The big album is ticking like a bomb. Residents may face mass failures
Experts warn: within a few years, residents of apartment blocks in the Polish People’s Republic may have to deal with a wave of pipe failures and flooded apartments.
Prefabricated blocks of flats are still a place of life for millions of Poles. Such buildings stand in both large cities and smaller towns. For years, questions have been raised about their durability and technical condition.
Experts reassure us that the structures themselves can last up to about 120 years. However, elements that have often not been replaced for decades become a problem. This mainly concerns water and sewage installations hidden in the walls of apartments.
Large slab blocks and old pipes from the times of the Polish People’s Republic
Many buildings from the times of the Polish People’s Republic still have the original steel and cast iron pipes installed several dozen years ago. As experts remind us, these installations corrode over the years, and sediments accumulate inside the pipes, limiting the flow of water.
The problem remains invisible for a long time, which is why many residents are unaware of the condition of the installation. The failure usually occurs suddenly and without warning. Often, the first signal appears only when the apartment on the floor below is flooded.
Massive failures may begin in a few years
Experts warn that in the next 3-5 years, residents of prefabricated blocks may experience an increasing number of failures of water and sewage installations.
The most vulnerable to damage are galvanized steel pipes, commonly used in the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s. They often look solid from the outside, but their interior is almost completely covered with rust and scale.
Corrosion takes years to develop and ends with pipe bursts
The corrosion process progresses slowly over many years. At some point, however, the pipe walls become weakened, which may lead to the installation suddenly bursting.
Failures often occur due to pressure changes, but the physicochemical parameters of water and the operating conditions of the installation are also important. The result is flooded apartments, damaged floors and long-term drying of the premises.
Unusual sounds in the walls may be an alarm signal
Specialists emphasize that old installations usually send warning signals earlier. What should cause concern are, among others, noises in the pipes, unusual sounds in the walls or significantly weaker water pressure.
Dirty water appearing in taps may also be an alarming symptom. Experts point out that regular inspections and monitoring of the condition of installations can help delay more serious failures.
