Soil & Waste System (Public Health System)
Soil and waste system is crucial components of modern plumbing, designed to manage wastewater and sewage from buildings. These systems ensure the safe and efficient removal of waste, protecting public health and the environment.
Key Components
1. Soil Pipes: Vertical pipes that carry wastewater and sewage from buildings to the drainage system.
2. Waste Pipes: Pipes that connect sanitary fixtures (e.g., sinks, toilets) to the soil pipe or drainage system.
3. Traps: Curved pipes under sanitary fixtures that prevent sewer gases from entering buildings.
4. Vents: Pipes that allow air to enter the drainage system, preventing siphoning and ensuring smooth wastewater flow.
System Types
1. Gravity Systems: Wastewater flows downhill through pipes, relying on gravity to facilitate drainage.
2. Pumped Systems: Used in areas with low drainage gradients or where gravity systems are impractical. Pumps are installed to lift wastewater to a higher elevation.
Design Considerations
1. Pipe Sizing: Correct pipe sizing ensures efficient wastewater flow and prevents blockages.
2. Slope and Gradient: Proper slope and gradient ensure wastewater flows smoothly and doesn't accumulate in pipes.
3. Ventilation: Adequate ventilation prevents siphoning and ensures smooth wastewater flow.
Maintenance and Repair
1. Regular Inspection: Regular inspections help identify potential issues before they become major problems.
2. Clearing Blockages: Clearing blockages promptly prevents backups and damage to the system.
3. Pipe Replacement: Replacing old or damaged pipes ensures the system's integrity and prevents future issues.
Importance
1. Public Health: Properly functioning soil and waste systems protect public health by preventing the spread of diseases.
2. Environmental Protection: These systems prevent wastewater and sewage from contaminating soil, groundwater, and surface water.
3. Property Protection: Well-maintained soil and waste systems prevent damage to buildings and properties.
By understanding soil and waste systems, you can appreciate the importance of proper design, installation, and maintenance in ensuring public health, environmental protection, and property protection.
What is Soil Pipe?
A soil pipe is just that, a pipe that is designed to carry soiled water away from your home, whether that be from your toilet, urinal or bidet.
Although it seems like any old pipe could hold and transport soiled water, soil pipes should be manufactured to the relevant British standard which is why at Drainage Online we only stock the leading manufacturers of soil pipe such as Brett Martin, Marley and of course, Hargreaves for those looking to keep it traditional with Cast Iron soil pipes. Stocked in 110mm and 160mm diameter, Soil Pipes are much wider than waste pipes.
Soil Pipes need to be vented (generally at the top or very near to the top of building) to allow for the safe disposal of gases and to reduce odours and ensure that the pipes are creating a safe area – often gases from soil pipes can be harmful to health (but not always) which is why it’s best to ventilate the pipes as high as possible.
Vent pipes and outlets are an important part of any soil waste system, not only do they ventilate the systems but they also regulate pressure ensuring the positive pressure does not (in extreme cases) push waste water back to your sink, or worse toilet – vent pipes help to regulate this pressure!
​
What is a Waste Pipe?
A uPVC waste pipe carries water from things you use each day such as your shower, sinks, dishwasher and washing machine, similarly to soil pipes in that they are directing the waste water away from your home.
Manufactured by one of the market leaders, Brett Martin, to BS5255 all our waste pipes are compatible with all other leading waste pipe manufacturers. Our range of waste pipes range in diameter from 32mm to 50mm as they are only required to carry water, not waste. Therefore, they are also not required to be vented high above ground level.
Push-fit waste pipes are becoming increasingly popular with installers and DIY’ers, they are easy to install, feature a ring seal joints to ensure a water-tight fitting and like, the solvent-weld range accommodate for thermal movement.
