Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Plumbing and Domestic Heating

Unit 010 No 6

Materials and connections

Objectives By the end of this session you will be able to: Describe a range of sanitary materials. Explain how they are connected. Identify below ground drainage system.

Types of materials
The main materials used on above ground discharge are made from plastic and are called PVC u, MuPVC and ABS which can be either solvent welded or used as push fit fittings. Polypropylene is push fit only. Some contract will demand that solvent weld fittings are used. The way we install installations is subject to a code of practice BS 8000-13. with the title, Workmanship on building sites. Code of Practice for above ground drainage and sanitary appliances. 1989

Push fit fittings

Type of waste pipe Push fit Advantages water tight jointing easy Pipe is light Easy to decommission External installation Allowance for thermal degraded by UV movement light Immediate testing after fitting Advantages and disadvantages of push fit installations Table 1 Disadvantages Pip can sag Joints can disengage

Solvent weld fittings

Type of waste pipe
Solvent weld

Advantages
Rigid and resist sagging Neater and more slim line in appearance Permanent reliable jointing Resistant to most acids. Alkali or chemicals

Disadvantages
Permanent joints restrict repositioning Immediate testing not permissible Ventilated area required because of fumes while jointing UV light will deteriorate pipework

Advantages and disadvantages of solvent weld Table 2

Types of materials
Cast iron has been used for many years because it is a robust and reliable material but it is difficult to work with. This picture shows pipework connected with timesaver connections which comprise of a rubber sleeve and two iron clamps which are bolted together to make a water tight seal.
Picture no 1

Access point located above flood level of highest appliances

Timesaver

Types of materials

Horizontal Cast iron socket caulked with lead

Picture no 2

In the past jointing was made by either hot lead or lead wool and caulking. Sometimes this is specified on ancient monuments refurbishments or special job requirements. You may still have to work on cast iron in refurbishment work but nowadays it is mainly required for public building and hospitals.

Waste connections to a soil stack

Boss pipe: this is a manufactured fitting with formed raised circular profiles which have to be drilled out and an adapter it then fitted into the newly made hole to receive a waste pipe. Strap boss: once a hole has been drilled in a soil pipe this fitting is then glued and strapped on over the hole and the waste pipe is connected as above. Waste pipe manifold: this is a manufactured fitting which often sits on the floor in the corner of a bathroom ant the purpose made holes accept 32mm and 40mm waste pipes via the special designed grommet seals. This device also prevents cross flow.

Waste connections to a soil stack

B A

Strap boss ready for installation (A) and one in situ (B) Picture no 3

Waste connections to a soil stack

Boss pipes in situ Picture no 4

Waste connections to a soil stack

Waste pipe manifold fitted at floor level Picture no 5

Access to pipework
The Building Regulations: require that there is access to above ground drainage systems for maintenance, cleaning and blockages. This can be achieved by the installation of: Purpose made access fittings Access plugs in soil junctions Access plugs in waste pipe

Access to pipework

PVCu access at street level next to Cast Iron rainwater shoe. Cast Iron access at high level.

Picture no 6

Access to pipework

Access points

Access points on PVCu and Cast Iron waste pipework

Picture no 7

Soil stack connections to a drain

Drain connections are made from a range of materials. Older properties tend to have either salt glazed earthenware or cast iron which requires a strong 2:1 ratio to make a robust seal. PVCu connections and hep sleeve for clay piping are both made with Push fit connections and silicone lubricant allows ease of installation. A multi-fit adapter can connect almost any combination of soil pipe materials. It is important to understand what type of below ground drainage system exists before making a connection.

Types of soil stack drain connections

Drain connections
Salt glazed earthenware Cast iron PVCu Hep sleeve Multi-fit adapter

Types of soil stack drain connections

Salt glazed earthenware (exposed sections) Picture no 8

Types of soil stack drain connections

Multi fit adapter to connection PVCu above ground pipework to a spigot leading to cast iron below ground pipework. When fitting a PVCu pipe to a cast iron socket a different adapter is required.

Picture no 9

Quick questions
Which British Standard gives guidance on workmanship when installing fittings on AGDS? Name the three main plastic used in waste fittings and pipework. List the advantages and disadvantages of push fit and solvent weld fittings. What are the options available for connection waste pipes to soils stacks? How can a connection be made with a cast iron below ground drainage collar?

Below ground drainage

The purpose of a below ground drainage system is to take soil water aka black water and rainwater to a sewer which is located in the road and then carry this effluent to a sewage plant where it is processed. There are three types of below ground drainage systems: The Separate system The Combined system The Partially Separate (Also Known as Partially Combined system)

Separate system

With this system foul water and rainwater discharge individually into separate drainage systems and then into separate sewers in the street. The foul water is conveyed directly to the sewage plant where it is processed and the rainwater flows to the nearest water course. This system is one most favoured by the local authorities.

Separate system
Advantages The sewage plant does not become overwhelmed when it rains heavily Trapped gullies are not required for the rainwater pipework Disadvantages Two drain means that it is expensive to install The foul drain does not benefit from rainwater flushing Risk of making wrong connections to the rainwater Greater number of inspection chambers required
Advantages and disadvantages of a separate system Table 3

Separate system

Combined system

With this system both foul water and rainwater discharge into a common sewer making connections to the drains more simple. This also makes it economic to install. The Building Regulations no longer recognises that this is a viable system on any new installations.

Combined system
Advantages Drain maintenance is easier Cheaper to install Make wrong connections impossible Flushing of drain achieved when it rains Disadvantages Expensive with regard to sewage processing as excessive rainfall in unwieldy to handle with both types of discharge passing through the process at the same time

Advantages and disadvantages of a combined system Table 4

Combined system

Partially separate system

This is a combination of the combined and then separate system. Two drainage systems are used. One system carries the foul water and part of the rainwater while the other carries the rainwater only. Water which is not collected by the surface water drain is collected in a soakaway. A soakaway is a pit usually measuring 1m3 which is cut out of the round 5 m away from the building. The hole is filled with gravel to allow rainwater to evenly soak away into the water table. This system is also known as the partially combined system.

Partially separate system

Advantages Isolated rainwater connections to a foul drain can reduce costs Rodding eyes can used instead of expensive inspection chambers Disadvantages When installing foul water outlets care must be taken to ensure the correct connection is made

Advantages and disadvantages of a deparate system Table 3

Partially separate system

Soakaway

Soakaway Illustration no 4

Connecting appliances to existing below ground drainage systems

Any connection will depend on the material the below ground drainage system is made from. Kitchen sinks and basins may discharge into a back inlet gully providing the waste pipe protrudes through the grille but above the water level in the gully to ensure that there is an air break and no ingress of foul air can occur. A WC can connect directly into a ground floor drain by using a WC pan connecter. There are many adapters to choose from ranging from 75-110mm which can allow the fitting of older and more modern WC pans.

Connecting appliances to existing below ground drainage systems

WC can connect directly into a ground floor drain by using a WC pan connecter. There are many adapters to choose from ranging from 75110mm which can allow the fitting of older and more modern WC pans
WC pan spigot enters here This spigot fits into the socket connection on a stack

An angled WC pan connector

Picture no 12

Quick questions
What are the 3 main below ground drainage systems? Which one is preferred by the local authorities and why? Which system is cheaper to install but more expensive to process? What are the dimensions involved in installing a soakaway? How would you install the waste of a sink into a bag inlet gully? Stretchers If a foul smell was coming from a soakaway after a new washing machine had been installed what do you think could have happened?