Homeowners in Adelaide face a, perhaps surprising, challenge with the presence of reactive clay soils. These Soils have a heavy clay content; therefore, they expand or contract when moisture levels fluctuate during the year. In the winter or during wet periods, clay soils expand, and when it’s dry, they contract, creating geological problems for buildings and infrastructure across South Australia.
The constant changing of moisture content leading to physical fluctuations in these soils can cause structural issues such as uneven flooring, wall cracks, or even the need for foundation repairs, as movement in the soil places stress on building foundations.
Not surprisingly, these clay soils have an impact on underground pipes. Pipes can stretch, bend, and even break as the ground moves, causing pipe damage that might go unnoticed until a leaking pipe, drainage issues, or reduced water pressure highlight a plumbing issue.
Read on to discover our recommended Adelaide reactive clay soil plumbing solutions.
Reactive Clay Soils Expansion and Contraction: The Risks
Adelaide’s geology is a difficult environment for plumbing systems, with underground pipes constantly at risk of damage from physical changes in the volume of the soil.
In order to keep buildings and infrastructure in South Australia safe, local plumbers must recognise these risks and know the signs of soil-related issues.
Local Data: Soil Maps and Adelaide’s High-Risk Zones
The SA Department for Environment and Water recently reported South Australia has more than 60 different soil types, with Adelaide’s in particular, dominated by highly reactive clay soils, posing a major risk to plumbing and building foundations.
The clay soils in Adelaide are more likely to shrink or swell than lower-risk sandy or rocky soils.
The upward pressure generated by reactive soils can be 20 to 30 times higher than that from a typical house slab, potentially causing structural damage and cracked, broken, leaking pipes.
Look out for ground movement, deep surface cracks or changes in water pressure as an indication that you likely have problems with reactive clay soils. This can eventually end in your pipes being bent and misshapen, or even broken.
The Broader Impact on Plumbing and Structures
The ongoing cycle of Adelaide pipe damage from soil movement and pipe damage often leads to expensive plumbing emergencies and can even lead to you needing repairs to your building’s foundations due to wall cracks or uneven floors.
- When you have a leaking pipe, it can lead to self-generating damage by accelerating soil movement, causing more extensive repairs to be required.
- The materials used in construction can cause pipes to respond differently to soil movement. For instance, pipes made of flexible materials better withstand the shifting forces of highly resistant reactive soils than rigid pipes.
5 Signs Your Pipes Are Suffering from Soil Shifts
The early warning signs that your pipes are at risk include:
- Irregular water pressure
Sudden drops or surges in water pressure, particularly after periods of rain or drought, may indicate partial blockages or even a leaking pipe. - Blocked drains
Tree roots are drawn to leaking pipes as they seek out moisture in dry conditions, and leaves, branches or other debris can lead to blockages in your plumbing system. Always ensure blocked drains are handled by a reliable plumbing service. - Wet patches
Water escapes from broken pipes, soaking the ground. Such soggy patches in your garden can occur after heavy rain when the soil expands or during dry spells when cracks in the ground let leaks come to the surface. - Damaged walls or floors
Structural damage like wall cracks or uneven floors might be linked to soil movement, generating upward pressure beneath your home. - Foundation issues
If you’ve needed repairs to your foundations recently, you should consider getting in touch with a local plumbing service. Identifying and fixing leaking pipes early can help prevent further structural damage and the need for more expensive repairs.
The Best pipes for Adelaide soil types
Experienced Adelaide plumbers understand the potential challenges of Installing and repairing plumbing fixtures with South Australia’s problematic clay soil. They know how to use Clay soil-resistant pipes Adelaide.
Pipe Materials: PVC vs. PEX vs. Copper
In areas with highly reactive soil, your plumbers choice of material for Clay soil-resistant pipes can help you avoid issues such as leaking pipes and costly future repairs.
- PVC Pipes
Best for areas where soil movement is moderate. PVC pipes are cost-effective and lightweight. They’re resistant to corrosion, but they can expand faster than metals, making them susceptible to stress factors in highly reactive Soils. - PEX Pipes
PEX pipes are not best suited for outdoor use, where they may be exposed to UV light. However, they are highly flexible, resistant to freeze-thaw cycles and less prone to damage under pressure from soil movement, so they are suitable for water supply systems in areas with reactive clay soils. - Copper Pipes
Although durable and heat-resistant with a long life span, copper pipes are expensive and can corrode in very moist soils. They are also liable to crack when soils expand and contract, so best used in areas with minimal soil movement.
Preventative Tips for Homeowners
Here are practical steps homeowners can take to reduce the risks from highly reactive clay soils.
- CCTV Pipe Inspections: A professional plumber will use a camera to assess your underground pipes, easily spotting cracks or leaks.
- Gutters and Downpipes: Ensure all downpipes are connected and direct all wastewater well away from the house.
- Landscaping: Slope soil away from the building to prevent water from accumulating. Retaining walls can help manage runoff.
- Root Barriers: Place physical barriers between trees and underground pipes to stop roots from damaging your plumbing system.
Why Choose Us for Plumbing and Gas Services in Adelaide
At All Elements Plumbing and Gas, we’re proud of our reputation for quality, reliability, and customer care. As Adelaide locals ourselves, we understand how our reactive clay soil can play havoc with underground plumbing systems and even cause structural damage to buildings, and we know the best pipes for Adelaide soil types. We use the latest technology to make sure your home is protected from the effects of soil movement.
Whether it is a routine inspection or plumbing emergency, every job is handled with care and professionalism. Our experienced gas fitters and plumbers can handle everything from water pressure issues to gas installations to the highest standards.
Ensure you have peace of mind knowing your plumbing and gas systems are in the very best hands, especially when dealing with Adelaide’s challenging clay soils and soil movement. Choose all elements plumbing and gas.
