Maintenance issues associated with low-flow water managed systems.

Understanding water management systems

Potential risks of pipe blockages and increased long-term maintenance costs.

Whilst designed to conserve water, due to several factors, low-flow urinal water management systems can in fact accelerate the risk of pipe blockages, which leads to increased long-term maintenance costs.

Factors to be aware of

What you need to know

Factors contributing to pipe blockages

- Low volume of water: Low-flow systems use less water per flush, which may not be sufficient to carry all the urine and other residues through the plumbing system effectively.
- Reduced flushing power: The reduced water flow can result in incomplete flushing, leaving behind deposits that can accumulate over time.
- Urine solids: Urine contains uric acid and other solids that can crystallize and adhere to the walls of the pipes.
- Build-up over time: With less water to dilute and wash away these solids, they can build up more quickly, leading to blockages.
- Nutrient-Rich Environment: Urine provides nutrients that can encourage the growth of bacteria and the formation of biofilms inside pipes.
- Biofilm Accumulation: Biofilms can reduce pipe diameter and restrict water flow, exacerbating blockages.
- Hard Water: In areas with hard water, minerals such as calcium and magnesium can precipitate out of the water and form scale inside the pipes.
- Scale Formation: Lower water volumes and flow rates can increase the likelihood of mineral scale build-up.
- Inadequate Pipe Slope: Proper slope is essential for gravity to assist in flushing waste through the system. Low flow systems may not generate enough force to compensate for less-than-ideal pipe slopes.
- Pipe Diameter: Older plumbing systems with narrow pipes may be more prone to blockages when retrofitted with low flow urinals.

Factors creating maintenance challenges

- More frequent cleaning: Pipes may require more frequent cleaning and maintenance to remove build-up and prevent blockages.
- Chemical cleaners: More frequent use of chemical cleaners may be necessary to break down uric acid crystals and biofilm, increasing maintenance costs and potential environmental impacts.
- Mechanical cleaning: In severe cases, mechanical cleaning methods such as snaking or hydro jetting may be needed to clear blockages, adding to labour and equipment costs.
- Increased labour: Maintenance staff may need to spend more time monitoring and addressing issues in low flow systems compared to traditional systems.
- Chemical damage: Frequent use of harsh chemical cleaners can potentially damage pipes and plumbing fixtures over time.
- Invasive cleaning methods: Mechanical cleaning methods, while effective, can be invasive and risk damaging older plumbing systems.
- Functionality: A low flow system requires continuous review to ensure the power supply is working and all flush restricting solenoid valves are fully operational, often they are found removed from the system anyway or simply let the water flow by.
- Liability: Once such a system has caused a urinal to block additional wet floor slip and trip hazards occur – water will continue to flow over the bowl onto the floor until remedial action is taken.

It’s little known that when water and urine combine this causes pipe build-up and blockages, something that’s exacerbated by low-flow urinal water management systems.