SESSION PLAN

Trade Module: Drainage System

Unit of Competency: Familiarize the Basics of a Drainage System

Learning Outcomes: Able to Familiarize Sewer Lines and its Ventilation System and Learn the Basics of a
Septic Tank

Nominal
Learning Activities Methodologies Assessment Method
Duration
A. Interpret Drawings and Plans. 1. Lecture 1. Written test or 1.5 Hrs
B. Identify types of pipe and pipe fittings and 2. Visual presentation examination.
its proper usage. 2. Direct observation
C. Sloping and questioning.

A. Ventilation system 1. Lecture 1. Written test or 1.5 Hrs

B. Ventilation sizing 2. Visual presentation examination.
2. Direct observation
and questioning.

A. Identify parts of a Septic tank and its uses 1. Lecture 1. Written test or 1.5 Hrs
B. Identify layers in a Septic tank 2. Visual presentation examination.
C. Learn on how the Septic Tank works 3. Direct observation
and questioning.

Drainage System

 A network of pipes and fittings that carry off wastes and each plumbing fixture is titled with
appropriate pipe and fitting.

 A system of drains; arrangement of pipes, etc. for carrying off waste matter.

I. FAMILIARIZING SEWER LINES

A. Interpretation of Drawings and Plans

 B. Identification of Types of Pipe and Pipe Fittings and its Proper Usage

1. Drainage Pipes

a. Corrugated (High Density Poly Ethylene) HDPE Pipe

Application: For Non-Pressure, Gravity Drain, and Corrosion Resistant.

Used to design engineering solutions for a variety of culvert storm sewer and waste water treatment

applications. These products are also well suited for use in commercial landscaping or agricultural

controlled drainage with sub-surface irrigation.

 b. Concrete Pipes

Application: All Types of Drainage

Concrete drainage pipes are available as precast pipes in various sizes and shapes such as round and

elliptical. Precast concrete pipes provide easy fittings and easy to install.

c. Asbestos Cement Pipes

Application: Wastewater and Storm water drainage

Asbestos cement pipes are used for wastewater and storm water drainage. The use of the

asbestos fibers in place of reinforcing steel makes the AC pipes lighter in weight and provides

adequate strength.

d. Iron Pipes

Application: Under shallow depth, under road surface, in water logged ground where large soil

movement is expected.

Iron pipes are used for drainage works where the strength of pipe is most important and not

for general purpose such as gravity flow.

 e. Clay Pipes

Application: Underground Drainage Pipings

Clay pipes are used for drainage works at it resists various substances such as acid and alkaline

attacks. But, organic solvents could affect the plastic materials and rubber rings used for flexible

joints of clay pipes.

f. (Polyvinyl Chloride) PVC Pipes

Application: Residential, Commercial & Industrial Sewer Lines

For plumbing and ventilation needs, PVC pipes offer the best in performance, versatility,

durability and affordability.

g. Clean Out
A type of fitting that provides access to your main sewer line in case repair or declogging will be done.

h. Floor Drain

A floor drain is a plumbing fixture that is installed in the floor of a structure, mainly designed to

remove any standing water near it.

i. P-trap

A P trap is a type of fitting which prevents odorous gas in plumbing drains and sewers from rising

up through a toilet, sink or floor drain into a home or business.

j. Coupling
 A type of fitting that is used to connect two sectional pipe of the same size.

k. Elbow

This fittings main purpose is to change the direction of different pipes, according to what you need. Most of
them have female threads, and they also come in different materials.

l. Plug

A plug resembles a cap. However, the difference between these two plumbing fittings is that the plug contains
male threads, as opposed to the cap which contains female ones. Otherwise, they basically serve the same
purpose, which is to cover a pipe opening.
 m. Reducer

This fitting usually reduces the size of the flow by making it smaller. You can find two types of reducers on the
market, either concentric or eccentric.

n. Wye

The wye also connects three pipes, but in an intersection shaped like a “Y” set at a 45 degree angle. Wyes
are used to change elevations using fittings to straighten the piping run or to pick up branch waste or water
lines.

o. Tee

A tee has two outlets and one inlet. It is shaped like a “T”, with the two outlets at a 90 degree angle from the
inlet. Naturally, you can only connect three pipes to a tee, but the fluid flow will be equal. Tees come in
different sizes and materials and they can be reducing on the run or on the branch.
 p. Cap

The cap type of fitting is used to cover a pipe. This is a female fitting, which means that it can only be

attached to a male type of connection. In order to attach it, you can use a solvent, weld, solder, or thread.

