Drain-Vent-Waste Systems (DVW)

Drain-Vent-Waste Systems (DVW)

Drain-Vent-Waste Systems (DVW)

Water supply lines carry hot and cold water throughout the house. Prior to 1960, most supply lines were mad from galvanized iron. Most new homes these days are made of copper and there is a newer product on the market made of rigid plastic or PEX. Pex is acceptable by almost all plumbing codes throughout the country.

Water lines are made to withstand high amounts of pressure and are usually made in smaller diameters, 1/2 to 1 inch in diameter. They are joined by very strong watertight fittings. Hot and cold water lines generally run parallel throughout the house and are usually found in the walls or secured to the floor joists. Hot and cold supply lines are connected to fixtures and appliances. Fixtures include tubs, sinks and showers. Some fixtures, such as hose bibs, toilets and ice makers are only supplied by a cold water line. Appliances include dishwashers and clothes washers.

Generally speaking, the cold water supply lines and faucet handles are located on the right and hot water is on the left. Since the water system is under high pressure, it is prone to leaks, especially when galvanized iron is used, due to it's limited resistance to corrosion. Drain pipes use gravity to carry waste water away from the fixtures. This water is carried away from the house to either a municipal waste system or a private septic field. Drain pipes are usually cast iron or plastic. Lead and copper were used in older homes and because waste water systems are not connected to the supply systems lead pipes pose no health hazards.

Drain pipes range anywhere from 1 1/4 to 4 inches in diameter, allowing waste to flow freely through them. Traps and vents are integral parts of the waste system. Traps hold standing water in a P or S shaped curvature near the fixtures. These traps prevent waste gasses to enter the house. Air vents are connected to drain pipes which allows waste to flow freely down the drain pipes. There will always be at least one vent stack on the roof of homes, allowing enough air to make the system work.

Because air is used in every waste system, they are called drain-waste-vent (DWV) systems.

POST COMMENT

Eating For Energy Diet Find Your New Salon Or Spa Online In Your Area Tips On Energy Saving Here Is A New Year Without Debt Build a mini Free Energy Generator for about 2 dollars Washington DC New Years has an Amazing Night Planned for You Citations Are The New Link How to create a newsletter article that drives new targeted visitors to your website AIRE Offers Courses to Fulfill the Anticipated Job Growth Rate in Solar Industry Why is New York Virus Removal important? Dol Issues Exemption To Allow New Health Plan For Ford Motor Retirees To Acquire Company Securitesi Something New On Your Special Day With Blue Wedding Jewelry Photovoltaics And Their Function In The Advancement Of Solar Energy