JerseyHomeowner
Member
Hi guys, I’m new here. I’m trying to design an underground drainage system for our downspouts. I want to make sure that I use the correct fittings, clean-outs, etc. It’s a 2-story house with 1-story sections and so I would like to try to re-pitch the gutters on the 2nd story to direct all the water from the 2nd story into the new drainage system on one side of the house. And then only have the downspouts draining the garage roof to drain separate from the new drainage system. I’m planning on using 4” S&D PVC pipe, schedule SDR35. I’m worried about clogging leaves, roof gravel, etc, both around the chimney and also in the underground section. I thought about using an in-line catch basin instead of clean-outs so that I could reach in and remove debris, but I’m not 100% happy with the material because they seem to be made of polystyrene rather than PVC and I’m not sure if they can be made watertight. The manufacturer lists the PVC fittings as “solvent-weld sewer & drain,” but I saw a YouTube video where the guy uses pipe dope. Specifically, he uses Hercules Pro Dope but he states in the comments that he doesn’t really like it and Hercules Megaloc is great. I like the idea of the parts being adjustable, rather than a permanent weld which I may mess up since I’ve never glued PVC pipe before, but I’m unsure if that is approved by the manufacturer. I’m also wondering if vents are required since this is draining to daylight? I want to make sure it flows really well and doesn’t slow down so much that if overflows near the house. Our septic doesn’t have vents and flows fine, so I’m unsure if they’re required or not to keep the water flowing. I’m also wondering how to pitch the wye fitting that sits at the bottom of the downspout, without tipping the top part and therefore making the downspout not plumb?
I also would like to run a line from the basement into the new drainage system. This line will be used for the dehumidifier, as well as a future heat pump water heater, 2 future heat pumps and a future water softener. The dehumidifier and heat pump water heater will run all year long. The pipes will not be below the frost line, so I’m thinking maybe I can drain those 2 appliances into a container with a pump and install a switch so it only pumps out when the water softener runs? I’m worried about creating a plug of ice in the line. We have a boarded-up basement window under the deck and very near the well water holding tank, so I think this will be a good place for the pipe to exit the basement without cutting a hole in the block wall. I think it will be 5”-8” below grade when it exits the basement, sloping down to 18” below grade where it meets the rest of the drain. I am unsure of what type of fittings will be required in the basement and if it will be too close to the ceiling to accommodate these appliances. The manufacturer of the Sewer & Drain pipe makes a coupling to transition from 4” S&D to 3” Schedule 40. I’m unsure what size pipe is required in the basement. Even though the drawing shows that the pipe will come straight out of the basement, I’m unsure if I will be able to get it straight from the new drainage into the basement. I’m also wondering if a trap is required or what will keep insects, mice and cold air form entering the basement?
Thanks very much for all of your help. I know it’s a lot of questions.
I also would like to run a line from the basement into the new drainage system. This line will be used for the dehumidifier, as well as a future heat pump water heater, 2 future heat pumps and a future water softener. The dehumidifier and heat pump water heater will run all year long. The pipes will not be below the frost line, so I’m thinking maybe I can drain those 2 appliances into a container with a pump and install a switch so it only pumps out when the water softener runs? I’m worried about creating a plug of ice in the line. We have a boarded-up basement window under the deck and very near the well water holding tank, so I think this will be a good place for the pipe to exit the basement without cutting a hole in the block wall. I think it will be 5”-8” below grade when it exits the basement, sloping down to 18” below grade where it meets the rest of the drain. I am unsure of what type of fittings will be required in the basement and if it will be too close to the ceiling to accommodate these appliances. The manufacturer of the Sewer & Drain pipe makes a coupling to transition from 4” S&D to 3” Schedule 40. I’m unsure what size pipe is required in the basement. Even though the drawing shows that the pipe will come straight out of the basement, I’m unsure if I will be able to get it straight from the new drainage into the basement. I’m also wondering if a trap is required or what will keep insects, mice and cold air form entering the basement?
Thanks very much for all of your help. I know it’s a lot of questions.
