Water is vital to survival and the function of humanity. Drains are no different. The function of drains, just like humanity requires water. In essence, water is great! But have you ever wondered how water impacts your drains?
You only have to look at the landscape of the planet to witness the vandalism water causes. This patient, long-term delinquent not only impacts the planet but also plays havoc with your drains and does so in a much shorter time.
Threats water poses…
There are many different ways water impacts your drainage system. The biggest assault is caused by the type of water in your area.
Hard water contains large amounts of dissolved minerals that solidify begin to build up in the pipe. This results in limescale. The same happens to showerheads and taps in your home. The build-up in your drains then catches other contents from your drains meaning the blockage gets bigger and bigger. Unfortunately, there is little you can do about the hardness of your water unless you have a spare desalination plant handy.
Another threat water poses is erosion. Unfortunately, pipes are not as strong as the ancient stone that covers the landscape therefore the damage water causes doesn’t happen over millions of years but much, much quicker. Almost exactly millions of years sooner. In fact, compared to stone it is in a blink of an eye.
What causes erosion?
Firstly, the pH balance of the material heading down your drains. Water has a pH of 7 with the highest alkaline score being 14 and the most acidic being 1. If the balance is off, then your pipes could be at risk. Some cleaning products can result in an imbalance and end up corroding your pipes. So maybe use the chemicals sparingly.
The temperature and the speed of the material can make a huge difference to your drains. Boiling water can weaken the pipes making them more susceptible to bursting. The pressure within the pipe impacts the speed of the material. The faster the material moves, the faster it erodes the pipes.
The part of the pipe that is most at risk…
Bends in the drain are most at risk as the material is changing direction and putting more pressure on the edge of the pipe compared to travelling straight.
What is the best way to protect your pipes?
Firstly, check the pH of your water. Don’t put too many harsh chemicals down the drain and keep the balance between 6.5 and 8.5pH.
But the easiest way to protect your pipes is by keeping them clean. Avoid pushing chunks of food through the plughole of your kitchen sink, don’t throw cat litter into the toilet, and reduce the amount of hair washing away in the shower.
Using a CCTV drainage inspection allows you to spot problems before they become a major issue. It also provides an opportunity to clean your pipes, thus reducing the pressure resulting from a build-up of material.
How we can help…
We at Origin Drainage and Plumbing aim for 100% customer satisfaction, helping your drainage system flow freely. Our experts provide a 24/7 emergency service along with fixing any drainage problem you may have by using top-quality equipment such as CCTV drain inspection and drain jets.
Get in touch today if your drains need assistance.
