Design Guide For Drainage Installation

Design Guide for
Drainage Installation
Objective
The primary purpose of this Design Guide is

to gather and present factual materials in such
Building Services Branch a manner that project officers, both
professional and technical, could obtain a
Architectural Services Department common reference of the various criteria and
principles involved in the current design of
various building services installations in
building projects undertaken by the Building
Services Branch of the Architectural Services
Department. It is also the aim for this Guide
to be used as a checklist during the design
process.
Disclaimer
Whilst the Architectural Services Department endeavours

to ensure the accuracy of the contents in this Guide, no
expressed or implied warranty is given on the accuracy of
any of its contents and there are no representations, either
expressed or implied, as to the suitability of the said
information and data for any particular purpose. It is
hereby stated expressly that the department does not
approve, recommend, endorse or certify the use of any of
the information and technologies contained in or in
connection with this Guide.
Users are responsible for making their own assessments

and judgement of all information contained in or in
connection with this Guide and are advised to seek
independent verification as to its accuracy, currency or
completeness. The department accepts no liability for
any use of the said information and data or reliance
placed on it. The department does not accept any
responsibilities for any special, indirect or consequential
loss or damages whatsoever arising out of or in
connection with the use of this Guide.
The Architectural Services Department reserves the right

to omit, edit or update the Guide at any time in its
absolute discretion without any prior notice.
Content
1. Introduction
1.1 Scope
1.2 Design Responsibilities
2. Statutory Requirements, Standards and Guidelines
2.1 Statutory Requirements

2.2 Practice Notes and Guidelines
2.3 Standards
2.4 Guide Book
3. Drainage System and Design – Above Ground Drainage
3.1 Storm Water System

3.1.1 Introduction
3.1.2 Storm Water System for Roof
3.1.3 Storm Water System for Intermediate Floors
3.1.4 Storm Water System for Ground Floor
3.1.5 Pipework Materials
3.1.6 Types of Floor Drains
3.1.7 Design Examples
3.2 Soil and Waste System
3.2.1 Introduction
3.2.2 Types of Soil and Waste System for
Buildings
3.2.3 Sanitary Fitments
3.2.5 Traps and Floor Drains
3.2.6 Pipe Sizing
4. Drainage System and Design – Below Ground Drainage
4.1 Types of Underground Pipework

4.2 Water Discharged to Foul Sewer and Storm Water Drain
4.3.1 Gravity Fall System
4.3.2 Pumped Drainage System
4.3.3 Sizing of the Effective Volume of Sump Pit for Pumped
System
Building Services Branch, ArchSD Page 1 of 66 Filecode: Design Guide for Drainage Installation.doc
Design Guide for Drainage Installation YCW/CL
Issue Date: 18 May 2009
4.4.1 Introduction
4.4.2 Building Soil and Waste Water from G/F
4.4.3 Building Soil and Waste Water Pipework to Main Sewer
4.4.4 Sump and Pump System
4.4.5 Ejector Basin
4.4.6 Underground Drainage Major Components
4.4.7 Underground Drainage Pipework and
Manhole Design Concept
4.4.8 Design Sequence
4.4.9 Other Design Considerations
4.4.10 Factors to be Established Before Commencing Design
5. Other Drainage Accessories
5.1 Grease Trap

5.2 Petrol / Oil Interceptor
6. Legislation for Drainage System Design
6.1 Cap.123I - Building (Standards Of Sanitary Fitments,

Plumbing, Drainage Works And Latrines) Regulations
6.1.1 Cap.123I Reg. 31 Ventilating Pipes
6.1.2 Cap 123I Reg.32 Rain Water Pipes
6.1.3 Cap 123I Reg.33 Rain Water Pipes for
Verandahs or Balconies
6.1.4 Cap.123I Reg.34 Materials for Pipes
6.1.5 Cap.123I Reg.35 Connexions of Pipes, etc.
6.1.6 Cap.123I Reg.36 Fixing of Pipes
6.1.7 Cap.123I Reg.37 Pipe in Ducts
6.1.8 Cap.123I Reg.38 Eave Gutters
6.1.9 Cap 123I Reg.39 Drainage of Buildings
6.1.10 Cap 123I Reg. 41 Disposal of Surface Water
6.1.11 Cap 123I Reg. 42 Pipes Carrying Surface Water Not to
Discharge Across Surface of Footpath
6.1.12 Cap. 123I Reg. 43 Disposal of Sub-soil Water
6.1.13 Cap. 123I Reg. 44 Materials for Drains, etc.
6.1.14 Cap. 123I Reg. 45 Sub-soil Water Drains
6.1.15 Cap. 123I Reg. 46 Size of Drains
6.1.16 Cap 123I Reg. 47 Laying of Drains and Sewer
6.1.17 Cap. 123I Reg. 49 Junctions to Drains
6.1.18 Cap. 123I Reg. 54 Drains and Sewer under Buildings, etc.
6.1.19 Cap. 123I Reg. 55 Manholes and Cleaning Eyes To Be
Provided
6.1.20 Cap. 123I Reg. 56 Construction of Manholes
6.1.21 Cap. 123I Reg. 51 Inlets to Drains
6.1.22 Cap. 123I Reg. 52 Ventilation
6.1.23 Cap.123I Reg.58 Gullies
6.1.24 Cap 123I Reg. 61 Surface Water Channel
6.1.25 Cap 123B, Reg.33 Areas To Be Paved
1. Introduction
1.1 Scope
This design guide aims at providing general guidance on the design of drainage
installation. The design processes including coordination with Drainage Services
Department (DSD) at project inception stage, selection of systems and their
components, tank and pipe sizing, specifications and statutory submission are
introduced.
The scope of this design guide covers the general drainage installation except the
following:
1.1.1 Storm water and sub-soil water collected from slope.
1.1.2 Sewage treatment plant.
1.2 Design Responsibilities
The professional officer is responsible for the design and construction of the drainage
installation including establishment of client’s requirements, preparation of design and
contract document, supervision of construction and acceptance of the installation from
the contractors and handover to client and maintenance divisions. All the statutory
requirements and procedure of the departments, local and appropriate international
standards are to be observed.
The professional officer can be assisted by a team of technical staff in preparation of

design calculation and tender documents, checking and vetting of drawings and
submissions from the contractors, monitoring of the progress and workmanship,
witnessing of the testing and commissioning and inspection of the work with the
contractors, clients and maintenance divisions.
2. Statutory Requirements, Standards and Guidelines
2.1 Statutory Requirements
2.1.1 Drainage installation in buildings shall comply with the Buildings Ordinance
(Cap 123) and the following associated regulations:
(A) Building (Standard of Sanitary Fitments, Plumbing, Drainage Works and

Latrines) Regulations
(B) Building (Planning) Regulations
(C) Building (Construction) Regulations
(D) Building (Administration) Regulations
(E) Building (Refuse Storage and Material Recovery Chambers and Refuse
Chutes) Regulations.
(F) Design Manual - Barrier Free Access.
(G) Code of Practices for Fire Resisting Construction.
2.2 Practice Notes and Guidelines
2.2.1 The following Practice Notes (PNAP) issued by Buildings Department are
relevant for the design of drainage installations.
(A) PNAP 17 - Water Supply and Wells
(B) PNAP 124 - Pollution from Industrial Buildings – Building(Standards of

Sanitary Fitments, Plumbing, Drainage Works and Latrines) Regulation 90
(C) PNAP 183 - Keeping Buried Services Out of Slopes
(D) PNAP 201 - Access Facilities for Telecommunications and Broadcasting

Services
(E) PNAP 211 - Planning and Design of Drainage Works
(F) PNAP 218 - Facilities for External Inspection and Maintenance of Buildings
(G) PNAP 220 - Flushing Volume for Flushing Cisterns
(H) PNAP 227 - Structures on Grade on Newly Reclaimed Land
(I) PNAP 230 - Water Seepage
(J) PNAP 238 - Disposal of Condensation from Air-Conditioning Units
(K) PNAP 245 - Waste Minimization – Provision of Fitments and Fittings in New
Buildings
(L) PNAP 272 - Re-engineering the Building Approval Process

(M) PNAP 277 - Floor Drains in Kitchen and Bathrooms
(N) PNAP 282 - Cast Iron Pipes for Drainage Works
(O) PNAP 297 - Provision of Sanitary Fitments in Offices, Shopping Arcades and
Department Stores, Places of Public Entertainment and Cinemas
2.2.2 The following Guidelines issued by Buildings Department (BD) and

Environmental Protection Department (EPD) are also relevant for the design
of drainage installations.
(A) EPD - Grease Trap for Restaurant and Food Processors
(B) EPD - Guidelines for Soakaway System
(C) EPD - Guidelines for the Design of Small Sewage Treatment Plants
(D) EPD - A Guide to The Water Pollution Control Ordinance
(E) BD - Guidelines on Maintenance and Repair of drainage System and Sanitary

Fitments
2.3 Standards
The standard BS EN 752 : 2008, Drain and sewer systems outside buildings, specifies
the functional requirements for planning, design, installation, operation, maintenance
and rehabilitation, whilst the standard BS EN 12056-2 : 2000, Gravity Drainage
Systems Inside Buildings - Part 2: Sanitary Pipework, Layout and Calculation, covers
wastewater drainage systems which operate under gravity. It is applicable for drainage
systems inside dwellings, commercial, institutional and industrial buildings.
2.4 Guide Books
The Plumbing Engineering Services Design Guide published by the Institute of

Plumbing and Heating Engineering (IPHE) can be referred to as the guidebook on the
design of drainage installation for buildings.
3. Drainage System and Design – Above Ground System
3.1.1 Introduction
A storm water drainage system should be designed to collect and convey the
run-off water from catchments during and after raining, and to discharge
safely into a receiving watercourse. The magnitude of peak flows that have
to be accommodated will depend primarily on the intensity of rainfall and the
size, topography, soil type, configuration and land use of the catchments.
General information on the planning and investigation required for storm
water drainage systems can be referred to BS EN 752 : 2008.
3.1.2 Storm Water System for Roof
(A) Rainwater outlet or channels are the most common components for the
collection of rainwater on roof.
(B) The design of the rainwater drainage system for any roof structure will
depend upon the profile of the roof, i.e. pitched roof and flat roof.
(C) Pitched roof drainage
(a) This type of roof is provided with gutters fixed at the eaves of the pitch,
but they may be external to the roof structure (Fig. a) or internal (Fig.
b). The down pipes may also be external or internal, when the design
requirements are of performance standards, which must comply with
the regulations for discharge pipes.
(b) Pitched roofs may be added together, this form of roof is often used as
a lightweight construction for large-plan factories. The junctions
between the pitches form valleys in which a valley gutter must be
provided. It is very important that this gutter is correctly sized and
installed, as failure will mean water overflowing into the building.
Figure (a)
Figure (b)
(c) Provision must be made to allow the valley gutter to overflow external
to the building - usually by a weir overflow at the end (in case a
blockage of the down pipe or outlet occurs), and it is advisable to
provide slatted walk boards down the length of the gutter to prevent
both damage to the material of the gutter by maintenance operatives.
(D) Flat roof drainage
(a) Flat roof usually refers to a roof whose outer surface is nearly
horizontal or inclined at an angle not exceeding 10 degrees. Eaves
gutters can be used to flat roofs and the design rules are then similar to
those for pitched roof systems of drainage, but often flat roofs are
finished with parapets or up stands of some form and the roof must be
drained by a system of outlets integrated with the pitch plan of the area.
(b) It is always advisable to position some of the outlets at the corners and
periphery of the building and inadvisable to rely on outlets positioned
only on pitch junctions down the centre line of a roof. It is
recommended that the provision of box gutters at parapets and
longitudinal box gutters across the roof will provide a good drainage
system.
(E) Run-off and Calculation
(a) Runoff from a catchment depends upon many factors which include: -
(i) the rainfall intensity
(ii) the area and shape of the catchment,
(iii) the steepness and length or the slopes being drained,
(iv) the nature and extent of vegetation or cultivation, and
(v) the condition of the surface and nature of the subsurface soils.
(b) The use of "Rational Formula", which is described in the following

