DRAINAGE SYSTEMS
A Geberit HDPE bottom bend (top right) and cleaning access point at the bottom of a new soil stack (bottom).
many other substances, HDPE is a great alternative to cast iron, and is the perfect choice for drainage systems in commercial buildings.
HDPE has the benefit of being a
lightweight system that is simple to install, and also of being very robust. It has the necessary properties required for healthcare and commercial applications. Although not the lowest cost material, the investment in utilising HDPE can be outweighed by reduced installation times, ease of installation, low maintenance costs, and a very long lifespan. In addition, as the system incorporates permanent fusion- welded connections, it is strong and reliable.
Smooth internal surface HDPE pipes have a smooth internal surface which is maintained throughout their lifetime, ensuring that no waste gets trapped on the inside of the pipe. Additionally, the interior of an HDPE pipe can often be cleaned thoroughly simply by using running water.
Managing project logistics The Trust arranged for nine floors on the north side of the tower to be decanted to allow the drainage system replacement scheme to proceed. This involved careful planning and close collaboration between technical, medical, and nursing teams. The complex programme of works required numerous temporary diversions to be installed on level 9, to divert waste away from the stacks that were being replaced. In total, it took three months to complete the challenging project. Stephen Knox explained: “Due to highly specialist services, and the use of patient isolation rooms, we were unable to vacate the Haematology ward on 10 North. In order to maintain this area, we installed a network of temporary waste pipes on level 9. This allowed us to replace a total of 11 soil stacks down through nine ward floors and into the midriff plant room below.”
Overcoming project challenges Even allowing for the challenging site logistics, and ongoing hospital activity, engineers had to overcome a number of issues with the ageing system to enable this project to be completed successfully. Stephen Knox added: “We found asbestos anti-vibration tape on some of the original pipe and ventilation support brackets. This meant bringing in our licensed asbestos removal contractor in advance to ensure that all areas were safe to work in. “Access to the soil stacks was also
very limited, as you would expect with drainage systems in a building of this kind. Walls had to be opened up slab-to-slab, and ceilings removed to give sufficient
March 2023 Health Estate Journal 55
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