One difference between drain pipes and sewer pipes is fairly simple. Your drains are attached directly to the water-dependent fixtures in your house. This includes your sinks, tubs, walk-in showers, dishwashers, washing machines and toilets. These drains take away dirty water and waste and send them to your main sewer line. The sewer line sends all the waste from your drains to your municipal sewer system or your septic tank.
Sewer Lines Are Larger in Circumference Than Drain Lines
Because it has to take all the waste from all the fixtures in your home, and some or all of your fixtures might be working at the same time, the sewer pipe is larger in circumference than your drain pipes. A typical sewer pipe is about 4 inches around. This seems surprisingly small when you consider what the sewer line has to do, but the small diameter boosts the water pressure that propels the waste forward. The drains attached to your slop sink, washing machine, showers and bathtubs are about 2 inches around. Regular bathroom sink drains are only about 1.5 inches in circumference, though your toilet’s drain is about 3 inches around.
Sewer Lines Are Mostly Found Outdoors
Drain and sewer lines also differ in that your drains are almost always found inside your house, whether beneath your floors, right beneath your fixtures or in your walls. Most of the length of your sewer line is found outdoors. Indeed, it’s often buried a few inches in the earth. This is why you’re not supposed to plant trees or shrubs near your sewer line and and certainly not on top of it. The roots of many trees can infiltrate the sewer line and damage it, leading to costly repairs. You’re also not supposed to park your vehicle or any other heavy equipment in the area above your sewer line.
Sewer Lines May Be Made of Different Materials
Sewer lines, especially those in older homes, might be made out of different materials than drain lines. There are even sewer lines made out of terra cotta, much like planting pots. Terra cotta is environmentally friendly and resists acids. Your sewer line may also be made out of cast iron, which is so tough that a sewer pipe made out of it can last as long as a century. However, sewer pipes in modern homes are often made of PVC, which is also used for drain pipes.
Contact Us to Learn More About Sewer and Drain Lines
Drain and sewer lines that work well make your home habitable. If you have leaks, clogs or other problems with your drains or sewer line, call our plumbing professionals at Drain Surgeon of Augusta, GA.
