THE IRON-CLAD TRUTH:
DWV Installation Project Stages
Operation & Maintenance
The DWV system is an essential component of your plumbing infrastructure. But it’s often overlooked, because the majority of the system is hidden below floors, behind walls and in ceilings. Out of sight, out of mind. Until there’s a problem. Like any other mechanical system, your DWV system should be properly and regularly maintained, regardless of the material. Developing a DWV maintenance plan will help facility management budget effectively for your system maintenance and diminish the likelihood of plumbing emergencies that could send your building occupants reeling.
Suggested DWV Maintenance Plan*
Start by performing a regularly scheduled visual examination of the DWV system. Look 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.
After your visual exam, 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?
- Cleaning chemicals. Harsh cleaning chemicals having a pH range outside the normal range of expected sanitary effluents could be harmful to the DWV system, unless properly flushed.
- Grease Interceptors. These should be serviced in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations so as not to allow its contents to go septic. Proper disposal of food particles is key to the health of an interceptor.
- Gases from the municipal sewer. Some municipalities depend on the building’s vent system to vent gases from the sewer, which can be harmful to the building vent piping because this is not the intended application. When these gases are in the system, regular flushing should be performed to minimize the impacts.
- Building usage. Is the building occupied year-round or seasonally? If usage is low, more frequent maintenance of the DWV system may be required.
- Low flow or no flow fixtures. The proliferation of low flow and waterless fixtures for conservation have unintended consequences. Not enough water in the lines to self-scour or to float the proverbial boat leaves behind microbes that are potentially harmful to your piping system.
- Soda fountains. Sodas are typically low pH fluids. In high concentrations, they can be detrimental to pipe and fittings, especially if they are not properly flushed through the system.
- Commercial kitchens. High temperature fluids from pasta stations or commercial dishwashers can exceed the working temperatures of PVC DWV piping systems and lead to system failures.
- Special waste. Any waste outside the scope of normal sanitary effluents should be treated as such, with piping approved for the materials that they convey. Any special chemicals must be properly diluted before being allowed in the city sewer.
After your visual exam, 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?