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    JMars's Avatar
    JMars Posts: 2, Reputation: 1
    New Member
     
    #1

    Jul 13, 2005, 10:34 AM
    Size of waste lines from toilet to main
    I have been told that 3-inch drain from a toilet achieves a better "swirling" action than larger 4-inch pipe, therefore helping to carry away solid wastes better. Is this true ? And if so, how far should I run before opening up to the main 4-inch waste line that exists my concrete slab ? :confused:
    speedball1's Avatar
    speedball1 Posts: 29,301, Reputation: 1939
    Eternal Plumber
     
    #2

    Jul 13, 2005, 10:47 AM
    Quote Originally Posted by JMars
    I have been told that 3-inch drain from a toilet acheives a better "swirling" action than larger 4-inch pipe, therefore helping to carry away solid wastes better. Is this true ? and if so, how far should I run before opening up to the main 4-inch waste line that exists my concrete slab ? :confused:

    "I have been told that 3-inch drain from a toilet acheives a better "swirling" action than larger 4-inch pipe"

    Whoever told you that? Using that logic reducing to 2" or 1 1/2" oughta give you one hellava flush.

    Code will allow you to rough in a toilet on the 1st. Or 2nd. Floor at 3 inches.
    However on a slab or basement under the cement you have to rough a toilet in at 4". Good luck, Tom
    JMars's Avatar
    JMars Posts: 2, Reputation: 1
    New Member
     
    #3

    Jul 13, 2005, 10:56 AM
    4" pipe it is !
    Thanks Tom, Something tells me I will be using this forum again. I think a lot of the self-help "Harry-Homeowner" books leave out details that make the difference between a job done right vs. a job... well you get the idea!
    Tjpen's Avatar
    Tjpen Posts: 1, Reputation: 1
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    #4

    Nov 8, 2010, 11:54 AM
    Equal volumes of water will flow differently through different diameters of pipe. A larger pipe will allow the water to run down the bottom of the pipe, like a gutter or trough, rinsing the bottom of the pipe but not the upper half, where material buildup can occur over time. A smaller diameter will force the fluid higher up the pipe walls where the drag will induce a more turbulent flow, helping to flush the whole of the pipe cross section.
    speedball1's Avatar
    speedball1 Posts: 29,301, Reputation: 1939
    Eternal Plumber
     
    #5

    Nov 8, 2010, 01:29 PM

    Hey Tjpen,
    We thank you for the input and you're correct about how water flows, however, you're responding to a five year old dead thread, Look in the upper left hand corner for the date and welcome to Th Plumbing Page. Stick around and answer questions, Regards, Tom

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