Cast iron pipes were relatively often used in sewage systems due to their durability, lack of leaks and resistance to corrosion. The use of cast iron often caused problems. The specific structure of the metal makes scale formation a common phenomenon. Check what causes scale formation and how does it affect the patency of the sewage system?
Check out the sewer descalers at the Onninen wholesaler
Why does scale build up in cast iron sewers?
The reason for scale formation is the physicochemical properties of cast iron, and especially the porous surface covering the installation from the inside, which promotes the accumulation of minerals. Unfortunately, external sewage made of plastic is not always available. The cast iron sewage technology installed in older buildings causes hard water containing dissolved calcium and magnesium salts to accumulate on the inner walls of the pipes, causing hard-to-remove scale deposits. These deposits increase over time, contributing to damage to the valves and limiting the throughput of the pipes.
The tendency to deposit scale due to the uneven internal structure promotes the deposition of micro-pollutants. Cast iron pipe casings, also subject to the formation of scale layers, react in a similar way due to the impact of moisture. This phenomenon is highly undesirable from the point of view of the efficiency and capacity of the entire sewage system. Currently, PVC sewage pipes are gaining popularity, the smooth surface of which eliminates the risk of internal deposits.
How does scale build-up in water mains affect pipe water?
The accumulation of scale in sewage pipes has a significant impact on the quality and quantity of water flowing through them. As scale deposits grow inside the sewage pipe, the diameter of the pipeline becomes limited , which causes a reduction in the throughput and lower efficiency of the entire internal and external sewage system. This can also result in excessive moisture accumulation in places where the sediment is deposited, which leads to leaks and problems with the operation of valves in the installation.
By reducing the cross-section of the pipes and impeding the flow of water , scale increases the risk of failure in the network. The increase in pressure, necessary to maintain flow in narrower pipes, contributes to increased pump wear , which not only generates higher operating costs, but can also contribute to system failure. Ultimately, the possibilities of water drainage in various parts of the building or apartment are limited, which results in the need for expensive repairs to rooms and maintenance of the system.
For the installation to operate effectively, it is essential to select professional equipment for cleaning the sewage system and use materials for pipe maintenance. As a result, the risk of scale formation is minimized, which ensures that the sewage system is completely safe for the functioning of the building.
Nowadays, internal sewage systems consist of elements made of polypropylene, which has a positive effect on the capacity of the pipes themselves.
Effective prevention of scale formation and removal of deposits from the installation
The condition for preventing the accumulation of scale in cast iron pipes is to use several methods aimed at ensuring optimal protection of the sewage system.
The most effective remedies include:
- Regular pipe cleaning – usually, the installer uses a strong chemical for this purpose. Its effectiveness allows for the removal of mineral deposits even in hard-to-reach places. In extreme cases, the pipe is subjected to mechanical cleaning.
- Using water softeners – specialist water softening devices reduce the calcium and magnesium content, which helps limit the process of scale formation in the system.
- Regular inspections of the installation – regular inspections allow for early detection of scale and its removal before it leads to leaks or other problems.
In addition, cast iron installations are abandoning the use of old pipes, replacing them with newer cast iron pipes without sockets . They are distinguished by their design, which facilitates their installation in modern sewage systems. The lack of a socket makes them more flexible in installation, which minimizes the risk of leaks during operation . Despite these advantages, the need to take care of their patency remains a condition for the optimal functioning of the system. Cleaning and maintenance of cast iron pipes guarantee full capacity and efficiency of the installation for many years.
With proper care, cast iron drainage is resistant to various substances, but regular maintenance is necessary to prevent scale formation and increase flow efficiency.
The Onninen wholesale offer includes elements that make up modern water supply networks and connections , as well as a full range of high-strength pipes. The offer is enriched by professional advice from Onninen specialists, which allows you to choose the right components so that the installation works without failure for many years, ensuring safety and comfort of use.