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Jan 14, 2024

Importance Of Maintaining Drain, Waste, And Vent Plumbing In Buildings

The Drain, Waste and Vent (DWV) piping system in a building is a crucial

The Drain, Waste and Vent (DWV) piping system in a building is a crucial component of the overall plumbing infrastructure.

By Victor Hatcher and Brian Conner

In a building, the Drain, Waste and Vent (DWV) system is an often-overlooked, yet essential component of the plumbing infrastructure. The majority of DWV piping systems are hidden below floors, behind walls, and in ceilings. Out of sight, out of mind. That is until your previously fully-functional plumbing system has a problem.

Plumbing may be out of sight, but just like any other mechanical system, your DWV piping should be properly and regularly maintained, regardless of the material. Developing a DWV maintenance plan will keep your plumbing system top of mind. This will help facility management to budget effectively for your system maintenance and diminish the likelihood of plumbing emergencies that could send your building occupants reeling.

There is no one-size-fits-all maintenance program for DWV systems. Building occupancy type and usage, piping material, and other special conditions that are unique to your building requires evaluating your DWV systems as a first step.

Facility management can start by performing a regularly scheduled visual examination of the DWV system. You are looking for proper slope, appropriate support of the piping system and components, suitable venting and clear vents, and of course, any visible leaks in the piping system, among other things. Regular visual inspection is just one step in a larger effort to maintain your DWV system.

If your visual inspection reveals no obvious signs of wear and tear, do not assume that you are in the clear. Many factors outside of the DWV system can have negative effects on it and its long-term functionality. These factors are what are at the heart of the maintenance program. As conditions change, the frequency and the way you maintain your system should change with it.

Once you have completed your visual inspection, consider the risk factors that make your building unique. What are some of the considerations when determining the factors and frequency of your maintenance program?

There are countless tools available for you to incorporate into a facility maintenance program. Here are just a few:

Many factors outside of the DWV system itself can have long-term effects on the system's performance and functionality. Slope, system design, fixtures, frequency of use, chemicals and cleaners, maintenance, materials, and water levels and quality are just some of the factors that can affect a DWV system. All of these influences and more need to be examined and properly assessed by facility management when creating an effective plastic or cast iron DWV system maintenance program.

The information above is not meant to be a complete list of all factors that need to be considered and are merely suggestions for formulating a maintenance program. It may be necessary to consult a plumbing professional when designing an effective DWV preventative maintenance program to keep your plumbing system from being top-of-mind for all the wrong reasons.

Hatcher has been in the plumbing industry for 19 years and has held multiple technical positions with plumbing contractors and wholesalers. He is currently the codes and standards manager for Tyler Pipe and Coupling. Hatcher is a member of multiple standards committees, apprenticeship training committee, and regularly participates in the plumbing and mechanical code development process.

Conner is director, codes & standards and international technical support at Charlotte Pipe and Foundry Company. He has 15 years of experience in the plumbing industry as a producer, trainer and installer. Conner has extensive experience with national codes and product standards and specification work with the international engineering community.

To read about another aspect of plumbing in facilities, click here for "Tips For Touch-Free Plumbing Retrofits" from the June 2020 issue of Facility Executive.