The riser is a vertical system usually installed in multi-storey buildings for distributing water supply or carrying waste. It is one of the engineering systems within the building, and its failure compromises the comfort and safety of all occupants. Replacement of the riser is often needed for many reasons, and supporting the normal functionality of the residential building is always essential.
Reasons for replacing the riser
- Physical wear and tear: Over time, metal risers corrode. Rust formation, cracks, or other defects can cause leaks that damage your premises and neighbouring apartments.
- Clogging: Sewer risers are particularly prone to clogging due to the accumulation of grease, household waste, sand, and other materials. This creates an unpleasant odour, can lead to flooding, and impedes the entire system’s operation.
- Noise: Older pipes can create a lot of noise due to vibrations or improper construction. This becomes especially annoying at night.
- Reduced water pressure: Outdated systems reduce flow capacity due to the buildup of dirt or corrosive products. This affects the water pressure, making using the water supply uncomfortable.
- Modernization of the system: When redeveloping apartments or replacing plumbing (for example, installing modern showers or water heating systems), old risers may not meet modern technical requirements.
Why is it important to entrust the work to Plumbing Contractors?
Replacing a riser requires specialized knowledge and experience. Qualified plumbers Sarnia ensures proper installation in compliance with all technical standards, guaranteeing the quality and safety of the system. Specialists perform work faster and with less risk. Self-replacement can cause serious problems, such as flooding, system damage, or even emergencies.
Replacing a riser is not just a repair but an important contribution to your home’s comfort and safety. For high-quality work, it is better to entrust this process to professionals who will provide a reliable result. Plumbing Sarnia https://superiorplumbing.ca/sarnia/ is well-equipped to handle replacing the riser in plumbing systems, which is an essential task when dealing with aging or damaged piping
How is the riser replaced?
The first stage is preparation and approval. The decision to replace the riser is usually made at a general meeting of residents. This is a common issue, as the riser serves several apartments, and the replacement affects everyone. After the decision is made, all the documents need to be completed: obtaining permission from the housing and communal services department and agreeing with the residents to access their apartments for the work.
The next step is to choose materials for the new riser. The modern market offers several options, each with its advantages. Polypropylene is a lightweight and corrosion-resistant material that is ideal for quick installation. Metal plastic provides high strength and durability, although its cost is higher. Stainless steel is the most durable and reliable material but requires a professional approach during installation. The choice depends on the budget and technical features of the building.
The next step is to dismantle the old system. Before starting work, the water supply in the entire entrance must be shut off. Then, the old pipes must be removed. This can be challenging because old pipes often have cracks or deform over time, making removing them from the shaft difficult.
After dismantling, a new riser is installed, and new pipes are installed in strict compliance with technological standards. Sealants or special seals are used to ensure the tightness of all joints. Additionally, sound insulation requirements are considered to reduce noise levels during system operation.
The apartments are connected to the new riser when the main work is completed. This stage requires high precision, as even small errors can cause leaks or malfunctions. After the connection is completed, the system is tested. Experts check the connections’ tightness and the new riser’s overall operation to ensure there are no defects.
What to consider before replacing?
Replacing a riser is important, but several key factors must be discussed before replacing it. First of all, it is the cost of the work. As far as the work discussed here is concerned, the price is reasonable. The cost of this work depends on the type of material used, the number of apartments connected to this riser, and how complex it would be to remove old pipe work. Replacing a riser is a comparatively long procedure that may take several days. As the riser is replaced, everybody in the building is affected. Therefore, there has to be a consensus on when the water supply should be turned off during the access to the apartments.
Benefits of replacing the riser
Replacing the riser has several advantages. First, it improves the water supply. New pipes provide stable water pressure and quality, as well as no leaks. Contemporary materials used are provided with a service life of 50 years. Thus, the durableness of the given system is beyond doubt. New technologies minimize the noise the operating system makes, improving residents’ comfort. Besides, the new risers seem esthetically pleasant and modern, contributing to the premises’ perception.
