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BUILDING SERVICES 1
BBY 21505
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CHAPTER 6
Drainage system, sewerage
treatment and refuse disposal
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6.1 Combined and separate systems

Combined system using both surface run-off and wastewater,

while separate sewerage carries surface run-off and wastewater
separately.
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6.1 Combined and separate systems

Combined sewer System

a. sewers that are designed to collect
rainwater runoff, domestic sewage,
and industrial wastewater in the same
pipe.

b. This system is mainly used in the

towns where streets are narrow and
rain fall is less than the moderate
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6.1 Combined and separate systems

Separate sewer System

a. sanitary sewage and storm water are
carried separately in two sets of
sewers

b. The sewage is conveyed to waste

water treatment plant (WWTP) and
the storm water is discharges into
rivers without treatment.
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6.1 Combined and separate systems

Advantages

a. Surface run-off, greywater and blackwater can be managed separately (no contamination of surface run-off by
sewage)
b. Limited or no risk of sewage overflow
c. Convenience (minimal intervention by users)
d. Low health risk
e. No nuisance from smells, mosquitoes or flies
f. No problems related to discharging industrial wastewater
g. Moderate operation costs
h. Surface run-off and rainwater can be reused (e.g. for landscaping or agriculture) after a simplified treatment
 7
6.1 Combined and separate systems

Disadvantages

a. Needs a reliable supply of piped water

b. Difficult to construct in high-density areas, difficult and costly to maintain
c. High capital costs, more expensive than combined sewer system (two networks are necessary)
d. Unsuitability for self-help, requires skilled engineers and operators
e. Need for pumping on flat ground
f. Problems associated with blockages and breakdown of pumping equipment
g. Adequate treatment and/or disposal required for a large point source discharge
h. Higher risk of water pollution by accidents (e.g. oil, chemicals, etc.)
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6.1 Combined and separate systems

APPLICATION IN MALAYSIA CONSTRUCTION

DRAINNAGE SEWERAGE
a. Common used to follow
a. Common used separate
requlation from SPAN and local
system.
authorities – IWK
b. Requlation from SPAN,
b. Prefer separate system except for
drainage system cannot be
indivual septic tank
combine together with
sewerage system.
c. 2 stage treated sewerage can
nd

be discharge to drain
system(Individual septic tank)
 6.2 Partially separate system 9

Partially separate system is a modification of the separate system in which separate sewer
discharging domestic sewerage and industrial waste also contain a portion of the surface
drained flow.

Condition and reason below for the partially separate system.

a. Concentrated and heavy rainfall during the monsoon period. Subject to considerable variation in the quantity of
flow yearly.
b. Inadequate amounts of waste of waters reaching the sewer because of the vast tract of intervening unsewered
areas or due to the other reason.
c. Difficulties in the operation and maintenance of the system due to inadequate supervision of less qualified staff.
 6.2 Partially separate system 10

PARTIALLY COMBINED OR PARTIALLY

SEPARATE SYSTEM

a. A partially separate system is a combination of a

combined sewerage system and separate sewerage
systems.
b. This type of sewerage system helps decrease the load
from a combined sewerage system because only the
water from initial rain falls is added to sewage water
and after than this system work as separate system.
 6.2 Partially separate system 11

Advantages of Partially Separate Sewerage System

a. It combines the good features of both systems.

b. The silting is avoided due to entry of storm water.
c. The storm water from houses is easily disposed off.
d. The sewers are of reasonable size.
 6.2 Partially separate system 12

Disadvantages of Partially Separate Sewerage System

A very small fraction of bad features of combined system are there in partially
separated system.
 6.3 Rodding point system 13

Rodding points, or rodding eyes as they are

sometimes called, are used to allow access
into a drain for inspection and cleaning.
Rodding eyes are almost always used in
conjunction with storm water (surface water)
drains.
 6.3 Rodding point system 14

Used to allow access into a drain for inspection and cleaning.

Rodding eyes are almost always used in conjunction with storm water
(surface water) drains.
6.3 Rodding point system 15
 6.4 Sewer connection 16

Formality for sewer connection by referring

to the SPAN guidelines for sewerage work
6.4 Sewer connection 17
 6.4 Sewer connection 18

Following procedures and formalities must be followed to ensure integrity of the sewerage system.

a. The owner must seek the approval of the Commission for any connections that involve physical work to an
existing public sewer.

b. Once approved, the owner may make the connection only if his contractor is licensed by the Commission
for this category of work.

c. The type and location of connections shall be determined by the Commission. The type of connection
could be a connection to a manhole or a connection to a sewer through junction or saddle fittings.

d. The cost of the work in making the connection shall be borne by the owner, regardless of whether the work
is undertaken by his licensed contractor or a licensed contractor employed by Services Licensee.

