All About Sewer Systems
There are basically three types of sewer systems. Read on to have an understanding of each type and how they work.
Combined sewers
Systems that do both are called combined systems. They combine the two functions — transporting wastewater and storm runoff water through a single pipe to separate treatment facilities. They are rarely used now because of sewer overflows caused by heavy rains when the system is unable to process both surface water and sewage. This is why modern plumbing practices call for the isolation of storm and sewage systems.
How they work
Stormwater and building wastewater share a drainage system. . Combined sewer overflow occurs when the pipe can’t accommodate all the runoff and building wastewater. Thus, heavy rains will drain combined sewers into rivers and other waterways. This causes water and environmental contamination. Sometimes water must be boiled before usage.
Sanitary sewers
Wastewater from buildings is transported through sanitary sewers to treatment facilities. For the sake of public health, these systems which include pipes, manholes, and pumping stations are responsible for preserving water quality.
How they work
Your home’s or business’s sewer lines can only handle toilet paper and human waste. It then flows to the wastewater treatment plant to remove pollutants before returning to the environment. Sanitary wipes dumped into the public wastewater system can cause blockages and spills and disrupt plant activities. Sanitary sewers drain wastewater by gravity. In low-lying places, pumps are utilized to move wastewater to higher elevations. Manholes allow routine sewer repairs. The clean-out might access a pipe obstruction.
Storm sewers
Rainwater and melted snow are collected from rooftops and roads and sent into streams, rivers, and other bodies of water via storm sewers which are sometimes called surface sewers.
How they work
Water enters storm sewers via manholes, pipelines, storm drain inlets, open ditches, etc., when it rains (or when the snow melts). This water is then transported till it flows directly into streams, rivers, and other waterways without treatment. For this reason, you should never dispose of dangerous materials in a storm drain. This includes paint, solvents, used motor oil, and liquid cleaners. They can harm rivers, lakes, and wetland areas, as well as poison wildlife. Flooding can occur when storm sewers become blocked.
If you are in need of a reliable sewer systems provider in Chicago, IL, PSP Plumbing and Sewer Inc is your best option. Call us 773 312 0588 today!