With a rich history dating back to medieval times, Tunbridge Wells holds specific charm in its architecture and infrastructures. These include the town’s well-developed drainage systems, instrumental in maintaining the residents’ health and the area’s clean environment. This comprehensive guide is dedicated to explaining and exploring the various drainage systems and services in Tunbridge Wells.
Tunbridge Wells follows the United Kingdom’s standard practice for its drainage systems, and it is integral to the hygiene and safety of its citizens. Understanding how these systems work can be incredibly beneficial to homeowners, property developers, and others living and working in the area.
1. Surface Water Drainage System:
Firstly, the surface water drainage system, which is responsible for managing rainwater or melted snow. It helps to prevent flooding in your property, especially during the rainy season. In Tunbridge Wells, this system is integrated into the road infrastructure, canalizing water into drains alongside roads and then transporting it to nearby rivers or lakes.
However, newer homes in Tunbridge Wells are being built with sustainable urban drainage systems (SuDS). These innovative systems work by slowing the blocked drains tunbridgewells rate at which surface water enters the traditional drainage system, reducing the likelihood of flooding in extreme weather conditions. They also purify the water naturally by absorbing pollutants.
2. Foul Water Drainage System:
This is the system that carries wastewater from properties into the public sewerage system. Wastewater is any ‘used’ water that comes out of a house from the toilets, bathrooms, kitchens, and utility rooms. In Tunbridge Wells, foul water drainage is handled by the Southern Water Services, which operates more than 39,000 km of sewer across the region.
3. Combined Drainage System:
In some older areas of Tunbridge Wells, the surface water and foul waters both are drained through a single pipe. This combined system manages the water waste and reduces the impact on the environment by treating it at the same plant before being released. However, it may get overwhelmed during heavy rainfall and can potentially result in combined sewer overflows (CSOs). Hence, many areas of Tunbridge Wells are now discouraging combined systems and shifting to separate drainage systems.
Drainage Services and Maintenance in Tunbridge Wells:
Given the crucial role that drainage systems play in everyday life, regular maintenance and prompt service are imperative to ensure their efficient functioning. Several professional services in Tunbridge Wells are dedicated to this, providing routine inspections, drain cleaning, drain repairs, drain unblocking, and much more.
Knowing when to contact these services is equally essential. If you’re frequently experiencing blocked sinks or toilets, dampness on walls, bad odours, or slow draining water, it could be an indication of a problem with your property’s drainage system.
Moreover, for future property buyers in Tunbridge Wells, a pre-purchase drain survey is highly recommended. Several companies offer CCTV Drain Surveys in Tunbridge Wells and surrounding areas, a smart way of detecting any hidden issues without invasive digging.
In conclusion, Tunbridge Wells’ inhabitants and visitors can rest assured of the quality and well-functioning drainage systems. The local council and water services, along with professional drainage companies, are dedicated to keeping the town safe, clean, and healthful. Understanding these drainage systems and ensuring optimal use, maintenance, and necessary repairs will pay dividends for residents and can save time, money, and the environment.