Plumbing Drains

Your drain system

Wastewater that is collected from various fixtures moves through the drain lines. Harmful gases are allowed to evaporate through the vent pipes which in so doing relieve pressure from the drain pipes and allow waste to flow freely. Beginning from various fixtures, drain and waste pipes slant downwards by means of gravity. The main sewer line is the wastewater’s final destination, which, in turn, carries liquid waste to a sewage facility or to a septic tank.

Getting rid of hazardous gases

Dangerous gases are not only emitted from your house by vents. A similar function is performed by an additional device known as trap. The trap is located next to each fixture and it is the curved section of the drainpipe. When a fixture is used, some of the water that flows out will flow through the trap, but an amount large enough to create a seal and block gases and odors from penetrating your home, remains within it.

The size & shape of your drains

Drainpipes are mainly constructed of cast iron, plastic and, sometimes of copper. With diameters ranging between 4 and 10 cm, drainpipes are designed to be larger than water pipes in order to reduce blockages and clogs. Drainpipes in the toilet are usually 10 cm in size, shower drains have 5 cm pipes, whereas bathtub and sink drains have 4-5 cm pipes.

Typical drain related problems

Unfortunately, drain clogs occur regardless of the drain size. Try removing the cause of the clog by opening the trap’s clean-out valve and pulling out whatever is in it.
It is important to include clean-out valves in all the waste lines, which can be used by expert Chicago IL plumbers to clean out the pipes when needed. A persistent clog needs the tools that your plumber can employ to clear it, and you would be well advised to ask him to do so.