Laying on your back- Plumbing Tees, Wyes and why not. Chelan Home Inspection Services

Well there are times to be laying on your back but when you are doing plumbing knowing what fitting can go where is very important in how the system will perform over a long period of time.

During a home inspection I come upon this little configuration.

(Note: There was an improper grade also.)

When using sanitary tees they may not be installed on its back with the side opening in a vertical position.

The purpose for why this is not good is that when the waste hits the bottom of the horizontal pipe it will splash back upstream in the horizontal pipe. This in turn can lead to waste solids being collecting on the upstream side and potentially causing a clog in the line.

When connecting any vertical waste drop to a horizontal run the proper way to do it is to either use a Wye & 1/8 bend (45 deg), or a Sanitary combo. A sanitary combo is a combination Wye & 1/8 bend already made in one fitting.

The reason to form a long radius bend to insure the waste is directed in the downstream direction as it enters the horizontal run.

A sanitary tee should be used when connecting a horizontal run, such as a waste arm to a vent stack or vertical riser.
 

“If you think it's expensive to hire a professional to do the job, wait until you hire an amateur.”

Red Adair

NCW Home Inspections, LLC  is a Licensed Washington State Home Inspection service located in Wenatchee Washington serving Chelan County, Douglas County, Kittitas County, Okanogan County and Grant County Washington and the cities of Wenatchee, Leavenworth, Cashmere, Oroville, Cle Elum, East Wenatchee, Quincy and many more…  

www.ncwhomeinspections.com                                               509-670-9572