Problems and Solutions in the Operation of Water Supply and Sewerage Systems

Water supply and sewerage systems are some of the most essential elements of any home or building. They provide comfort, hygiene, and convenience in daily life. However, like any other engineering systems, they may encounter various issues during operation. In this article, we will discuss the most common problems and provide practical advice on how to avoid or resolve them.

1. Low Water Pressure

Causes of the problem:

• Pipe clogging due to scale or corrosion buildup.
• Incorrect pipe diameter.
• Damage or wear to the water supply pump.
• Water leakage due to faulty connections or fittings.

Solution:

• Pipe cleaning. If water pressure has dropped, check for deposits in the pipes. You can use chemical cleaning agents or call specialists for mechanical cleaning.
• Pipe replacement. If the pressure issue is due to outdated pipes, consider replacing them with modern materials like polyethylene or multilayer pipes.
• Pump repair. Check the pump if you have an autonomous water supply system. A damaged pump may be causing insufficient pressure.
• Leak inspection. Check all connections and faucets for leaks. Even a minor leak can impact the system's overall pressure.

2. Frequent Sewer Clogs

Causes of the problem:

• Improper use (disposal of food waste, grease, large solid items into the sewer).
• Incorrect pipe slope, which hinders proper water flow.
• Pipe wear or damage.

Solution:

• Regular cleaning. To avoid clogs, it's recommended to periodically use special cleaning agents for sewer pipes. This will help remove grease, food residues, and other deposits.
• Mechanical cleaning. For serious clogs, use special tools like a plumbing cable or hydrojet cleaning.
• Grease trap installation. If the sewer frequently clogs with grease, install grease traps to prevent grease deposits from entering the pipes.
• Pipe slope check. Incorrect slope may cause frequent clogs. Consult a specialist who can assess the system and suggest slope adjustments if necessary.

3. Water Leaks

Causes of the problem:

• Damage to pipes or fittings.
• Incorrect installation of connections or fittings.
• Corrosion of metal pipes.

Solution:

• Replacement of damaged sections. If a water leak is found, quickly locate the damage and replace the defective section of pipe or fitting.
• Use of quality materials. To prevent future leaks, use only quality materials with high resistance to corrosion and mechanical damage.
• Regular system inspection. Periodically check the water supply and sewer systems, especially if they have been in operation for a long time.

4. Noise in Pipes

Causes of the problem:

• Poor pipe mounting.
• Water hammer due to abrupt faucet closure or improper pump operation.
• Presence of air in the pipes.

Solution:

• Pipe fastening. If pipes are not properly secured to walls or other structures, they may cause noise when water flows. Install additional or replace existing mounts.
• Water hammer protection. To prevent water hammer, install special devices – shock absorbers that soften sudden pressure changes in the system.
• Air removal from the system. If there is air in the system, it may cause noise. Simply "purge" the water supply system or call specialists for assistance.

5. Pipe Corrosion

Causes of the problem:

• High water aggressiveness (e.g., high acidity).
• Use of outdated or low-quality materials for the pipeline.
• Incorrect installation of protective coatings.

Solution:

• Use of modern materials. To avoid corrosion, replace metal pipes with modern polymer materials like PEX or polypropylene, which are resistant to corrosion.
• Water treatment. To reduce aggressive water effects, install water filters or pH regulators.
• Preventive replacement. If pipes are heavily corroded, consider replacing them to prevent future issues.

Conclusion

Proper operation and timely maintenance of water supply and sewer systems can help avoid many problems and extend their service life. Use quality materials, regularly inspect the system for damage, and don’t postpone repairs. If difficulties or malfunctions arise, it’s always best to consult professionals to avoid worsening the situation. And you can find quality fittings, pipes, and other engineering plumbing products on this website. The PLM brand offers quality products that help save your budget.