Why and how is pipe cleaning important?
Are you tackling sewer issues? Do you need a sewer cleaned? Read on to learn why cleaning is important and what other work it involves.
Why and how should sewer pipes be cleaned on a regular basis?
A blocked siphon or drainpipe in the bathroom is a common issue and the remedy is relatively simple. But how do you clean the pipes in sewer systems that are difficult to reach? How do you know that a pipe needs cleaning when it is deep below the ground?
Public sewers are similar to home drainpipes in many respects. They can become blocked at any time and cause major problems. The possible reasons are manifold:
- Foreign objects
- Sediment clogging
- Incline of the pipe too mild
- Roots blocking the pipe
- Fat blocking the pipe
- Broken pipe
- Failure of a pump in the liquid waste pumping system
- Aggregation of dry deposit on pipe walls
- Incompetent sewer installation
Repairs are easy in home environments. However, if we are talking about extensive and complex sewer systems, that is, with profiles ranging from DN 100 to DN 600 mm, cleaning the pipes requires professional assistance.
Pipe cleaning usually forms part of sewer inspection jobs as it is necessary to first identify the cause and this cannot be done without the pipes being clean.
Pipe cleaning using pressurised water is the first thing to do
If there is a defect in a sewer, it is preferable to identify it visually. Just launching a camera or a robot into the pipe right away would be inefficient. Firstly, the sewer must be cleaned with pressurised water, removing all the obstacles and sediments that could obstruct the camera and prevent it from identifying the issue.
Everything may turn out to be just fine once the pipe has been cleaned and inspected, but usually, a major intervention is required.
Inspection follows pipe cleaning
Even when the pipe is clean, the job is not completely done. Hardened sediments and other foreign objects can cause damage to the pipe, which should be identified and then rectified (standard cleaning methods will not always remove the obstacles; if this is the case, sewer crawlers can be used to clear them).
Professional pipe cleaning companies use cutting-edge cameras. For smaller diameter pipes, cameras moved using push strings are suitable. In larger pipes, modern cameras capable of exploring the cleaned pipe thoroughly are pressed into service.
When pipe cleaning is not enough…
As we explained in the previous section, pipe cleaning alone is often not enough to eliminate the problem. Sewer inspection will uncover problem spots, and then it is the time to use a technology that will solve the issue.
Trenchless technologies will elegantly tackle most pipe defects
Remote-controlled robotic devices can complete most piping repairs. Each sewer crawler is adapted to perform a specific activity. Some robots prep the pipes for rehabilitation, others can remove obstacles or open service pipe inlets covered over in the process. The robots are controlled by operators from specialised vehicle cabins.
The next step is trenchless pipe rehabilitation which is cost-effective as well as less restrictive in terms of traffic and quality of life in municipalities.
It pays if the firm offers other services in addition to pipe cleaning
If you require efficient and comprehensive care for sewers, it pays to invite a company that possesses the adequate equipment and offers you comprehensive services. This will be reflected in reduced costs of cleaning, monitoring and other work completed within the piping.