Most people aren’t drainage experts, and not knowing the difference between a drain and a sewer is pretty understandable. However, these words aren’t exactly interchangeable. Drainage isn’t a synonym for sewerage, either. If you ask someone to install a sewer where you actually want a drain, don’t expect to live it down any time soon.
The Differences and Similarities
Let’s start with the differences:
- A sewer is specifically used for the transport of human waste. It has no other use. Please also be aware that in conversation, “the sewer” may also refer to a sewerage system or parts of that system.
- A drain can be used for a very wide variety of purposes, anything from storm drainage to transporting industrial chemicals, effluent, managing run-off, and many other types of drainage.
The similarities:
- In fairness, a sewer is a type of drain. It does drain waste, either to a treatment plant or to an outlet. On the other hand, it is such a specialised type of drain that it’s a bit like calling a garbage truck a car. They are both vehicles, but you couldn’t possibly mistake one for the other.
- Another, much less instantly apparent similarity is that sewers are generally part of a local area drainage and plumbing system. Sewers are after all connected to the local plumbing systems, and therefore in theory are part of a drainage system.
Sewers, Drains, and the Law
In legal terms, there are some pretty strict definitions and regulations of sewers and drains:
- Sewers are strictly regulated for hygiene and sanitation purposes. Any discharge of water from sewers into the water supply for the environment is a recipe for serious trouble. Untreated sewage can be a major health risk, with attendant penalties.
- Drainage is also regulated, and on pretty much the same basis. Discharge from drains may be considered pollution, particularly if it contains industrial chemicals, or other waste.
The big difference here is that regulations related to sewers and regulations related to drainage deal specifically with the type of materials carried by the two different systems. For obvious reasons, sewers are highly regulated because of their potential health risk. Drainage regulation may be covered by a local law, state law, environmental law, or other relevant statutory provisions.
Industrial and Infrastructural Sewers and Drains
In the industrial environment, and in infrastructure, sewers and drains may mean major local systems or branch systems connected to major systems. The distinction here is largely in scale, but please note that it’s important to understand the connections between the two systems.
If you operate an industrial business, you are expected to comply with all relevant regulations related to both sewerage and drainage. It sometimes happens that there are problems with both pipe systems, for example a fractured pipe may leak sewage into a drainage system. You can see why making the distinction between sewerage and drainage is so important.
Looking for Experts in Industrial Plumbing in Brisbane?
If you’d like some help with your sewerage and drainage systems in Brisbane, Electrical Plumbing Group (EPG) can provide all the services you need. Our industrial plumbers, are experts in problem-solving, system repairs, maintenance, and system installations. Call EPG in Brisbane on (07) 3823 1630 or contact us online to speak directly to a member of our team.
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