AKF - Bulletins - Plumbing Infrastructure

Plumbing Infrastructure

It's not uncommon to pick up a newspaper today and read of the rupture of a water main that was installed 100 years ago. Similarly, sanitary sewer line blockages or storm water catch basins that drain little or no water are not unusual occurrences. These events are symptoms of the neglect and aging of our infrastructure system.

Relating this issue to an existing building, we can identify some of the symptoms of a failing plumbing infrastructure. Unlike many mechanical and electrical systems which provide comfort or convenience, the failure of a plumbing infrastructure system can render a property uninhabitable until repairs are made. It is important to be able to identify the symptoms and early warning signs of a failing plumbing infrastructure so that a master plan for modernization and/or replacement can be developed and implemented.

Some of the early warning signs include:

Discoloration of Water
Complaints of Water Odor or Taste
Reduction in Water Pressure or Flow
Slow Running Drains
Reoccurring Stoppages in Drain Lines
Increased Water Damage From Leaks
Difficulty in Operating Control Valves
Increased Repairs or Maintenance of Equipment

The development of a master plan starts with a survey to assess the extent and condition of the existing systems and in many instances will recreate the systems "on paper". The investigation can include such procedures as water quality analysis, pipe sampling and analysis, ultrasonic thickness testing of pipe and pressure vessels, video inspection of drainage lines, smoke and dye tests for drainage lines and systems, and equipment performance tests. Once the systems are documented and their condition verified, remedial solutions and associated costs can be developed.

The following are some examples of actions that may be taken:

Replacement of sections or an entire piping system.
Replacement/repair of pumps, filters and water heaters.
By-pass defective piping sections and resupply with new services.
Chemical treatment of the piping systems.
Increase system operating pressures with new pump systems or modify existing ones.
Physically clean and reline piping systems.

It should also be noted that some of the warning signs stated earlier may not indicate a plumbing infrastructure that is failing, but may also be indicative of one that is incapable of meeting the demands placed upon it. A building's plumbing infrastructure is designed based on use and occupancy. As the use and occupancy change with new owners or new tenants, so may the demands on the plumbing infrastructure. Increases in domestic hot and cold water usage, sanitary discharge and natural gas usage can overtax the building systems resulting in poor performance, or worse, failure.

As with most mechanical problems the longer the condition is allowed to exist the worse the problem will become and the higher the cost to correct the situation. Neglecting a failing infrastructure can only complicate the remedy. Quick decisive action and the implementation of a master plan, over several years, will reduce the risk of complete system failure, limit surprises and control costs.