When you install your plumbing system, you must pay close attention to the drains. Truthfully, the drainage pipes require more precision than the incoming water pipes. Therefore, it is essential to make sure that the slope is correct. Otherwise, there will be a higher risk that you’re going to encounter clogs and ungodly messes.
A professional will be able to achieve the perfect slope every time, but DIY enthusiasts will require more patience. What is the perfect slope for your toilet drain pipe? Read the guide below to find out.
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Basics
Before getting into the fine details, it is essential to learn more about the toilet drain pipe and its slope. The slope is the angle of the pipe. If the angle isn’t correct, the pipe will be more likely to encounter clogs and other issues. Although each situation is different, it is essential to make sure that the drain is at least a quarter of an inch per foot of pipe.
For each foot of pipe, the line should drop a quarter of an inch. Failing to get the right angle will prevent the waste from draining properly until it begins backing up into your toilet. Remember that this is the minimum so you can always have a more dramatic slope. Regardless, it is always essential to get a slope of at least a quarter inch per foot.
What Is The Toilet Drain Pipe?
The toilet drain is a self-explanatory component of modern toilet designs. To put it plainly, it is the pipe that carries waste, toilet paper, and water away from the bowl to the septic system. When you hit that flusher, that water must travel via the toilet drain pipe to the septic system or city sewer.
In essence, it’s the pipe that connects the toilet to the main waste-removal system. A clog or leak here could be catastrophic! Ultimately, this is why it is essential to get the correct slope. Incorrect slopes will increase the risk that the homeowner is going to encounter clogs and backwash.
What Is The Minimum Slope?
At the very least, you should get the minimum slope angle. If you manage to do this, the waste will be able to slide through the pipe until it enters the main waste line. Without a proper slope, you may experience clogs and other issues. At the minimum, the line should be dropped by a quarter of an inch for every foot of pipe.
Ultimately, this should be enough to reduce the likelihood of clogs. However, it is always possible to create an even steeper slope. Work with a licensed professional to find out what will work best for your plumbing system.
What Does A 2% Slope Mean In Plumbing?
Professionals often recommend using a 2% slope for drainage pipes. If you talk to any plumber, they’ll tell you to use a 2% slope. The good news is that this won’t create any further complications because a 2% slope is the same as having a quarter-inch drop for each foot of pipe. If your plumber recommends a 2% slope, you just need to make sure that the pipe drops a quarter of an inch for every foot.
If you do this, your plumbing system should be able to pass all codes and regulations. Anything less will lead to problems.
Problems With Incorrect Toilet Drain Slope
There are many reported cases of inadequate drain slopes for toilets each year. As one could imagine, this creates varying problems. Smells, potential leaks, slower flushing, clogs, and backwashing are all issues that may occur due to incorrect drain pipe slope
Even a slight variance in the slope of the pipe could lead to one or more of the above-mentioned conditions. The toilet and the drain system should be designed to carry the waste and water away from the bowl, through the pipe, and to the septic or sewer.
When a toilet is flushed, a specific amount of force is used. The water forcefully pushes out the unwanted waste to remove the last promptly. When the drain pipe isn’t sloped properly, it could cause the waste to get stuck. Depending on the length of the pipe, there might not be enough force to push the waste past rises or 90-degree and 45-degree joints.
If the waste gets stuck, it will accumulate and create unwanted blockages. Plus, it’ll likely cause smells to travel back up through the pipe.
Getting The Right Slope
It is essential to work cautiously and precisely to get the right slope for your toilet drain. If you attempt to rush this project, you’re likely going to run into major issues. Even if your slope is off by a smidgen, you will likely encounter issues at some point. Therefore, you will need to work slowly while measuring properly at each step.
Again, the slope should be a quarter of an inch for each foot. If you have a 13-foot pipe, your slope must be at least three and a quarter inches. DIY enthusiasts may have difficulty getting the slope perfect so it is often best to work with a professional.
Otherwise, you’ll have to measure carefully to ensure that everything is perfect. Measure the length of your pipe first so you’ll know what the slope needs to be. Then, you can find out how much the pipe should slope by using the 2% rule.
Be sure to measure the pipe from beginning to end to ensure that the slope is accurate. The slope should be gentle to ensure that the water and waste flow out simultaneously.
Proper Slope For Toilet Drain Pipe – Afterword
You have to get the correct slope for your toilet drain pipe. Otherwise, you’re going to encounter numerous problems including more frequent clogs. Instead, the waste should slide down the pipe freely and enter the main drain. It is wise to follow the 2% rule to avoid these problems.
Make sure that the pipe droops a quarter inch for every foot of the pipe. That should be enough to pass plumbing codes and help prevent problems.