From time to time, the pipeline wears out under the influence of mechanical load and the sewer pipes in the apartment need to be replaced. Most often, this problem is faced by residents of old houses, where over the years cast iron pipes rust, cracks appear and leaks occur.
Replacement of sewer pipes
To change drain lines, you must first properly dismantle the old pipes. Successful completion of the task requires the availability of the appropriate plumbing tools and necessary components.
Dismantling worn-out elements of the sewer line
In order to repair the sewer system in an apartment, it is necessary first of all to identify the location of wear. If there is major damage to the drainage lines, it is enough to simply turn off the water supply in the apartment, remove the plumbing fixtures and begin removing the worn-out area. If you need to replace the sewer riser, you must coordinate your actions in advance with your neighbors, because their water supply will have to be cut off as well. The exact time it will take to repair sewer pipes is difficult to calculate in advance. However, proper preparation and following the intended plan will ensure the successful completion of the process.
Dismantling of sewer pipes
Removal of damaged sewer sections consists of the following steps:
- Shutting off the water supply to the apartment or to the entire riser.
- Disabling the flush tank device in the toilet. To dismantle the flush tank, you need to disconnect the water supply hose.
- Removing the toilet. The process is quite labor-intensive; you will need to free the base of the toilet. Sometimes it is enough to simply unscrew the bolts, but sometimes you have to remove the layer of tiles around the toilet leg. Dismantling the toilet must be done using a special tool: a wrench, a chisel, a hammer.
- Dismantling of the sewer system. Old pipes cannot be reused, so they can be dismantled using physical force and a hammer without sparing.
- If the replacement of sewer pipes will be carried out only in your apartment, at the next stage you will need to cut the riser using a grinder.
Attention! When removing the old riser, you do not need to completely cut off the pipe with a grinder, since its upper edge can pinch the disk and deform the tool.
- The cut pipe should be carefully removed using a hammer and chisel.
- You can try to remove the lower part of the drainage system near the riser by simply rocking it to the sides. If this manipulation does not lead to the desired result, you will need to make cuts using a grinder. How many cuts to make on the pipe is not so important. The main thing is to split it in order to remove individual fragments in the future.
- Clean the socket from grease, cement residues and other contaminants, and prepare for installation.
Main types of drain devices
There are several types of drain systems. One of the most common options is a design in which the drain is secured with a large locking nut. This method of fastening can be found even in the bathrooms of houses built more than two decades ago.
Classification by device principle
Drain siphon systems used when connecting sinks come in three types: flask-shaped, elbow and combined.
They differ according to the type of construction:
- Bottle-shaped or flask-shaped . The main structural elements are two cylinders immersed in each other. A tee is installed inside the flask of the device, distributing the liquid and forming a hydraulic barrier.
- Pipe . The main element of the double-turn design is the “S” or “U”-shaped bend of the pipe, which forms a hydraulic barrier.
- Mixed type devices . In addition to the structural elements of the bottle structure, supplemented by two partitions, they are equipped with a corrugated hose.
In bottle-type devices, the waste, entering the siphon, moves down through an internal pipe of smaller diameter. Having reached the bottom, the wastewater rises through the cavity between the inner and outer cylinders and is discharged into the sewer pipe.
Bottle siphons are advantageous in that even with rare use of the plumbing fixture, the water seal in the sewer system does not dry out for quite a long time. This effect is achieved due to the fact that the outlet from the siphon is located approximately in the middle of the flask.
Many owners prefer bottle siphons for the reason that, if necessary, they can always connect several drains. To do this, the structure only needs to be equipped with an additional element.
Siphons of mixed type have proven themselves to work well. The corrugated siphon, used when arranging a mixed-type drain structure, is a modified version of a conventional curved tube.
Unlike analogues of bottle and pipe versions, among the combined options there are no models with bells, and therefore they cannot be connected to overflow systems and household appliances.
Division by material of manufacture
There are two types of sink drains available for sale, depending on the material of manufacture: those made of polymers and those made of metal alloys.
