CHAPTER 9

THE STORM DRAIN

Storm Drain is that unit of the plumbing system that conveys rain or storm water to a suitable terminal.
Storm water is normally discharged into street gutter conveyed by public drain system and carried to
some natural drainage terminal like canals, rivers, lakes and the like.
As a general rule, storm drain is not permitted to discharge into a septic tank or to the main sewer line.
The collection and disposal of storm water is an important phase of plumbing system that should not be
ignored, otherwise, water coming from the roof if not properly diverted might create problems like

1. Settlement of the structure cause by erosion or washing away the soil from the foundation
2. Subjecting the basement floor and walls to unnecessary ground water pressure and possible leakage
3. Rundown water may create walls and window leakage
4. Water may spill on people passing by or approaching entry door
5. Erode the surrounding grounds and cause disfiguring of the landscape areas.

The disposal of storm water has become a major concern of the Local and National

Splash Pan is a collector of water coming down from the downspout leading the accumulated water
away from the house at a relatively low rate of flow.

Classification of Storm Drain

Storm Drain is classified into three types
1. The Inside storm drain
2. Outside storm drain
3. Overhead storm drain

The Inside Storm Drain is sometimes located under the basement floor or within the walls of the
building. This type of storm drain is commonly found in buildings constructed along congested business
district, or building that occupies the entire frontage of the lot. The drainpipe is
laid under the floor or walls of the structure. For large building, storm drains are laid in two or more

The Outside Storm Drain is installed outside the foundation wall of the building. This type of drainage is
possible on location where the lot is not totally occupied by the building.

The Overhead Storm Drain is adopted when the street drainage is higher in elevation than the
basement floor of the building. The purpose is to avail of the gravity flow of water. The pipe is well fitted
and suspended inside the ceiling by suitable hangers spaced at closer intervals.
Size of Storm Drain
The size of Storm Drain is determined under the following considerations:
1. Gauging the rainfall over a given period, whether it is constant or exceedingly heavy shower of short
duration.
2. Consider the varying roof areas, the slope, and the distance of water traveled before it reaches the
conductors of the roof
3. Water drain faster on high pitch roof. Hence, requires a larger drainage pipe than that of a flat roof
4. The height of the building, contribute largely to the velocity of water falling inside a vertical pipe
conductor. The velocity fall accelerate the flow of water entering into the storm drain
5. The used of improper fittings and short offsets that will affect the flow of water must be avoided

Grade and Change of Direction

The storm drain is installed providing a slope of not more than 2% per meter run. A combination of Y
and I/8 bend or a long radius fitting is appropriate for any change in direction.

Roof Leader
Roof Leader is popularly known as water conductor or downspout either concealed or exposed type. It
connects the roof terminal to the storm drain. The size of roof leader can be found easily with the aid of
Table 9-2.