e. The connection must be correctly made by the licensed contractor under the supervision of an authorized
inspection person.
 6.4 Sewer connection 19

Following procedures and formalities must be followed to ensure integrity of the sewerage system.-Cont

f. For a development which contains several connections from individual premises to the proposed public
sewers within the development, the connections may be deemed covered by the original technical
proposals. These individual connections will be inspected as part of the routine inspection by the
authorised inspection person.

g. The inspection by the authorised inspection person for the connections to existing public sewers shall be
subjected to a standard inspection fee.

h. The design and installations shall incorporate the considerations of health and safety

i. The difference between each premise platform level and the nearest public sewer invert level shall not be
less than 1.2 m to avoid flooding of premises.
 6.4 Sewer connection 20

Junction Connections

Where an existing public sewer is circular and is of diameter DN 450 or less, any connection to that sewer may be made
using a Y junction fitting.

Where the location of future connections are known, Y Junction fittings and the accompanying junction connection
pipework may be installed at the time of the public sewer construction.

The typical connection configuration of junction is shown in Figures A.11 and A.12 of Appendix A.

Where no junction pipework exists, a Y junction fitting may be installed by removing part of the existing sewer. The
connection of such a junction shall use flexible couplings.
 6.4 Sewer connection 21

Junction Connections
6.4 Sewer connection 22

Junction Connections
 6.4 Sewer connection 23

Junction Connections
 6.4 Sewer connection 24

Junction Connections: Concrete Thrust and Anchor Block

 6.4 Sewer connection 25

Saddle Connections

a. Saddle connections may only be permitted where the existing

sewer is at least two pipe sizes greater than the proposed
connection pipe.

b. Only saddles specifically designed for the type and size of the
sewer to be connected to shall be used.

c. The saddle must be purpose-made by off-site manufacture except

when the existing pipe size is 900 mm in diameter or greater,
which other forms of connection are preferred.

d. The saddles for concrete or vitrified clay sewers shall be bedded

on cement mortar (mix 3:1) with a depth not less than 40 mm
below the base of the saddle. A flexible joint shall be provided
between the saddle and the remaining connection pipe.
 6.4 Sewer connection 26

Saddle Connections

e. The hole prepared for the saddle connection on the existing sewer shall not have any rough edges that
might cause blockage.
f. The location of the hole on the pipe shall be at a 45° to 60° angle to the horizontal.
The hole shall be made at the middle of the pipe to avoid damages or excessive loading to the existing
sewer pipe joints.
g. The existing pipe may require extra strengthening by additional concrete surround to withstand the extra
load from the connection pipe and fittings.
h. The connection pipe must not protrude into the existing sewer.
i. Any debris falling into the existing sewer during the connection shall be removed.
j. On completion, the saddle connection joint must be completely watertight to prevent infiltration.
 6.4 Sewer connection 27

Manhole Connections

Manholes may be constructed on the public sewer for private sewer

connections where:

a) good practice requires a manhole for ease of maintenance, or

b) the diameter of the connection pipe is 300 mm or greater, or
c) the public sewer is more than 4.5 m deep, or
d) the point of connection is more than 5 m from an existing or proposed manhole.
 6.4 Sewer connection 28

Manhole Connections

construction on the existing public sewer, the manhole may be provided on the connection pipe as
near to the public sewer as possible.
6.4 Sewer connection 29

Manhole Connections
6.4 Sewer connection 30

Manhole Connections
6.4 Sewer connection 31

Manhole Connections
 6.4 Sewer connection 32

Manhole Connections
 6.5 Drainage ventilation 33

Purposes of a vent pipe

a. removes gas and odors.
b. It also allows fresh air into the plumbing system
to help water flow smoothly through the drain
pipes.
 6.5 Drainage ventilation 34

Drainage ventilation system is required to serve the

following purposes:

a. To relieve the pressure of foul gases developed in

the house drains.
b. To prevent the breakage of trap's seal by siphonic
action.
c. To dilute the foul gases in the drains and to reduce
their harmful effects.
 6.5 Drainage ventilation 35

a. Every fixture is required to have an internal or external trap;

b. double trapping is prohibited by plumbing codes due to its susceptibility

to clogging.

c. Every plumbing fixture must also have an attached vent.

d. Without a vent, negative pressure from water leaving the system can
cause a siphon which empties the trap. The top of stacks must be
vented too, via a stack vent.

e. all fixtures are connected to waste lines, which in turn take the waste to
a "soil stack", a.k.a. "soil stack pipe", "soil vent pipe" or "main"
 6.5 Drainage ventilation 36

a. The venting system, or plumbing vents, consists of a

number of pipes leading from waste pipes to the
outdoors, usually through the roof.
b. Vents provide a means to release sewer gases outside
instead of inside the house. Vents also admit oxygen to
the waste system to allow aerobic sewage digestion,
and to discourage noxious anaerobic decomposition.
c. Vents provide a way to equalize the pressure on both
sides of a trap, thereby allowing the trap to hold the
water which is needed to maintain effectiveness of the
trap, and avoiding "trap suckout" which otherwise might
occur.
 6.6 Drain laying 37

