Clearing Stubborn Build-Up in Commercial Drains
In busy commercial buildings, it’s not unusual for pipework to show signs of wear over time. One issue we are often called out for is a gradual build-up of scale in the system, particularly as we live in a hardwater area. Unlike a standard blockage, this kind of problem doesn’t appear overnight – it develops slowly, often going unnoticed until flow is severely reduced and drainage stops working as it should.
That is exactly what happened on a recent job in Littlehampton.
A Blocked Urinal Line in a Factory
We were contacted by a local factory after staff noticed the urinals weren’t draining correctly. Despite some initial efforts to clear the blockage, the problem kept coming back. Water was pooling in the trough and backing up into the system – a serious issue that needed resolving fast to avoid health and hygiene concerns on site.
When we arrived, we jetted the line from an external access point to clear the immediate blockage. Once the water was draining again, we carried out a CCTV drain survey to find out what was causing the issue.
Scale Build-Up Found in the Pipework
When we reviewed the camera footage, the cause soon became apparent. The camera inspection showed the pipe had a stubborn build-up of scale. There was a hard, crusty layer of scale, caused by uric salts and minerals that form over time in urinal lines. It is a frequent issue in busy commercial toilets. In this instance, the build-up had become so extreme it was barely letting any water through.
Using the Right Tools for the Job
In this case, jetting alone wasn’t enough. To fully clear the pipe, we used a mechanical milling machine designed to break down hard scale. Our mechanical miller works by carefully grinding away the hardened deposits while leaving the pipe itself intact. It is designed to clear the scale completely, bringing the drain back to its proper width.
Once the scaling had been removed, we flushed the system using high-pressure water jets. This final clean ensures any remaining fragments are cleared from the pipe, helping to prevent future problems.
A Free-Flowing Drain
We tested the system thoroughly before leaving site. Once the scale was gone and the drain thoroughly cleaned, everything ran as it should. No more slow drainage or backups. The factory could get on with business as usual, knowing the problem had been properly sorted.
This kind of build-up is more common than you might think, especially in older pipework or high-traffic commercial settings. Regular descaling and maintenance can go a long way in keeping drains in good shape and avoiding bigger repair jobs down the line.
Need help with descaling or fat removal in West Sussex or Hampshire? Give our team a call on 01243 671359 – we are here whenever you need us.
Learn more about descaling and fat removal services.