calculation steps, is commonly adopted to estimate the peak run-off
because it is simple and straightforward to use and for the relatively
small catchments in Hong Kong. It also yields satisfactory results.
(F) Steps to design Drainage System for Roof
(a) Step 1: Determine the surface channel layout on open roof floor for
collection of rainwater. In general practice, at least 200mm wide of
each surface channel is considered sufficient for collection.
(b) Step 2: Design the direction and extent of fall of the channel(s) or
gutter(s) of gradient not less than 1:100 according to Cap.123I Reg. 61.
(Cap 123I Reg 61 is shown in Section 6.1)
(c) Step 3: Design and allocate the number of rainwater outlet(s) in the
channel(s) for collecting the rainwater downwards. According to
Building Regulations, Cap 123I Reg.32(2), projected horizontal roof
area of every 10m2 shall be served by a rainwater pipe of cross
sectional area of 700mm2. By using this formula, it is able to determine
the size and quantity of the rainwater down pipe(s).
(d) Step 4: Design the piping layout and rainwater down pipe(s), according
to Cap. 123I Reg. 31 to Reg. 35, Reg. 37, Reg. 38, Reg. 46, Reg. 52
and Reg. 61. The diameter of every rainwater pipe shall be not less than
65 mm, except for rainwater pipe connecting from the balcony or
varandah, the diameter shall be no more than 40mm. (Cap 123I Regs is
shown in Section 6.1)
3.1.3 Storm Water System for Intermediate Floors
(A) Step 1: Trace the rainwater down pipe(s) connecting to the above floor, e.g.
roof floor. If the rainwater pipe is concealed in a pipe duct, access panel shall
be provided for maintenance, according to Cap 123I Reg. 37 and PNAP 211.
(B) Step 2: Determine the surface channel layout on open air area of the floor(s),
such as verandas, balconies, etc. for collection of rainwater. Similar as the
design concept for open roof floor, at least 200mm wide of each surface
channel is considered sufficient for collection. Reference should be made on
Cap. 123I Reg.33 - Rainwater pipes for verandas or balconies. It requires that
the surface water collected from a veranda or balcony shall be connected to a
rainwater pipe for discharge by the rain water pipe of internal diameter not
more than 40 mm.
(C) Step 3: Design the direction and extent of fall of the surface channel of
gradient not less than 1:100 according to Cap.123I, Reg. 61.
(D) Step 4: Design and locate the rainwater outlets in the channels by using the
minimum gradient of the channels 1:100 and depending on the depth of the
channels, i.e. depending on the level of structural and finishing surfaces, for
example 150mm. Distance between outlets can be calculated by simple
geometry.
(E) Step 5: Design the piping layout and rainwater down pipe(s), according to
Cap. 123I Reg. 31 to Reg. 35, Reg. 37, Reg. 38, Reg. 46, Reg. 52 and Reg.
61. The diameter of every rain water pipe shall be not less than 65 mm.
3.1.4 Storm Water System for Ground Floor
(A) Step 1: Trace the rainwater down pipe(s) connecting to the above floor.
(B) Step 2: Determine the covered channel layout on G/F for collecting rainwater
at external ground area and the direction and extent of fall. The external
ground surface shall be laid to fall at a gradient of not less than 1 in 80 to a
gully trap or drainage channels connected to a surface water drain according
to Cap. 123B, Building Construction Regulations, Reg. 33.
(C) Step 3: Design the direction and extent of fall of the flat channel, which
collects the ground surface water of gradient not less than 1:100 according to
Cap.123I, Reg. 61. Sizing of the drain pipe connecting to the gully trap
catering for the specific catchments area shall be determined by a hydraulic
calculation formula with the recommendation of the rainfall intensity being
258 mm/hr. The required flow (Q) in L/s is calculated by the following
Rational formula, which was developed in mid-nineteenth century.
i ΣσA
Q =
3600
Where σ is the Run-off Coefficient of the catchments area between 0 and 1
(for slope drainage, σ being 1 which includes the allowance of silting of
drains), i is the rainfall intensity in (mm/hr) and A is the catchments area(s)
in m2.
For the size of the pipe at 300mm diameter or below, the gradient of the pipe
is stated in the Table XII in Building Regulations, Cap. 123I Reg. 48, Fall of
drains as follow: -
Every drain or private sewer shall be laid with a minimum fall from its
highest inlet to its connection with a public sewer or other outlet in
accordance with the table below.
Diameter of pipe Fall

100 mm 1 in 40
150 mm 1 in 70
225 mm 1 in 100
300 mm 1 in 150
If the size of pipe is over 300mm diameter, the gradient should be
determined such that the flow velocity will be maintained at 1m/s, full bore
flow condition which provides the self-cleansing effect on the rainwater pipe.
The following table provides the hydraulic data of the pipe:
Flow rate (L/s)

[figures derived from Manning formula
Size (mm) Gradient with n = 0.012]
Full Stack
¼bore ½bore ¾bore
bore (¼)
50 1:40 0.2 0.7 1.1 1.4 1.1
65 1:40 0.5 1.4 2.3 2.8 2.1
75 1:40 0.7 2.0 3.4 4.1 3.2
100 1:40 1.7 4.4 7.4 8.8 6.9
150 1:70 3.8 10 16 20 20
225 1:100 9.4 24 40 48
300 1:150 16 42 71 85
375 1:180 27 70 118 140
450 1:210 41 106 179 213
525 1:250 56 147 247 294
675 1:300 101 260 441 520
750 1:350 124 320 566 640
(D) Step 4: Design and locate the gully traps in the surface channels on G/F by
using the minimum gradient of the channels 1:100 and depending on the
designed depth of the channels, i.e. depending on the level of structural and
finishing surfaces, for example 150mm. Distance between traps can be
calculated by simple geometry.
(E) Step 5: Design and locate the pipe(s) from high floors. Rainwater pipes shall
not be connected with any soil pipe, waste pipe or ventilating pipe.
(F) Step 6: Design the drain for connecting the down rainwater pipe according to
Cap 123I, Reg. 32 on Rain water pipes: -
(a) If a rainwater pipe installed outside a building, the discharge point shall
be located either 150mm higher than ground level over a trapped gully
or connected into a trapped gully below the level of grating but above
the level of the water in the trap.
(b) If the rainwater pipe is installed inside a building (other than a

rainwater pipe used solely for the conveyance of rainwater from roof),
the discharge point shall be connected to a drain of properly trapped
with an efficient trap and water sealed of not less than 75mm.
(c) It can be discharged to a channel that the discharge point is located at a
height not more than 150mm above the level of the top of the channel.
(d) A cast iron conductor with a shoe at the foot shall be provided for any
surface water discharge by the rainwater pipe to the side channel in a
street. Similarly, cast iron conductor shall be provided for rainwater
pipe discharges across footpath to the side channel of a street.
(A) Unplasticized PVC (UPVC) to ISO 4435 (replacing BS 4660) for pipework
size not exceeding 80 mm diameter, and to ISO 3633 for pipework size
exceeding 80 mm diameter is widely used for storm water drainage due to its
low cost, light weight and ease of installation. Expansion joints must be
provided to the pipework for external installation. Interchangeability shall
not be allowed between different plastic pipe manufacturer’s products.
Plastic pipes should be protected from the sun when stacked and during
laying. The strength of the UPVC pipe is relatively low at 70ºC when
compared with metal pipe.
(B) Cast iron pipes and fittings shall be to BS 437, with flexible joints to BS EN
877 could be used for storm water drainage. Coupling jointed cast iron pipes
(Hubless Cast Iron Pipe System) shall be to ISO 6594 standard (BS EN 877).
(C) Hubless epoxy coated cast iron pipe to ASTM 888 could be used. This kind
of cast iron pipe is watertight and resistance to corrosion. The major problem
of this pipework is the equal-potential bonding since epoxy is an insulted
material. Since this kind of pipe does not in line with Cap. 123I,
modification should be obtained from Buildings Authority.
3.1.6 Types of Floor Drains
There are different types of floor drains in the market, but not limited to
followings:
(A) 90o Spigot type outlet
Application: Size available:

Flat Roof 50mm, 75mm, 100mm
(B) Balcony outlet

Balcony, Raised 50mm, 75mm, 100mm
walkway
(C) Gully outlet

Gully, gutter 50mm
(D) Vertical Spigot outlet

Flat Roof 50mm, 75mm, 100mm,
150mm, 200mm
Considering design for storm drainage system for the roof of 84m2, in
connection with down storm water pipes to the ground floor. Rainwater
intensity is designed at 250mm/ hr.
For roof:
Storm water is collected by flat channel(s) with not less than 1:100 gradient
fall on the roof. Rainwater outlet(s) are required to be located at the lowest
level of each channel.
Down pipe sizing:
= 84 m2 / 10 m2 x 700mm2
= 5880mm2
= Ø87mm (one step commercial size, i.e. Ø100mm can be used, according to
Reg.32(b)(3), min. size of rainwater down pipe being Ø65mm)
It is concluded that one rainwater pipe of Ø100mm should be used for

storm water discharge of the roof where flat channels are used. For other
alternative options, say using 2 numbers of Ø65mm in place of 1 number of
Ø100mm, counter-checking of the area served as calculated above by the
same principle is required.
For intermediate floors storm water design, the calculation principle is based
on the ‘Collection Surface Area’ of storm water for the location(s) with storm
water outlet(s), such as balcony of each flat/ unit, open roof garden at
intermediate floor(s), etc. Depending on the schematic diagram on the storm
water design, the storm water down pipe sizing will depend on the
summation of all Collection Surface Area at the collection locations of each
floor.
For Ground floor, the total catchment area equals to total collection surface
area collecting the storm water from floor above to the central storm drain,
including the roof surface area. If the storm water system contains only the
roof and the open area on ground floor, i.e. no storm water outlets on
intermediate floors, catchment area of the open space on G/F is 116 m2. Thus,
the total catchment areas become 84 m2 + 116 m2 = 200 m2.
By Rational formula,
Rainwater runoff, Q (L/s) = 200 x 258 / 3600 = 14.3 L/s
3/4 full bore is adopted for drain pipe.
From Step 3, Table XII in Building Regulations, Cap. 123I Reg. 48,
Ø150mm pipe with fall of 1:70 should be used.
3.2.1 Introduction
Building soil and waste system is one of the

building services systems to maintain a good
hygiene to the environment. The common
soil and waste system can be classified into
the following types.
3.2.2 Types of Soil and Waste System for

Buildings
(A) One Pipe System
(a) One pipe system is the simplest system.

All sanitary fitments (e.g. wash
basins, sinks, water closets, etc.) are
connected to a single stack. No
ventilation stack is provided. Since the
one-pipe system is generally
applicable to low-rise buildings. The
number of sanitary fitments in this
case is limited. Hence, the loss of
water seal due to the induced siphon is
less possible. One Pipe System
(b) The major advantage of this system is low cost, easy to install and easy
to maintain. However, the trap seal is recommended to be at least
75mm to prevent the loss of water seal. The stack extends to the roof
level with open end and a wire balloon for venting. The downstream of
the stack is usually embedded in the underground for connection to the
manholes and underground sewers.
(B) Two Pipe System
(a) Two-pipe system involves two

separate stacks in the drainage system.
The soil stack conveys soil water from
the soil fitments (e.g. water closets,
urinal bowls, etc.), which contains
human excrement to the underground
sewage system. A separate waste stack
is employed to collect the wastewater
discharging from waste fitments (e.g.
wash basins, sinks, etc.) and discharge
to the underground drainage system
via a trap-gulley.
(b) The trap gulley is provided to intercept

the foul air from the underground
drainage system. Similar to the
one-pipe system, the stacks extend to
Two Pipe System
roof and serve as vent terminated with
open end and wire balloon.
(C) Ventilated Modified One-pipe System
(a) Ventilated Modified one-pipe system is

most commonly adopted building
drainage system in Hong Kong.
(b) Similar to the one-pipe system, all

sanitary fitments are connected to a
single stack. In order to prevent the
loss of water seal due to the induced
back-pressure created by the flushing
of other fitments, an anti-siphonage
pipe (ASP) is connected to every
fitment at the tail pipe of its trap.
(c) In case of the existence of back

pressure, air runs from the ASP to the
tail pipe of the trap to compensate the
back pressure. All ASPs are connected
to a vertical ventilation stack, which Ventilated Modified One-pipe System
connected to the soil waste stack at the
point above the highest connected of the ASP to the ventilation stack.
(d) The ventilation stack is also connected to the base of the soil and waste
stack to relief the positive air pressure exists in the event of discharging.
In reality, resealing traps or anti-siphonage traps are installed instead of
the ASPs for waste fitments.
3.2.3 Sanitary Fitments
(a) The fitments can be categorized into soil fitment and waste fitment.
Soil fitment (e.g. urinal, water closet, bidet, etc.) is defined as the
fitment, which will receive the human excrement whereas waste
fitment (e.g. hand basin, bathtub, sink, etc.) is defined as the fitment,
which will receive wastewater except human excrement.
(b) The drain pipes connected to the soil and waste fitment are respectively
denoted as soil pipe and waste pipe.
(a) Bitumen coated cast iron pipe to BSEN877 by spun casting or sand
moulding, which is most traditional drain pipe being used for many
decades until 90's.
(b) Hubless epoxy coated cast iron pipe to ASTM 888 becomes more
popular since 90's. This kind of cast iron pipe is watertight and
resistance to corrosion. The major problem of this pipework is the
equal-potential bonding since epoxy is an insulted material. Since
this kind of pipe does not in line with Cap. 123I, modification should
be obtained from Buildings Authority.
(c) Galvanized Steel (GI) Pipe to BS EN 10255 (Red band/'Heavy grade,

