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Where does the water go when it washes down the drain? Find out how your home’s sewer system works and discover what happens when each part develops a clog.
Drainpipe
- Every sink and appliance that uses water has a drainpipe that leads water down and away.
- Drainpipes on the second floor will often connect with those on the first floor.
- Clogs in the drainpipe are common and, thankfully, easy to fix.
Trap
- Most drainpipes have traps, bends in the pipe that stops sewer gases from entering the home.
- Clogs are common, but traps without water can be a problem too.
Main Drain
- The drainpipes from each fixture or appliance connect to a larger pipe called the main drain.
- Complete clogs in the main drain often affect multiple fixtures.
Ventilation Pipes
- Your drainpipes and main drain and ventilated by a series of empty pipes that connect to a vent.
- Clogged ventilation pipes can create plumbing issues too.
Main Cleanout
- The cleanout allows you to access your main drain so that you can clean out clogs in it.
- You can typically find main cleanouts in the front or backyard.
Sewer Lateral
- The sewer lateral is the pipe that connects your home to the sewer main after the cleanout.
- You may, or may not, be responsible for clogs in the sewer lateral.
Property Line Cleanout
- If you are responsible for the lateral, it may have a cleanout to allow you to remove clogs.
- You can typically find property line cleanouts at the property line.
Sewer Main
- The sewer main is a much larger pipe that every nearby home’s sewer line feeds into.
- While clogs here can be a hassle, they are rarely your responsibility.
Stormwater Drain
- Parallel to the sewer main, stormwater drains collect rain and are separate from your home.
- Clogs here are the city’s problem, but they can damage property.
By: Plumbing Solutions