Tools/Equipment Required:
Theodolite, leveling staff, plate’ compactors,compressor, jack hammer, pump, measuring tape,
 6.6 Drain laying 38

Procedure/Method:

a. All materials used shall comply with the requirements of the contract specifications.
b. The locations and level of the drainage system to the dimensions and levels shown on
the contract drawings shall be set out first.
c. Then the excavation in trench shall be carried out to ensure that the drains can be laid
in straight lines as shown on the drawings.
d. Reusable excavated materials shall be set aside for reinstatement. .
e. Sides of trenches and other excavations greater than 1.2 m deep shall be suitably
shored or shall be battered back to ensure stability of the excavation.
f. Trench widths shall be kept to a minimum, allowing 400 mm over the pipe diameter for
pipes up to 750 mm dia. and 600 mm for larger pipes. An allowance of 150 mm shall
be added where timbering is required.
 6.6 Drain laying 39

Procedure/Method:- cont

g. Trench widths shall be excavated 100 mm lower than the required bottom level
elevation of pipe to allow for bedding.
h. The trench base shall be free from any protrusions and hard spots. Any unsuitable
material shall be removed and replaced with suitable material.
i. Granular material for pipe bedding shall be hard, durable, and free from silt and clay.
j. The pipe bedding material shall be placed evenly on the prepared trench base, so that
the pipes receive continuous support at the required gradient.
 6.6 Drain laying 40

Procedure/Method:- cont
j. All pipes and fittings shall be jointed strictly in accordance with the manufacturer’s
instructions.
k. A cushion layer 300 mm deep of backfill shall then be placed above the crown of the
pipe and well compacted.
l. The remaining backfill shall be built up to ground level with suitable fill in well
compacted layers.
m. The backfill in trenches crossing permanent roads shall be thoroughly compacted.
 6.7 Means of access 41

Manholes are traditionally the most

widely used means of access to
drainage systems because they allow
direct access to the drain for
maintenance personnel.
 6.7 Means of access 42

They are situated along the length of the drainage system, and are
most typically found at key intersections, such as:

a. where a branch drain joins the system’s main drainage pipe

b. where there is a straight run of piping extending more than 22
metres
c. where a drain or sewer pipe changes direction horizontally by more
than 30 degrees
d. where there is a change in pipe size
 6.7 Means of access 43

Inspection chambers are essential parts of a property’s drainage

infrastructure, and serve a number of key functions:

a. They allow drains to be cleaned, cleared and inspected as and

when required
b. They prevent unauthorised individuals without proper
qualifications from entering the drainage system
c. They work as a temporary storage point for water, allowing
excess liquid to build up in the drainage system rather than
flooding out immediately
 6.8 Bedding of drains 44

The bedding onto which drains are laid shall provide

adequate and continuous support while
accommodating the loads. Bedding of drains shall
comply with the following:
a) In stable soil, drains shall be directly supported on
the undisturbed base of the trench, provided that
the base of the trench is free from any rocks or
tree roots.
b) b) In clay, rock, shale, gravel or ground
containing hard objects, drains shall be supported
on a bedding material placed in the base of the
trench.
 6.8 Bedding of drains 45

Bedding materials

Filling materials used for bedding of drains shall

comply with one of the following:

a. Crushed rock, gravel screenings or recycled

crushed concrete, roof tiles or bricks of nominal
sizes 7–10 mm.

b. Cement mortar containing one part of Portland

cement and four parts of sand by volume
thoroughly mixed with clean water to a workable
consistency.
 6.8 Bedding of drains 46

c. Cement mortar bedding shall be used where the base of the

trench is rock or shale and where the grade is greater than
20% and it shall:
i. be a minimum depth of 50 mm measured below the
barrel of the pipe.
ii. be not less than 75 mm wide
iii. be kept clear of flexible joints and
iv. have pipes supported at not greater than 1.5 m from
the centre, prior to placing the mortar bedding.

d. Sand shall be free running, capable of passing through a 2 mm

mesh sieve, and shall not contain clay, organic or any other
deleterious materials.

e. Rubble comprising of a combination of a) and d) as described under

bedding materials.
 6.8 Bedding of drains 47

Backfilling drains with appropriate materials

a. Soil from excavating the trench may be used,

provided it is free from rock or hard matter larger
than 25 mm and broken up so that it contains no
soil lumps larger than 75 mm.

b. Backfill material shall be free of builder’s waste,

bricks and concrete.

c. The backfill shall be compacted to restore the

trench as near as practicable to the surface
ground level.
6.8 Bedding of drains 48
 6.9 Drains under or near buildings 49