Polymer products are famous for their low price and ease of installation. Structures equipped with a corrugated pipe can be conveniently adjusted in length.
But the service life of PVC structures is relatively short. And the sealing properties of the assembled structures leave much to be desired. Therefore, all joining elements must be equipped with rubber gaskets during assembly.
In terms of reliability and durability, metal elements of drain systems are more beneficial. The models made of non-ferrous metals: brass and bronze are most in demand in everyday use. The harness made from such materials often has a chrome coating, due to which it acquires a rather presentable appearance.
To prevent the accumulation of dirt deposits on the inner surface of the walls during the manufacturing process, manufacturers coat metal products with a protective film of chromium.
Installation of metal structures does not present any particular difficulties. A hitch can only arise at the stage if you need to shorten the outlet pipe.
Siphons for non-standard equipment
For non-standard models of double “pair” sinks, siphons equipped with two outlets are used. Such siphon devices are connected to the drains of both sinks, and a little lower along the flow of waste water they are combined into a common flask.
Do you need to connect a sink located on an open shelf to communications? Then choose a model that offers hidden installation. Yes, the price will be somewhat more expensive than traditional options, but it will allow you to completely hide unesthetic elements of communications.
Installation of sewer pipes in an apartment
Replacing the sewer system in an apartment begins with the most important element - the riser. Most often, owners of modern apartments decide to change the sewer riser from cast iron to plastic. This choice is fully justified by the high performance characteristics and simple installation of the device.
Installation of a sewer riser
If you are installing for the first time and do not know the exact measurements, you can perform a preliminary fitting of the pipe in order to find out how many more centimeters need to be cut in case of a discrepancy. Cutting plastic products is easy and only takes a few minutes. Before carrying out installation work, it is necessary to prepare the following components:
- Rubber cuff;
- Plastic tee;
- Plastic pipes with a diameter of 110 mm;
- Compensator;
- Riser mountings.
Everything you need to replace a sewer riser
Stages of installing a sewer riser:
- The rubber cuff is inserted into the socket of the cast iron pipe.
- If the diameter of the pipes is different, it is necessary to use a special pipe - a compensator.
- Insert the sewer pipe into the fastening points.
- The ends of the pipe are lubricated with liquid soap to facilitate the process.
- The installed riser must be secured to the wall using special fasteners.
Important! The sewer riser must be secured to prevent deformation under pressure.
Advantages of professional performers
- availability of special education and necessary certificates
- fast and high-quality execution of work
- prompt travel to the repair site
- providing a 100% guarantee for all types of services
You will say that in Moscow and St. Petersburg a huge number of specialists offer the same services. Our performers have no equal in terms of competence and professionalism. In addition, the cost of our specialists’ services is significantly lower than that of our competitors.
Installation of internal wiring
After installing the riser, it is necessary to change the internal wiring in the apartment. The work rules include the following recommendations:
- The wiring is carried out from the central riser to the plumbing fixtures (toilet, sink).
- It is necessary to install not only rigid, but also moving elements of the pipeline. Moving elements made of corrugated pipes relieve the internal stress of the system.
- The sockets should be positioned towards the flow of wastewater, this reduces the risk of leakage.
- The sewage system must be installed at a slope towards the drainage direction.
- A pipe with a diameter of 110 mm is used to drain water from the toilet.
- For all other plumbing fixtures, a 50mm diameter pipe must be used.
Connection diagram of the toilet to the sewer
After installing the wastewater disposal system, the drain tank is connected and a test run is performed. The correct operation of the flush tank depends on the correct connection to the toilet and the tightness of the connection with the supply pipe. There are also cistern models that need to be mounted to the wall. All necessary components for installation are usually supplied with the equipment. Also, the cistern device can be hidden inside a plasterboard structure, which will add aesthetics to the restroom room.
Compliance with simple recommendations for laying a drainage network guarantees the reliable operation of all plumbing fixtures in the apartment, the absence of leaks, extraneous noise and odors. If difficulties arise when carrying out the work yourself, you can call qualified specialists.