You can find caps made of plastic, rubber, steel, or copper.

C. Sloping

 Pipes must slope slightly downhill to drain properly and to convey waste by natural gravity.

II. Familiarizing Ventilation System

Ventilation System

A drain-waste-vent (or DWV) is part of a system that removes sewage and greywater from a

building, and regulates air pressure in the waste-system pipes to aid free flow.

Effects of No Vent or Poor Ventilation:

 The fixture without a vent may drain slowly

 The drain will likely make gurgling noises
 The water in the trap could siphon out, resulting in a potent sewer smell
 The smell emitted from an unsealed trap (Methane Gas) poses a health risk

Maximum length of vent stacks and relief vents

Maximum length of vent stacks and relief vents (ft) (m)
Size of
Soil Fixture Diameter of Required Vent Stack (in)
Waste Units
Stack Connected
(in) 1 1/4 1 1/2 2 2 1/2 3 4 5
30
1 1/4 2
9.14
50 150
8
15.2 45.7
1 1/2
30 100
10
9.14 30.5
30 75 200
12
9.14 22.9 61
2
26 50 150
20
7.92 15.2 45.7
30 100 300
2 1/2 42
9.14 30.5 91.4
30 100 200 600
10
9.14 30.5 61 183
60 200 500
3 30
18.3 61 152
50 80 400
60
15.2 24.4 122
35 100 260 1000
100
10.7 30.5 79.2 305
30 90 250 900
4 200
9.14 27.4 76.2 274
20 70 180 700
500
6.1 21.3 54.9 213
35 80 350 1000
200
10.7 24.4 107 305
30 70 300 900
500
5 9.14 21.3 91.4 274
20 50 200 700
1100
6.1 15.2 61 213
III. Familiarizing the Basics of a Septic Tank

Overview

What is Septic Tank?

A septic tank is an enclosed watertight container that collects and provides primary treatment of

wastewater by separating solids from the effluent. It removes the solids by slowing down the

wastewater flow in the tank and allowing the settleable solids to settle to the bottom of the tank

while the floatable solids (fats, oil, and greases) rise to the top

The primary functions of septic tanks are:

 to create a holding space where some of the solids can be separated from the liquids
 to break down solids through a biochemical process involving the bacteria
 to store the settled solids until pumping occurs.

A. Identifying Parts and its Uses

1. Inlet/Outlet Baffle

 the outlet or inlet tee is a standard pipe tee, typically of the same diameter as the

incoming sewer line, placed at the inlet of a septic tank to prevent the inlet sewer line

from being clogged by floating scum and waste.

2. Digestive Chamber

 By definition, digestive chamber is the septic tank itself.

 3. Leaching Chamber

 A leaching chamber is a wastewater treatment system consisting of trenches or beds,

together with one or more distribution pipes or open-bottomed plastic chambers,

installed in appropriate soils

Leaching meaning - is the process of extracting substances from a solid by dissolving

them in a liquid, naturally.

B. Identifying Layers in a Septic Tank

 As the influent enters into an anaerobic septic tank, it separates into three distinct layers:
 The sludge layer
 The clear zone
 The scum layer.

 Sludge Layer

All solids that are heavier than water settle at the bottom of the septic tank and make up the sludge

layer.

 Clear Zone

The clear zone in an anaerobic septic tank is mostly grayish or brown, murky water containing fine and

microscopic biodegradable and non-biodegradable materials in suspension. This layer contains mostly

anaerobic bacteria, although there are some aerobic bacteria.

 Scum Layer

The scum layer at the top of the septic tank contains greases, oils, soap films, and any other materials

that are lighter than water.

C. How Septic Tank Works

1. Septic tank separates solids from the effluent or wastewater.

2. In sludge layer, the anaerobic bacteria breakdown and digest the biodegradable solids of the

sludge. During this process, the solids become lighter and migrate upwards to the middle of

the tank or the clear zone.