Open channel in drainage system

a. An open channel or drain system generally consists of

a secondary drainage system, with a network of small
drains attached (micro-drainage).

b. Each serves a small catchment area that ranges from a

single property to several blocks of house
 6.9 Drains under or near buildings 50

What are closed drains

a. closed drainage airtight or water-tight

drainage of a cavity so that air or
contaminants cannot enter;

b. for example, drainage of an empyema

cavity carried out by means of an
intercostal drainage tube passing into an
airtight receiving vessel.
 6.10 Joints used on drain pipes 51

5 Types of Sewer Pipe Joints

Following are the 5 common types of sewer joints:

1) Bell and Spigot Joints.
2) Collar Joints.
3) Flexible Joint.
4) Expansion Joint.
5) Flanged Joint.
 6.10 Joints used on drain pipes 52

5 Types of Sewer Pipe Joints:

1) Bell and Spigot Joints.

A form of joint used on pipes that have an enlarged

diameter or bell at one end and a spigot at the other that

fits into and is laid in the bell. The joint is then made tight

by lead, cement, rubber O-ring, or other jointing

compounds or materials.
 6.10 Joints used on drain pipes 53

5 Types of Sewer Pipe Joints

2) Collar Joints.

This joint is mostly used for joining concrete & asbestos cement pipe
having bigger diameter. A rubber gasket is placed between steel rings in
the groove after bringing the ends of the two pipes in one level. Then the
collar is placed at the joint so that it should have the same lap on both the
pipes. After this cement mortar (1:1) is filled in the gap between the pipes
& the collar.
 6.10 Joints used on drain pipes 54

5 Types of Sewer Pipe Joints

3) Flexible Joint.
These joints are used for pipes to be laid
submerged under water, where the bottom of the
river is uneven with the possibility of settlement &
consequent damage. If one pipe is given any
defection, the ball shaped portion will move inside
the socket, & t e joint will remain water proof in all
the position.
 6.10 Joints used on drain pipes 55

5 Types of Sewer Pipe Joints

4) Expansion Joint.

These joints are used on pipes exposed to

considerable differences of temperature allowing for
free expansion or contraction without setting up
thermal stresses in the pipes. Here when the pipe
expands, the socket end moves forward & when pipe
contracts, it moves back word in the space provided
for it & the elastic rubber gasket in every position
keeps the joint water tight.
 6.10 Joints used on drain pipes 56

5 Types of Sewer Pipe Joints

5) Flanged Joint.

The flanged joint design means that pipes are

secured by external screws, providing
additional joint support for the
transportation of substances at high
pressure.
 6.11 Anti-flood devices 57

Anti-Flood dvices is the methods

used to reduce or prevent the
detrimental effects of flood waters.
 6.11 Anti-flood devices 58

1) Water Gate: Rapid Response Flood Control System

The water barrier will deploy by itself evenly and follow the
height of the water level as it fluctuates.
The principle is simple: water enters and accumulates at the
bottom of the barrier. As the water level rises, the barrier unfolds
and swells.
An integrated floater, positioned directly at the top of the barrier,
allows it to float at the rhythm of the waves, enabling it to reduce
water overtopping the barrier. Once the barrier is deployed, it
conforms to the ground and remains stable on most surfaces.
 6.11 Anti-flood devices 59

1) Water Gate: Rapid Response Flood Control System

The water unfolds the As the water keeps The top of the barrier rides
barrier and flows inside flowing, the barrier over the water waves as it The Water-Gate™
it starts to unfold and continues to deploy barrier is fully deployed
expand
 6.11 Anti-flood devices 60

2) WIPP: Water Inflated Property Protector

Water Inflated Flood barriers are water filled

cylindrical tubes that act as temporary dams. They
have two double inner tubes, which hold the water and
are robust enough to withstand, the external and
internal pressures. An industrial grade Geotextile
material ensures that they are sturdy and durable.
 6.11 Anti-flood devices 61

3) Quick Dam: Flood Barrier Socks

Quick Dam provides Flood Bags & Flood Barriers

that serve as effective alternatives to traditional
sandbags. Flood protection and convenience going
hand in hand is a must. Quick Dam's vision is to provide
customers with compact, lightweight and easy to use
flood solutions that help protect against natural disasters.
 6.11 Anti-flood devices 62

4) Floodblock: Modular Flood Prevention Solution

FloodBlock is another Lego-like invention that

can be interlocked, stacked and positioned to
protect homes and commercial spaces from
flooding. The device is a self-filling crate with
foam padding on the bottom creating a seal
which prevents water seeping from underneath.
 6.11 Anti-flood devices 63

