The horizontal distance between pressure water mains and Sewer Laterals according to code is at least ten feet.

Pressure water mains per city code are at least one foot above the Sewer Lateral where these lines cross.

Water mains, laterals and Sewer Laterals are not allowed to be placed in the same trench. There are exceptions to this rule though when this requirement is not possible or where acceptable separation cannot be obtained. It is recommended that a city official must be consulted to find other methods of protection. The final design must be accepted by the Building Official.

During the installation of Sewer Laterals, measures must be taken to prevent or minimize disturbing existing water lines or other public or private sewer conveyance lines as well as all other utilities.

The minimum slope requirements assure scouring and self-cleaning velocities in order to avoid odors, corrosive compounds and blockages from occurring. A two percent slope is preferred over minimum slopes for system design and construction.

However, to have a reliable sewage system, all wastewater must not have a problem going down from the midway sewer to the trunk sewer. This is where a sewer pipe slope and a sewer line slope come into play. Plumbers and developers must note that a sewer pipe slope must meet the minimum standard of ¼-inch per foot and a maximum of three inches per foot or vertical. A sewer line slope with less than the minimum standard will cause constant drain clogs while a slope of more than three inches will allow the water to drain without the solids. So, it is very much important to follow this sewer line grade to be able to get a clearance.

Depth of cover is measured as the distance from the finished grade surface to the top of the pipe over the Sewer Lateral centerline. Sewer Laterals shall be installed at a depth that provide suitable service to the property and allow subsequent installation of water lines.

An effective sewage system uses air pressure and gravity to push down wastewater to a trunk sewer. A pressure test must be done before a property can be erected in a certain area. Air pressure must not drop more than 1 PSI in 5 minutes to be able to meet the passing grade. This method helps an establishment conserve more water, thus, making it convenient and eco-friendly. After a clearance is made, your sewer connection is now added to the existing sewer map.

• Paved Traffic Areas – five feet, or per pipe manufactures specifications
• Unpaved Areas – three feet, or per pipe manufactures specifications

It is the designer’s responsibility to recognize the possibility of reverse flow in a Sewer Lateral serving lots or buildings with plumbing fixtures below the nearest upstream sewer manhole rim. In such instances, a suitable backflow or overflow device shall be provided

You will need to install all structures and pipes placed under roads, driveways and approaches with sufficient strength to safely support the backfill, road surfacing and H-20 loading per AASHTO Standard Specifications.

You will need to install all structures and pipes placed under roads, driveways and approaches with sufficient strength to safely support the backfill, road surfacing and H-20 loading per AASHTO Standard Specifications.

You need to build and design sewer laterals to cross under or over other pipes or structures so that they are protected from damage and to prevent endangering the other pipes or structures. It is necessary to submit plans for review and to pull permits. This will demonstrate the design has met the requirements through specific details.

All sewage must reach the municipal sewer by gravity flow alone in a fresh non-septic condition susceptible to conventional sewage treatment processes. Only in extreme circumstances when a property cannot be properly served through the use of gravity Sewer Laterals, a sewage pump station or lift station may be considered. The installation of the lift station, pump electrical work, and holding tank must meet and comply with all applicable city codes and appropriate permits for each element must be obtained through the building and safety inspection office.

You will need to install a Lift Station where it’s permitted, and it would need to be of the dry pit type incorporating the following features:

• All equipment shall be standard manufactured items specific for sewage use and labeled and listed for such.
• The system shall be of the duplex type – 2 pumps – and have duplex controls that will automatically alternate the pumps and will energize both pumps and an alarm during high liquid level.
• Pumps shall be the heavy-duty, non-clog centrifugal type with mechanical seals and cast-iron construction. Each pump shall have a minimum 60-gpm capacity when pumping against a total dynamic head of 20 feet. The impeller shall have a two – inch solids handling capacity. The motors shall be completely oil-filled and fully submersible.
• Capacity shall be designed to accommodate ultimate peak flow.
• Holding capacity in the wet well shall be equivalent to a 24-hour accumulation of sewage from the area contributing to the lift station.
• The bottom of the wet well shall slope into the pumps.
• The discharge lines shall be arranged such that there is gravity flow into the municipal sewer from the property line.

You must install a backwater valve in All Sewer Laterals.

Existing non-HDPE Sewer Laterals consisting of materials acceptable to the City may be connected to the municipal sewer or to HDPE located on the private property through the use of Adaptors. Adaptors shall be specifically designed to join the materials of an existing or proposed

Not all the sewer drains go directly into rivers and oceans that could result in dirty and foul-smelling waters. Sewage systems have introduced us to water treatment for recycling to conserve more water and meet eco-friendly standards. Most sewer drains go into a sanitary sewer where they are carried into a wastewater facility to be filtered, treated, and discharged for another sewage system use. A sanitary sewer is separate from solids that come along with the water flow, so nothing can hinder the recycling process.
A sewage system is part of our daily living and so far it has helped our cities become clean and pollution-free.