What Is the Slope Needed on Toilet Pipes?

Toilet Waste Systems

Water enters the toilet waste system through the toilet flange, which is a plumbing fitting that serves the extra function of holding the toilet to the floor. From there it flows into the branch line which, depending on the configuration, usually has a bend to bring it almost horizontal. The branch line feeds into a T-fitting attached to the waste stack. The plumbing code limits the length of this branch line depending on the pipe diameter, and it can never be longer than 10 feet. The branch line must be vented to let air in and keep the water flowing.

Pipe Size and Water Flow

Plumbing waste pipes come in two diameters: 3-inch and 4-inch. While it seems logical that larger pipes would accommodate heavier water flow and more efficient waste disposal, the opposite is usually true. Water can more easily fill a smaller diameter pipe, and when the pipe is full, there is less chance of water flowing around the solid matter and leaving it behind. As a result, larger diameter pipes usually have to have a gentler slope to ensure that water flows slowly enough to bring the solids with it to the vertical stack. Once in the stack, both fall freely to the sewer.

Required Slope

Whereas if the slope of a toilet waste line is too steep, solid matter may be left behind; if it's too gentle, water won't flow quickly enough and solids will settle out. The plumbing code requires a minimum slope of 1/8 inch per foot of pipe, but it can be as high as 1/4 inch per foot. This means that the outlet for a 10-foot length of pipe should be 1 1/4 to 2 1/2 inches below the inlet. Larger diameter pipes require a gentler slope than smaller diameter ones, and the slope may have to be increased if the pipes are cast iron instead of plastic.

Blockages

Incorrect sloping of the brach waste line is one cause of frequent toilet blockages, but there are others. If the vents servicing the branch lines get blocked, a vacuum can develop inside them, holding the water back and allowing solid matter to settle out. It's a good idea to clear the vents by spraying water down the vent openings on the roof before you decide you need to re-plumb the waste lines. Blockages can also be the result of insufficient water released into the pipes by a low-flow toilet. In such cases, the pipes may be sloped correctly, but be too large.