Sewer risers in multi-storey buildings are classified as common property, they are serviced by specialists from municipal departments. They clean the pipeline if it is clogged and repair it if it leaks. However, the tenants themselves need to monitor the condition of the risers in the apartments in order to detect the problem in time and call the masters.
The device and purpose of the sewer riser
A sewer riser in an apartment building is designed for sewage drainage. Includes five elements:
- main vertical pipe made of cast iron or polymers;
- crosspiece at the bottom of the structure for connecting the toilet;
- compensator, which is used when switching from one type of pipe section to another;
- audit for preventive examination and elimination of blockages;
- tee for connecting additional plumbing fixtures.
All these elements must be tightly connected, therefore, when choosing them yourself for replacing the device, it is important to select the optimal ratio of the diameters of the parts.
The structure in a private house is also equipped with a fan riser. This pipe section departs from the sewer central riser. It is taken out to the roof of the structure to remove unpleasant odors arising from a violation of the water seal. Cleaning the sewer does not get rid of them.
Manufacturing materials
Previously, most homes had cast iron risers - heavy, expensive and corrosive. They were replaced by modern materials:
- Plumbing polymers. Products made from them are distinguished by ease of installation and low weight, the impossibility of corrosion and a budget price. The joints of the parts are sealed with special seals, which eliminates the need to use additional agents, for example, silicone.
- Ceramics. It is not easy to install such products, but they are immune to corrosion and plaque formation on internal surfaces.
- Anti-corrosion coated steel. Metal structures are usually installed in private houses. They are convenient and inexpensive, but they do rust over time.
Plastic models are considered the best option. If you choose the right angles of inclination in the horizontal sections of the structure, you can avoid plaque on the internal surfaces, as in more expensive ceramic products.
Selection of section and dimensions
The dimensions of the riser pipes depend on the serviced area and the types of connected plumbing fixtures:
- for small apartments with a limited amount of plumbing, pipe sections with a cross section of 100 mm are suitable;
- for bathrooms, kitchen appliances or bidets, lines with a cross section of 50 mm or more are selected, since only polluted water goes into the drain;
- if the building is a high-rise building, the optimal section of the pipeline is from 15 cm.
It should be borne in mind that in the presence of a toilet, the outlet section should not be less than 100 mm. Over time, the inner diameter of the communications decreases due to layers of plaque, so it is better to install products with a large section.
Installation rules
You can replace the sewer riser even in a multi-storey building with your own hands. But if the work is carried out in a building where this part of the pipeline is not private, but common property, a work permit from the management company will be required. It is also necessary to warn the neighbors who own the apartments above and below about the overlap of the system.Better yet, completely change the risers throughout the entire staircase.
Replacing part of the sewerage system only in your apartment:
- Dismantle the old part of the riser so that pipe sections remain above and below. Cuffs are inserted into them.
- An adapter is installed on top, a tee is installed on the bottom. The latter also needs to be equipped with a compression adapter. The joints should be as tight as possible to avoid leaks.
- Clamps are mounted to secure the riser. With a ceiling height of less than 3 meters, three holders are sufficient: above, below and in the middle of the pipe.
- All elements are connected and the riser is secured with clamps.
Installation of the node is not particularly difficult. It is important that it is located behind the toilet and has a space of at least 4 cm to the wall.
Operation and maintenance
In-depth examinations are carried out twice a year - in spring and autumn. Based on their results, a decision is made on current or major repairs.
Also, maintenance of structures involves preventive cleaning by hydraulic and mechanical methods to prevent blockages. In case of severe blockages, emergency cleanings are carried out.
The owners of apartments in apartment buildings themselves must also monitor the condition of the riser, examine it for leaks and cracks and not throw objects into the sewer that can clog the pipeline.
