Pull the chain, fill the drain: the effect of reduced water usage on sewer solid movement in small pipes

Examining the impact of low volume water usage

The Code for Sustainable Homes and proposed amendments to the Building Regulations promote the need for reduced water usage in homes. This research examined the impact of low volume water usage, and particularly the effect of lower volume WC flush cisterns. It looked at a range of variables affecting the flow of solids in waste pipes and concluded that flush volumes less than 4.5l may not ensure effective movement of solids to the mains sewer.