4) Floodblock: Modular Flood Prevention Solution

Benefits of FloodBlock include:

a. Rapidly deployable flood defence system.
b. Can be assembled by one person.
c. Small footprint.
d. Not affected by strong winds when deployed.
e. Highly flexible system.
f. More cost effective and versatile flood protection than
sandbags.
g. Self-balancing with no bolting required.
 6.11 Anti-flood devices 64

5) Heritage Floodguard system

The lightweight reusable barrier provides the same

protection as a permanent barrier.
 6.12 Garage drainage 65

SLOT DRAIN

Slot Drain is a one-piece, built-in sloped, open floor

drain / surface drain system with a linear slot on top,
that is unlike anything else. The linear slot eliminates the
need for grating, making it the most durable, sanitary and
cost effective drainage system available.
 6.12 Garage drainage 66

TRENCH DRAIN SYSTEM@ CATCH UP DRAIN

a trench drain provides an elongated surface for water to drain from a

specific area, such as a driveway, beneath an un-guttered roof edge, sidewalk
or similar area where water tends to collect. It's essentially a gutter that is set
into the ground
 6.13 Drainage pumping 67

Drainage pumping plants remove excess surface or

ground water where it is impossible or economically
infeasible to obtain gravity outlets for drainage. They
are also used on sites that have adequate outlets except
during periods of prolonged high water.
 6.13 Drainage pumping 68

Sump pumps are used where basement flooding happens

regularly and to solve dampness where the water table is
above the foundation of a home. Sump pumps send water
away from a house to any place where it is no longer
problematic, such as a municipal storm drain or a dry well.
 6.13 Drainage pumping 69

SURFACE DRAINNAGE APPLICATION CONDITION

a. Bottom lands or flatlands protected from flooding by dikes,

where gravity drainage is restricted because of periodic high stages in the outlet, or where the outlet has
inadequate capacity. Floodgates are installed to permit the maximum gravity drainage possible while
preventing the inflow of floodwater. The amount of pumping required can vary from a small percentage of the
drainage flow to practically all of it.

b. Coastal plains that do not afford enough slope to the water surface for gravity drainage.
Here, the land to be drained is diked, and pumping is done from a sump. The amount of the drainage water
that must be pumped depends on the elevation of the land above tidewater. In some situations, the entire runoff
must be pumped
 6.13 Drainage pumping 70

SURFACE DRAINNAGE APPLICATION CONDITION

c. Areas in which the runoff water is to be used for irrigation.

The area may or may not be diked, depending on the outlet situation for gravity drainage. Water control
structures are necessary.

d. Areas in which the soil requires a high degree of water table control,
e. such as in areas of organic soils. Pumping is sometimes required to lower water levels during wet periods
and raise water levels during dry periods.
 6.13 Drainage pumping 71

SUB-SURFACE DRAINNAGE APPLICATION CONDITION

a. Where it is desired to add the drainage water to the irrigation water.

b. Where the outlet is at an elevation that does not permit gravity flow from drains located at depths required
for adequate drainage.
c. Where the indicated method of drainage is to pump the water from an underlying aquifer, which may or may
not be under artesian pressure.
 6.14 Subsoil drainage 72

Subsoil drainage systems

are provided to drain
away. subsurface water in order to: •
increase the stability of the ground and
footings of. buildings by inducing a
more stable moisture regime.
 6.14 Subsoil drainage 73

Subsoil drainage systems are provided to drain away subsurface water in order to: ·

a. increase the stability of the ground and footings of buildings by inducing a more stable moisture regime
and reducing foundation movements due to the variations in the soil moisture content; ·

b. mitigate surface water ponding and waterlogging of soils by lowering watertables;

c. alleviate ground water pressures likely to cause dampness in below-ground internal parts of buildings or
damage to foundations of buildings, other structures, or pavements;

d. Increase soil strength by reducing the moisture content.

6.14 Subsoil drainage 74
 6.14 Subsoil drainage 75

Application require a subsoil drainage

a. Road and pavement; to channel out underground water from pavement.·

b. Football field ; irrigation system at football field to avoid any ponding inside the field

c. Impervious earth condition ; to avoid any water ponding or stagnant water

d. Underground water effect and high capillary water.

 6.15 Tests on drains 76

Any new drains should be tested thoroughly including inspection chambers

and manholes for water-tightness and sealing, this should coincide with
the British standards BS-EN-752:2008.
 6.15 Tests on drains 77

THE DRAINAGE AIR TEST -

a. An air test is a convenient and quick method to test single pipes and drain runs. The way an air test
is undertaken involves a section of the pipe being isolated, using two different pressure gauges for
around 5 minutes at a time; we can tell if there are issues within the drain if any change of pressure
is recorded at a particular interval.
b. Air testing drains - one of the best methods for locating any drain problems but can only be used if
the drain can be blocked on both sides for pressure testing.
 6.15 Tests on drains 78

