EN 12056 - European Gravity Drainage Systems Standard
EN 12056 is the European standard for gravity drainage systems inside buildings. It provides harmonized design and sizing methods for sanitary drainage, rainwater, and wastewater systems across EU member states.
Overview
EN 12056 is a European Standard (CEN standard) that establishes requirements for gravity drainage systems inside buildings. Published by the European Committee for Standardization, EN 12056 consists of multiple parts covering different drainage types: EN 12056-1 (General and performance), EN 12056-2 (Sanitary pipework), EN 12056-3 (Roof drainage), EN 12056-4 (Wastewater lifting plants), and EN 12056-5 (Installation and testing). The standard provides calculation methods for pipe sizing using discharge unit values, addresses venting requirements, specifies gradients and materials, and establishes testing procedures. EN 12056 is applicable to residential, commercial, and industrial buildings throughout the European Union. The standard coordinates with national drainage regulations and building codes in member states. It emphasizes system performance, proper ventilation to prevent trap seal loss, and provisions for inspection and maintenance. Updated periodically through CEN processes, EN 12056 ensures consistent drainage design practice across Europe while accommodating national variations.
Key Features
- Discharge unit method for drainage pipe sizing calculations
- Sanitary pipework design including soil stacks, branches, and venting
- Rainwater drainage from roofs including siphonic systems
- Wastewater lifting plant (pump station) specifications
- Pipe gradients, materials, and jointing requirements
- Testing procedures for drainage system integrity
- Ventilation requirements to maintain trap seals
- Access provision for inspection and maintenance
Applicability
EN 12056 is primarily used by:
- Drainage engineers and designers throughout EU member states
- Plumbing contractors for above-ground drainage installation
- Building services consultants for drainage system specification
- Civil engineers for coordinating internal and external drainage
- Building control authorities for plan approval and inspection
- National standards bodies incorporating into local building codes
- Architects for coordinating drainage layouts
- Product manufacturers for drainage components and systems
Geographic Application: Harmonized European standard applicable across EU member states. Individual countries adopt EN 12056 and reference it within national building regulations and plumbing codes.
Comparison Notes
- Discharge unit method - Similar to IPC/UPC fixture unit approach but with European values
- Harmonized across EU - Single calculation method unlike varied US state/regional codes
- Siphonic drainage included - Comprehensive coverage of modern rainwater systems
- Metric sizing - European pipe sizes and gradients
- Integrated with EN 806 - Coordinates with water supply standards for complete plumbing system
Official Source: https://standards.iteh.ai/catalog/standards/cen/088a66a8-3c7e-4a43-bdf9-174a264a3ae4/en-12056-1-2000