Chapter 8 Further Reading: The Drain-Waste-Vent System
Books and Guides
1. "Plumbing" by Rex Cauldwell (Taunton Press) Recommended again from the Chapter 6 list because it covers both supply and drain systems with equal rigor. The drain-waste-vent sections are particularly clear on P-trap geometry, vent requirements, and pipe sizing — topics where most homeowner-oriented books are vague. Cauldwell explains the reasoning behind code requirements rather than just stating them, which makes the information stick. If you own one plumbing reference, this is it.
2. "The Complete Plumbing Handbook" by John P. Bridge A more DIY-focused reference than Cauldwell, with step-by-step instructions for common drain system repairs and upgrades: replacing P-traps, adding a clean-out, rerouting a drain branch. Particularly good on the mechanics of solvent-welding PVC and connecting to existing cast iron. Photographs are instructive. Best used alongside a more conceptual reference rather than as a standalone guide.
3. "Working Alone: Tips and Techniques for the Solo Builder" by John Carroll Not a plumbing book specifically, but relevant for any homeowner tackling drain work. Much drain work is physically awkward — working in crawl spaces, dealing with heavy cast iron, working overhead in low-clearance areas. Carroll's techniques for solo work in difficult spaces apply directly to the physical realities of drain maintenance.
Online Resources
4. This Old House — thisoldhouse.com — Plumbing Section The This Old House website has detailed how-to guides for drain maintenance tasks, including photo-illustrated tutorials on P-trap replacement, drain cleaning, and vent assessment. The site's video library includes episodes on drain system diagnosis that are among the clearest visual explanations of how the vent system works. Free access; no subscription required for most content.
5. Fine Homebuilding — finehomebuilding.com A professional-grade construction publication with an extensive online archive on plumbing topics. Articles written by licensed plumbers and experienced contractors are more technical than most homeowner resources, but the depth is valuable when you need to understand why something is done a certain way rather than just how. Subscription required for full archive access; library access often available.
6. Lowes and Home Depot YouTube Channels Both major home improvement retailers maintain YouTube channels with how-to videos on drain maintenance. While these exist primarily to promote product sales, the tutorials for tasks like drain cleaning, P-trap replacement, and using a drain snake are technically accurate, well-filmed, and free. Search "[specific task] home depot how to" for most common maintenance procedures.
7. National Association of Sewer Service Companies (NASSCO) — nassco.org NASSCO is the industry association for sewer inspection and rehabilitation, including CIPP pipe lining. Their consumer resources explain the pipe lining process, what a sewer camera inspection report means, and how to evaluate a contractor's qualifications. Relevant for any homeowner facing a lateral repair decision.
Diagnostic Resources
8. EPA "Sewer System Overflows" — epa.gov The EPA's resources on sewer overflows include guidance for homeowners on the signs of a blocked lateral, the health risks of sewer backups, and homeowner responsibilities in different municipal systems. Brief and practical. Relevant for any homeowner who experiences a backup and wants to understand the public health implications.
9. "The Homeowner's Complete Tree Care Manual" by the Editors of This Old House Indirectly relevant to drain systems, but worth mentioning for homeowners with significant trees: understanding which tree species are most aggressive in pursuing water (willows, silver maples, elms) versus which are less likely to intrude (oaks, hickories) helps you assess the risk your specific trees pose to your lateral. The manual also covers root barrier installation — a physical barrier that can be placed between aggressive trees and a vulnerable sewer lateral.
Code and Standards References
10. International Plumbing Code (IPC) and Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) The two dominant plumbing codes used across the United States. The IPC is used in most eastern and southern states; the UPC in most western states. Your local jurisdiction's adopted code (which may be either, with local amendments) is the authoritative document for what is required in your home. Both are available for purchase from their respective organizations; many public libraries have reference copies. Understanding the basic structure of these codes — particularly the drain sizing tables and trap/vent distance requirements — is worthwhile if you're undertaking any significant drain work.
11. Your Local Water Utility's Backflow Prevention Requirements Most utilities now have active backflow prevention programs that affect homeowners. If your home has any irrigation system, secondary water source (well), or chemical treatment system, backflow preventer requirements may apply to your plumbing connections. Your utility's backflow prevention coordinator can tell you what's required. This is especially relevant if you're doing any renovation work that involves the connection between interior plumbing and irrigation or outdoor water features.
12. HomeASyst (homeowners.ces.ncsu.edu) — Septic System and Drain Resources For rural homeowners with septic systems (which interface with the building's drain-waste system), the HomeASyst program provides extension-service-quality guidance on septic maintenance, inspection, and when the drain system's behavior indicates a failing septic field rather than a drain clog. Particularly relevant for Dave Kowalski-type homeowners navigating the intersection of indoor plumbing and private waste disposal systems.