It could be argued that drainage technology hasn’t changed for thousands of years. Our toilets, sewers, drains etc would have been familiar to a Roman.

The only changes occurred after civilisations fell and we reverted to emptying chamber pots into open gutters, before people like the Victorians recreated the idea of drain and sewer networks.

However, despite the undeniable effectiveness of the traditional model, modern technology is being introduced that could revolutionise how we build and manage drain and sewage systems, bringing benefits in efficiency and lower costs to businesses and public bodies.

The challenges faced by commercial drainage systems

The dynamic nature of a commercial operation needs a drainage system capable of quick and regular waste disposal. Unlike domestic drainage systems, commercial drains have a wider variety of specific demands placed upon them:

  • Commercial systems are designed and built for large-scale establishments to cope with larger flow volumes, distances and levels of complexity. Commercial drains must be designed to withstand relentless demand and high traffic and must have greater load-bearing capacity.
  • The range of waste materials confronting commercial drains is much more varied, ranging from sewage to kitchen wastes to industrial waste and chemical byproducts.
  • The pattern of use will also vary, depending on the operating or open hours of the premises, as well as the type of user (both employees and customers). This puts irregular pressure on a system and creates specific cleaning and planned maintenance requirements.

This means that a DIY approach to maintaining a commercial drainage and sewage system will simply not be adequate or cost effective in the long run.

An innovative approach to drainage technology

A forward-looking approach, involving new technology and partnerships with professional, highly skilled maintenance specialists, will be critical for supporting uninterrupted operations.

Advanced drainage systems make use of innovations to manage drainage more effectively and sustainably, protecting both properties and the environment. A typical advanced-drainage-system might consist of a range of components, including pipes, water chambers, catch basins, manholes and filtration and treatment facilities that work together to manage waterflow.

Benefits of advanced technology in commercial drainage

Advanced drainage systems incorporating the latest technology offer a number of benefits over conventional systems:

Monitoring. Technology can enhance the operational and monitoring of the drainage system, ensuring the system remains clean and safe. Manual monitoring inside the manhole can be inefficient and expose staff to health risks; these can be mitigated through automation, featuring sensors and remote operating systems.

Intelligent management. Auto-drainage systems help reduce blockages in drains, improving efficiency and reducing the need for a physical presence in dangerous and unpleasant workplaces. Additionally, auto-drainage systems can provide real-time alert messages to operators, enabling a swift response to a problem building up and Internet of Things (IoT) technology is being applied to introduce automatic drainage cleaning.

Sustainability. An advanced drainage system collects, treats, transports and stores stormwater run-off from hard standings and roofs for intelligent re-use, which is becoming more important as rainfall becomes more inconsistent throughout the year.

Modern materials. We are often called out when older drainpipes, made of traditional materials such as clay or iron, have cracked or corroded. However, more modern materials such as PVC or PEX are being developed for properties such as strength, durability, environmental impact, fire or chemical resistance etc, reducing the burden of regular maintenance checks and pipe replacement, saving money and inconvenience.

The material used in a drainage system is relevant for the type of waste flowing through it, particularly in an industrial context. Specialist plastics resistant to certain chemicals can be planned into a build.

Applying advanced drainage solutions to support commercial and public customers

Advanced drainage technology can offer many long-term advantages for its initial investment, minimising downtime and cost while protecting the environment and your premises.

No matter the scale of your commercial needs, Drain and Sewage Services of offers a holistic service, from installation and regular maintenance to emergency call-outs, ensuring your business isn’t disrupted by drainage smells or flooding.

If you are responsible for a commercial property, contact Drain and Sewer Services on 01252 312738 or email info@drainandsewer.co.uk. for an obligation-free consultation and put your mind at rest.