Blue band/Medium Grade) is also a common type of drainage pipe for
conveying wastewater. For aboveground drainage system, medium
grade is widely adopted.
(d) Unplasticized PVC (UPVC) to ISO 4435 (replacing BS 4660) for

pipework size not exceeding 80 mm diameter, and to ISO 3633 for
pipework size exceeding 80 mm diameter is one of the pipework
material widely adopted due to its low price, light weight and easy
installation. Expansion joints must be provided to the pipework for
external installation. Also, the strength of the UPVC pipe is relatively
low at 70ºC when compared with metal pipe. It is not suitable to be
used kitchen drainage system of Chinese or Western Restaurants.
3.2.5 Traps and Floor Drains
(A) Trap is a very important component in soil and waste system. A water seal
should be provided between the upstream and the downstream of the trap.
The trap has the following major functions:
(a) To prevent the ingress of foul air from the soil and waste system.
(b) To prevent the noise transmission from the foul system to the interior
of the bathroom; and
(c) To prevent the ingress of insects.
(B) Unsealing of Traps
Traps may become unsealed in one of the following ways:
(a) Leakage will allow water in the trap to empty on to the floor and is
consequently soon noticed and repaired.
Self siphonage
Induced siphonage
(b) Siphonage may be either self siphonage or induced siphonage. Self

siphonage – absence of anti-siphon pipe; and induced siphonage – a
partial vacuum caused by water flowing from the farther sanitary
fitting.
(c) Compression occurs when the water is discharge from the higher
fitting the air in the vertical pipe may become compressed sufficiently
to ‘blow’ out the seal in the lower fitting.
(d) Capillary attraction occurs if a piece of absorbent material is caught

in the outlet of the trap with one end dipping in the water and the other
hanging over the outlet, the water may be drawn out by capillarity
through the material.
Compression Capillary Attraction
(e) Wavering out is caused by gusts of wind passing over the top of the
vent pipe and is often noticed in a W.C. trap on a windy day.
(f) Evaporation occurs if the trap is not in use, the rate of evaporation of
the water will depend upon the humidity of the air in the room.
(g) Momentum is caused by the sudden discharge of water into the trap.
(C) Types of Traps and Drains
Be smooth throughout. All traps should be accessible and provided with an

adequate facility for cleansing, for example, traps that are capable of being
readily removed or dismantled. In general, a trap which is not an integral part
of an appliance should be attached to, and be immediately beneath, its outlet
and be self-cleansing. However, traps that are not connected to the appliance
should be as close as possible and be self-cleansing. There should be no
reduction in cross-sectional flow area through the trap. There should be no
more than one trap on the discharge pipework from any appliances. For ease
of maintenance, a trap may be positioned a maximum of 750 mm from a
shower waste outlet.
(a) Bottle traps
This type of trap has a division between the inlet and outlet legs formed
by a dip tube or vane within the body of the trap, with the lower part of
the trap being removable for access. Bottle traps should only be used
with wash basins.
(b) Resealing and anti-vacuum traps
These are specially designed traps for unventilated small diameter

discharge pipes fitted to appliances where, because of the arrangement
of the pipework, siphonage would otherwise occur. These traps should
be regularly inspected and maintained. Some types can be noisy in
operation.
(c) Floor drain (internal gullies)
Floor drains should be trapped, are normally connected to branch pipes

of DN 50 or larger and, therefore, are not subject to seal loss due to
self-siphonage. However, infrequent use can lead to total loss of seal
due to evaporation. Consequently, these traps should only be specified
for areas where the usage will ensure that the trap seal is maintained.
(d) Sinks and washing machines
It is preferable that traps are positioned immediately beneath sink waste

outlets. However, a single trap may receive the discharges from two
adjacent sinks and also from a domestic washing and/or dish washing
machine provided the total length of pipework joining the waste outlets
of the sinks to the trap does not exceed 750 mm.
(D) Trap seal
Traps with outlets for pipes up to and including

nominal diameter (DN) 50 should have a minimum
water seal of 50 mm on baths and showers,
provided they are fitted with flush-grated wastes
without plugs on spray-tap basins; 75 mm trap seals
should be used with all other appliances. Traps with
outlets for pipes over DN 50 should have a
minimum water seal of 50 mm. Traps used on
appliances with flat bottoms (trailing waste Resealing Traps
discharge) and discharging to a gully with a grating
may have a reduced water seal of not less than 38 mm.
3.2.6 Pipe Sizing
(A) Water Flow in Horizontal Pipe
Flow of water induces movement of air in the direction of flow. Full bore
flow can occur in pipe of small diameter, but is not likely in discharge pipe
(100 mm diameter) from W.C.
(a) Discharge from appliance
In practice a full bore system is produced and the system is operating as

a siphon. Towards end of the discharge, air will pass through the trap
and the full section of pipe will become a diminishing plug. Water will
flow back and reseal trap very quickly. However, if the pipework is too
long or too steep this resealing flow will not be possible.
(b) Transition from vertical stack to horizontal drain
At foot of stack, flow leaves walls and runs in bottom of pipe, thus
reduced velocity result in greater cross sectional area of pipe being
occupied and reduced the air space. Positive pressure develops at foot
of stack and may blow traps (sharp bend at foot makes problem worse).
With total bridging of pipe, hydraulic pump may occur. Under this
condition, gross pressure fluctuations will occur. Therefore, venting
should be provided.
(B) Water Flow in Vertical Pipe
Flow from branch entering stack gravitates downwards and assumes a form
of sheet on wall of stack. Air flow is induced down the stack and pressure
fluctuations will develop throughout the entire stack. When 1/4 to 1/3 full
flow capacity is reached, the whole section of the pipe is bridged at intervals
by ‘plugs’ of water. Severe pressure fluctuation will occur. Complete trap
venting would be required.
(C) Water Flow Rate
According to Continuity Equation, water flow rate in the pipe is expressed

as:
Q =AV
Where A and V are the pipe cross-sectional area and flow velocity
respectively
(D) Recommended Velocity
(a) Minimum self - cleansing velocities:
(i) pipes up to 225mm – 0.75 to 1.0 m/s
(ii) pipes 225mm to 600 mm – 0.75m/s
(b) Maximum velocities:
(i) 1.8 m/s: reasonable limit
(ii) 3.0 m/s: absolute maximum
(E) Hydraulic Mean Depth / Hydraulic Radius
The principal resistance to a fluid flowing through a pipe is presented by the

inner surface of the pipe itself. When a body of water passes through a pipe
full bore the rate of discharge in every part of the cross sectional area is not
the same, the least resistance to flow being offered at the centre, gradually
increasing to the perimeter, which is the point of greatest resistance.
The hydraulic mean depth is a factor used in formula for drainage

calculations to allow for the friction of the fluid against the inside of the pipe,
and is found by dividing the sectional area of flow through the pipe by the
wetted surface or wetted perimeter of the pipe:
Cross sectional area of flow in m2

Hydraulic mean depth (HMD) =
Wetted perimeter in m
Pipe flowing
1/3 bore 1/2 bore 2/3 bore Full bore
HMD CSArea HMD CSArea HMD CSArea HMD CSArea
0.186D 0.299D2 0.25D 0.39D2 0.291D 0.556D2 0.25D 0.785D2
Note: D = Pipe diameter in m
HMD = Hydraulic mean depth in m
CSArea = Cross sectional area in m2
(F) Colebrook-White Equation
The Colebrook-White equation can be applied to analyze a wide range of

flow conditions.
(a) For pipe flows in circular pipes
ks 2.51v
V = √ (8g D s) log ( + )
3.7D D√(2g D s)
(b) For open channel flows
ks 1.255v
V = √ (32g R s) log ( + )
14.8R R√(32g R s)
where V = mean velocity (m/s)
g = gravitational acceleration (m/s2)
R = hydraulic radius (m)
D = pipe diameter
ks = equivalent sand roughness (m)
v = kinematic viscosity of fluid (m2/s)
s = frictional slope (energy gradient due to frictional loss)
A Simplified Table for equation in part (a) is shown as below and

assumption of effective roughness of ks = 1.0 mm and clean water
with a viscosity of v = 1.31*10-6 are made.
Table B.1 - Capacity of drains, filling degree 50%, (h/d = 0.5)
Slope DN DN DN DN DN DN DN
100 125 150 200 225 250 300
i Qmax v Qmax v Qmax v Qmax v Qmax v Qmax v Qmax v
cm/m L/s m/s L/s m/s L/s m/s L/s m/s L/s m/s L/s m/s L/s m/s
0.50 1.8 0.5 2.8 0.5 5.4 0.6 10.0 0.8 15.9 0.8 18.9 0.9 34.1 1.0
1.00 2.5 0.7 4.1 0.8 7.7 0.9 14.2 1.1 22.5 1.2 26.9 1.2 48.3 1.4
1.50 3.1 0.8 5.0 1.0 9.4 1.1 17.4 1.3 27.6 1.5 32.9 1.5 59.2 1.8
2.00 3.5 1.0 5.7 1.1 10.9 1.3 20.1 1.5 31.9 1.7 38.1 1.8 68.4 2.0
2.50 4.0 1.1 6.4 1.2 12.2 1.5 22.5 1.7 35.7 1.9 42.6 2.0 76.6 2.3
3.00 4.4 1.2 7.1 1.4 13.3 1.6 24.7 1.9 389.2 2.1 46.7 2.2 83.9 2.5
3.50 4.7 1.3 7.6 1.5 14.4 1.7 26.6 2.0 42.3 2.2 50.4 2.3 90.7 2.7
4.00 5.0 1.4 8.2 1.6 15.4 1.8 28.5 2.1 45.2 2.4 53.9 2.5 96.9 2.9
4.50 5.3 1.5 8.7 1.7 16.3 2.0 30.2 2.3 48.0 2.5 57.2 2.7 102.8 3.1
5.00 5.6 1.6 9.1 1.8 17.2 2.1 31.9 2.4 50.6 2.7 60.3 2.8 108.4 3.2
Table B.2 - Capacity of drains, filling degree 70%, (h/d = 0.7)
Slope DN DN DN DN DN DN DN
100 125 150 200 225 250 300
i Qmax v Qmax v Qmax v Qmax v Qmax v Qmax v Qmax v
cm/m L/s m/s L/s m/s L/s m/s L/s m/s L/s m/s L/s m/s L/s m/s
0.50 2.9 0.5 4.8 0.6 9.0 0.7 16.7 0.8 26.5 0.9 31.6 1.0 56.8 1.1
1.00 4.2 0.8 6.8 0.9 12.8 1.0 23.7 1.2 37.6 1.3 44.9 1.4 80.6 1.6
1.50 5.1 1.0 8.3 1.1 15.7 1.3 29.1 1.5 46.2 1.6 55.0 1.7 98.8 2.0
2.00 5.9 1.1 9.6 1.2 18.2 1.5 33.6 1.7 53.3 1.9 63.6 2.0 114.2 2.3
2.50 6.7 1.2 10.8 1.4 20.3 1.6 37.6 1.9 59.7 2.1 71.1 2.2 127.7 2.6
3.00 7.3 1.3 11.8 1.5 22.3 1.8 41.2 2.1 65.4 2.3 77.9 2.4 140.0 2.8
3.50 7.9 1.5 12.8 1.6 24.1 1.9 44.5 2.2 70.6 2.5 84.2 2.6 151.2 3.0
4.00 8.4 1.6 13.7 1.8 25.8 2.1 47.6 2.4 75.5 2.7 90.0 2.8 161.7 3.2
4.50 8.9 1.7 14.5 1.9 27.3 2.2 50.5 2.5 80.1 2.8 95.5 3.0 171.5 3.4
5.00 9.4 1.7 15.3 2.0 28.8 2.3 53.3 2.7 84.5 3.0 100.7 3.1 180.8 3.6
where Qmax = Capacity of drains (l/s

