What Causes Drainage Problems at Educational Sites?

Drainage problems are an inconvenience at any property, however, when they occur at an education site, they go from being a nuisance to a substantial problem that can impact hundreds of students and staff.

In order to prevent drainage problems in schools, colleges and universities, it’s important to understand just what causes them. That’s why the experts here at 1st Call Drain Clearance & Technical Services have written the article, so you know what to look out for at your school, college or university.

Lack of education

One of the most common problems to occur at education sites is blocked drains. Most blocked drains are self-inflicted and caused by people who are, intentionally or otherwise, misusing the facilities. Many items, such as wet wipes, food packaging, rolled-up paper and more, are disposed of improperly, and a lack of awareness about just what can be flushed away may contribute to this problem. It’s important to educate both students and staff on the importance of proper waste disposal, and displaying clear signage may help to combat this problem.

Excessive use

Think about how many people pass in and out of the average educational site every single day — from teachers and students to visiting lecturers and administrative staff. This places a huge strain on the drains and might result in more waste than the system can effectively handle; that’s why it’s crucial to enact proper maintenance to identify any issues as quickly as possible.

Outdated drainage systems

Unfortunately, many educational sites are equipped with outdated drainage systems — particularly if the building in question was built in the 1960s-1970s. During this time period, pitch fibre pipes were commonly used as a cheaper alternative to clay. However, these pipes are notorious for their structural weakness and can collapse completely when exposed to external pressure or hot substances. If your school or college is fitted with these pipes, they are a ticking time bomb and will likely require costly repairs in the near future.

Insufficient maintenance

With such repeated use, any school drainage system will experience wear and tear over time; that’s why regular maintenance is so important. However, most educational sites are incredibly busy environments and therefore scheduling drainage maintenance is a task that may be forgotten about. This presents a problem – particularly if any complications occur during the school holidays – as minor issues can develop and threaten the entire drainage infrastructure if left unaddressed.

How can you prevent drainage problems in schools?

Frequent drain cleaning: All manner of debris, soap scum, grease and more can accumulate in your drains, and over time, this can lead to blockages. By frequently cleaning your drains, you can prevent any clogs from forming and ensure that your pipes remain free of obstructions.

CCTV drainage survey: Using state-of-the-art cameras, a CCTV drainage survey will assess the condition of your drainage system and identify any cracks, leaks or blockages.

Frequent maintenance: By scheduling regular maintenance with a trusted company like 1st Call Drain Clearance & Technical Services, you can have peace of mind that any potential problems will be identified at an early stage, reducing the need for expensive repairs later down the line. Not only is this good for your budget, but it’s also beneficial for your students — if major drainage issues develop, this may result in disruption and even site closure.

Are you looking for help with drain maintenance at your school in Central London, Brentford or beyond? Here at 1st Call Drain Clearance & Technical Services, we offer a huge range of commercial drainage services that are sure to keep your educational site running smoothly — we even provide round-the-clock support for any drainage problem that just can’t wait.

Get in touch with us today to find out more. Do you still need more convincing? You can view our recent work in a local school here.