K

Flow In
Sloping Drains
Flow in Sloping Drains
Tables K-1 and K-2 list flow rates in gallons per minute and velocities in feet per second for various
size drains at various slopes. Table K-I is based on fairly rough pipe. Table K-2 is based on smooth
pipe.

The minimum flow velocity to achieve scouring in horizontal sanitary drain lines is two (2) feet per
second. For this reason. based on Table K-2 for smooth pipe. drains that are 2 inches and smaller
must be sloped at not less than 1/4 inch per foot. Drains that are 3" size and larger can be sloped at
1/8 inch per foot.

Even at 1/4" per foot slope, the uniform velocity in drains that are 1-1/4". 1-1/2", and 2" size is less
than 2 feet per second. Either the slope should be increased or the length of such drains should be
kept to a minimum so that the entrance velocity will provide scouring for the short distance involved.

Tables K-I and K-2 are based on the Manning Formula for 1/2 full pipe. For full flow, multiply the
lfow by 2.00 and the velocity by 1.00. For 1/4 full flow, multiply the flow by 0.274 and the velocity
by 0.701. For 3/4 full flow, multiply the flow by 1.82 and the velocity by 1.13.

In Table K-l, which is based on fairly rough pipe with "n" = 0.015. for smoother pipe, multiply the flow
and velocity by 0.015 and divide by the "n" value of the smoother pipe.

Horizontal sanitary drain and waste pipes are sized to be one-half (1/2) full under design loads.
Horizontal storm drains are sized to run full under design loads.

Table 11.5.1A "Building Drains and Sewers" and the. horizontal piping in Table 11.5.18 "Horizontal
Fixture Branches and Stacks" is based on Table K-2 for smooth pipe.

Table 13.6.2 "Size of Horizontal Storm Drains" is based on Table K-I for fairly rough pipe, adjusted for
full flow.