How Is a Sewer Pipe Installed?

Posted: Nov 20, 2012
Author: Minyard Plumbing, Inc.

The function of a sewer pipe is to carry sewage and other waste material, liquid and solid, away from a building to a septic tank or municipal sewage connection.  The waste is usually not pumped; instead the power of gravity is used. The way this is done is by laying the pipe at a gentle downslope, ensuring that the sewage flows from one point to the next.

Plumbers carefully work out the desired pitch, or downslope angle, (1/4” to 1/8” of fall per foot or run on standard 4” pipe is a good rule of thumb), and then lay the pipe so this angle is maintained, taking into account the starting and ending elevations. If the pitch is too shallow, the waste will not flow, and if it is too steep, the liquids will tend to run away too fast – causing the solid matter to be left behind and possibly block up.

Sewer pipes are usually laid in trenches that are excavated by using a backhoe or shovels. Stones, roots and other obstructions are carefully removed, so that they don’t damage the sewer pipes.

Usually one or more vent pipes, depending on the length of the sewer line, will be added. This allows gasses to escape from the sewer pipe and fresh air to enter.

If you need a sewer pipe installed, repaired or replaced, then call a professional local plumbing company to give you advice and a quote.