Sewer construction can entail several elements. Whether repairing, maintaining, or upgrading, you need to know what you are dealing with. There are several commonly seen types of installations, and each one has its pros and cons. The older methods are often being taken out of the ground, whereas the newer methods would be the most common choices for replacement. When you know what you are dealing with, you can understand the best way to approach your plumbing and ensure that all elements are as secure as they can be. Read on to find out a bit more about the common types of sewerage drainage.
Combined
The best place to start is with the system most often seen when replacing old plumbing and pipes. An older method with its flaws is seldom used today when regarding new installations; however, it can be found when needing repairs in some cases. These systems use a single pipe to carry wastewater and storm runoff water to wastewater plants or runoffs into the ocean. They are not commonly used anymore as, during times of heavy rain, it runs the risk of overflowing from too much water coming into the system at once. Because of this, new systems separate storm sewers from sanitary sewers. The combined system allows the wastewater from buildings and the storm runoff water to flow into the same pipe. The combined wastewater and stormwater flow toward the nearest treatment plant during dry weather and not into the river. While during wet weather, the increased runoff water combined with the wastewater from buildings is too much for the pipe to handle, and the result is that some of it spills out into the river and other connected waterways. The single pipe system has a limited capacity, and as soon as too much water enters the flow, it cannot be contained and can contaminate drinking water and flood onto streets.
Sanitary
Sanitary systems, on the other hand, are a part of the modern approach to these situations. They carry wastewater from homes and businesses to wastewater treatment plants through the pipes below the ground. They consist of pipes, manholes, and pumping stations, and their role is to maintain the quality of the water being delivered to the plant. When you flush the toilet or wash dishes in the kitchen sink, that water is carried away from your building through relatively small pipes to the mainline in the street or your septic system. These pipes are only large enough to carry toilet paper and human waste down into the main pipes. It continues through the system until it reaches the wastewater treatment facility, where it is treated to remove pollutants before returning to the environment. These systems can become troubled when more than the expected waste materials are flushed down them.
Storm Drains
Storm drains carry rainwater and any runoff from roofs and roads and channel it into streams, rivers, and other bodies of water. When it rains, the water makes its way into road top drains through manholes, pipes, storm drain inlets, open ditches, etc. This water is then carried away until it eventually flows directly into streams, rivers, and waterways without being treated in any facility. This is why you should never put any kind of hazardous waste down a storm drain. This includes things like paint, solvents, used motor oil, and cleaning liquids. They can damage rivers, lakes, wetlands, and even poison wildlife.
Sewer construction entails a range of skills and abilities that professional providers can bring to the table. With reliable experts, you can solve any issues or clogs without disrupting the system. Be sure to get in touch with our experts to find out all you need to know. Contact us today to find out more.