v = Velocity (m/s)
(G) Manning Formula
Manning formula is a popular empirical formula developed based on another

formula by Chezy. The Manning formula is expressed in the form:
1
V = R⅔ S½
n
where R= hydraulic radius (m)
S= inclination, gradient or slope = fall or head / length
n = Manning’s coefficient of roughness (Manning’s n)
(H) Chezy’s Formula
A French engineer, Antoine Chezy, assumed that the resisting force per unit
area of the channel bed is proportional to the square of the mean velocity,
KV2. The expression derived by Chezy is simplified to Chezy’s formula for
open channel flow:
V = C (m · s)1/2
where C = Chezy’s resistance factor (for most practical purpose, C may be
taken as 55 – a constant)
m = Hydraulic mean depth (m)
s = Inclination, gradient or slope = fall or head / length
(I) Capacities of Stacks
The maximum capacity of a discharge stack is normally limited to about one

quarter full. The size of a discharge stack, and decision on whether a
secondary ventilation stack is required depends on the peak design flow from
the connected appliances.
The followed table gives the discharge unit values (DU), in L/s, for common
appliances. The values for WC’s are dependent on the design of the
appliance, and the relevant manufacturer should be consulted. Where the
type of WC is unknown at the design stage, or likely to change, the
maximum rating should be assumed. The first task is to add up all the
discharge units applicable to a discharge stack.
Appliance DU (L/s)
Wash basin 0.3
Shower without plug 0.4
Shower with plug 1.3
Single urinal with cistern 0.4
Slab urinal (per person) 0.2
Bath 1.3
Kitchen sink 1.3
Dishwasher (household) 0.2
Washing machine (6 kg) 0.6
Washing machine (12 kg) 1.2
WC with 6 L cistern 1.2 – 1.7
WC with 7.5 L cistern 1.4 – 1.8
WC with 9 L cistern 1.6 – 2.0
Not all sanitary appliances will be in simultaneous use. The peak design
flow can be assessed by applying a frequency of use K factor to the total
sum of the discharge units, and by using the following equation:
Qww = K √∑DU
where Qww = Wastewater flow rate (L/s)

K = Frequency of use
∑DU = Sum of discharge units
Usage of appliances K
Intermittent use, e.g. indwelling, guesthouse, office 0.5
Frequent use, e.g. in hospital, school, restaurant, hotel 0.7
Congested use, e.g. in toilets and/or showers open to public 1.0
Special use, e.g. laboratory 1.2
Sum of
discharge K = 0.5 K = 0.7 K = 1.0 K = 1.2
units
∑DU Qww (L/s) Qww (L/s) Qww (L/s) Qww (L/s)
10 1.6 2.2 3.2 3.8
12 1.7 2.4 3.5 4.2
14 1.9 2.6 3.7 4.5
16 2.0 2.8 4.0 4.8
18 2.1 3.0 4.2 5.1
20 2.2 3.1 4.5 5.4
25 2.5 3.5 5.0 6.0
30 2.7 3.8 5.5 6.6
35 3.0 4.1 5.9 7.1
40 3.2 4.4 6.3 7.6
45 3.4 4.7 6.7 8.0
50 3.5 4.9 7.1 8.5
60 3.9 5.4 7.7 9.3
70 4.2 5.9 8.4 10.0
80 4.5 6.3 8.9 10.7
90 4.7 6.6 9.5 11.4
100 5.0 7.0 10.0 12.0
110 5.2 7.3 10.5 12.6
120 5.5 7.7 11.0 13.1
130 5.7 8.0 11.4 13.7
140 5.9 8.3 11.8 14.2
150 6.1 8.6 12.2 14.7
160 6.3 8.9 12.6 15.2
170 6.5 9.1 13.0 15.6
180 6.7 9.4 13.4 16.1
190 6.9 9.6 13.8 16.5
200 7.2 9.9 14.1 17.0
220 7.4 10.4 14.8 17.8
240 7.7 10.8 15.5 18.6
260 8.1 11.3 16.1 19.3
280 8.4 11.7 16.7 20.1
300 8.7 12.1 17.3 20.8
320 8.9 12.5 17.9 21.5
340 9.2 12.9 18.4 22.1
360 9.5 13.3 19.0 22.8
380 9.7 13.6 19.5 23.4
400 10.0 14.0 20.0 24.0
(J) Total flowrate (Qtot)
Qtot is the design flowrate in a part or in the whole drainage system where
sanitary appliances, appliances with continuous flow and/or wastewater
pumps are connected to the system.
Continuous flows and pump discharge rates shall be added to the wastewater
flowrate without any reduction.
Qtot = Qww + Qc + Qp
where Qtot = Total flowrate (L/s)

Qww = Wastewater flowrate (L/s)
Qc = Continuous flowrate (L/s)
Qp = Pumped water flowrate (L/s)
(K) Sizing of Stack and Vent
There are two types of the ventilated drainage system
(a) Primary ventilated system (also called one/two pipe system or

unventilated system)
Primary Ventilated System Configurations
Where 1 bath, 2 wash basin, 3 WC, 4 floor gully, 5 air admittance valve,
6 stack, 7 branch discharge pipe, 8 drain, 9 stack vent
Sizes and limitations of the primary ventilated discharge stacks (pipe 6

as shown on the above configuration) are given in the following table.
Stack and stack vent Qmax (L/s)
(DN) Square entries Swept entries
60 0.5 0.7
70 1.5 2.0
80 2 2.6
90 2.7 3.5
100 4.0 5.2
125 5.8 7.6
150 9.5 1.4
200 16 21
Where square entry equals branch junction that is more than 45°, or
has a centre line radius less than the internal pipe diameter;
swept entry equals branch junction that is at 45° or less, or
has a centre line radius not less than the internal pipe diameter
(b) Secondary ventilated system (also called ventilated modified drainage

system)
A method to determine the size of branch pipe
Secondary ventilated system configurations
Where 1 bath, 2 wash basin, 3 WC, 4 floor gully, 5 air admittance valve,
6 stack, 7 branch discharge pipe, 8 drain, 9 stack vent, 10 ventilating
stack, 11 branch ventilation pipe, 12 urinal
Sizes and limitations of the secondary ventilated discharge stacks are
given in the following table.
Stack and stack

Secondary
vent (Pipe 6 and Qmax(L/s)
vent (Pipe 10)
9)
DN DN Square entries Swept entries
60 50 0.7 0.9
70 50 2.0 2.6
80 50 2.6 3.4
90 50 3.5 4.6
100 50 5.6 7.3
125 70 7.6 10.0
150 80 12.4 18.3
Table B
(L) Unventilated and Ventilated Branch Discharge Pipes
Ventilated discharge branch configuration
Unventilated discharge branch configuration
Sizes and limitations upon the use of Unventilated and Ventilated Branch
Discharge Pipes are given in Table 6 and Table 9. For the detail
configurations, Section 2.2.6 Part K can be referred.
Table 6 - Limitations for unventilated branch-discharge-pipes, system III
Appliance Diameter Min. trap Max. length (L) Pipe Max. Max.
seal depth of pipe from gradient number of drop
trap outlet to bends (H)
stack
DN mm m % No. m
Washbasin, bidet 30 75 1.7 2.21) 0 0
(30 mm diameter trap)
Washbasin, bidet 30 75 1.1 4.41) 0 0
Washbasin, bidet 30 75 0.7 8.71) 0 0
Washbasin, bidet 40 75 3.0 1.8 to 4.4 2 0
Shower, bath 40 50 No Limit2) 1.8 to 9.0 No Limit 1.5
Bowl urinal 40 75 3.03) 1.8 to 9.0 No Limit4) 1.5
Trough urinal 50 75 3.03) 1.8 to 9.0 No Limit4) 1.5
5) 3)
Slab urinal 60 50 3.0 1.8 to 9.0 No Limit4) 1.5
2)
Kitchen sink 40 75 No Limit 1.8 to 9.0 No Limit 1.5
Household dishwasher 40 75 3.0 1.8 to 4.4 No Limit 1.5
or washing machine
WC with outlet up to 75 50 No Limit 1.8 Min. No Limit4) 1.5
6)
80 mm
WC with outlet greater 100 50 No Limit 1.8 Min. No Limit4) 1.5
6)
than 80 mm
Food waste disposal7) 40 Min. 758) 3.03) 13.5 Min. No Limit4) 1.5
8) 3)
Sanitary towel disposal 40 Min. 75 3.0 5.4 Min. No Limit4) 1.5
unit
Floor drain 50 50 No Limit3) 1.8 Min. No Limit 1.5
4 basins 50 75 4.0 1.8 to 4.4 0 0
Bowl urinals8) 50 75 No Limit3) 1.8 to 9.0 No Limit4) 1.5
Maximum of 8 WC’s6) 100 50 15.0 0.9 to 9.0 2 1.5
Up to 5 spray tap 30 Max. 50 4.53) 1.8 to 4.4 No Limit4) 0
basins9)
1) Steeper gradient permitted if pipe is less than maximum permitted length.
2) If length is greater than 3 m noisy discharge may result with an increased risk of blockage.
3) Should be as short as possible to limit problems with deposition.
4) Sharp throated bend should be avoided.
5) For slab urinal for up to 7 persons. Longer slabs to have more than one outlet.
6) Swept-entry branches serving WC’s.
7) Includes small potato-peeling machines.
8) Tubular not bottle or resealing traps.
9) Spray tap basin shall have flush-grated wastes without plugs.
Table 9 - Limitations for ventilated branch discharge pipes in system III
Appliance Diameter Min. trap Max. length Pipe Max. number Max.
seal depth (L) of pipe gradient of bends drop (H)
from trap
outlet to stack
DN mm m % No. m
Washbasin, bidet 30 75 3.0 1.8 Min. 2 3.0
Washbasin, bidet 40 75 3.0 1.8 Min. No Limit 3.0
Shower, bath 40 50 No Limit2) 1.8 Min. No Limit No Limit
Bowl urinal 40 75 3.03) 1.8 Min. No Limit4) 3.0
Trough urinal 50 75 3.03) 1.8 Min. No Limit4) 3.0
Slab urinal5) 60 50 3.03) 1.8 Min. No Limit4) 3.0
Kitchen sink 40 75 No Limit2) 1.8 Min. No Limit No Limit
Household dishwasher 40 75 No Limit3) 1.8 Min. No Limit No Limit
or washing machine
WC with outlet up to 75 50 No Limit 1.8 Min. No Limit4) 1.5
6) and 14)
80 mm
WC with outlet greater 100 50 No Limit 1.8 Min. No Limit4) 1.5
6) and 14)
than 80 mm
Food waste disposal7) 40 Min. 758) 3.03) 13.5 Min. No Limit4) 3.0
8) 3)
Sanitary towel 40 Min. 75 3.0 5.4 Min. No Limit4) 3.0
disposal unit
Bath drain, floor drain 50 50 No Limit3) 1.8 Min. No Limit No Limit
Floor drain 70 50 No Limit3) 1.8 Min. No Limit No Limit
Floor drain 100 50 No Limit3) 1.8 Min. No Limit No Limit
5 basins 9) 50 75 7.0 1.8 to 4.4 2)
0
10 basins 9) and 10) 50 75 10.0 1.8 to 4.4 No Limit 0
Bowl urinals9) and 11) 50 75 No Limit3) 1.8 Min. No Limit4) No Limit
6)
More than 8 WC’s 100 50 No Limit 0.9 Min. No Limit No Limit
Up to 5 spray-tap 30 Max. 50 No Limit3) 1.8 to 4.4 No Limit4) 0
12)
basins
1) For maximum distance from trap to vent, see Figure 8.
2) If length is greater than 3 m noisy discharge may result with an increased risk of blockage.
3) Should be as short as possible to limit problems with deposition.
4) Sharp throated bends should be avoided.
5) For slab urinal for up to 7 persons. Longer slabs to have more than one outlet.
6) Swept-entry branches serving WC’s.
7) Includes small potato-peeling machines.
8) Tubular not bottle or resealing traps.
9) See Figure 9.
10) Every basin shall be individually ventilated.
11) Any number.
12) Spray tap basins shall have flush-grated wastes without plugs.
13) The size of ventilating pipes to branches from appliances can be DN 25 but, if they are longer than 15
m or contain more than five bends, a DN 30 pipe shall be used.
14) If the connection of the ventilating pipe is liable to blockage due to repeated splashing or submergence,
it should be DN 50, up to 50 mm above the spill-over level of the appliance.
(A) Design Flow Calculation by Discharge Unit
Quantity Discharge Unit Sub-total

