a self-cleansing pattern.

Traps for use in domestic waste should be convenient for cleaning.

A good trap should maintain an efficient water seal under all conditions of flow.

Various Types of Traps

1. Gully Trap:
These traps are constructed outside the building to carry waste water discharge from washbasin,
sinks, bathroom etc. and are connected to the nearest building drain/sewer so that foul gases from
sewer do not come to the house. These are deep seal traps, the depth of water seal should be 50
mm minimum. It also prevents the entry of cockroach and other insects from sewer line to waste
pipes carrying waste water.
2. P. Trap:

This trap is used with Indian water closet (ORISSA Pattern). The traps are made from cast
iron or UPV sheet. This trap also has water seal and prevents entry of foul gases to the house.

3. S. Trap:
This trap is similar to P. trap and is used for fixing water closets in toilets. The only difference
between P trap and S trap is that P. trap is used for outlet through the wall whereas S. trap is used
for outlet through the floor.
4. Floor Trap or Nahini Trap:

This trap is provided in the floor to collect waste water from washbasin, shower, sink and
bathroom etc. These are available in cast iron or UPVC material and have removable grating
(JALI) on the top of the trap. The minimum depth of water seal should be 50 mm.
5. Intercepting Trap:

This trap is provided at the last main hole of building sewerage to prevent entry of foul gases
from public sewer to building sewer. It has a deep-water seal of 100 mm.

6. Grease Trap:

This trap is a device to collect the grease contents of waste and can be cleaned from the surface.

This is generally used in food processing unit.

8. Q Trap:
This trap is used in toilet under water closet. It is almost similar to S trap and is used in upper
storey other than ground floor.

Basic principles of good drainage system

1.) Material have adequate strength and durability.

2.) Diameter of drain to be as small as possible.
3.) Accessibility- every part of drain within reach for inspection and maintenance.
4.) Laid in straight runs as far as possible.
5.) Drains laid to a gradient.
6.) Inlet be trapped. To prevent entry of foul air into building.
7.) Access fittings - Inspection chamber, rodding eye, manhole - placed at changes of direction
and gradient.
8.) Inspection chambers placed at junctions.
9.) Junctions between drains arranged so that incoming drain joints at oblique angle in direction
of flow.
10.) Avoid drain under buildings if possible.

Maintenance of house drainage

For efficient working of the house drainage system it should be properly maintained and cleaned
at regular intervals. Following points should be carefully looked at:
 1. Entry of undesired elements - should take extreme precautions to avoid entry of
undesired elements in the system such as grit, sand, decayed fruits, pieces of cloths,
leaves, etc.
2. Flushing - advisable to flush the system once or twice in a day in order to maintain it in
proper working order.
3. Inspection - various unit should be inspected at regular intervals and the obstructions if
any should be removed. Damaged pipes should also be replaced.
4. Quality of materials - Better quality materials should be used
5. Use of disinfectants - Disinfectants should be freely used in the lavatory blocks,
bathrooms, etc., to maintain good sanitary conditions in the building.
6. Workmanship - Laying of drains and fixing of pipes should be carried out by licensed or
authorised plumbers only.

Sewage Pumping

Necessity of sewage pumping-

Although sewage flows in the sewers under gravity only, but still there sre occasions when it
may have to be lifted from lower level to higher level. Pumping becomes essential under
following situations,

1) Sewage of lavatory blocks located on basements of houses has to be lifted, because the level
of basement is lower than the invert level of municipal sewer or street sewer.

2) Sewage may have to be lifted in flat areas at certain intervals to avoid costly excavation and to
lay sewer at reasonable depths below the ground level. Reason for not taking sewers deep may
be sub soil water also.

3) To lift the sewage of the flow laying areas of the city and put it into street sewers at higher
level.
4) To lift the sewage from outfall sewers to treatment plant or to natural rivers or streams, if
outfall sewer lies at lower level than the level of the disposal system.
5) At treatment also, when it is required to make the sewage flow under gravity, if it is a low
level.

Some special problems in Sewage Pumping.

1) Sewage has lot of suspended, floating and solid matters. They cause very frequent problem of
clogging of pumps.

2) Sewage contains organic and inorganic wastes. They may act upon the pumping equipment
and may corrode then to reduce their life.

3) The flow of incoming sewage is not constant but keeps on fluctuating from time to time. Due
to this aspect pumping has to be adjusted accordingly by operating different units of pumps
having different pumping capacities.

4) Sewage pump has to be very reliable, otherwise it will cause flooding and lot of nuisance.
Since sewage also carries a number of disease producing bacteria, it may prove even worse for
public health if flooding nuisance is allowed to prevail. Therefore reliability of pumps has to be
of very importance.

Preparation of Sewage for Pumping.

It is desirable to remove as much of the coarser floating matter as possible, before sewage
is pumped. Hence, screens are constructed used in advance of the pumps to reduce the possibility
of a pump becoming clogged and damaged by large sticks and rags. Grit is also removed in
advance of pumping, where possible. This measure reduces wear on pumps. A grit chamber and
a screening device are commonly included among units of a sewage treatment plant.

Requirements of Sewage Pumps.

The following are the requirements of a good sewage pump;

(1) It should be efficient enough to lift the sewage for higher heads.
(2) It should be reliable
(3) It should be cheap in initial cost and maintenance.
(4) It would not be corroded by organic and inorganic wastes.
(5) It should be of non clog type, so that it will not clog due to the suspended solids and
floating solids in the sewage.
(6) It should require less space for installation.
(7) It should not make more noise during work.
(8) As the quantity of sewage is continuously varying, the pumps must allow fluctuations in
it and can be easily adjust