How to establish the grade/drop for running a drain line?

Question

Our kitchen sink drain line needs replaced. The idiot who put it in didn't use the correct rating of PVC or enough pipe strapping and it's all wharped. One T fitting (pipe and vent) is leaking. That said, I wouldn't be surprised if the whole thing wasn't done right and the sink drains like caca! Experienced DIY, working with PVC pipe not an issue. How does one figure out the amount of grade/drop needed for a drain line? Any suggestions or guidance?

Thank you!

Answer 1

Hi, The International Plumbers Code dictates 1/4 inch pitch per foot of drop using 2 inch pipe connected to an 1-1/2 inch trap with hanger spacing every 4 feet.Good Luck! P.S.-This is the reason Plumbers are Licensed and spend many years in an apprenticeship program, it is a skilled trade dealing with public health and safety-just some food for thought.

Answer 2

As plumber said most codes call for a quarter of an inch drop per foot and a two inch line if the trap is inch and a half.  You need to check your local codes also to make sure you can do the work yourself.  Some areas don't allow anyone

except "trained, licensed" plumbers do installations.  This is one reason these dudes cost so much.

Answer 3

one thing you can do is check with building inspector in your city or county,,,or maybe click on building codes for your city or county,,,,,in Mississippi it s 1/2 inch per 10 foot,,,,straps should Be bout 2 or 3 feet apart,,,drain line should not be less than 1 1/2 inch in diameter,,,,hope this helps,,,,bye now u  hear,,,