What Does Interceptor Piping Mean In Construction?

What Does Interceptor Piping Mean In Construction?

Interceptor piping is a type of pipe that intercepts another drainage pipe or water prior to its final destination.

It is typically used in landfill membranes to intercept drainage water that would otherwise sit on the top of the membrane.

Interceptors are also used in sewage systems, where they are the largest pipes and convey wastewater by gravity to pump stations or treatment facilities.

They receive flows from trunk sewer lines and sometimes stormwater drainage systems.

Interceptor sewers are essential components of a sewer network, as they take collective flows from laterals, local lines, and trunk sewers and transport them to treatment facilities.

Traps, interceptors, and separators are also important features of a drainage system as they prevent odors from entering the building by maintaining a trap seal.

What Is The Function Of Interceptor Drain?

An interceptor drain is a drainage system that is installed to collect, channel and remove surface and subsurface water within permeable soil as it flows across an area.

It is commonly used to capture and hold fuels, oils, and chemicals that either get into surface water in residual amounts or could be discharged accidently in large amounts if not contained.

Interceptor drains are typically placed across a contour of a slight slope to allow the water to flow downhill.

They are commonly found in commercial or industrial sites such as petrol stations, car parks, production/manufacturing areas and storage facilities.

Maintenance of the interceptor drain is essential for it to work effectively and prevent unexpected flooding and emergency call-outs due to debris.

What Is The Difference Between Interceptor And Relief Drain?

The main difference between interceptor and relief drains is the purpose for which they are used.

Interceptor drains are used to intercept, reduce the flow, and divert surface or subsurface water away from an area.

They are often installed in hilly terrain where a water table is permanently located or “perched” above and separated from the normal groundwater table due to an impermeable layer.

Relief drains, on the other hand, are used to lower a high water table which is generally flat or of very low gradient.

They can be of open type or buried pipe type and are usually installed in a random pattern.

Relief drains provide lowering of the free water table on a continuing basis and can also be used to remove surface water.

How Does An Interceptor Trap Work?

An interceptor trap is a tank installed within pipework to collect and hold contaminants, allowing the remaining wastewater to be discharged safely into the main sewerage system.

Interceptor traps are typically found in commercial or industrial sites such as petrol stations, car parks, production/manufacturing areas and storage facilities.

Interceptor traps work by slowing down the flow of warm/hot greasy water and allowing it to cool.

As the water cools, the grease and oil separate from the water and settle at the bottom of the trap.

This is done by the water held in the trap which creates an airtight seal, but allows solids and liquids to flow through.

There are several types of interceptors; two main types are full retention interceptors and bypass interceptors.

Full retention interceptors are designed to be used in high-risk areas and treat the full flow of water passing through them.

Bypass interceptors are used in low-risk areas where only a portion of the water needs to be treated.

Interceptor traps can also be called oil separators, petrol interceptors or filter tanks. They must be maintained regularly by emptying and cleaning them out to ensure they remain effective.

What Is The Benefit Of Interceptor Piping?

The benefit of interceptor piping is that it increases the capacity of a sewer network by intercepting the flow from several trunk lines and transporting it to a wastewater treatment facility.

Interceptor pipes are also used to collect and hold contaminants, allowing the remaining wastewater to be discharged safely into the main sewerage system.

Additionally, they can be used in grease traps to slow down the flow of warm/hot greasy water and allow it to cool, allowing the grease and oil to separate from the water. This helps prevent clogged drains and backups caused by fat, oil, and grease.

What Happens If An Interceptor Trap Is Not Used?

If an interceptor trap is not used, the water from sinks, bathtubs, showers, lavatories, laundry tubs, floor drains, urinals, drinking fountains and other similar fixtures will not be properly filtered and could lead to clogs in the sewer system.

Interceptor traps are designed to separate out fats, oils and grease (FOG) from the water before it enters the sewer system. Without an interceptor trap in place, FOG can accumulate in the side sewers and cause clogs.

Interceptor traps should be regularly maintained to meet the 25% Rule – no more than 25%, by volume, of the trap or interceptor should accumulate of food and FOG.

If more than 25% of food and FOG accumulates in the trap or interceptor it should be cleaned or replaced. Failure to maintain an interceptor trap can result in clogged sewers and costly repairs.