Period homes have a different charm. The Victorian architecture, the sash windows and the thick walls tell a different story. However, drainage can be a challenging issue in these old and aged properties. These properties were built long before, and hence they have underdeveloped pipework and traditional drainage systems, which have deteriorated with time. For such drainage in Stoke on Trent, get in touch with professionals who can help with drainage problems of the old properties. Here are the common drainage problems that might occur in old properties.
What are the common drainage issues occurring in old properties?
Fragile pipework
Many older homes still run on clay, cast iron, or pitch-fibre pipes. The clay joints can crack or slip, and the whole drainage system can get damaged. Similarly, with the iron drainage system, the chances and risks of corrosion are high. When the pipework gets corroded, the drains get blocked. In the clay-based drains, the subsoil gets washed away, which results in repeated blockages.
You might hear frequent gurgling coming from these drains. You will also encounter smelly patches around the drain. Major restoration is required to fix these types of drains.
Root ingress and ground movements
As a property ages, the trees around the property mature as well. Mature trees thrive in old joints and hairline cracks. Roots go deep inside the ground in search of moisture and damage the drainage system of the building. The roots choke the drainage pipe, especially after heavy rainfall. You can find such blockages in the drains of the old properties.
Under-sized drainage pipes
Often, the older properties are built across older sewer systems that carry dirty water and rainwater together. During a cloud burst, this system of combined pipe work stops working when the wastewater, along with the rainwater, is pushed along the drainage pipes.
Misconnections and alterations
In older properties, the drainage system repair and replacement were done through a DIY method. Decades of DIY methods can leave bath, kitchen and appliance waste in the drainage pipes. With the help of modern-day drainage systems, these issues can be resolved immediately.
Risks of drain wall collapse
Since most of the drains of the older properties were made with clay and concrete, there is always a risk of the sudden collapse of the drain walls due to the pressure of wastewater flowing through them. Moreover, you will face issues like constant ponding at the outlets, algae growth on the wall surfaces and damp in the property due to the damaged drains.
Problems with the soakaway
Soakaways in the old properties clog with time and push the roof water back towards the walls. This makes the gutter overflow even during the normal monsoon season. This also prevents the water from tracking across the paths into the house. Thus, a damaged soakaway can lead to foundational issues in the property. New properties are constructed in compliance with these factors so that the soakaways work properly.
Do you need expert help with drainage for old houses? Get in touch with Glyn Walley Groundworks Ltd. We offer a range of drainage services, including repair and replacement of all types of drains. Contact us for more information.