3. In scum layer, where aerobic and anaerobic bacteria live, however, the anaerobic bacteria

are dominant. As the bacteria digest the scum at the top of the septic tank, the digested

waste of the bacteria becomes heavier than water and sinks to the bottom where it becomes

sludge.

4. The clear zone acts as wastewater stream of the tank and discharges to the leaching or

drain field, it can carry some of the anaerobic bacteria with it. It is the anaerobic bacteria

that discharge with the effluent.

Trade Module: Drainage System

Unit of Competency: Able to Conduct Repair & Maintenance on Drainage System

Learning Outcomes: Able to Learn How to Conduct Repair and Preventive Maintenance of Sewer Lines

1. Troubleshooting of clogged drain lines 1. Lecture 1. Written test or 1.5 Hrs

2. Proper ways of declogging clogged up 2. Visual presentation examination.
sewer line 3. Direct observation
and questioning.

1. Learn the dos and don'ts of a drainage 1. Lecture 1. Written test or 1.0 Hr
system 2. Visual presentation examination.
3. Direct observation
and questioning.

I. Troubleshooting of Clogged Drain Lines

A. Bathroom Drains

Common cause: Dirt, skin flakes, and especially hair binds to soap scum on the walls of drain
pipes. Over time, this gunk accumulates and reduces water flow.

Troubleshooting: Remove and clean the drain stopper. Next, try using the humble drain
plunger, keeping in mind to block the over-flow drain in the tub or sink. If that doesn't work,
remove the drain elbow joint and clean it out.

B. Toilets / Water Closets

Common cause: Clogs mainly happen when people try flushing down items that do not
dissolve or break apart in water such as:

o feminine hygiene products

o cotton-tipped swabs
o dental floss
o pre-moistened diaper wipes

Troubleshooting: The plunger is the first line of defense. The most effective plungers shoot
jets of water to clear the drain pipe. If it doesn’t work, next step is to use an inexpensive hand-
powered drain auger. A hand auger can reach between 2 to 5 feet down the toilet's drain pipe
to break-up or retrieve that are blocking the pipe.

C. Kitchen Sink

Common cause: Kitchen sink drains clog when cooking grease or oil cake onto drain pipe
walls. Add dishwashing soap scum and un-dissolved food particles (such as rice which expands
in water), and you've got a stubborn, gunky clog.
 Troubleshooting:

 Pour a pot of very hot water down your drain.

 Dump in about 1/2 c. baking soda. Let that sit for a few minutes.
 Pour 1 cup vinegar on top of the baking soda then 1 cup very hot water.
 Cover with a drain plug and let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
 Flush one more time with a pot of boiling water.

II. Proper Ways of Declogging Main Sewer Line

Step 1: Loosen the plug of the clean out on the drain pipe

Use a pipe/adjustable wrench to loosen the plug of the clean out on your main
line drain pipe before you open it entirely.

Step 2: Open the plug and let the build-up drain out

Quickly open the plug and step out of the way. Any waste that the clog has caused to build up will
come spilling out of the main line drain. Allow it to run off entirely before attempting any fixes.

Step 3: Feed the auger cable into the drain pipe

Gently feed the auger cable into your drain pipe until you hit the clog.

Step 4: Run the auger until the clog is clear—and beyond

Allow the auger to run until the clog has been removed.

Step 5: Hose down the pipe and auger cable

Once the clog has been removed, spray the hose down your drain pipe at full blast.

Step 6: Slowly pull the auger back out of the pipe

Gradually, pull the auger out of the pipe, hosing off any debris as you go.

Finally, place the cap back on your drain pipe and use the pipe/ adjustable wrench to tighten it
back up again.

