Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Things to Know About Storm Drain Chambers



Storm drain chambers are a very important part of underground storm water drainage systems. These types of systems have been used since ancient times to protect communities from flooding. Their design enables them to collect rain water from ground surfaces and push it toward street gutters. 

Concrete storm chambers play an integral role in municipal drainage systems because they facilitate the conveyance of water into underground pipes. These systems must be in good working order at all times. Otherwise, catastrophe can strike when communities experience heavy rainfall or melting snow.

Drainage systems are quite complex and made up of many elements. Some of the more critical are curb inlets, catch basins, water pipes, and outlet pipes. Combined, these components provide a sophisticated system that allows for quick removal of storm water runoff.

To ensure that everything works efficiently, civil engineers collect substantial data about the construction site. They generally acquire 3D maps to find out what is placed underneath the surface, as well as calculate various water flow rates. This enables them to understand the best size of pipes and locations for placement of pipes.

Data is also needed to determine where storm water will be deposited. Most often, water is redirected to a nearby pond, lake, or river. Water can also be put into retention or detention ponds where it can be stored for long periods of time.

While drainage systems are vital for maintaining public safety, they are a major contributor to the problem of water pollution. Each time rain or snow storms take place the water is like a vacuum cleaner and sucks up everything along its path.

If lawns are chemically treated then those chemicals are washed into the system. If there is motor oil or antifreeze on driveways, it ends up down the storm drain chamber. Environmental toxics and debris is taken into drainage systems and placed directly into U.S. waters.

The good news is people can make a difference by being mindful of products they use. Instead of toxic fertilizers and pesticides, natural alternatives can be used. Residential homes contribute around 30 percent of toxins that end up in storm water. The rest comes from commercial and industrial sources.

Storm water drain construction is yet another contributor. For this reason, contractors are required to engage in behaviors that minimize the level of debris generated during the excavation process. They must also cover up trash dumpsters and supplies that are not in use.

To reduce the level of environmental contaminants placed in storm drain chambers involves a combined effort amongst everyone within communities. As people become more proactive about the use of toxic agents there will be a decrease in water pollution.

Drainage systems that are used for entire municipalities are installed and serviced by experienced contractors who are licensed to perform the job. Due to the potential for environmental disaster to occur if systems are not installed properly, it is vital to work with storm drain construction contractors such as Kana Pipeline to ensure proper protocol is followed. 

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

Fundamental Principles of Sewer Construction


Sewer construction involves work related to municipal and residential sewer pipe networks. Since these pipeline systems are used to transport raw sewage the installation process must comply with guidelines established by the Environmental Protection Agency.

People involved in the sewer construction industry perform work on a variety of projects. These include public works, industrial, institutional, residential, and commercial. Each type of system makes use of different kinds of pipes and installation processes.

The word, 'sewerage' refers to a complete sewer system. Sewerage is further identified as storm, sanitary, or combined. Given that raw sewage contains harmful microorganisms and toxic contaminants, sewer pipes are kept apart from domestic water pipelines that provide drinking water.

Within the U.S. the most common form of sewerage is sanitary sewers. These sewer pipes carry away household and industrial waste to treatment facilities.

Combined sewers utilize one pipeline to transport sewage and storm water. Combined systems help to transport storm water through underground pipes to a point of release. In some cases, water is taken to treatment plants, while other times it is discharged into waterways.

A different kind of sewerage is private septic tanks. These underground systems are often installed in rural areas where there is considerable distance between residential properties.

Whenever remote areas become developed septic tanks are usually replaced by public sewer lines. Septic tanks can be converted into municipal systems by hiring sewer contractors to disable the tank and connect new pipes between the house and city sewer system.

A great deal of planning is required to design and install sewer systems. Among the most essential considerations is calculating anticipated flow rates of sewage waste in the neighborhood where pipeline will be installed. Knowing wastewater volume let engineers figure out which size pipes are needed for maximum efficiency.

Before sewer contractors can install pipes the land is surveyed using subsurface utility engineering methods. SUE involves several methods that provide 3D maps of the installation location. It is vital for identifying existing pipes and utility systems. 

After SUE methods are conducted, contractors can begin excavating the land and preparing trenches. Trenching is the most common method for installing sewer pipes. However, when pipes cannot be placed into trenches due to lack of land mass, pipes can be placed inside tunnel walls or protected by concrete embankments.

It is advisable to work with skilled sewer construction contractors, such as Kana Pipeline, regardless of the size of the job. It doesn't matter if you're converting a private septic tank to public sewer lines or developing a new residential community. Defective materials or improper installation could result in catastrophic failure. Always be sure contractors hold adequate licenses, permits, and insurance coverage, along with an exceptional construction safety record.