Plumbing Basics: Components of the Drain Water Vent System
Drain Pipes
These are downward angled pipes that rely on gravity to move water from the fixture and into the sewer line. By observation, ‘pipe detector underground you’ll tell this system is more complex than the water supply system: Reliance on gravity has its downsides.
Drain pipes have to be engineered and placed in a manner that lets them play gravity to their advantage. To illustrate, consider the angle of the pipes. These pipes are also bigger than water supply system pipes.
Their size allows them to carry waste without blocking.
Drain Traps
Drain traps, also called P traps, are U-shaped pipes that prevent backflow in a plumbing system. These pipes also hold water consistently, thanks to their curvature.
Why should a drain pipe hold water?
The DWV system connects your house to the sewer line. Without the drain trap, sewer gases would turn your house into a stink-fest. Drain traps also allow grease, hair, and other debris to sediment.
This debris is then removed through clean out plugs. Without the traps, the debris would move down the pipe and cause clogging.
Drain Vent
If you turn a bottle of water upside down, water flow is rather hectic. That’s what happens when water flows through a closed system; it’s just not smooth. That’s where drain vents come in.
The drain vent system runs from your roof and into your drain pipe. It releases air into the plumbing to ensure smooth drainage.
Damage to any of these three systems will be reflected in the overall efficiency of the DWV system. Sub-standard products also affect your drainage’s efficacy.