How Air Pressure Testing Works

1. We close all spigots and drains, including the drain that
flows to the sewers.
2. We use air to pressurise the plumbing and drainage
system.
3. We monitor the pressure for 5 minutes.
4. We search for any leaks and repair any damage.
5. We re-test as needed.
 6.15 Tests on drains 79

THE DRAINAGE WATER TEST –

a. A water test sometimes called a "drop test" is a low-pressure method of drain testing. It works by blocking
the end of the drain with a bung, then flooding the pipe with water. The water levels are monitored to
make sure they stay stable during the test.
b. The air test is a quick, convenient method we can use to test single pipes and drain runs. The way we do
it is by isolating the section of pipe that needs to be tested using plugs and setting two different pressures
for five minutes each.
c. Any change in pressure over those five-minute periods is measured and recorded. In this way, air testing
is a straightforward, effective method for many drain problems, although it can only be used on a drain
that can be capped at both ends.
 6.15 Tests on drains 80

THE DRAINAGE WATER TEST –

Step 1: Seal the Pipe

Seal off all branches of the pipe with bung stoppers. Seal off the lower, or downstream, end of the pipe
to be tested with another bung stopper, as if creating an airtight seal. Connect the 90 degree pipe bend
to the other end of the pipe, which is the upstream end.

Step 2: Attach a Vertical Pipe

Connect the 5-foot length of pipe to this bend to create a vertical pipe configuration. Either fasten this vertical
section to your support struts with the rope, or brace it between two supports. The idea is to prevent the pipe
falling over under its own weight when water is added.
 6.15 Tests on drains 81

THE DRAINAGE WATER TEST –

Step 3: Fill the Pipe With Water

Fill the pipe with water and leave to stand for two hours to allow time for any trapped air to bubble out of the
system. Inspect the level of water in the vertical pipe and ensure it is to a depth of 4.92 feet. Leave for 30
minutes, topping up the water as required to maintain a level

Step 4: Record Changes in Level

Record the total amount of water added each time the pipe needs topping-up. Sum up these values. If the total is
less than 0.88 pints per 3.28 feet of pipe, not including the 90 degree bend or the vertical pipe, the pipe has
passed the water test. If it exceeds this amount, the pipe is not watertight and the seals between each section of
the pipe should be tested for integrity.
6.15 Tests on drains 82
 6.16 Soakaways 83

Soakaways are a long established way of

dealing with rainfall. They are essentially a
pit in the ground into which you run your
rainwater drainage. They are also used, less
frequently, to dispose of the effluent from
septic tanks, where they are more
commonly known as leaching fields.
 6.16 Soakaways 84

The benefits include:

a. Reducing pressure on overloaded mains drainage

systems
b. Potential of bill rebate for surface drainage costs
from your sewerage company
c. Cost-effective to install, and can be retrofitted
relatively easily
 6.16 Soakaways 85

The potential drawbacks include:

a. Soakaways can get blocked by dirt and leaves
when not fitted with a silt filter
b. If soakaway isn't far enough from the home, or
isn't draining correctly, this could cause issues
for the home's foundations.
c. Soakaways aren't suitable for poor draining
soil.
 6.16 Soakaways 86

Application to decide and construct a soakway.

a. Housing area don’t have any final discharge or
nearest ditch/river.
b. Make sure the type of soil is in the permeable
condition.
c. Option by house owner to combine the individual
septic tank and the soakway.
 6.17 Cesspools and septic tanks 87

A septic tank allows wastewater to flow into

a leach field where it undergoes a filtration
process. In contrast, a cesspool is a pit lined
with cement or stone which lacks the ability
to filter the waste, eventually contaminating
the surrounding soil.
 6.17 Cesspools and septic tanks 88

Cesspools
a. Type of holding tank with untreated system
b. Drawback for cesspools
i. The water from sinks, showers and bathtubs is draining slowly
ii. Water from the cesspool is backing up into your property
iii. There is a gurgling noise in your plumbing pipework after draining water
iv. There is standing water near the cesspool
v. There is a bad odour coming from the cesspool
6.17 Cesspools and septic tanks 89

Cesspools
 6.17 Cesspools and septic tanks 90

septic tank
A septic tank is an underground system that receives and partially treats raw wastewater from domestic or
commercial properties not connected to municipal sewers. They are typically the most economical form of
wastewater treatment.