Common mistakes
When installing a riser and wiring communications in an apartment, the slope is often made much less than necessary. In addition, the O-rings are not always positioned correctly: they get twisted, which contributes to the formation of leaks.
When installing pipes, a large number of bends are provided (more than 2 in the room), because of this, the outflow of contaminated water is difficult and blockages form.
Often in hard-to-reach areas, little attention is paid to the tightness of joints. It must be taken into account that in such places the highest safety of pipeline operation must be ensured precisely because of the complexity of maintenance.
Do-it-yourself sewerage replacement in an apartment
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| Victor Samolin |
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Comments on this article
Mmoskotlinov19bog We replaced the sewer pipes with plastic ones throughout the entire apartment.
The racks were also replaced. At first the noise caused discomfort, but now we’ve gotten used to it, it’s normal. 01/27/2016 at 08:48Mmoskotlinov19bog If there are no particular complaints about the sewer riser yet, it is better not to touch it. You can change the pipes in the bathrooms, but let the riser be cast iron. There is a lot of hassle with replacing it. 01/30/2016 at 15:35
Denbilnshax Changing pipes is not difficult, but coordinating the preliminary shutdown of water with neighbors and the local plumber turned out to be problematic. I had to go around everyone several times and beg. I hope the new pipes will last a long time) 01/30/2016 at 16:18
Androckzesy You forgot to mention that during the replacement of the sewer riser, all the characteristic unpleasant odors will penetrate into the apartment. It is better to prepare for this in advance. 02/26/2016 at 04:12
Ivantopmal When replacing the sewer riser, we damaged part of the pipe for our neighbors, and they had to replace it too. So be very careful when removing old pipes to avoid incurring additional costs. 02/26/2016 at 19:35
AntonsinSano The dismantling of my house did not cause any difficulties, but I helped a friend - he had to suffer there. The riser pipe did not give in at all, so I had to saw it and remove it piece by piece. 02/28/2016 at 14:13
NikagrigreT There is nothing difficult in dismantling, and installation is even simpler. Just a little effort and now I have new plastic sewer pipes at home. The information in the article was very useful. 02/29/2016 at 15:15
Harqedea For a long time I could not decide to replace the sewer pipes. The old ones were still leaking, but not critical yet. After reading the article and reviews, I realized that it is not difficult and you can try it yourself. I'll look into this issue soon. 03/13/2016 at 14:39
Artcrix There is nothing complicated. But the help will definitely come in handy. Especially during the dismantling of the sewer riser. It’s better to find yourself an assistant in advance so you don’t have to run around with disgruntled neighbors. 03/18/2016 at 18:04
ttdrkdsj Guys, coordinate all work with your neighbors. If you replace the riser in several apartments at once, it is cheaper and easier. My main difficulty was dismantling. 03/19/2016 at 14:53
Harqedea If you prepare everything in advance and turn off the water at the riser, the replacement can be completed within a few hours. Before the neighbors even notice, the water supply will be restored. 03/28/2016 at 15:52
Anskristcrix Together with a friend, we replaced the cast-iron riser with a plastic one. To dismantle it, I had to cut the pipe several times with a grinder, not without using a hammer and chisel. Thank you for the detailed internal wiring diagram, it helped quickly install the new plastic system. 04/03/2016 at 11:23
DragodimsGaps It is still necessary to notify neighbors on the riser. There are different unforeseen situations, it is better if they are prepared. In addition, they may want to change the sewer riser at the same time as you. 04/06/2016 at 12:58
Robert Just this weekend we were replacing pipes. It’s a pity that I didn’t read the article earlier; I could have dealt with everything faster. But I want to say that there is no need to be afraid - you can do everything yourself. 06/12/2016 at 07:46
Dima We bought an apartment on the secondary market and the first thing we decided to do was replace the sewer pipes. The tips in the article helped complete this task quite quickly and without problems. 06/17/2016 at 14:59
Alprazolam If these systems are not replaced, then not very pleasant moments may arise, such as leaks and clogged pipes. 07/11/2016 at 20:00
