Drains in older buildings
Understanding the drainage systems in traditional buildings is crucial for their long-term preservation. Having dealt with so many problems over the decades; don't be a fool: out of sight doesn't mean they're not there. Always Explore the specifics of traditional drains, common challenges, and essential maintenance practices, before you end up crying.
Vitreous clay drains
When considering drains installed as part of the construction of older buildings, vitreous clay drains are a common feature to us. These durable pipes were widely used for their strength and resistance to chemicals. However, their age and construction can lead to specific, and expensive issues.
Common issues
Vitreous clay drains, while robust, are susceptible to damage over time, let's be simple: your not buying a new house wit plastic drains. Cracks, shifts, and blockages are prevalent, often leading to bigger, and often expensive problems if left unchecked.
Root system intrusions
One of the most frequent and destructive problems for older drainage systems is encroachment by tree and plant root systems. These roots seek out moisture, easily penetrating small cracks and joints, often causing blockages, and significant damage.
So obviously think about what you're 'putting down the loo'
Inspection and maintenance
Regular inspection and proactive maintenance are essential for extending the life of vitreous clay drains. Early detection of issues can prevent costly repairs and preserve the integrity of your building.
Be under no illusions, all drainage forms part of the groundwork on any construction project, so obviously a huge amount of work, involving diggers, dumpers, muck away grab lorries etc, can sometimes be a fright to your bank statement, and quite intrusive to your living in your home, if repairs are discovered when a heavy house is sitting in the way. Do you really need that climber panted, or that Budleia bush planted near you home just because it attracts butterfly's?
Protecting your heritage
Ensuring the functionality of your drainage system is paramount to protecting the structural integrity and historical value of your period or listed building.
Why roots are a problem
Root systems from nearby trees and shrubs are a significant threat to vitreous clay drains. Ehilst you may just thinkmthey take away what you don't want, vegetation roots systems are d rawn to the moisture within pipes, they can infiltrate tiny cracks, causing expansion, and cause extensive damage, leading to blockages and leaks. This can often compromise the foundations and overall structure of your property.
The importance of CCTV surveys
For any building owner concerned about their drains, especially in older properties, a CCTV survey is invaluable.
The equipment needed is edging towards £10,000 to buy, but it will provide GPS coordinates of any issues found, making any excavations needed, to be easier. However it also provides a non-invasive, detailed, recordable internal inspection of your drainage system, revealing any hidden damage, root ingress, and potential blockages before they become critical. Always think about getting a CCTV survey done to diagnose issues accurately. Strangely enough We don't see many Armchair Experts Recommending this, but no doubt they will soon, thanks to our knowledge, afterall, this is what Armchairs were designed for, making money by sounding like these Expert's know what they're talking about 🤔.