Discharge option for septic tank

a. Install a soakaway system / drainage field so that effluent discharge can percolate through soil over a large
surface area.
b. Replace your septic tank with a modern sewage treatment plant, designed to remove all of the solid and liquid
waste from your property, treat it and then safely discharge the effluent to the surrounding environment. For
energy free wastewater treatment.
c. Excavate and connect to the nearest sewage network if possible.
6.17 Cesspools and septic tanks 91

septic tank
 6.17 Cesspools and septic tanks 92

Cesspools VS septic tanks

a. cesspools are holes in the ground that dump scum and liquid wastewater into a small area while
septic tanks hold the scum and spread out the liquid wastewater over a wider area. The treated
wastewater is properly dealt with by the environment.
b. septic systems work better than cesspools. Waste water untreated from cesspools is not save for
drinking and harm to the environment.
 6.18 Drainage fields and mounds 93

A Drainage Field is a
system of infiltration pipes
placed in trenches and
arranged so that effluent
can be discharged to the
ground.
6.18 Drainage fields and mounds 94
 6.18 Drainage fields and mounds 95

Requirement for building the drainage fields and mounds

a. A drainage field must be at least 10m from any watercourse or permeable drain.
b. It must be at least 50m from the point of abstraction of any groundwater supply and not in any Zone
1 groundwater protection zone.
c. At least 15m from any building.
d. Sufficiently far from any other discharge to ground to ensure the overall capacity of the ground is not
exceeded.
e. The field must be down water/slope of any groundwater source.
f. No underground services or water pipes are allowed to be located within the dispersal area.
 6.18 Drainage fields and mounds 96

Requirement for building the drainage fields and mounds

g. No access roads, driveways or paved areas should be located within the disposal area.
h. Drainage fields should be constructed using perforated pipe laid in trenches of uniform gradient that
is not steeper than 1:200.
i. The perforated pipes must be laid on a 300mm layer of clean shingle or broken stone graded
between 20mm and 50mm.
j. Trenches should be filled to a level 50mm above the pipe and covered with a layer of geotextile to
prevent the entry of silt.
k. Drainage trenches should be from 300mm to 900mm wide, with areas of undisturbed ground 2m
wide being maintained between parallel trenches.
l. An inspection chamber should be installed between the Septic Tank and Drainage Field.
 6.19 Drainage design 97

Introduction of Drainage design systems consist of these 2 main criteria ;

1. Minor drainage system

a. Designed to remove stormwater from areas such as
streets and sidewalks for public safety reasons.
b. Consists of inlets, street and roadway gutters,
roadside ditches, small channels and swales, and
small underground pipe systems which collect
stormwater runoff and transport it to structural control
facilities, pervious areas and/or the major drainage
system (i.e., natural waterways, large man-made
conduits, and large water impoundments).
 6.19 Drainage design 98

Introduction of Drainage design systems consist of these 2 main criteria ;

2. Major system

a. Designed for the less frequent storm up to the 100-

yr level) consists of natural waterways, large man-
made and large water impoundments.

b. includes not only the trunk line system that

receives the water from the minor system, but also
the natural backup system which functions in case
of overflow from or failure of the minor system.
6.19 Drainage design 99
 6.19 Drainage design 100

Design Considerations

1) Site Layout & Context

a. The first step is to enclose the site with perimeter

drains to prevent any unregulated flow of water out of
the development into neighboring sites.
b. Next, you should establish where the discharge points
should be. Draw up the plans of the existing drains
outside, through site analysis or a survey plan.
 6.19 Drainage design 101

Design Considerations

2) Catchment Areas & Flow Direction

a. Apron drains for each building (300 mm or
Once you have selected where your discharge points are, 500mm wide)
you need to come up with a schematic for drainage
consisting the following : b. Driveway drains
c. Perimeter drains
d. Sumps to interface drains of different sizes
or at junctions.
e. Connection between all of the above
f. Path towards discharge point
g. Flow direction(s) - one way or two ways
 6.19 Drainage design 102

Design Considerations

3) Summit Points, Discharge Points & Flow Direction

a. Once you have decided the

overall flow direction, map it out
below.
b. The general rule of thumb is that
to have at least 2 discharge points
as a precaution, while summit
points are the furthest ends from
the discharge points.
 6.19 Drainage design 103

Design Considerations

4) Slope Gradient, Top & Invert Levels

a. After establishing the summit and discharge points, a

study of the all of the invert levels throughout the
network shall be done.
b. We start at the summit point, where the invert level is
300mm below the top level of the drain.
c. Following which, the subsequent point of the drain
should have an invert level lower based on the distance
and fixed drain slope gradient.
 6.19 Drainage design 104

Drainage invert level calculation:

Let’s say point A is the upper invert level (4.300) and

point B is the unknown lower invert level
In order to calculate the invert levels, you need the
following values:
•Starting invert level (4.300)
•Gradient (1:x, where x=300)
•Distance (90m)
 6.19 Drainage design 105

Drainage invert level calculation:

