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When learning how to design a plumbing system for a house, it's helpful to know that ABS pipes have fallen out of favor because they are less safe and efficient compared to alternatives. ABS pipes are made from a chemical called bisphenol (BPA) that may cause neurological and hormonal effects. Due to the fact that it has a lower melting point, ABS can also be flammable in high-temperature situations. Finally, ABS is prone to warping caused by heat and UV exposure. It can also fracture in frozen conditions.

Pipes most often burst during winter and early spring because those seasons experience the coldest temperatures that can freeze pipes. Pipes typically begin to freeze when the outside temperature falls below 20 degrees Fahrenheit—but it’s not a hard and fast rule.

The largest risk is any period of time when outdoor temperatures fall below freezing for six hours or more. That’s an average winter night in many areas of the United States, so it’s best to take precautions before winter begins, like insulating your pipes.

Building codes don’t allow homeowners or businesses to run sewer pipes and water lines in the same trench for safety and environmental purposes. If the sewer line started leaking, it would risk contaminating the water supply to your house, which threatens the health of you and your family. These lines need to be in separate trenches and may need to be separated both horizontally by around 5 to 10 or more feet and vertically by 12 to 18 or more inches.

A sewer cleanout typically looks like a white or gray PVC pipe with a removable cap. It's often located either in your yard or basement, depending on your home's plumbing configuration. The cleanout pipe is designed to provide easy access to your sewer system for maintenance and inspections. It may be flush with the ground or slightly elevated, making it distinguishable from other pipes. When you remove the cap, you can access the sewer line directly or determine its direction, which can be helpful when you need to locate your sewer line from your house to the street.