PLUMBING DESIGN by the NUMBERS

By James E. Stenqvist, CPD, LEED AP

Cleanouts
A plumbing cleanout is a pipe fitting with a removable plug that allows access to drains without removing a plumbing fixture, pipe, or fitting. It is designed for ease of access to clogged sanitary or storm drainage piping systems. Cleanouts enhance the maintenance of drainage systems by allowing an auger or a plumbers snake to clear a plugged drain. Thus, they should be placed in accessible locations throughout a drainage system and outside the building, as these augers have limited length. Cleanouts provide access to horizontal and vertical lines to facilitate inspection and provide a means of removing obstructions such as solid objects, greasy wastes, and hair. In general, cleanouts must be gas- and water-tight, provide quick and easy plug removal, allow ample space for the operation of cleaning tools, have a means of adjustment to finished surfaces, be attractive in appearance, and be designed to support whatever traffic is directed over them.

INSTALLATION TIPS
Cleanouts should be provided at the following locations: 5 feet outside or inside the building at the point of exit At every change of direction greater than 45 degrees for International Plumbing Code (IPC) projects and 135 degrees for Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) projects At every change of direction and every 200 feet of exterior underground sanitary sewer piping larger than 8 inches in diameter with manholes for IPC projects At the base of all waste and soil stacks At horizontal drains, not more than 100 feet apart At building sewers not more than 100 feet apart At the junction of the building drain and the building sewer (see Figure 1) Optional locations include: At the roof stack terminal At the end of horizontal fixture branches or waste lines At fixture traps (Fixture traps can be pre-manufactured with cleanout plugs, although some codes prohibit the installation of this kind of trap.)

DESIGN DETAILS
Some cleanouts are designed with a neoprene seal plug, which prevents freezing or binding to the ferrule. All plugs are machined with a straight or running thread and a flared shoulder for the neoprene gasket, permitting quick and certain removal when necessary. A maximum opening is provided for tool access. Recessed covers are available to accommodate carpet, tile, terrazzo, and other surface finishes and are adjustable to the exact floor level established by the adjustable housing or by the set screws. Waste lines typically are laid beneath the floor slabs at a distance sufficient to provide adequate backfill over the joints. Cleanouts then are brought up to floor-level grade by pipe extension pieces. Where the sewer line is at some distance below grade and not easily accessible through extensions, small pits or manholes with access covers must be installed. When cleanouts are installed in traffic areas, the traffic load must be considered when the materials of construction are selected.

RESOURCES
Plumbing Engineering Design Handbook, Volume 2. Chapter 1: Sanitary Drainage Systems. American Society of Plumbing Engineers. 2006. International Plumbing Code Section 708: Cleanouts. International Code Council. 2003. Uniform Plumbing Code Section 811: Cleanouts. International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials. 2003.

SIZING
The size of the cleanout within a building should be the same size as the piping, up to 4 inches. For 6-inch and 8-inch diameter pipe, 4-inch cleanouts are adequate for their intended purpose. However, 6-inch cleanouts are recommended to allow for a larger variety of access needs such as for sewer video equipment. For pipe 10 inches and larger, 8-inch cleanouts are recommended. A maximum distance between cleanouts of 50 feet should be maintained for piping 4 inches and smaller and 75 feet for larger piping.
Figure 1 Cleanouts at sewer junction

Source: 2003 International Plumbing Code Commentary

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FEATURE: GRDs The Mean, Green Grease Machine

CHECKLIST FOR CLEANOUTS

Cleanout Plugs Brass ABS or PVC plastic Raised square heads Counter-sunk rectangular slots Access covers with corrosion-resistant fasteners Gas and water tight Access covers Materials Cast iron body Brass body Galvanized wrought iron Galvanized steel Copper Brass pipe Plastic plug ABS plug Clearance 18 inches for pipes 6 inches and smaller 36 inches for pipes 8 inches and larger (These are minimum conditions that will allow the cleanout to be serviced. Additional clearance should be provided where possible.) Selection Criteria Shape of top (round or square) Style of top (finish styles, for carpet or tile, loading class) Traffic type (foot or vehicles) Material selection Outlet type (adjustable, spigot, inside caulk, no-hub, gasket) Body type (waterproof membrane, wide flange, or cast flange) Loading Classifications Light duty: Safe live load less than 2,000 pounds Medium duty: Safe live load between 2,000 and 4,999 pounds Heavy duty: Safe live load between 5,000 and 7,499 pounds Extra-heavy duty: Safe live load between 7,500 and 10,000 pounds Special duty: Safe live load more than 10,000 pounds

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to comparatively low petroleum prices, recent history notwithstanding. Some pioneering U.S. installations are underway and further, more rapid development should follow.

SYNERGY OF GRDs
GRDs, more than any other type of grease interceptor, are receiving increased attention by regulating authorities and food service establishment operators because of reduced maintenance requirements (e.g., training), resulting in less FOG escaping to the collection system and treatment works. Two convening factors make a GRD interceptor the new, mean, green grease machine. One is the energy opportunity described above. Second is the chemical evolution of FOG itself. Todays FOG is comprised of more modified vegetable oilssuch as zero trans-fatty acid varietiesthan animal and dairy fats of the past. The traditional FOG composition is susceptible to hydrolysis, the process by which water breaks down the FOG molecular structure, releasing glycerin and fatty acids. However, new, modified vegetable oils react more quickly to contact with water and begin dropping glycerin almost immediately. Glycerin, once separated from the FOG molecule, has a specific gravity greater than water, so it wont float and isnt retained by the interceptor. It escapes to the collection system, providing carbon for bacteria. pH drops at deposition sites and interceptor bottoms, accelerating corrosion. The fatty acids remaining in the interceptor have a lower pH than the unmodified molecule, accelerating halo corrosion at the static water line in interceptors. The divorced fatty acids of modified oils have a greater affinity for places where oxygen is available, such as iron oxide in collection systems and lift station pumps where fatty acid deposits are chemically bonded rather than simply mechanically attached. Because of the changing molecular structure of FOG, the need, from a pollution prevention perspective, to quickly remove separated FOG from the interceptor is greater than ever before. The rewards of continuous FOG removal are greater pollution prevention, reduction of the need for special receiving and processing equipment for FOG disposal at wastewater treatment plants, and a product more suitable for new energy opportunities. The GRD type of interceptor fills the bill on both counts.
Max Weiss is a consultant with Jay R. Smith Mfg. Co. He

James Stenqvist, CPD, LEED AP, is a project engineer with Diversified Technology Consultants in North Haven, Conn. For more information or to comment on this article, e-mail articles@psdmagazine.org. This article is meant to provide some basic guidelines. Always check all relevant codes and resources for a particular project.

has authored several articles relating to pretreatment, bioremediation, and on-site disposal utilizing fixed film technology. He serves on several U.S. and Canadian task groups and committees regarding grease interceptor design, manufacture, classification, sizing, application, operation, maintenance, discharge regulation, and water reuse. He can be reached directly at max@weissresearch.net. For more information or to comment on this article, e-mail articles@psdmagazine.org.

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