What is scale and how can it affect your drains?
Scale, a common issue in areas with hard water, can significantly impair your drainage system by depositing mineral residues inside pipes. Let’s take a look at what scale is, how it forms, and the way it affects your drains.
Understanding scale in drainage system
Scale consists predominantly of calcium and magnesium minerals that accumulate along the interiors of your drainage pipes. This build-up occurs when rainwater saturated with these minerals filters through the ground and enters the domestic water system.
The impact of scale on drainage pipes
The gradual accumulation of scale can lead to two primary issues: the narrowing of the pipes and the creation of rough internal surfaces. Narrowed pipes restrict the flow of wastewater, increasing the likelihood of clogs and back-ups, while rough surfaces provide points where debris can accumulate, eventually leading to significant blockages.
Detecting and diagnosing scale with CCTV drain surveys
To effectively identify and assess the extent of scale within your pipes, a CCTV drain survey Nottingham from a specialist such as https://www.wilkinson-env.co.uk/drainage-services-cctv-surveys-midlands/cctv-drain-surveys/cctv-drain-surveys-nottingham/ is an invaluable tool. This technique involves inserting a small camera into your drainage system that relays live images to a monitor, allowing technicians to pinpoint areas affected by scale buildup.
Solutions for dealing with scale
The primary method for removing scale is through electro-mechanical descaling, which involves a rotating cutting head that scrapes the scale off the pipe walls. This head is attached to a cable and matches the diameter of your pipes to ensure thorough cleaning. After descaling, the debris is flushed out using high-pressure water jets, leaving the pipes clean and smooth.
Preventive measures and regular maintenance
Regular maintenance and periodic checks are essential to prevent scale from reaching levels that severely impact your drainage system. A drain survey can help monitor the condition of your pipes and catch scale buildup early, allowing for easier management and less frequent need for major descaling. Checkatrade explains how much such surveys cost.
Managing scale in your drains is crucial for maintaining the efficiency and longevity of your plumbing systems.
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