When you flush water down the drain, it starts its journey from your household to the municipal sewerage system and on to the wastewater treatment plant. There, the water goes through a series of purification steps before it can be released back into nature, rivers or lakes. The sewer system is designed to carry wastewater safely and efficiently, but it requires regular maintenance and servicing to function properly.
Where does the water go from the sewer?
The water that drains into the sewer is carried to the municipal sewerage system via the property's sewer pipes. Wastewater from the household, such as washing, showering and toilet water, flows together along the same route to the treatment plant. The journey starts from the sewer pipes inside the property, which connect to a common main sewer.
The municipal sewerage network collects wastewater from several properties and sends it to a centralised treatment plant. The network is designed so that water flows downwards by gravity towards lower areas. When the terrain does not allow for natural flow, pumping stations lift the wastewater upwards to continue its journey in the right direction.
Once at the treatment plant, the water goes through a thorough purification process. The purified water is returned to nature, usually to water bodies, where it continues its natural cycle. This closed loop ensures that the water we use does not place an unreasonable burden on the environment and that water resources remain clean for future generations.
How does the sewerage system work in Finland?
Finland's sewerage system is based on individual property sewers connected to the municipal network. Each property has its own piping system, which collects wastewater from different sources and directs it to a common sewer. This pipe leaves the building and connects to the main municipal sewer running under the street.
The municipal network consists of large concrete or plastic pipes that run deep enough underground. In winter conditions, the pipes are protected from frost by being placed below the frost line, usually at a depth of 1.2-2 metres. This ensures that wastewater flows smoothly even in the coldest temperatures.
Gravity sewers are the most common solution, but pumping stations are needed in flat or hilly areas. Pumping stations lift the wastewater upwards so that it continues to flow towards the treatment plant. The system is built to work reliably all year round without constant maintenance, but regular inspection keeps it in good working order.
What happens to waste water in treatment plants?
Wastewater treatment starts with mechanical treatment, where the largest solids are removed from the water. In the first stage, sand, stones and debris settle to the bottom of the tank or remain in the sieves. This prevents clogging and damage to the treatment equipment in later stages.
In biological purification, microbes and bacteria break down the organic matter in the water. This takes place in large tanks where the water is aerated to provide oxygen for the beneficial microbes. The process is similar to natural decomposition, but controlled and accelerated on an industrial scale.
Chemical purification is the final stage, where phosphorus and other nutrients are removed from the water. Chemicals are used to precipitate these substances and separate them from the water. The end result is clean water that meets strict environmental standards and can be safely released back into the environment. The sludge that accumulates during the purification process is treated separately and often used for soil improvement.
Why is drain maintenance important?
Regular drain maintenance prevents blockages and costly repairs. When a drain becomes blocked, water cannot flow normally, which can cause water damage to your home. The most common cause of blockages is the build-up of grease, hair and other debris in the pipes over time. Flushing foreign objects, such as wet wipes or toiletries, down the drain also causes problems.
Odour problems often indicate problems with the sewer system. Foul-smelling air rises from the sewer when the odour traps are not working properly or the pipes are partially blocked. Leaks in the pipes can cause inconspicuous damage to building structures, leading to mould problems and high repair costs later on.
Professional help is needed when home remedies don't work or the problem recurs regularly. If you can't get rid of a blockage at home using normal methods, you should contact a professional immediately. Regular maintenance, such as flushing and inspecting drains, will keep your system in working order and save you money in the long run.
When you experience a burst pipe at home, a quick response is essential. We offer round-the-clock assistance for plumbing problems to prevent water damage and prolonged inconvenience. Our professional plumbers will identify the cause of the problem and effectively repair it so that your sewer is running smoothly again.
