The quality of life in a tower block depends on several factors, one of which is effective drainage. The drainage system in a building is often overlooked, but it plays a crucial role in ensuring that residents are comfortable and safe. Poor drainage can result in a range of problems, from unpleasant smells and minor leaks to complete flooding of homes.
Understanding the Importance of Drainage in High-Rise Buildings
The drainage system in a high-rise building comprises a network of pipes that carry waste to the sewer system. The system is designed to ensure that waste flows away from the building and does not accumulate in the pipes.
If blockages occur, this may lead to backups, resulting in leaks into the residents’ homes. Tracing these leaks and faults within a high-rise building can be challenging, as access to the riser areas is not always possible, and the waste may ingress a resident’s home, many floors below where it originated from.
Engaging a Specialist Manufacturer for High Rise Buildings
Surveying the drainage system in a high-rise building is a complex and challenging task that requires expertise and experience.
Where surveys are carried out, detailed reports should include photographic evidence, ultrasonic readings, and an indication of lifespan so that a capital investment plan and budgets can be put in place for the most urgent works, before issues escalate.
Common Drainage Problems in High-Rise Buildings
One of the most common is where runout connections to the main stacks have failed. Gaining access to repair these connections may be challenging for plumbers, and often the fittings are obsolete. Repairs teams may be faced with little choice but to carry out temporary repairs, using bandaging tape. These temporary repairs generally end up being left in place for many years.
Drainage Solutions for High-Rise Buildings
A drainage specialist can assess the condition of the drainage system and recommend the best course of action. Where a building requires a completely new system, pre-assembled SVPs are the best option, as they can be installed quicker, meaning the residents do not need to be rehomed while the work is undertaken. Located within common riser areas, these replacement SVP products should not pose a risk of fire spread, and so installing an A1 Fire Rated product gives peace of mind to residents and building managers. Longevity should also be considered to ensure they continue to serve the building for many more decades, therefore, choosing the right system is crucial.
For more information visit: www.pambuilding.co.uk/stack-replacement