PLUMBING DESIGN by the NUMBERS

By James E. Stenqvist, CPD

Storm Drainage Components

A buildings storm drainage components consist of numerous styles of roof drains, overflow drains, roof receptors, promenade drains, parking area drains, planter drains, siphonic drains, downspout nozzles, downspout boots, and scupper drains. Knowing the architectural intent of the roof design and type of roof ensures that the correct components are specified. Typical types of roof installations are concrete roof decks without insulation, thick concrete roof decks with insulation, steel deck with insulated built-up roof, precast concrete deck, and above-grade concrete deck (see Figure 1). Working with the structural engineer to tackle the secondary drainage requirements helps determine if scuppers, overflow drains, or spilling over the roof edge to provide a second means of roof drainage in the event of the primary system being clogged is necessary. A roof drain consists of three basic parts: the strainer, the flashing ring with gravel stop, and the drain body. The strainer materials vary. Personally, I dislike the use of PVC as a strainer material because Ive surveyed too many roofs where PVC strainers are missing, cracked, or damaged. Once the strainer is gone, the storm piping is susceptible to clogging, which can lead to roof failure. Figure 2 Typical main roof drain Figure 3 Flow control roof drain

Storm Drainage Components A typical main roof drain (see Figure 2) is usually 36 inches outlet diameter, and high-capacity drains are typically 812 inches outlet diameter. The large open area dome permits an unobstructed flow. The outlet type can be caulk, threaded, or no-hub. Specify a drain sump to prevent the intrusion of debris, adjustable extension, and a locking mechanism to secure the dome. When using a flow control roof drain (see Figure 3), specify a minimum of two drains. Limit the roof area to 25,000 square feet per weir opening. There should be a 50-foot maximum distance from the edge of the roof to the drain, a 50-foot maximum distance from the end of the valley to the drain (for sloped roofs), and a 200foot maximum distance between drains. Factor in wind effect when locating the drains and determining the number.

A gutter or cornice roof drain (see Figure 4) is a roof drain for installation in gutters, cornices, balconies, and other overhanging construction to prevent overflow to areas below. Its flat strainer does not obstruct traffic. It can have a low dome to intercept debris in gutters and valleys or a high dome when high levels of debris are present. These drains are available with bottom, side, or 45-degree outlets. An overflow drain (see Figure 5) should be specified to prevent the overloading of roofs where the building code calls for a specific maximum water buildup depth. Overflow drains should drain separately from the primary system. Discharge shall Figure 4 Gutter or cornice roof drain

Figure 1 Types of roof installation Any Insulated Deck Promenade Finished Deck

Figure 5 Overflow drain

Poured Concrete

Precast Deck

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Figure 6 Roof receptor

Siphonic Roof Drains. An air baffle prevents air from entering the piping system at peak flow. The piping system is designed to operate with the piping completely filled during a rainstorm. A parapet roof drain (see Figure 9) serves as a scupper drain allowing drainage through parapet walls. The sleeve may be flashed at the parapet wall and is held firmly in place by the adjustable wall flange. Figure 9 Parapet roof drain

Figure 11 Downspout nozzle

be above grade, and the discharge location shall be where normally observed. Specify a roof receptor (see Figure 6) for indirect waste. Roof receptors are used to receive wastewater from air conditioning units, cooling towers, and other mechanical devices (check with local codes as these wastes may need to discharge to sanitary). The 2-inch-high solid water dam prevents normal rainwater from entering the waste line. Typically, roof receptors are cast iron, with bottom outlets in 2-inch to 6-inch diameters. An area drain (see Figure 7) is used for flat parking areas, exterior courtyards, and roofs with decks for recreational purposes. Area drains are available with cast iron bodies with cast iron, ductile iron, or nickel bronze grates for pedestrian, vehicular, or heavy vehicular traffic. Outlet configurations are side and bottom outlet. A siphonic roof drain (see Figure 8) should be tested and certified in accordance with ANSI/ASTM A112.6.9: Figure 7 Area drain

Figure 12 Downspout boot

The body material can be galvanized or cast iron, available in 4-inch diameter outlets. Scupper drains (see Figure 10) are used at specific angles at the junction of the roof and parapet with connection to an outside conductor. A convex grate allows ample drainage area if the sides become clogged with debris. The clamping arrangement ensures watertight assembly. The body material can be galvanized or cast iron, available in 2-inch through 6-inch diameter outlets. Figure 10 Scupper drain to underground cast iron soil piping. Its sturdy cast iron construction protects the lower part of the exposed downspout from damage. Typical sizes are 4 by 3 inches, 5 by 4 inches, and 4 inches square. Ackowledgement All photos in this article were supplied by Jay R. Smith Manufacturing Company.
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Figure 8 Siphonic roof drain

A downspout nozzle (see Figure 11) is used as a parapet overflow or at the base of a wall where a concealed leader discharges rainwater to the ground. The nozzle design diverts water away from the building, eliminating wall stains. The wall flange covers the rough opening and serves as an anchor. The body and flange are cast bronze. A downspout boot (see Figure 12) is used as a transition piece for connecting a sheet metal, exposed downspout

James Stenqvist, CPD, is a project engineer with Diversified Technology Consultants in North Haven, Conn. For more information or to comment on this article, e-mail articles@psdmagazine.org. This article is meant to provide some basic guidelines. Always check all relevant codes and resources for a particular project.

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