The Difference Between Rainwater and Wastewater

Many people find the notion of rainwater and wastewater. They assume that it all goes to the same place and is treated in precisely the same way. However, this is far from the case.

In this blog, we will examine how each type of water is handled within your property and highlight some mistakes which you be making.

If you are facing a drainage issue on your property or require maintenance, give us a call today on 0808 164 0776.

Does Gutter Water and Wastewater Go to the Same Place?

Wastewater and rainwater are very different and as such are treated in a different way. Rainwater enters one drain which will take it to a nearby waterway, while wastewater is funnelled to a local water treatment plant to be made safe for human consumption.

As a result, it is important that the drainage connections within your home are all implemented correctly. Soiled wastewater which will have been polluted with chemicals and other dangerous substances cannot be allowed to enter waterways without first being ‘cleaned’.

However, this is only true of homes built after 1970. Any older homes may not have had this pipe separation installed initially, and you are not legally required to have the pipe network modified.

What is Wastewater?

Wastewater is water which has been used for various human functions. For example, it may have been used in the following appliances:

• Toilets
• Sinks
• Baths and Showers
• Washing Machines
• Dishwashers

This water must be guided towards a water treatment plant and cannot be allowed to enter into natural water sources such as rivers or beaches. This water will contain a number of different pollutants including various cleaning chemicals, dirty water, and waste.

The water is then cleaned using a few different methods. Water used for human bathing and drinking is first screened through a mesh in order to remove the biggest detritus by sifting it out.

Afterwards, chemicals are added to separate the smaller particles from the water. This is called ‘flocculation’ or ‘clarification’. The third step involves a simulation of ‘natural’ filtration, where the water is sifted through fine sand in order to extract any of the final particles or chemical traces.

Finally, chlorine is added to the water which helps to make sure that any final bacteria which may remain in the water are dealt with. This will make sure the water is entirely safe for human consumption.

Get in Touch

At Clark Drainage we specialise in providing every service required to make sure that water is running through your drains freely and unobstructed. From unclogging pipes, to carry out surveys, and even entire new installations, we will take care of everything required to keep your pipes running at optimum.

Our technicians have decades of experience, are trained to the highest standard, and have access to the best quality industry-leading equipment. Our teams carry all of the tools they will require in their vans at all times which means we can get to work immediately, without having to return for a second visit.

We also provide around-the-clock emergency response service with technicians available each and every day of the year. We appreciate that emergencies don’t work a regular 9-5, and so neither do we.

To talk about what we can offer you today, give us a call now on 0808 164 0776.

Alternatively, complete our contact form, and one of our personnel will be in touch as soon as possible.