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What is DWV pipe?
Saturday, April 9, 2022
DWV stands for Drain-Waste-Vent. It is the “back half” of your plumbing pipe system that drains fluids and waste away from the house and connects to a sewer or septic system. Unlike water piping, it is not pressurized and drains by gravity using downward-sloped pipes. When installed properly by a good plumber, DWV piping resists clogging, and does not belch up sewer gas into your home or contaminate the incoming drinking water.
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Here’s some of our articles about DWV piping:
• What are the code requirements for layout of drain piping under sinks?
• Why is it a problem when a trap under a sink is installed backwards?
• Why is there a flexible accordion pipe under the sink?
• How do I get rid of the sewer gas smell in my house?
• What are the code requirements for plumbing vent terminations?
• What are the building code requirements for gray water reuse in Florida?
• What causes a gurgling sound when a bathtub or sink drains?
• What is the difference between a vent stack and a stack vent?
• What is a "combination waste and vent" in a plumbing system?
• Why is garbage disposal not allowed at a combination waste and vent (CW&V) under a sink?
• Is a washing machine drain hose required to be secured at the standpipe?
• What is the difference between water pipe and sewage (waste) pipe?
• How can I tell if a house is connected to a septic tank system or sewer?
• What type of water supply and drain (DWV) pipes were commonly used in the 2000s?
• What type water supply and drain (DWV) pipes were commonly used for 1990s residential plumbing?
• What type water supply and drain (DWV) pipes were commonly used for 1980s residential plumbing?
• What type water supply and drain (DWV) pipes were commonly used for 1970s residential plumbing?
• What type water supply and drain (DWV) pipes were commonly used for 1960s residential plumbing?
• What type water supply and drain (DWV) pipes were commonly used for 1950s residential plumbing?
• What type of pipes were used in 1940s homes?
• What type of pipes were used in 1930s homes?
• What type of pipes were used in 1920s homes?
• Should I seal the washing machine drain hose to the standpipe?
• What is a "cross connection" in a home's plumbing system?
• What is an "S-Trap" under my sink? Why is it a problem?
• What is the difference between gray water and black water in the plumbing code?
• Is a sink required to have a drain stopper?
• Can a laundry sink drain be installed without a trap under it?
• What is a drum trap at a plumbing drain?
• Can a dishwasher drain hose be connected after the sink trap (to the trap arm)?
• How far away from the sink can I install a dishwasher?
• What is a "high drain loop" or "air gap" in a dishwasher drain hose?
• What is the minimum and maximum distance a P-trap can be below a sink?
• Is an air admittance valve (AAV) legal by code?
• What is a double trap in plumbing?
• What types of plumbing traps are illegal by code?
• How many plumbing vents through the roof are required by code?
• What is the minimum and maximum slope of the trap arm of a plumbing drain?
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