But when the system clogs, you must be able to identify and locate the parts quickly.
The fixture drain is the start of the drainage pathway or the DWV.
While this is the most obvious component, it is relatively rare for drain problems to originate here.
The Spruce / Candra Huff
The one exception is when hair clogs a pop-up stopper in a bathroom sink or bathtub.
After the fixture drain, the wastewater drops below the fixture to the next componentthe drain trap.
The drain trap is below the sink, bathtub, or other plumbing fixture.
The drain opening leads to the drain trap orP-trap.
initiate the water at every available source and flush every toilet to fill up the drain traps again.
The toilet trap is part of the toilet.
The flexible, plastic washing machinedrain tubeempties into a washer standpipe that leads down to a curved drain trap.
The drain trap, in turn, leads to a branch drain and onward to the main drain.
Most of these parts may be hidden behind finished walls, but the standpipe itself is often exposed.
Branch drains are often completely hidden by the finished wall, ceiling, and floor surfaces.
Sometimes, branch drain lines are visible in unfinished basement ceilings.
The upper part of the vertical soil stack provides the venting component of the DWV system.
The vent allows the entire drain system to maintain equal air pressure.
The sewerclean-outor main house trap is only there for emergencies and regular cleaning.
Sometimes it is mounted flush into the floor.
This fitting is used when a major clog is blocking themain sewer line.
With the cap removed, a motorized auger can be used to remove a clog in the main drain.
It’s important to keep the sewer clean-out operable in case you need it in the future.
Once a year, pop kick open the sewer clean-out and then close it up again.
This is especially important to do older metal or cast-iron clean-outs, since they can rust.
The mainline is rarely visible since it usually runs under the home’s basement or foundation slab.
You will probably see this drain line only during major repairs or additions to the system.
The endpoint of your home’sdrainage systemis the municipal sewer main.
Video sewer inspectionsare usually capable of running all the way to the beginning of the municipal sewer main.
Definitions of Terms Related to Home Water Systems.Centers for Disease Control
Sewer Division.City of St. Clair Shores, Michigan.