Sanitary fitting
(nos.) (DU) / fitting* (DU)
Water Closet 15 1.7 25.5
Urinal 5 0.4 2
Basin 15 0.3 4.5
Cleaner’s Sink 5 1.3 6.5
Pantry Sink 5 1.3 6.5
Floor Drain 30 0 0
Total discharge unit (ΣDU) 45
Remark: * Discharge unit is based on the data in Plumbing Engineering Services
Design Guide
To estimate the total flow:
Qtot = Qww + Qc + Qp
Where Qww = Waste water flow rate (L/s) = K(ΣDU)0.5

K = 0.5 (for intermittent use)
Qc = Continuous flowrate (L/s) = 0;
Qp = Pumped flowrate (L/s) = 0
Qtot = Qww + Qc + Qp = 0.5× (45)0.5 + 0 + 0 = 3.354L/s or 0.00354m3/s
(a) Pipe Stack sizing (Pipe 1)
As Qww= 3.354 L/s
By checking the Table A as shown in Section 2.2.6 Part K, the nominal

diameter of the stack is = DN 100
(b) Ventilation pipe sizing (Pipe 2)
According to Table B as shown in Section 2.2.6 Part K, the diameter of

the ventilated pipe is = DN 50;
(c) Branch Pipe Sizing (Pipe 3 & 4)
Quantity Discharge Unit

Sanitary fitting Sub-total (DU)
(nos.) (DU) / fitting*
Soil Water Pipe (Pipe 3)
Urinal 1 0.4 0.4
Total discharge unit (ΣDU) 5.5
Waste Water Pipe (Pipe 4)
Basin 3 0.3 0.9
Cleaner’s Sink 1 1.3 1.3
Pantry Sink 1 1.3 1.3
Floor Drain 6 0 0
Total discharge unit (ΣDU) 3.5
(i) Pipe 3
Qtot = Qww + Qc + Qp = 0.5 × (5.5)0.5 + 0 + 0 = 1.173L/s or

0.001173m3/s
By combining ‘Continuity Equation’ and ‘Chezy Formula’,
Continuity Equation: Q = V × A
Chezy Formula: V = C ( m i )1/2
where C = Chezy Coefficient / Constant = 55
m = Hydraulic mean depth = 1 × D/4 (Use 1/2 Bore)
i = Inclination or Fall of Pipe = 1:100 = 0.01
A = Sectional area (πD2/4) × Sectional area factor (0.5)
Hence, Q = [C ( m i )1/2 ] × A
Q = 0.001173 m3/s = 55×(1×D/4×0.01)1/2 × πD2/4×0.5
D5/2 = 0.00109
D = 0.065m
However, as stipulated in CAP 123, minimum of 80 mm

diameter drainpipe should be used if soil pipe from a water
water closet fitment was connected. Thus, 80 mm diameter soil
pipe was chosen.
(ii) Pipe 4
Qtot = Qww + Qc + Qp = 0.5×(3.5)0.5 + 0 + 0 = 0.935L/s or

0.000935m3/s
By combining ‘Continuity Equation’ and ‘Chezy Formula’,
Continuity Equation: Q = V × A
where, C = Chezy Coefficient / Constant = 55

A = Sectional area (πD2/4 ) × Sectional area factor (0.5)
Hence, Q = [C ( m i )1/2 ] × A
Q = 0.000935 m3/s = 55× (1×D/4×0.01)1/2 ×πD2/4 × 0.5
D5/2 = 0.00087
D = 0.06m
Therefore, a 65 mm diameter drainpipe should be used.
Or, simply, check Table 9 as shown in Section 3.2.6 (L) which

proposed the soil water branch pipe for Water Closet is equal to DN
100 and waster water branch pipe with DN 50 for 3 wash basins.
In addition, according to CAP. 123I Building (Standards of Sanitary

Fitments, Plumbing, Drainage Works and Latrines) Regulations, there
are some key figures for the pipes, drains, disposal provision and
other components stipulated in this regulation.
4. Drainage System and Design – Below Ground Drainage
4.1 Types of Underground Pipework
4.1.1 Separate System
Separate system: where the foul water

discharges from W.C.s, basins, sinks,
baths, etc., via the foul water drains to a
foul water sewer, or private sewage
disposal plant; the rainwater or surface
water from roofs and paved areas via the
surface water drains to a public surface
water sewer or soakaway.
Notes:
IC = Inspection Chamber WG = Waste Gully YG = Yard Gully

RP = Rodding Point RWG = Rainwater Gully
RG = Road Gully RWS = Rainwater shoe
S & VP=Soil and Vent Pipe
4.1.2 Advantage(s) and disadvantage(s) of Separate Drainage Systems
Separate System
Advantage(s)
1. No risk for foul air passes through an unsealed rainwater gully trap
2. The sewage disposal plant size can be much smaller
3. The sewer purification cost is less
4. Pumping sot for sewage disposal is reduced as the surface water is
capable to flow by gravity to a nearby river
5. The risk of surface water disposal overloading is alleviated during heavy
rainfall because of separating from foul water disposal
Disadvantage(s)
1. Two sets of drains; increases the cost of building drainage
2. There is a risk of a wrong connection, e.g., a foul water branch drain may
be wrongly connected to a surface water drain
3. The foul water drain is not thoroughly flushed by rainwater
4.2 Water Discharged to Foul Sewer and Storm Water Drain
According to Environmental Protection Department - Practice Note for Professional

Persons, ProPECC PN 5/93 and other relevant guide, the provision of different types
of water discharge to foul sewer and storm drain as summarized in the following
table.
Storm Foul
Location Water Classification Remarks
drain sewer
Rainwater *
Seawater used for the
Uncontaminated cooling water and the cooling of AC plants
*
like should be discharged
General directly
use Domestic wastewater *
Should be pre-treated,
where necessary, to
Commercial and industrial wastewater *
meet prescribed effluent
standards
Drainage outlets provided in covered
areas, including covered podiums and *
Covered other roofed areas
area Drainage in covered carparks, covered
lorry lading and unloading areas and * Via petrol interceptors
covered transport interchanges
Except in water
Swimming pool main drain, footbath
gathering grounds
main drain and swimming pool make-up *
where APs are advised
tank drain
Swimming to consult WSD
pool Swimming pool direct effluent from
*
routine operation (e.g. back washing)
Swimming pool direct effluent from
*
annual cleaning
Drainage outlets provided in open areas
and areas subjected to a substantial
amount of wind-blown rain, including *
open carparks, balconies, podiums,
Open area yards, etc.
Via a petrol interceptor
Drainage serving open transport that would allow storm
*
interchanges and cargo handling areas water bypass during
peak flow periods
Drainage outlets of verandas next to
kitchens and utilities rooms where a
Others *
substantial amount or wind-blown rain is
not expected
After collecting the storm water from the roof down to the gully traps on ground
surface level by piping, the rainwater will be discharged by piping from the gully traps
to the manholes where considered as below ground system.
4.3.1 Gravity Fall System
(A) All surface water from a building shall be discharged and connected by
rainwater pipe and drains within 30m of the building to the public sewer,
according to Cap.123I Reg. 41 on Disposal of surface water. Where there is
no such public sewer and no public channel or side channel in the street, the
surface water shall be conducted to a stream course or nullah subject to the
approval of SCCU or Building Authority.
(B) Sizing of the underground surface pipe:
(a) Based on the Rational formula described above, i.e.
i ΣσA
Q =
3600
(b) Combine Chezy Formula and Continuity Equation,
Using trial-and-error method, select a pipe of assumed size for trial

with volume flow (Qo) with ¾ full bore and assumed gradient, (s) is
Qo = A C √HMD．S
Where Ao (cross sectional area of ¾ bore discharge),
C (Chezy Coefficient),
HMD (Hydraulic Mean Depth – on ¾ full) x D/4
From Figure (d), table for impermeability factor

Type of surface Factor
Roofs 0.95
Roads 0.57 – 0.90
Paths 0.50 – 0.75
Parks and gardens 0.10
Figure (d) - Impermeability factor
From Figure (e), sectional area of ¾ bore discharge
Surface Wetted Hydraulic Mean
Proportional Section area
width perimeter mean depth depth
depth πD2/4
D πD D/4 D
0.05 0.436 0.144 0.019 0.130 0.034
0.10 0.600 0.205 0.052 0.254 0.068
0.15 0.714 0.253 0.094 0.371 0.103
0.20 0.800 0.295 0.142 0.482 0.104
0.25 0.866 0.333 0.196 0.587 0.177
0.30 0.917 0.369 0.252 0.684 0.216
0.35 0.954 0.403 0.312 0.774 0.257
0.40 0.980 0.436 0.373 0.857 0.299
0.45 0.995 0.468 0.436 0.932 0.345
0.50 1.000 0.500 0.500 1.000 0.393
0.55 0.995 0.532 0.564 1.059 0.445
0.60 0.980 0.564 0.625 1.111 0.502
0.65 0.954 0.597 0.688 1.153 0.567
0.70 0.917 0.631 0.748 1.185 0.641
0.75 0.866 0.667 0.805 1.207 0.730
0.80 0.800 0.705 0.858 1.217 0.842
0.85 0.714 0.747 0.906 1.123 0.996
0.90 0.600 0.795 0.948 1.192 1.241
0.95 0.436 0.856 0.981 1.146 1.768
1.00 0.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 ∞
Figure (e) - Geometrical functions for part-full circular sections
From Figure (f) graph C8, Value of Chezy’s coefficient with calculated
HMD known Qo = AoV
Figure (f) – Coefficient of Friction chart
By Chezy formula V = C √HMD．S
therefore Qo = AoC √HMD．S
HMD (Hydraulic Mean Depth – on ¾ full), s (incline gradient)
Calculate Qo to verify whether it is greater than known Q and

counter-check, if not, re-do the calculation as below again.
(C) For the selection of gully traps, according to Cap.123I, Reg. 58 on Gullies,
open trapped gullies should be used for outdoor rainwater collection and
covered with a suitable grating having openings equal to an area not less than
the cross sectional area of the outlet of the trap. Otherwise, sealed trapped
gullies should be used and adequate provision shall be made for the
ventilation of the space above the water level of the trap.
(D) After the rainwater collection by gully traps, the discharge shall be connected
to a manhole. Design of manhole shall comply with Cap.123I, Reg. 55 on
Manholes and cleaning eyes to be provided. Manholes shall be provided at
intervals not exceeding 60m in every drains and sewer. It shall also be
provided at major change in gradient or every change in direction in any
drains or sewer, except where: -
(a) the change in direction does not exceed 45 degrees;
(b) the internal radius of the bend is not less than 6 times the internal
diameter of the drain or sewer; and
(c) the change in direction is made by means of a purpose-made pipe.
Type and drawings for standard manhole issued by DSD could be referred.
(E) A terminal manhole should be provided at the close proximity to the site
boundary for connecting to public sewer and drain. It is a demarcation
between the subject building development and the government. Terminal
manhole may not be required to be provided to storm water drainage system
if the connection to the public system is in exposed manner, for example
connected by open surface channel. As such, a catch pit is required for
collection.
4.3.2 Pumped Drainage System
Pumped drainage system, consists of submersible pumps (i.e. duty and

standby) contained in a manhole with sump pit where its invert level is lower
than that of the terminal manhole should be provided as the mechanical
means to pump the rainwater to the terminal manhole for effective discharge.
4.3.3 Sizing of the Effective Volume (V) of Sump Pit for Pumped System
(A) Step 1: Determine the required discharge rainwater flow collected from Roof
floor and/or from the ground surface water by using Rational equation as
described above, i.e. Qin (litre/sec).
(B) Step 2: Identify the duty (Qout) in litre/sec of the sump pump (duty or standby)
for pumping away the rainwater from the sump pit by experience.
(C) Step 3: Counter-checking the duty cycle in a hour of the pump not more than
10 times for by the following simple equation:
V V
10 times x 60 min. ≦ +
Qin Qout - Qin
The effective volume (V) of the sump pit can be calculated.
4.4.1 Introduction
Underground systems similar to the aboveground systems should be firstly

