Creating Lines
[Building Your Drainage System]
Automatic Line Creation: In DrainPlan, lines are automatically created between chambers. As you place, move, or adjust chambers, the lines adjust seamlessly to maintain their connections.
Line Direction: By default all lines will be downstream, to create an upstream you can use the spacebar to change direction (See next section).
Choose Line Type:
Navigate to the "Drainage" tab in the top left menu.
Select from either "Foul Line", "Combined Line," or "Storm Line".
Enter Edit Mode:
Upon selecting a line type, you will enter "Edit Mode", a transparent chamber will follow your cursor within the viewport.
You can use Chamber HotKeys to dynamically change the style/type.
Place Chambers:
Use the Left Mouse Button to place chambers onto the canvas,
As you place chambers, a line will automatically be created between them.
Create Bends:
Utilize the Right Mouse Button to add bends, enabling you to create slight diversions. This can also be used if you do not wish to show chambers.
Exit Edit Mode:
Once you've finished placing chambers and creating your drainage lines, press the 'Enter' key to exit Edit Mode and stop placing chambers.
Note: Once you have finished creating your line, you can always move, remove or add more chambers later.
Creating From Chamber
[Branching From Chamber]
To expand your drainage system and add upstreams or downstreams from existing chambers, follow these steps:
Exiting Edit Mode:
Ensure you are out of 'Edit Mode' by pressing the 'Enter' key. This allows you to interact with existing chambers.
Locating Existing Chamber:
Hover the mouse cursor over an existing chamber where you want to add an upstream or downstream line.
Prompt for Adding Line:
A prompt will appear next to the chamber, indicating the option to add a line. Look for the "+" symbol.
Entering Edit Mode from Chamber:
Select the prompt to enter 'Edit Mode' from this specific chamber.
Transparent Line and Chamber:
Upon entering 'Edit Mode,' you'll see a transparent line extending from the chamber you hovered over. A transparent chamber will follow your mouse cursor within the viewport.
Direction of Line:
Notice an arrow on the line, indicating the direction of the line. You can flip the direction of the arrow using the "Spacebar" to create an upstream or downstream line. This action must be done before placing the first chamber from the chamber you hovered over.
Exiting Edit Mode:
Once you've finished adding the upstream or downstream line and creating bends, exit 'Edit Mode' by pressing the 'Enter' key again.
Connecting to Chamber or Line
[Creating Connections]
You can attach the lines you are drawing to another drainage system, allowing you to link multiple systems. Here's how:
Connecting to an Existing Chamber:
While in 'Edit Mode,' instead of placing a chamber or bend, you can attach the line directly to an existing chamber. Simply left-click an existing chamber to make the connection if it's valid. This action will take you out of 'Edit Mode' and establish the connection. Note that you cannot connect to the system you are currently drawing on.
Connecting to Lines for Blind Connection/Junction:
While in Edit Mode, left-click an existing line to initiate a blind connection. You will then be able to position the blind connection point precisely where needed. Left-click again to confirm, and this action will take you out of Edit Mode and create the blind connection.
Creating Aco Drain
[Adding Aco Drain]
To create an Aco Drain in DrainPlan, follow these steps:
Selecting Aco Drain:
Navigate to the "Drainage Tab" in the top left menu.
Select "Aco" to enter edit mode.
Placing Aco:
While in edit mode, you will see the Aco Drain you are trying to place following your mouse in the viewport.
Use the "R" key to rotate the Aco if needed.
Left-click to place the Aco.
Drawing Lines from Aco:
Once placed, select the small blue dot inside the Aco to begin drawing lines from the Aco.
Connect this line to an existing system if desired.
Creating Gully, RWP, SVP, and Node
[Adding Drainage Elements]
To create Gully, RWP, SVP, or Node in DrainPlan, follow these steps:
Selecting Gully, RWP, SVP, or Node:
Navigate to the "Drainage Tab" in the top left menu.
Select "Gully," "RWP," "SVP," or "Node" to enter edit mode.
Placing Gully, RWP, SVP, or Node:
While in edit mode, place the Gully, RWP, SVP, or Node on your drawing canvas by left-clicking.
These elements work similarly, automatically creating a line from them.
Chamber HotKeys
[Adjust Chamber Style/Type While Placing]
New Feature: You can change the chamber type/style whilst placing using the Chamber HotKeys.
Choose Line Type:
Navigate to the "Drainage" tab in the top left menu.
Select from either "Foul Line", "Combined Line," or "Storm Line".
Enter Edit Mode:
Upon selecting a line type, you will enter "Edit Mode."
In Edit Mode, a transparent chamber will follow your mouse cursor within the viewport.
Use Chamber Hotkeys:
You can now change the type of Chamber using the hotkeys displayed in the top left corner of your screen.
All Hotkeys
M | Manhole (Square, Circle, Triangle) |
I | Inspection Chambers (Square, Circle, Rectangle) |
G | Gully (Storm Gully,, Sink Gully) |
R | RWP (Rain Water Pipe) |
S | SVP (Soil Vent Pipe) |
O | Outfall (HW) |
H | Hide (No Chamber) |