Assignment 2 Part 1

A recap from the previous assignment, as a group we surveyed and observed a building. With the purpose to take note, identify and place an educated estimate on the possible causes for the results seen at the site. My personal evaluation has brought me to these conclusions to the various problems and issues. Of which in the end pose a discomfort and in some instances, a hazardous possibility to the residents.
These are the findings:

  1. Poor drainage system
  2. Inadequate shading and Roofing

As seen on the given from the above, the next step upon identifying the problems is to analyse it.

Poor drainage system
Climate change is one of the several reasons for unusually high rainfall and long dry spells that proves to be a major factor in Malaysia, However, it is not the underlying cause for incidents such as flooding and overspills. The fact of the matter is that when such issues also occurs in high rise buildings, the question of systems integrity does come into mind. The culprit that comes into mind would be the building developer, if there were problems such as improper drainage, poorly planned and managed urban development.

Shared water system

Condos are often on shared water system. Shared does not only refer to the city water supply, it means as in the pipes that runs from one unit to the next; a common build that they are all fed off of one or more main valves. If one were to shut off the service to one unit, it could possibly mean shutting off service to all of them in the complex, or to a bunch within the same building (if the developement were to have multiple buildings).

If a tenant were to have a plumbing work done on his/her unit, they would need to schedule a maintenance period with the building management and the the association of home owners. Approval can be anticipated to take awhile, at times it may possibly but refused if it were to be a major change. This does not just limit to mere water supply, it also applies to drainings. A change in its structure could greatly affect the overall flow.

Here are things that one should keep in mind when they are considering an alteration. These factors include:

  • How important the alteration is
  • The possible side effects from change, whether the increase in the surface runoffs
  • Will it affect neighbouring units, if yes, by how much


Above you can see two results from bad drainings. On the left the hole of the drain has reduced in size, so much so that residue stuck on the insides formed layers, making it hard for water to flow down at peak periods of rain. To the right, it is a picture of the effect of overspill. The black stains are water marks that have been left over long periods of time to coagulate. A collection of dirt in a puddle encourages the growth of moulds and algae, leading to foul smell and overtime, the decay of certain piping materials.

SOLUTION
Plumbing and pipes fixes

As a personal evaluation, theres is not much that can be done to the flow system per say. A majority if these elements are already pre-planned and inserted into the building’s infrasturcture to serve a purpose. Performing a major change would most likely be not permitted. But if you manage to receive an approval, you may or may not get to pick a shut-down time to work on the plumbing in your unit. The management might give you a certain time frame.

Finding a reliable plumber is crucial. Someone who is familiar with working in these similar conditions. You must also keep in mind the timing, as shutting off water connection is not as simple as shutting off water like in a single-family home. It’ll take awhile to drain the system.
Upon completion, a leak test will have to be implemented to see if the improvements fix the issue.
As a personal evaluation, theres is not much that can be done to the flow system per say. A majority if these elements are already pre-planned and inserted into the building’s infrasturcture to serve a purpose. Performing a major change would most likely be not permitted.

There are makeshift solutions however, that can aid in clearing up these issues. It may not be a major work but it’ll definitely help.
Baking soda and vinegar
The baking soda and hot water treatment will loosen up any sludge that’s hanging out at the bottom of your drain, and the explosive chemical reaction with the vinegar will loosen it. Then one final rinse with hot-water will wash off the dirt.



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