Impact of Conduit Mechanical Piping Failures on Dampness and Aesthetic Degradation of Buildings in Calabar, Nigeria

Abstract

Dampness remains a major factor contributing to the deterioration of buildings in humid tropical environments. While previous studies have largely attributed dampness to sources such as roof leakage, rising damp, and poor waterproofing, limited attention has been given to failures associated with concealed conduit mechanical piping systems. This study investigates the extent to which conduit piping failures contribute to dampness and aesthetic degradation of buildings in Calabar, Nigeria. A convergent parallel mixed-methods design was adopted, combining field inspection of 40 purposively selected buildings, questionnaire surveys administered to 50 occupants, and structured interviews with 15 construction professionals. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative data were examined through thematic analysis. Findings reveal that 67.5% of the surveyed buildings exhibited dampness directly linked to concealed piping failures. Major causes include corrosion due to high humidity (40.7%), poor installation practices (32.6%), and substandard materials (18.5%). The study establishes that concealed piping failures significantly accelerate aesthetic degradation through paint peeling, mold growth, and surface staining. It concludes by recommending the adoption of accessible recessed wall systems, corrosion-resistant materials, and improved installation supervision to mitigate these failures.

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