A good house is defined not only by its external features but also by the operation of its internal systems. Several factors, such as ventilation and drainage, influence whether or not a home is habitable. One of the most important elements that must be fully functional to ensure the health and safety of the occupants is the home drainage system.

The drainage system is in charge of removing excess water from a building’s floor or root area. It is made up of pipes, trenches, tunnels, and chambers that are used to remove wastewater. The excess water drains into a local sewer or waste water treatment facility, where it is treated before being released back into the waterways. Filthy odors, flooding, leaking, and extensive water damage can all be avoided by clearing the system.

Here’s what you need to know about drains and sewers, their differences, and how to maintain them.

What Is a Drainage System?

A plumbing system functions by delivering fresh water where it is needed and removing wastewater. It includes the water main, which serves as the system’s input by bringing water from a source to your home. The drain line is another component that serves as the output by removing wastewater from your home. It transports used water from your home’s fixtures, such as sinks and bathtubs, to a septic tank or sewer line.

Drainage systems consist of drainage pipes that collect and remove rainwater, sewage, and other liquid waste, keeping gases away from your home. Every plumbing fixture on your property has a sloped drain line that collects used water and allows it to flow freely through gravity.

The fixture drains lead to drain traps, which collect standing water and seal the drain system, preventing sewer gases from entering your home. Drain traps are classified into two types: P-traps, which are found in sinks, bathtubs, and showers, and S-traps, which are found in toilets. Branch drain lines that run horizontally with a slight downward slope connect the traps to the soil stacks.

Soil stacks, also known as main drain stacks, transport wastewater and solid waste to main drain lines, which connect to the main sewer line or septic tank. The vertical soil stack acts as a vent that penetrates your roof and connects to the outside air. The vent ensures that equal air pressure is maintained throughout the drainage system, allowing water, soil, and human waste to flow freely without drawing water from the drain traps. Wastewater flows from your home’s drain lines to a septic tank, a city sewer line, or a treatment plant.

What Is a Sewage System?

A sanitary sewer system is a network of underground pipes that transport sewage water to treatment facilities or disposal points. Sewage systems are an essential part of modern life, ensuring that homes and streets are clean.

Because your sewer lines are underground and part of your plumbing system, repairs and maintenance are your responsibility. Sewer systems carry wastewater from a variety of appliances, including sinks, toilets, showers, and dishwashers.

What Are the Differences Between a Drain and a Sewer?

A drain is a pipe that directs water into a sewerage system from a single building, such as a home or office block. There are various types of drains, all of which work to transport water to a septic tank or sewer system. Sewers are a natural system of underground networks carrying sewage and surface water run-off to disposal points or water treatment facilities.

All drains lead to sewer lines, which transport wastewater to a treatment plant. The primary distinction between drain lines and main sewer lines is their location, with drains located indoors and sewers located outdoors.

Because plumbing services for drain lines and sewer lines differ, knowing the distinction will help you determine who to call.

How Can You Keep Your Drain and Sewer Clean?

Professional plumbers can assist you in cleaning and maintaining your drainage line, ensuring the safety and health of your family.

Depending on factors such as water usage and the disposal of items into drain lines, your drains may accumulate buildup and clog. The age of your home’s plumbing system also influences the likelihood of a clogged drain or sewer line.

Some methods for keeping your system clean and avoiding clogging include:

1. Avoid Throwing Food Waste Down the Drain

   Because starches, eggshells, and stringy foods are heavier than other types of waste, they can cause clogs in your drain line. Some kitchen sinks have garbage disposals, but throwing away all leftover food is not recommended.

2. Avoid Flushing Non-Food Items

   To avoid clogging your bathroom drains, avoid flushing items like tampons, wipes, and dental floss. Objects that cannot be dissolved or flushed can collect debris and cause clogging in your system.

3. Flush Using High Volume

   To keep your sewer lines clear, set your toilets to a high-volume flush. Low volume flushes may fail to remove wastewater from your system, especially if your drainage lines have a negative slope.

4. Watch Out for Fats and Oils

   Fats, oils, and grease make other foods stick and harden in your sewer line, resulting in sewage overload. Because they are high-protein substances that cause buildup in drains, you should use a paper towel or cloth to wipe them off your dishes.

5. Keep Roots Away

   Trees provide numerous benefits to homeowners, but their roots can cause sewer line damage, resulting in blockages. They can cause sewer lines to crack, resulting in leaks and sewage backup into your home.

6. Practice Preventive Flushing and Cleaning

   To clear blockages in your sewer line, fill your water-holding appliances with cold water and drain them.

Do You Need Professional Drain and Sewer Services in Arvada? Welcome to My Arvada Plumbing Co.

My Arvada Plumbing Co.’s professional plumbers have the right tools, equipment, and experience to keep your drains and sewers clean and repair any damage. You can be confident that we will only send you qualified plumbers.

We are experts in drain and sewer services, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, and preventive plumbing. Visit us at 12191 W 64th Ave, Suite 100, Arvada, CO 80104. You can also reach us at 303-500-0437 to learn more about our services.