ASSOCIATIONS 7 inferior components that do not comply with quality standards when installing , maintaining and repairing plumbing systems , further driving down the costs of their services ,”, Executive Director of IOPSA , says .
A correctly installed and maintained drainage system distances humans from waste , over-and-above the role it plays in protecting property , including the structure of a building , from damage . It also protects the environment from the serious hazards present in raw sewage .
Diseases associated with sewage can be spread directly or indirectly by people who have come into contact with them . For example , individuals may inadvertently step into waste that is leaking out of poorly manufactured , installed or maintained pipes . Germs and bacteria associated with sewage are also transferred to people and objects by insects , vermin and small animals which have come into contact with the waste .
Another significant risk is that broken sewage pipes can sometimes leak into damaged water mains and , in doing so , contaminate drinking water . Contaminated water is estimated to cause more than 400 000 diarrhoeal deaths every year .
One of the many diseases associated with a leaking drainage system is Campylobacteriosis . Children and people with weaker immune systems are especially vulnerable to this disease which causes , cramps , nausea , vomiting , headaches and fever .
Typhoid fever is another disease that is transferred in this manner . Its symptoms include headache , weakness , abdominal pain and rashes . The media has widely reported on recent Typhoid cases in South Africa .
Hepatitis A is commonly spread when leaking drainage systems are left unattended for protracted periods . More frequent among adults , this disease stays in the body for up to nine months causing fevers , nausea , diarrhoea , body pain and jaundice .
Qualified plumbers are very aware of the health risks posed by the poor maintenance and installation of drainage systems . This is in addition to the use of inferior components that have not been certified by relevant standards authorities for use on properties .
They will also ensure that drainage systems are adequately sized and can be cleaned easily via manholes that have been appropriately spaced . This ensures that these systems are able to convey wastewater quickly from the building without fouling , depositing solids or blocking up .
Each fixture or group thereof that is connected to the drainage system will also feature a liquid seal trap of a sufficient depth so as to prevent the emission of gasses . Importantly , this also prevents rodents and insects from accessing the premises via the sewer and spreading disease .
Drainage systems must also be designed and constructed in a manner that allows air to circulate through all the pipes to ensure effective functioning and protect the seal of the traps from syphoning . The uppermost portion will be connected to an adequately sized
IOPSA
Brendan Reynolds
ventilating pipe that discharges above roof level and is positioned in such a way that foul air cannot return to a building .
IOPSA ’ s members also know that they need to take precautions to ensure that the drainage system is free of any substance that may corrode and block pipes . Some substances may even produce explosive mixtures , as well as damage pipes or their joints . In extenuating circumstances , they may even interfere with the effective functioning of sewage treatment plants or cannot be removed by these facilities , contaminating receiving water .
Backflow from public sewers is another important consideration when designing drainage systems . A correctly designed system will ensure that sewage cannot enter buildings that are connected to it when there are floods and blockages in public sewers .
“ We have made immense strides in professionalising the plumbing industry over many years , and this is helping to keep communities safe . While some may take plumbing for granted , it is important to remember that there are still many South African citizens who do not have access to proper sanitation services – one of the most basic human rights , together with drinking water . This places many lives at risk and deprives citizens of their dignity ,” Reynolds concludes . PA
“ They ( the consumer ) are lured by the very low rates that these so-called ‘ plumbers ’ ( unqualified persons ) charge for their services ,”
May 2022 Volume 28 I Number 3 www . plumbingafrica . co . za