Drain Dictionary

Sewer Systems

How sewer mains, house drains and connection points fit together.

Boundary Trap A U-shaped water-seal fitting installed where a property's private sewer drain meets the public sewer, stopping sewer gases from travelling back up into the pro Connection Point The junction where a property's private sanitary drain joins the public sewer — and the legal boundary between owner and utility responsibility. House Drain The private below-ground sanitary drainage on a property, carrying wastewater from all fixtures to the sewer connection point. Septic System An on-site wastewater system — tank plus land-application area — used where no sewer connection exists, digesting solids and dispersing treated effluent to soil Sewer Main The large public sewer pipe, owned and maintained by the water authority, that collects wastewater from many private property drains. Stack The vertical drainage pipe in a multi-storey building that carries wastewater from upper floors down to the below-ground drain, while also venting the system. Vent Pipe A pipe open to the atmosphere that lets air in and out of the drainage system, keeping pressures balanced so fixture water seals stay intact. Wet Weather Overflow Sewage escaping the network during heavy rain, when stormwater entering the sewers through defects and illegal connections exceeds system capacity.

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Pipes & Materials (4) Drainage Structures (8) Blockages & Causes (14) Inspection & Technology (9) Repair Methods (6) Cleaning & Clearing (3) Plumbing Fixtures (3) Stormwater (8) Trade Terminology (5) Regulations & Standards (5) Water Flow & Hydraulics (5) Tree Roots & Vegetation (2) Maintenance & Prevention (1)

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