identified the type of pipework and manhole system, and then the system
requirements to select the appropriate drainage system and their provision.
4.4.2 Building Soil and Waste Water from G/F
(A) All other underground drains must have an internal diameter of not less than
100mm if they carry soil water or trade effluent, and all systems must have
such means of access as may be necessary for inspection and maintenance,
which means the provision of rodding points, manholes and inspection
chamber.
(B) The position of internal manholes must be carefully considered for quickly
and easily accessible for the purpose of maintenance, inspection, testing,
cleaning and removal of any obstruction.
(C) The covers should be pressure tight to prevent sewer leaking out of the
chamber in the event of a blockage down stream.
(D) The sealed drainage systems are better used internally, and in critical areas
such as food preparation or chemical zones blockage indicators should be
fitted in the chambers.
4.4.3 Building Soil and Waste Water Pipework to Main Sewer
(A) The design of the foul underground drainage external to the building should
follow the same rules as that of the internal system. Fewer manholes will be
required as there are likely to be fewer branch connections, consequently
fewer blockages may be experience due to the greater and more continuous
flow within the system.
(B) The positioning of access points and manholes must again be carefully
considered; they should not be positioned in roads or car parks, or in any
position where they may become inaccessible either due to obstructions,
traffic movement or hidden by landscaping or detritus. The gradient and
direction of the drainage routing should be taken account of the natural
ground contours and the existing potential clashing with other utilities.
4.4.4 Sump & Pump System (Sumps and Ejectors)
(A) The drainage systems sometimes flow or discharge under the gravity free fall.
For example, drainage points below the sewer main and basement floor
toilets and kitchen where the employment of a sump and pump system is
under no other alternative choices to alleviate the drainage problem.
(B) The depression in a basement floor where water collects is known as a sump
Elevator pits are drained in this manner. Other countries like USA may term
this as a subdrain system.
(C) The wastes from a subdrain flow by gravity into a receiving tank, the
contents of which are automatically lifted and discharged into the gravity
drainage system. If the subdrain receives wastes containing oil, gasoline or
other flammable liquids, the discharge must first go through an oil interceptor
before entering the receiving basin. When the receiving basin collects the
discharge of sanitary wastes, it is called an ejector basin and the automatic
lifting and discharge equipment is called an ejector pump.
4.4.5 Ejector Basin
An ejector basin must be of airtight construction and must be vented. It is

airtight to prevent the escape of foul odours generated by the wastes from the
subdrainage system. Being airtight, a vent is required to relieve the air in the
basin as wastes discharge into it and to also supply air to the basin while the
contents are being discharged to the sanitary gravity drainage system. A
sump basin need not be airtight and therefore does not require a vent. But if
it is made airtight, then a vent is required.
4.4.6 Underground Drainage Major Components
(A) Manhole
(a) Manholes are required to be employed to join the drain pipes are
change pipe direction at the underground. Most of the manholes, are
formed by reinforced concrete. Benching is provided inside the
manhole to guide the water flow. It is in fact a set of open channels
connecting the inlet pipes to the outlet pipe. The size of the manhole
depends on the number of inlet pipes and size of the outlet pipe. Also,
the depth of a manhole depends on the depth of the drain pipe which is
related to the length and gradient fall of the underground pipe.
(b) Terminal manholes are provided at the close proximity to the site
boundary for connecting to the public sewer and drain. It is a
demarcation between the private development and the government.
(c) Tyepe and size for the manhole could be referred DSD Standard
Drawings..
(B) Pipe Materials
(a) The previous above ground drainage section has already described the
pipework materials of Bitumen coated cast iron pipe to BS EN877,
Hubless epoxy coated cast iron pipe, Galvanized Steel (GI) Pipe to BS
EN 10255 and Unplasticized PVC (uPVC) pipe to BS 4514. In this
section, Concrete and Vitrified Clay pipes would be desired.
(b) Concrete and Vitrified Clay pipes are usually used in civil works or
underground building drainage system but outside building structure.
Concrete pipe to BS 5911 are usually used in storm water drainage
system since concrete pipe with large size is not expensive. However,
protection should be applied when the underground pipe subjects to
heavy loading from ground surface (e.g. vehicles). A Vitrified Clay
pipe to BS EN 295 is usually adopted in underground drainage system
for conveying sewage water due to its good resistance to corrosion.
However, it is also a brittle material and requires good protection to
heavy loading.
4.4.7 Underground Drainage Pipework and Manhole Design Concept
The following points should be considered in the design of underground

drainage pipework and manholes systems.
(A) The layout of the system should be as simple and direct as possible and the
number of bends, traps and manholes kept to a minimum.
(B) The pipes should be laid in straight lines, from point to point.
(C) The pipes should be non-absorbent, durable, smooth in bore and of adequate
strength.
(D) The pipes should be adequately supported without restricting movement.
(E) Foul water drains should be well ventilated, to prevent the accumulation of
foul gases and fluctuation of air pressure within the pipe, which could lead to
the unsealing of gully or W.C. traps.
(F) All the parts of the drainage system should be accessible for inspection and
cleaning.
(G) The pipes should be laid to a self-cleansing gradient, which will prevent the
settlement of solid matter, which might lead to a blockage.
(H) The velocity of flow should not be less than 0.75m/s, which will prevent the
stranding of solid matter. A maximum velocity of 2m/s is acceptable, but the
upper limit is not considered important and on slopping sites the drain may
be allowed to follow the fall of the land. Large diameter sewers, however,
require ramps to restrict the fall on sloping sites, to permit workmen to make
necessary inspections and repairs.
(I) A foul water drain should never run at more than 90 per cent of its capacity.
This is equivalent to running at a depth of low equal to three-quarters of the
bore. This maximum discharge, together with adequate ventilation, will
prevent the possibility of compression of air in the drain, which could cause
unsealing of traps. Surface water drains may be designed to run at full bore.
(J) Pipes should not pass under a building unless absolutely necessary and pipes
should not be laid close to building foundations.
(K) Pipes should not pass near trees because of the possibility of damage by the
roots.
(L) Where possible, flexible joints should be used and pipes under buildings
should have flexible joints and means of access.
(M) Where pipes pass through walls, relieving arch or lintel should be provided in
the wall above the pipes to prevent the wall load bearing on the pipe.
(N) Bends in pipes should have a large radius of between 215 and 750mm for
100mm diameter pipes and between 225 and 900mm for 150mm diameter
pipes.
(O) Branch connections should be swept in the direction of flow.
(P) Drain pipes should be at least 900mm below roads and at least 600mm below
fields and gardens.
(Q) Where pipes are not under a road and the depth below ground is less than
600mm, 2 pre-cast concrete slabs should be laid over the pipes, so that the
load transmitted to the pipe walls is at points of about 22.30hr and 13.30hr.
There should be a minimum thickness of 150mm of soil, free from large
stones, building rubbish, tree roots, vegetable matter and large lumps of clay.
Alternatively, broken stone or gravel 10mm nominal single size may be
placed between the concrete slabs and the top of the pipe.
4.4.8 Design Sequence
(A) Start at the first manhole at the head of the main drainage route.
(B) Look at the most convenient last manhole position with regard to the
Government sewer and drain positions.
(C) Layout the manholes-try the simplest layout with the minimum number.
(D) Link up the manhole with drains or sewers with consideration to the
followings:
(a) Pipe length not exceeding 60 meters.
(b) Any change of direction
(c) Any change of gradient
(d) Any sewer/drain junction
(e) Other underground services such as towngas pipes, underground cables,

etc.
(E) Sloping site will be considered separately.
(F) The drain/sewer should always design on the gravity drainage system. Avoid
the sump and pump system unless this is the last solution.
(G) The drain/sewer should always design on the gravity drainage system. Avoid
the sump and pump system unless this is the last manhole.
(H) Sizing the drain-size, levels, check cross over drain/sewers, penetration
through the beams and structure.
(I) Calculate for the sump and pump system.
4.4.9 Other Design Considerations
(A) Manhole sizes, back drop manholes requirements, provision inside the last
manholes.
(B) Ventilation of the manhole and pipelines.
(C) The self cleaning velocity with the drain/sewers.
(D) Minimum manhole depth
(E) Protection of drain and minimum cover in road levels.
(F) Guidelines from Drainage Service Department and Highway’s Department.
4.4.10 Factors to be Established before Commencing the Design
Before commencing the calculations for the below-ground system, it will be

necessary to establish the following factors:
(A) Flow rates (L/s): these have been established for each section of
above-ground drainage for foul water systems.
(B) Gradient: this is generally derived from the topography of the site with any
allowance for limiting velocity taken up with backdrops as necessary.
(C) Length (m): the distance between one below-ground drainage connection and
the next.
(D) Velocity (m/s): there are distinct limits to the allowable velocity of effluent in
a below-ground system. For general design work, a velocity of not less than
0.6m/s and more normally 1m/s should be taken for a pipe running full. Since
the outflow is variable, it should be noted that the velocity could fall as low
as 0.4m/s at quarter depth and this would be the limiting “self-cleaning”
velocity. However it is also essential to avoid scouring and velocities in
excess of 3 m/s should be avoided by the use of backdrop manholes.
(E) Invert level (m)
(F) Material: the material used will affect the performance of the drain due to its
surface roughness. For more detail, please refer to previous above-ground
drainage section 2.26 Hydraulic Calculation.
(G) Drainage Formula: Colebrook-White Equation, Chezy Formula and

Manning’s Formula. For more detail, please refer to previous above-ground
drainage section 2.26 Hydraulic Calculation.
(A) Example 1
What velocity and total capacity will be given by a 100 mm drain at 1/3
depth, laid to a gradient of 1 in 50?
Solution
Use Chezy’s formula, V = C √(HMD × s)
C = 55 due to partial flow

HMD = 0.738 × D/4 (from HMD table at 1/3 depth)
Gradient = 1/50 = 0.02V = 55√(0.738 × 0.1/4 × 0.02) = 1.057 m/s
Q = AV From table A = 0.229D2

Q = 0.229 × (0.1)2 ×1.057 = 0.0024 m3/s = 2.4 L/s
(B) Example 2
Determine the gradient of a 150 mm main drain flowing half depth at a

velocity of 1 m/s.
Solution:
Use Chezy’s formula, V = C √(HMD × s)
V = 1 m/s
C = 55
HMD = 0.15/4 = 0.0375
V2 12
s = = = 0.0088
C2 × HMD 552 × 0.0375
Gradient = 1/0.0088, i.e. 1 in 113
(C) Example 3
In a design of foul water drain, the following information are given
Data: 20 houses
4 persons / house
460 L/head/day
Maximum rate of flow is L/s from 4 to 6 times
Av. rate of flow = half consumption in L/head/day x population
Find the diameter of drain required and calculate the fall.
Solution:
(460 x 0.5) x (20 x 4)

Flow rate = = 0.85 L/s
6 (hours) x 60 (mins) x 60 (secs)
If we take the maximum flow to be 6 as times the dry weather flow (DWF) is
defined the average rate of flow of domestic and industrial wastes, together
with any infiltration measured after a period of 7 consecutive days of dry
weather during which the rainfall has not exceeded 0.25 mm
Q = 6 x 0.85 = 5.1 L/s or 0.0051 m3/s

Q = A V Q = 0.0051 m3/s; V = 1 m/s
A = 0.288 x πD2/4 at 1/3 depth
0.0051 m3/s = (0.288 x πD2/4) x 1

D = 0.15 m
V = C √(HMD × s) ---- (Chezy’s formula)

V = 1 m/s
C = 55
HMD = 0.186D = 0.186 x 0.15 = 0.0279
V2 12
s = = = 0.01185
C2 × HMD 552 × 0.0279
Gradient = 1/0.01185, i.e. 1 in 84.3
(D) Example 4
Block 1 Block 2
MH MH
Block 3 Block 4
Calculate the size of pipe necessary to take the foul flow from 4 blocks of
flats, each having 74 families. Assume 3.5 persons per flat, water
consumption 460 L/head/day and a maximum flow of 6 times the average.
The pipe will be laid a fall to produce a velocity of 1 m/s when full.
Solution:
(460 x 0.5 daily use) x (74 x 3.5) x 4 = 11.03

Average flow =
6 x 60 x 60 L/s
Maximum flow = 6 x 11.03 = 66.2 L/s = 0.0662 m3/s
Q = A V Q = 0.0662 m3/s; V = 1 m/s

A =πD2/4 at full
0.0662 m3/s = (πD2/4) x 1

D = 0.29m, say 0.3 m (300 mm)
V = C √(HMD × s) ---- (Chezy’s formula)

