Drain pipes are pipes that are used to remove excess water from a property and direct it away from the house. There are three main types of drain pipes used in residential properties: main sewer, branch sewer and gravity-only sewer. Each one serves a different purpose and has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. There are also variations within each type of pipe that are used for specific types of homes. If you are planning on building or renovating a home and want to know what kind of pipe you will have installed, this guide will help you understand the different types of drains and their uses.

Gravity-Only Drain Pipe

A gravity-only sewer pipe is a general-purpose pipe that is installed in a straight vertical position between the house and the main sewer or the first branch sewer. This type of pipe is used when a home has a small flow of water but does not need expensive and complicated sewer repair or replacement. The pipe has no pumps or motors and relies on the force of gravity to move the water toward the main sewer line. This type of pipe is ideal for detached homes, multi-lot properties and rural properties with low flow rates. The only disadvantage of this pipe is that it cannot be used in properties with basements where there is sump or sewage back-up risk. A home with a gravity-only sewer pipe can be built anywhere.

Branch Drain Pipe

A branch sewer pipe is a type of pipe that is used for high-volume water flow. These pipes are commonly found in properties with basements, crawl spaces, or wetlands. A branch sewer pipe can be installed anywhere in the home, but usually it is located in the basement or crawl space. The primary function of a branch sewer pipe is to divert water from the main sewer line and direct it to the sewer lift station. The pipe can be made of PVC, metal, or concrete, depending on the flow rate of the water.Branch pipe is designed to divert water from the main sewer line. The pipe may be installed under your home or in a nearby yard. If your home has a sewer lift station, a pipe may be installed close to the end of the sewer line. A branch sewer pipe can also be installed on a nearby property to divert water from the main sewer line. If your home is on a multi-lot property, there may be a branch sewer pipe on the neighbor’s property.

Mains Drain Pipe

A main sewer pipe is a large pipe that is installed above the ground and connects to a municipal sewer system. This type of pipe is commonly used in properties with basements, crawl spaces and high-volume water flow. The primary function of a main sewer pipe is to collect waste water from the home and move it to a municipal sewer line. The pipe is usually made of PVC, metal or concrete. If a home has a sewer lift station, a main sewer pipe can be installed close to the end of the sewer line. If your home does not have a lift station, the main sewer pipe can be installed at the end of a long-distance extension of the municipal sewer line. A main sewer pipe can also be installed on a nearby property to divert water from a municipal sewer line.

Conclusion

When choosing the right type of pipe for your home, keep in mind that each one has its own advantages and disadvantages. A main sewer pipe is usually the most common type of pipe used in residential properties, but it can be expensive and difficult to install. A gravity-only sewer pipe can be a suitable option for properties without basements or crawl spaces. A branch sewer pipe can be an excellent choice for properties with basements or crawl spaces if you have high water volume and want to keep the flow of water away from the house.