What distinguishes soil stacks from waste stacks?

The distinction between soil stacks and waste stacks primarily revolves around the types of materials they carry within a plumbing system. Soil stacks specifically handle the discharge of human waste, including fecal matter, along with any associated water. This makes them essential for the proper disposal of sanitary waste, as they are constructed to manage heavier loads of solids and the liquids that accompany them.

On the other hand, waste stacks deal primarily with greywater, which consists of wastewater from sources like sinks, showers, and dishwashers, and does not include fecal matter. Understanding this critical difference is vital for plumbing design, as it informs decisions regarding system sizing, venting, and overall waste management in a building.

Thus, soil stacks are characterized by their role in collecting and transporting fecal matter, whereas waste stacks are designated for material that does not contain solids. This distinction is foundational to the proper design and implementation of plumbing systems in both residential and commercial settings.