V = 1 m/s
C = 55
HMD = 0.25D = 0.25 x 0.3 = 0.075
V2 12
s = = = 0.01185
C2 × HMD 552 × 0.075
Gradient = 1/0.0044, i.e. 1 in 227
Average flow – The average flow rate / person over 24 hours appears to be
about 19 L, but calculations cannot be based on this assumption as the bulk
of the flow occurs during a few hours of the day only (9 a.m. to 3 p.m.). It
is suggested that in the absence of other information, assume that half the
daily flow occurs over 6 hours period, e.g. say 230 in 6 hours (average).
Maximum flow – Pipe should be capable of carrying minimum of 4 times the

average flow. It is claimed that 6 times is not excessive but is seldom
exceeded.
(E) Example 5
Similarly to the worked example as the above ground drainage system as

shown in Section 3.2.7, a worked example for below ground drainage system
is demonstrated as below:
(a) Design Flow Calculation by Discharge Unit for Manhole 1 (refer to
Section 2.2.7)
Qtot = 3.354 L/s or 0.003354m3/s
(b) Pipe work sizing for pipe work connecting from Manhole 1 to Manhole
2 (Pipe 5)
(i) Method 1, By Colebrook-White Equation,
ks 2.51v
V = √ (8g D s) log ( + )
3.7D D√(2g D s)
Assume the effective roughness of ks = 1.0mm and clean water
with a viscosity of V = 1.31*10-6
According to Table B.1, 100 mm diameter drain pipe would be

used for 1/2 bore with 1:40 fall.
(ii) Method 2, By combining ‘Continuity Equation’ and ‘Chezy
Formula’,
where, Continuity Equation: Q=V×A

Hence, Q = [ C ( m i )1/2 ] × A
A = Sectional area of pipe (πD2/4)×Sect area factor (0.5)
Q = 0.003354 m3/s = 55 × (1 × D/4 × 0.03)1/2 × πD2/4 × 0.5

D5/2 = 0.002 D = 0.083m
By using ‘Chezy Formula’: V = C (m i )1/2

V = 55 × (1 × D/4 × 0.03)1/2
V = 55 × (1 × 0.1/4 × 0.03)1/2
V = 1.375m/s
which is >0.75 m/s of minimum self cleansing velocity and

<1.8 m/s of maximum velocity.
Therefore, 1 no. 100mm diameter drain pipe with 1:40 fall

should be adopted to connect to existing foul water drain.
(c) Pipe work sizing for pipe work connecting from Manhole 2 to Manhole
3 (Pipe 6)
(d) Design Flow Calculation by Discharge Unit for Manhole 1
Quantity Discharge Unit Sub-total

Sanitary fitting
(nos.) (DU) / fitting* (DU)
Discharge Unit to Manhole 1 45
Addition Discharge Unit to Manhole 2
Basin 3 0.3 0.9
Floor Drain 3 0 0
Sub-total 6
Total discharge unit (ΣDU) 51
Qtot = Qww + Qc + Qp = 0.5× (51)0.5 + 0 + 0 = 3.57L/s or 0.00357m3/s
where Qww = Waste water flow rate (L/s) = K(ΣDU)0.5

K = 0.5 (for intermittent use)
Qc = Continuous flowrate (L/s) = 0
Qp = Pumped flowrate (L/s) = 0
(i) Method 1, By Colebrook-White Equation,
ks 2.51v
V = √ (8g D s) log ( + )
3.7D D√(2g D s)
Assume the effective roughness of ks = 1.0mm and clean water
with a viscosity of v = 1.31*10-6
According to Table B.1, 100 mm diameter drain pipe would be

used for 1/2 bore with 1:40 fall.
(ii) Method 2, By combining ‘Continuity Equation’ and ‘Chezy

Formula’
where, Continuity Equation: Q = V × A

Hence, Q = [ C ( m i )1/2 ] × A
A = Sectional area of pipe (πD2/4)×Sect area factor (0.5)
Q = 0.00357 m3/s = 55 × (1 × D/4 × 0.03)1/2 × πD2/4 × 0.5

D5/2 = 0.0021
D = 0.085 m
Therefore, 1 no. 100mm diameter drain pipe with 1:40 fall

should be adopted to connect to existing foul water drain.
5. Other Drainage Accessories
5.1 Grease Trap
A grease trap is a device used for removing oil and grease from wastewaters. Oil and
grease in wastewater arising from normal operations of restaurants and food
processing factories will need to be separated out by means of grease traps, before the
wastewater is discharged from the premises to the sewer system. The oil and grease
intercepted by grease traps, usually known as grease trap waste, needs to be removed
regularly in order to ensure the proper functioning of the grease traps.
5.1.1 Provision of Grease Trap
According to a EPD guideline entitled as “Grease Traps for Restaurants and

Food Processors”, all restaurants and food processing factories are required
to install grease traps so that greasy materials will be separated from
wastewaters before passing to communal sewers. Some examples of food
businesses as shown below that are required to provide grease trap except
cold store and milk factory:
Type of Food Business Provision of Grease Trap

General Restaurant Yes
Light Refreshment Restaurant Yes
Bakery Yes
Cold Store No
Factory Canteen Yes
Food Factory Yes
Fresh Provision Shop Yes
Frozen Confection Factory Yes
Milk Factory No
Siu Mei & Lo Mei Shop Yes
5.1.2 Grease Trap Capacity Requirements
To estimate capacity requirements for new establishments, future water

consumption can be estimated from the kitchen floor area that will be
provided in the new restaurant. Column C of the table below shows grease
trap capacity requirements for different kitchen floor areas (Column B).
A B C D
Example Internal Dimensions
Average Minimum
Kitchen Floor (mm)
Hourly Water 2 Grease Trap
Area (m ) Total
Use (L) Capacity (L) Length Width
Depth
0 - 125 250 1200 525 600
250 8 490 1450 700 725
500 16 790 1700 825 850
750 24 1,050 1800 875 1000
1,000 32 1,220 1950 950 1000
Note that the length and width dimensions given in the table do not include
wall and cover thickness for concrete grease traps (typically 150 mm). For
steel traps, wall thicknesses can be ignored.
Typical details of grease trap could be referred to EPD’s Guideline

(ProPECC PN 5/93)
5.1.3 Design Example
(A) A new restaurant is planned with 30 m2 of kitchen floor area. From the table
above, the grease trap capacity required is just under 1,220 L; approximately
1180 L.
(B) Food processing factories may require additional capacity or more advanced
equipment for grease and oil removal and are recommended to seek expert
advice in any case.
(C) Column D of the table gives examples of grease trap dimensions that will
provide both the required capacity and the length, width and depth
relationships.
(D) In fact, there are many combinations of length, width and depth that will
meet the dimensional criteria for a given grease trap capacity. But the liquid
depth must be no greater than 1200 mm (and the total depth no greater than
1800 mm) for grease traps in the size range considered here.
5.2 Petrol / Oil Interceptor
5.2.1 Provision of Petrol / Oil Interceptor
According to Cap 123I - Building (Standards of Sanitary Fitments, Plumbing,

Drainage Works and Latrines) Regulations, the provison of Petrol / Oil
Interceptor shall be provided as refer to Regulation 90 as below:
(A) Regulation 90: Power of Building Authority to require provision of

neutralizing tanks, etc.
Where, from any building it is intended to discharge, or there may be

discharged, into any drain or sewer-
(a) any trade effluent;
(b) any chemical refuse or waste steam or any liquid of a temperature

higher than 400C being refuse or steam which, or a liquid which when
so heated, is either alone or in combination with the contents of a drain
or sewer, dangerous, or the cause of a nuisance , or prejudicial to
health;
(c) any petroleum spirit, carbide of calcium, acid, grease or oil; or
(d) any matter likely to injure any drain or sewer or to interfere with the
free flow of its contents or to affect prejudicially the treatment or
disposal of its contents.
The Building Authority may require the owner of the building to provide
neutralizing tanks, cooling tanks, petrol intercepting traps, grease traps or
other suitable provision.
(B) Apart from Building Authority, Environmental Protection Department issued

Practice Note for Professional Persons (ProPECC PN 5/93). It stated that
drainage in covered car parks, covered lorry loading, unloading areas,
covered transport interchanges should be connected to foul sewers via petrol
interceptors. While, drainage serving open transport interchanges and cargo
handling areas should be connected to storm water drains via a petrol
interceptor that would allow storm water bypass during peak flow periods.
(C) In additional, Practice Note for Authorized Persons & Registered Structural
Engineers (PNAP) 124 also stipulates the requirement of the petrol/oil
interceptor. It states the arrangement for the treatment of effluent in flatted
factory & single occupancy factory and the type of treatment for different
kinds of effluent. In fact, the servicing and parking of vehicles are required to
provide a petrol interceptor.
(D) The detail of petrol interceptor (reference to the standard drawing of

Highway Department) is as follow:
6. Legislations for Drainage System Design
6.1 Cap.123I - BUILDING (STANDARDS OF SANITARY FITMENTS,

PLUMBING, DRAINAGE WORKS AND LATRINES) REGULATIONS
6.1.1 Cap.123I Reg. 31 Ventilating pipes
(1) Every ventilating pipe for any drain or sewer shall be carried up to a
height not less than 1 m above the roof of the building to which it is
fixed or, where such building has a pitched roof, above the eaves of
such building. (L.N. 294 of 1976)
(2) No ventilating pipe shall be so fixed as to permit the escape of foul air
from any drain, sewer, soil pipe or waste pipe into any building.
(3) Soil pipes or waste pipes may be carried up to a suitable height above
the building to which they are fixed to act as ventilating pipes for any
drain or sewer.
(4) The internal diameter of every ventilating pipe and of every soil pipe or
waste pipe which, under paragraph (3), is acting as a ventilating pipe,
shall be not less than 80 mm. (L.N. 294 of 1976)
(5) The open end of every ventilating pipe shall be provided with a suitable
grating having apertures of an aggregate area not less than the sectional
area of the pipe.
(6) Ventilating pipes shall not be used for the carriage of surface water.
6.1.2 Cap 123I Reg.32 Rain water pipes
(1) (a) Every rain water pipe which discharges to a drain which is
connected to a public sewer provided for the carriage of surface
water shall-
(i) in the case of a rain water pipe situated outside a building,

discharge either not more than 150 mm above the level of
the ground over a suitably trapped gully or into a trapped
gully below the level of the grating but above the level of
the water in the trap; and
(ii) in the case of a rain water pipe situated inside a building

(other than a rain water pipe used solely for the
conveyance of rain water from a roof), be properly
trapped with an efficient trap which shall be so formed
and fixed as to maintain a water seal of not less than 75
mm. (L.N. 62 of 1966; L.N. 361 of 1980)
(b) Every rain water pipe which discharges to a channel shall

discharge at a height not more than 150 mm above the level of the
top of the channel.
(c) Every rain water pipe which discharges, through a cast iron
conductor, to the side channel in a street shall be provided, at the
foot thereof, with a shoe so as to ensure that any surface water
discharged from the pipe will discharge directly into the
conductor.
(2) The number and size of rain water pipes provided for any building shall
be calculated at the rate of 700 square millimetres of pipe to every 10
square metres of horizontal roofed-over surface.
(3) Save as provided in regulation 33, the diameter of every rain water pipe
shall be not less than 65 mm.
(4) Rain water pipes shall not be connected with any soil pipe, waste pipe
or ventilating pipe.
(5) Where a rain water pipe discharges, across any footpath, to the side
channel of a street, it shall discharge through a cast iron conductor.
6.1.3 Cap 123I Reg.33 Rain water pipes for verandahs or balconies
(1) Any rain water pipe provided for the carriage of surface water from a
verandah or balcony shall, where there is, at a suitable position, a rain
water pipe provided for the carriage of surface water from the roof of
the building, be connected to such pipe.
(2) Where a rain water pipe provided for the carriage of surface water from
a verandah or balcony discharges to the side channel in a street or is, in
accordance with paragraph (1), connected to a rain water pipe which so
discharges, the internal diameter of the rain water pipe from the
verandah or balcony shall be not more than 40 mm.
6.1.4 Cap.123I Reg.34 Materials for pipes
(1) Every soil pipe, waste pipe, anti-syphonage pipe, ventilating pipe,
overflow pipe and every pipe connected with any drain provided for the
carriage of foul water shall be-
(a) circular in shape; and
(b) constructed of cast iron, steel, copper or other approved material.
(2) Every rain water pipe shall be constructed of cast iron, copper or other
approved material. (L.N. 295 of 1986)
(3) All such materials shall be sound and free from defects.
6.1.5 Cap.123I Reg.35 Connexions of pipes, etc.
Every connexion of a soil pipe, waste pipe, anti-syphonage pipe, ventilating

