Plumbing

Plumbing includes everything in a house that has to do with hot and cold water and gas. A plumbing system can be broken down into three areas: 1) storm water; 2) water supply and gas supply 3) waste system.

Storm Water System
A storm water system is designed to control ground water and rain water. At Lakewood the storm system is controlled with the use of a sump pump. The storm water is collected from the drain tile, the drain tile is located on the perimeter of the outside foundation wall just below the height of the basement floor. The 4" plastic drain tile is designed with perforated holes, which collect the water and drains it towards the sump pump pit. The water runs into the plastic lined sump pit. The pump starts automatically when the water reaches a certain level in the pit. The water is then pumped to an outlet pipe in the side or rear yard, or connected to the storm sewer where it is pumped into the sewer system. The window wells also drain into the drain tile, which eventually goes to the sump pit.

Water Supply System
The water supply system brings cold water to the house, heats some of it and distributes the water to various fixtures. This supply system is pressurized so pipes can run directly and do not have to slope or have vents. "Normal street pressure" is 40-55 psi (pounds per square inch), but may range as low as 30 psi, or as high as 80 psi. The size of water pipes is 1/5" or 3/4" in most homes. Typically 3/4" line is used to feed the water heater and all runs that feed more than one fixture. However, the specific pipe size is determined by reviewing the architectural drawings, which include a plumbing schematic.

Waste Water System
All the drains in the house connect to the main waste pipe, which is called the house sewer, once it is outside the foundation. The main drain connects to a septic tank or to a public sewer stub at the property line. Again, the architectural drawings specify the size of the connecting pipe. The pipe size for singe family dwellings is usually 4" ID (inside diameter). Codes also specify the type of pipe, usually cast iron or PVC (polyvinyl chloride). The drain system is not pressurized; water and waste move because of gravity.

Sanitary Pump
All works by gravity except for the waste that is located below the house sewer line as it enters the building. At Lakewood, all rooms located below grade are drained by the use of a sanitary sump pump. Very similar to that of a storm pump any waste water, such as a floor drain or air conditioning runoff would go into the sump pump, automatically turned on when the water reaches a certain level, and pumped overhead into the house sewer line.

Ejector Pump
A sewage ejector pump makes it possible to install toilets below the level of the house sewer or main drain. The unit is costly, but worthwhile if it allows you to add living space. The sewage ejector consists of a sealed tank with a mulcher pump inside. It has an inlet that receives waste from a standard waste pump. The ejector pumps the waste up as much as ten feet into the main drain, which leads to the public sewer. At Lakewood, when a finished or rough-in bath is purchased the ejector pump is included in the price.