III. Learn the Dos and Don’ts in a Drainage System

 DO’S:
 DO - Place liquid fats, oils and grease (FOG) into a container with a lid and then dispose
in the trash on trash collection day. Wipe down greasy pots and pans with a paper
towel prior to washing in the sink or dishwasher.
 DO - Place a wastebasket in the bathroom to dispose of solid wastes. Disposable
diapers, and personal hygiene products do not belong in the sewer system.
 DO - Use a strainer over the drain in your sink, tub and shower. Then, empty the
collected material into the garbage.
  DO - Use a composter. If you haven't begun a compost heap, start one with lawn
clippings, garden rubbish and food scraps and use the compost to fertilize your garden.
 DO - Use the manufacturer's recommended amount of detergent for washing in the
kitchen or laundry.
DON'TS:
Do not - pour fats, oils and grease from cooking down the sink drain. If your pots and pans are oily
or greasy, don't rinse them; wipe them out with a paper towel.
Do not - pour sour milk down the sink. One liter of full cream milk has enough fat in it to cover the
surface of an Olympic-sized swimming pool.
Do not - use the toilet as a wastebasket / garbage can.
Do not - use the sewer as a means to dispose of food scraps.
Do not - discard food scraps, tealeaves, coffee grounds and eggshells down the sink.
Do not - flush razor blades, pharmaceutical products, cigarette butts, nail polish remover, toilet
deodorant dispensers or other non-biodegradable products down the toilet. Also, toys can find their
way into the system and cause problems.
Do not - place jewelry and valuables on the edge of the basin or the sink. Once flushed down the
toilet, valuable and valued items are very difficult to recover.
Do not - flush diapers, sanitary napkins, tampons, convenience pads, surgical bandages, syringes,
and cotton tipped stems or pantyhose down the toilet. Do not dispose of plastics and plastic film
from personal hygiene items, including disposable diapers.

Do not -pour paint, engine oil, pesticides or chemicals down the sink. Some hazardous materials
can corrode the sewer, while others complicate the treatment process. In fact, dumping them in the
sewer is illegal and could subject you to a fine. This isn't only because of the threat of these hazards
getting into the environment; but also because these chemicals pose a health threat to maintenance
crews working in the sewers. Similarly, by throwing hazardous materials in the solid waste
containers, you are creating a risk for collection employees.

DO’S:
DO - Place liquid fats, oils and grease (FOG) into a container with a lid and then dispose in the trash
on trash collection day. Wipe down greasy pots and pans with a paper towel prior to washing in the
sink or dishwasher.
DO - Place a wastebasket in the bathroom to dispose of solid wastes. Disposable diapers, and
personal hygiene products do not belong in the sewer system.
DO - Use a strainer over the drain in your sink, tub and shower. Then, empty the collected material
into the garbage.
DO - Use a composter. If you haven't begun a compost heap, start one with lawn clippings, garden
rubbish and food scraps and use the compost to fertilize your garden.
DO - Use the manufacturer's recommended amount of detergent for washing in the kitchen or
laundry.
DON'TS:
Do not - pour fats, oils and grease from cooking down the sink drain. If your pots and pans are oily or
greasy, don't rinse them; wipe them out with a paper towel.
Do not - pour sour milk down the sink. One liter of full cream milk has enough fat in it to cover the
surface of an Olympic-sized swimming pool.
Do not - use the toilet as a wastebasket / garbage can.
Do not - use the sewer as a means to dispose of food scraps.
Do not - discard food scraps, tealeaves, coffee grounds and eggshells down the sink.
Do not - flush razor blades, pharmaceutical products, cigarette butts, nail polish remover, toilet
deodorant dispensers or other non-biodegradable products down the toilet. Also, toys can find their
way into the system and cause problems.
Do not - place jewelry and valuables on the edge of the basin or the sink. Once flushed down the
toilet, valuable and valued items are very difficult to recover.
Do not - flush diapers, sanitary napkins, tampons, convenience pads, surgical bandages, syringes,
and cotton tipped stems or pantyhose down the toilet. Do not dispose of plastics and plastic film from
personal hygiene items, including disposable diapers.

Do not -pour paint, engine oil, pesticides or chemicals down the sink. Some hazardous materials can
corrode the sewer, while others complicate the treatment process. In fact, dumping them in the sewer
is illegal and could subject you to a fine. This isn't only because of the threat of these hazards getting
into the environment; but also because these chemicals pose a health threat to maintenance crews
working in the sewers. Similarly, by throwing hazardous materials in the solid waste containers, you
are creating a risk for collection employees.

Do not - flush a commercial grease

Do not - flush a commercial grease