Introduction
Singapore is a small island country located on the southern part of the South East Asia and is popular for it’s up growing economy, culture and an iconic city life. Currently, more than five millions of the population live in the area of 728.6 square kilometers, Singapore is the second populated country in the world. Housing is highly developed in this region and the population density together with the tropical climate exerts a lot of pressure on plumbing infrastructure; in homes as well as business premises. Consequently, plumbing issues are quite standard for Singapore residents as they deal with clogged drains, leaky pipes, and low water pressure.
Over the course of this article, the author will identify some of common problems which Singaporeans face with their plumbing systems, as well as offer professional advice on how to tackle these problems.
1. Clogged Drains
The most frequent issue related to plumbing in Singapore is drain blockage. This problem is quite usual here because of the hardness of the water in our area where often deposits collect year after year. Moreover chemical drain cleaners as well as pouring grease down the sink only worsen the situation and creates a fully blocked drain.
Expert Fix: In our opinion, the key to avoiding a clogged drain is prevention. For proper maintenance of your plumbing system, use a drain strainer and in disposing of grease and oil always do so in a waste container. In case of such a situation, do not use a chemical drain cleaner as doing so will harm your pipelines. Rather, consult a professional plumber to do the job using a drain snake or hydro jetting to clear the blockage.
2. Leaking Pipes
Another legendary plumbing problem in Singapore for instance is pin hole leakages which refer to leaking pipes. The humidity remains high due to the tropical climate of the country and as such the pipes begin to rust, in essence the deteriorate leading to several leakages. Beside, pressure in the water supply system also contributes the cause of pipe burst or cracks due to the constant pressure surge.
Expert Fix: To seal leakage, it is recommended to do some maintenance on the plumbing system in place from time to time. It includes the checking on any signs of Corrosion, Rusting or any other signs that may depict the level of damage. If you are experiencing any of the following problems, consider tearing out the specific segment of the pipe or re-pipe the whole system. It is also important that the pressure in the water supply system is reduced, and that this is well done with pressure-reducing valves.
3. Low Water Pressure
This is common among plumbing systems in Singapore because there are many cases of low water pressure. This issue can be as a result of old pipes, a bad pressure regulator, or a water supply main issue.
Expert Fix: If you are experiencing low water pressure, you need to first check the pressure regulator. However, if the battery is faulty, remove it and introduce a new one. In that case, check the pipes and, if present, repair or replace them the problem should be sorted out. Furthermore, care must be taken to see that your water tank doesn’t leak and the float valve is set up in the right manner.
4. Septic Tank Issues
Common issues with septic tanks in Singapore include those in homes built with septic systems for handling wastes. With time this solid wastes accumulate and this causes blockage in the drainage system of the septic tank.
Expert Fix: The main advice to be given when it comes to septic systems is that the septic tank needs to be pumped on a frequent basis to avoid blockages. Contact a septic professional and ask for the septic tank pumping and inspection after every three to five years. The last method of how to build a septic tank drainage system requires to install filter at the outlet pipe of the tank to stop the penetration of solids in the drainage field. As well, one must be careful on what is flushed down the toilet or the sink. Do not flush, oil, grease, chemicals, sanitary towels, diapers, condoms, and large quantities of toilet paper.
5. Faulty Water Heaters
Hot water heaters remain as key components of plumbing systems but they are highly unreliable. It was found that constant fluctuations with hot and humid climate also poses some problem of water hardening which form some layer at the bottom of the tank and will results into reduced efficiency, leakage and complete failure of the water heater.
Expert Fix: If you want to avoid problems with your water heater, call a professional plumber for maintenance at least once a year. This consists of looking for any leakage, making sure the tank has been flushed to clear any deposits and checking the anode rod for any rusting. In case, your current water heater is older than 10 years, then it is high time that you upgrade your water heater with a more energy-efficient one.
Conclusion
Singapore may boast itself with a highly developed infrastructural system, yet plumbing issues are one of the most upsetting problems that may occur in any home; however, it is always possible to reduce the cases of critical leaks and other emergencies through taking certain precautions. Proper hygiene, selection of correct material in pipe and checking on your drain lines will help in keeping your plumbing system in absolute order.
But if you are in a situation where you need a plumber for an emergency, you should not hesitate to seek the services of a professional plumber. They possess all the knowledge, equipment, and skills to do whatever is necessary to maintain comfort and safety of your home or business.