pipe, rain water pipe or overflow pipe with any other pipe, or with a trap,
gutter or other fitting, as the case may be, shall be made in a manner suitable
to the nature of the materials of which such pipe and such other pipe or trap,
gutter or other fitting are constructed, and so as to be watertight.
(G.N.A. 107 of 1959)
6.1.6 Cap.123I Reg.36 Fixing of pipes
(1) Every soil pipe, waste pipe and rain water pipe shall be securely fixed
to the wall of the building for which it is provided.
(2) Any hole which is made in any floor or wall in order to admit any such
pipe shall be properly filled in and sealed round the pipe.
6.1.7 Cap.123I Reg.37 Pipe in ducts
Where a soil pipe, waste pipe, anti-syphonage pipe, ventilating pipe, or rain
water pipe is fixed in a duct within a building, access panels shall be
provided of such size and so situated that adequate access is available to all
pipe connexions within the duct.
6.1.8 Cap.123I Reg.38 Eave gutters
(1) Eaves gutters shall be-
(a) made of cast iron or other approved material;
(b) fixed at a gradient not less than 1 in 100; and
(c) properly connected to rain water pipes.
(2) The size of eaves gutters shall be calculated at the rate of 700 mm2 of
cross sectional area of gutter to every 7 m2 of horizontal roofed-over
surface. (L.N. 294 of 1976)
6.1.9 Cap 123I Reg.39 Drainage of Buildings
Every building shall be provided with such pipes, drains and channels as are
necessary for the disposal of all foul water and surface water from the
building.
6.1.10 Cap 123I Reg. 41 Disposal of surface water
(1) Save as provided in paragraph (2), all surface water from a building
shall, if there is a public sewer, provided for the carriage of surface
water, at a suitable level and position within 30 m of the building, be
conducted, by means of rain water pipes and drains provided for the
carriage of surface water, to such public sewer or, where there is no
such public sewer, shall be conducted, to the satisfaction of the
Building Authority, to a public channel provided for the carriage of
surface water or to the side channel in a street. (L.N. 294 of 1976)
(2) Where there is no such public sewer and no public channel or side
channel in a street, such surface water shall be conducted, to the
satisfaction of the Building Authority, to a stream course or nullah.
6.1.11 Cap 123I Reg. 42 Pipes carrying surface water not to discharge across
surface of footpath
No pipe provided for the carriage of surface water from a building shall
discharge across the surface of any footpath in a street.
6.1.12 Cap. 123I Reg. 43 Disposal of sub-soil water
Drains provided for the carriage of sub-soil water may be connected to a

private or public sewer provided for the carriage of surface water or to a
drain provided therefore.
6.1.13 Cap. 123I Reg. 44 Materials for drains, etc.
(1) Covered drains (except covered drains provided for the carriage of
sub-soil water) and covered sewers shall be made with good sound
pipes of glazed earthenware, stone ware, concrete, cast iron or other
approved material.
(2) Drains and sewers above the ground shall be laid with cast iron pipes or
other approved materials. (L.N. 361 of 1980)
(3) All pipes used in the construction of any drain or sewer shall-
(a) be of true bore;
(b) have smooth internal surfaces; and
(c) be impervious.
(4) Cast iron sewage pipes shall be protected against rust and corrosion by
a suitable asphaltic coating.
(5) Earthenware, stone ware and concrete pipes shall-
(a) in the case of pipes with a diameter not exceeding 150 mm, have
a thickness equal to not less than one-ninth of the diameter of the
pipe; and
(b) in the case of pipes with a diameter exceeding 150 mm, have a
thickness equal to not less than one-twelfth of the diameter of the
pipe. (L.N. 294 of 1976)
6.1.14 Cap. 123I Reg. 45 Sub-soil water drains
Drains provided for the carriage of sub-soil water shall be constructed with
clay field pipes or other suitable pipes and shall be laid to adequate falls.
6.1.15 Cap. 123I Reg. 46 Size of drains
All drains and sewers shall be of adequate, but not excessive, size for the
purpose for which they are provided: Provided that no covered drain shall
have an internal diameter of less than 100 mm.
6.1.16 Cap 123I Reg. 47 Laying of drains and sewer
(1) All drains and sewers (except drains provided for the carriage of
sub-soil water) and traps shall be firmly laid on a bed of concrete not
less than 100 mm in thickness and at least 150 mm wider than the
diameter of the pipe or trap, and shall be haunched with concrete so
that the full width of the bed is carried up to the level of the horizontal
diameter of the pipe and from that point splayed up on both sides of the
pipe from the full width of the bed to meet the pipe barrel tangentially.
(L.N. 294 of 1976)
(2) All drains and sewers shall be supported along the full length of the
barrels and not by the sockets.
(3) Where any drain or sewer is laid in soft and yielding ground-
(a) adequate support shall be provided for such drain or sewer; and
(b) save where the same are provided for the carriage of sub-soil
water, the pipes shall be completely surrounded by at least 100
mm of concrete. (L.N. 294 of 1976)
(4) Cast iron pipes above the ground may be carried on adequate piers or
other sufficient supports, if such support is provided at each joint.
6.1.17 Cap. 123I Reg. 49 Junctions to drains
(1) The junction of a single branch drain with another drain at an angle of
not more than 45o in the direction of flow may be made by means of a
purpose-made Y junction.
(2) The junction of every other branch drain with another drain shall be
made within a manhole, obliquely at an angle of not more than 60o in
the direction of flow of such other drain, and shall be above the invert
of such other drain.
6.1.18 Cap. 123I Reg. 54 Drains and sewer under buildings, etc.
(1) All drains and sewers under a building shall be laid in straight lines and
shall be laid with cast iron sewage pipes.
(2) Where any drain or sewer is laid through any building, or where any
building is constructed over any drain or sewer, relieving arches or
beams shall be provided to protect such drain or sewer and to prevent
any load from the building being transmitted to such drain or sewer.
6.1.19 Cap. 123I Reg. 55 Manholes and cleaning eyes to be provided
(1) Manholes shall be provided-
(a) at every change in direction in any drain or sewer except where-
(i) the change in direction does not exceed 45 degrees;
(ii) the internal radius of the bend is not less than 6 times the
internal diameter of the drain or sewer; and
(iii) the change in direction is made by means of a purpose-made

pipe; and
(b) at changes of gradient, if the Building Authority so requires.
(2) Manholes or cleaning eyes shall be provided at intervals not exceeding

60 m in every drain and sewer. (L.N. 294 of 1976)
6.1.20 Cap. 123I Reg. 56 Construction of manholes
(1) Every manhole shall be of such size and form as to allow ready access
for rodding and shall be constructed of-
(a) brickwork in cement mortar at least 215 mm in thickness;
(b) concrete at least 125 mm in thickness; or (L.N. 439 of 1990)
(c) other approved impervious material. (L.N. 294 of 1976)
(2) The foundation of every manhole shall be constructed of concrete not

less than 150 mm in thickness. (L.N. 294 of 1976)
(3) Benchings shall be formed above the level of every drainage channel in
a manhole to fall towards such channel at a gradient of 1 in 2.
(4) The benchings and all the internal faces of every manhole shall be
rendered with cement mortar so as to provide a smooth and impervious
surface.
(5) Every drainage channel in a manhole shall be not less than half round
glazed earthenware or cement rendered, and shall have a diameter not
less than that of the largest drainage inlet into and not more than that of
the outlet from the manhole.
(6) Every drainage inlet to a manhole shall discharge into the drainage
channel therein with properly made bends constructed within the
benching of the manhole.
(7) Every manhole shall be fitted, on a level with the ground surface, with
a cast iron airtight cover of adequate strength and approved design:
Provided that every manhole inside or under a building shall be fitted
with a double-sealed cast iron airtight cover. (L.N. 361 of 1980)
6.1.21 Cap. 123I Reg. 51 Inlets to drains
(1) Subject to paragraph (2), every inlet to a drain or sewer shall be

properly trapped by an efficient trap, which shall be so formed and
fixed as to maintain a water seal of not less than 75 mm.
(2) Paragraph (1) shall not apply-
(a) to an inlet for a soil pipe or a ventilating pipe
(b) to an inlet for the carriage of any trade effluent;
(c) where no other means of connection is practicable; or
(d) to an inlet to a drain used solely for the conveyance of rain water
from a roof.
6.1.22 Cap. 123I Reg. 52 Ventilation
(1) Every drain provided for the carriage of foul water shall be ventilated
at its highest point by means of a ventilating pipe having an internal
diameter of not less than 50 mm. (L.N. 294 of 1976)
(2) Every manhole in which a disconnecting trap is fixed shall be

adequately ventilated.
(3) Branch drains shall be ventilated at their highest point, if the Building
Authority so requires.
6.1.23 Cap.123I Reg.58 Gullies
(1) Open trapped gullies shall be covered with a suitable grating having
openings equal to an area not less than the cross sectional area of the
outlet of the trap.
(2) Where sealed trapped gullies are used, adequate provision shall be
made for the ventilation of the space above the water level of the trap.
6.1.24 Cap 123I Reg. 61 Surface water channel
(1) Channels provided for the carriage of surface water shall be of

adequate size, constructed of approved impervious material, finished
off smooth and laid to a gradient of not less than 1 in 100.
(2) Suitable grilles shall be provided to prevent sand, silt and other debris
from entering any public sewer, public channel, nullah or stream
course.
(3) A cover in a foot-path to a channel for the carriage of surface water
shall be flush with the path surface and any hole in such cover or
between such cover and another shall not exceed 20 mm in one
dimension. (L.N. 366 of 1984)
6.1.25 Cap 123B, Reg.33 Areas to be paved
(1) The ground surface of every external area of every building unless
landscaped shall be suitably paved.
(2) Such surface paving shall be laid to fall at a gradient of not less than 1
in 80 to a gully trap or drainage channels connected to a surface water
drain.

Design Guide For Drainage Installation

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Design Guide For Drainage Installation

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Design Guide for

The primary purpose of this Design Guide is

Whilst the Architectural Services Department endeavours

Users are responsible for making their own assessments

The Architectural Services Department reserves the right

2. Statutory Requirements, Standards and Guidelines

2.1 Statutory Requirements

3. Drainage System and Design – Above Ground Drainage

3.1 Storm Water System

4. Drainage System and Design – Below Ground Drainage

4.1 Types of Underground Pipework

5. Other Drainage Accessories

5.1 Grease Trap

6. Legislation for Drainage System Design

6.1 Cap.123I - Building (Standards Of Sanitary Fitments,

1.1.1 Storm water and sub-soil water collected from slope.

1.1.2 Sewage treatment plant.

1.2 Design Responsibilities

The professional officer can be assisted by a team of technical staff in preparation of

2.1 Statutory Requirements

(A) Building (Standard of Sanitary Fitments, Plumbing, Drainage Works and

(B) Building (Planning) Regulations

(C) Building (Construction) Regulations

(D) Building (Administration) Regulations

(F) Design Manual - Barrier Free Access.

(G) Code of Practices for Fire Resisting Construction.

2.2 Practice Notes and Guidelines

(A) PNAP 17 - Water Supply and Wells

(B) PNAP 124 - Pollution from Industrial Buildings – Building(Standards of

(C) PNAP 183 - Keeping Buried Services Out of Slopes

(D) PNAP 201 - Access Facilities for Telecommunications and Broadcasting

(E) PNAP 211 - Planning and Design of Drainage Works

(G) PNAP 220 - Flushing Volume for Flushing Cisterns

(H) PNAP 227 - Structures on Grade on Newly Reclaimed Land

(I) PNAP 230 - Water Seepage

(J) PNAP 238 - Disposal of Condensation from Air-Conditioning Units

(L) PNAP 272 - Re-engineering the Building Approval Process

(N) PNAP 282 - Cast Iron Pipes for Drainage Works

2.2.2 The following Guidelines issued by Buildings Department (BD) and

(A) EPD - Grease Trap for Restaurant and Food Processors

(B) EPD - Guidelines for Soakaway System

(D) EPD - A Guide to The Water Pollution Control Ordinance

(E) BD - Guidelines on Maintenance and Repair of drainage System and Sanitary

2.4 Guide Books

The Plumbing Engineering Services Design Guide published by the Institute of

3.1 Storm Water System

3.1.2 Storm Water System for Roof

(C) Pitched roof drainage

(D) Flat roof drainage

(E) Run-off and Calculation

(i) the rainfall intensity

(ii) the area and shape of the catchment,

(iii) the steepness and length or the slopes being drained,

(iv) the nature and extent of vegetation or cultivation, and

(b) The use of "Rational Formula", which is described in the following

(F) Steps to design Drainage System for Roof

3.1.3 Storm Water System for Intermediate Floors

3.1.4 Storm Water System for Ground Floor

Diameter of pipe Fall

Flow rate (L/s)

(b) If the rainwater pipe is installed inside a building (other than a

3.1.5 Pipework Materials

3.1.6 Types of Floor Drains