Conventional Gravity Sewer

Conventional Gravity Sewers are large networks of underground pipes that convey blackwater, greywater and stormwater from individual households to a centralized treatment facility using gravity (and pumps where necessary). The Conventional Gravity Sewer system is designed with many branches. Typically, the network is subdivided into primary (main sewer lines along main roads), secondary, and tertiary networks (network at the neighbourhood and household level). Conventional Gravity Sewers do not require onsite pretreatment or storage of the wastewater. Because the waste is not treated before it is discharged, the sewer must be designed to maintain self-cleansing velocity (i.e. a flow that will not allow particles to accumulate). A self-cleansing velocity is generally 0.6–0.75m/s. A constant downhill gradient must be guaranteed along the length of the sewer to maintain self-cleaning flows. When a downhill grade cannot be maintained, a pump station must be installed. Primary sewers are laid beneath roads, and must be laid at depths of 1.5 to 3m to avoid damages caused by traffic loads. Access manholes are placed at set intervals along the sewer, at pipe intersections and at changes in pipeline direction (vertically and horizontally). The primary network requires rigorous engineering design to ensure that a self-cleansing velocity is maintained, that manholes are placed as required and that the sewer line can support the traffic weight. As well, extensive construction is required to remove and replace the road above.

Relevant options

None of the options were relevant for Conventional Gravity Sewer.