IL
item FL IL FL-IL gradient depth/ftr length adjust depth adjustment depth min depth
a b (a-b) c d (cxd) e
(a-e)

outside drain
1 17.034 16.59 0.444 1:250 0.004 16.590 0.444 0.46
2 17.034 16.57 0.464 1:250 0.004 3 0.012 16.578 0.456 0.46
3 17.011 16.521 0.49 1:250 0.004 40 0.16 16.418 0.593 0.46
4 17.17 16.4 0.77 1:250 0.004 25 0.1 16.318 0.852 0.46
5 17.02 16.351 0.669 1:250 0.004 20 0.08 16.238 0.782 0.46
6 17.02 16.566 0.454 1:250 0.004 10 0.04 16.198 0.822 0.46
7 16.811 16.2 0.611 1:250 0.004 45 0.18 16.100 0.711 0.46
8 16.9 16 0.9 1:250 0.004 65 0.26 16.000 0.900 0.46
9 16.602 15.35 1.252 1:250 0.004 8 0.032 15.968 0.634 0.46
10 16.602 15.8 0.802 1:250 0.004 11 0.044 15.924 0.678 0.46
11 16.8 15.55 1.25 1:250 0.004 17 0.068 15.856 0.944 0.46
12 16 15.5 0.5 1:250 0.004 18 0.072 15.784 0.216 0.46
 6.19 Drainage design 106

16.800

16.600

16.400

16.200

16.000 Series1
1 2
15.800 3
4
5 6
7
15.600 8 9 10 11 12
15.400

15.200
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
 6.20 Waste and refuse processing 107

8 step of sewage treatment

Step 1: Screening and Pumping. ...

Step 2: Grit Removal. ...
Step 3: Primary Settling. ...
Step 4: Aeration / Activated Sludge. ...
Step 5: Secondary Settling
Step 6: Filtration
Step 7: Disinfection ...
Step 8: Oxygen Uptake.Sludge Treatment.
6.20 Waste and refuse processing 108
 6.20 Waste and refuse processing 109

Treatment Steps

Step 1: Screening and Pumping

a. The incoming wastewater passes through
screening equipment where objects such as rags,
wood fragments, plastics, and grease are
removed.
b. The material removed is washed and pressed
and disposed of in a landfill.
c. The screened wastewater is then pumped to the
next step: grit removal.
 6.20 Waste and refuse processing 110

Treatment Steps

Step 2: Grit Removal

a. In this step, heavy but fine

material such as sand and gravel
is removed from the wastewater.
b. This material is also disposed of
in a landfill.
 6.20 Waste and refuse processing 111

Treatment Steps
Step 3: Primary Settling
a. The material, which will settle, but at a slower rate
than step two, is taken out using large circular
tanks called clarifiers.
b. The settled material, called primary sludge, is
pumped off the bottom and the wastewater exits
the tank from the top.
c. Floating debris such as grease is skimmed off
the top and sent with the settled material to
digesters. In this step, chemicals are also added
to remove phosphorus.
 6.20 Waste and refuse processing 112

Treatment Steps
Step 4: Aeration / Activated Sludge
a. In this step, the wastewater receives most of its
treatment.
b. Through biological degradation, the pollutants are
consumed by microorganisms and transformed into
cell tissue, water, and nitrogen.
c. The biological activity occurring in this step is very
similar to what occurs at the bottom of lakes and
rivers, but in these areas the degradation takes years
to accomplish.
 6.20 Waste and refuse processing 113

Treatment Steps
Step 5: Secondary Settling
a. Large circular tanks called secondary clarifiers
allow the treated wastewater to separate from the
biology from the aeration tanks at this step,
yielding an effluent, which is now over 90%
treated.
b. The biology (activated sludge) is continuously
pumped from the bottom of the clarifiers and
returned to the aeration tanks in step four.
 6.20 Waste and refuse processing 114

Treatment Steps

Step 6: Filtration
a. The clarified effluent is polished in this step by filtering
through 10 micron polyester media.
b. The material captured on the surface of the disc filters
is periodically backwashed and returned to the head of
the plant for treatment.
 6.20 Waste and refuse processing 115

Treatment Steps

Step 7: Disinfection
a. To assure the treated wastewater is virtually free of
bacteria, ultraviolet disinfection is used after the
filtration step.
b. The ultraviolet treatment process kills remaining
bacteria to levels within our discharge permit.
 6.20 Waste and refuse processing 116

Treatment Steps

Step 8: Oxygen Uptake

a. The treated water, now in a very stabilized high quality
state, is aerated if necessary to bring the dissolved oxygen
up to permit level.
b. After this step, the treated water passes through the effluent
outfall where it joins the Oconomowoc River.
c. The water discharged to the river must meet stringent
requirements set by the DNR.
d. Pollutant removal is maintained at 98% or greater.
 6.20 Waste and refuse processing 117

Treatment Steps

Sludge Treatment
a. The primary sludge pumped from the bottom of
the primary clarifiers in step three, along with the
continuous flow of waste activated sludge from
the aeration / activated sludge process in step
four, must be treated to reduce volume and
produce a usable end product.
 118

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