Importance of Drainage Systems
Drainage systems are a very important part of the physical properties of soil. They retain and move water away from structures and land, which helps to prevent flooding, erosion and soil degradation.
Without proper drainage, areas can become swampy and flood-prone. Here are a few ways to improve your drainage system: swales and ditches, slot drains, curb cuts, catch basins, and downspouts and gutters.
Corrugated Plastic Tubes
A proper drainage system allows wastewater to flow freely away from the house and out of the yard. For this to happen, the pipes need to be made from a material that is durable enough to avoid clogs. Some of the most common pipe materials for underground drainage include corrugated plastic drain tubing, high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipes and solid white PVC pipes.
When using these types of tubes, it is important to use manufactured fittings at all junction points and for any change in direction where the radius of the centerline is less than three times the diameter of the tubing. This ensures that the line is properly sealed and will not leak or contaminate soil.
Another advantage of using these types of plastic pipe is that they are clear and can be easily monitored for any debris that may be blocking the line. They also work well in most soil conditions. However, the length of a drain should be kept below the depth of frost to obtain an optimum year-round drainage system.
In addition, it is a good idea to keep the lateral drains as far from the home as possible, to prevent the build-up of water around foundation walls. While this is not always possible, it can reduce the amount of time that needs to be spent on maintenance.
French Drains
Whether you own or operate a commercial property, proper drainage is vital. Standing water in the yard or a wet basement is not only unsightly, but it can also damage a building and discourage guests or employees from entering the area. Luckily, drainage systems can be easily implemented and will help to protect your property and improve the overall safety and comfort of those who use it.
There are many different types of drainage systems and each one works differently to control excess water in various situations. The most important thing to remember is that each situation is unique and requires an engineering analysis before deciding which drainage system will work best for the project. This includes examining the land’s ability to drain, investigating the amount of rainfall and the location of water outlets, etc.
Surface Drains
Surface drainage consists of ditches and drainpipes that divert surface water away from the soil, decreasing the amount of water that seeps into and through the soil. These drains require yearly maintenance to assure that they are functioning properly. They require regular inspections and weed removal to keep them from clogging.
The drainage system consists of the outlet, main, and submains or field drains. The outlet carries the water to the drainage system; the submain or field drains collect the water from a series of smaller units and carry it to the outlet; and the lateral or field drain removes the water from the soil. The laterals may be arranged in a uniform or random pattern, depending on the crop grown and the characteristics of the soil.
Drainage Pipes
Drainage pipes are the primary vessel that moves unwanted water and waste liquids away from your house, funneling it into a receptacle or toward a municipal drainage system. They also serve to remove the stagnant water that can become a breeding ground for disease-carrying mosquitoes.
Typically, drain pipes are sloped to carry wastewater away from fixtures such as sinks, toilets, and showers. When they reach the end of their expected lifespan, those pipes connect with a slightly sloped, vertical pipe that transports wastewater to the city’s main sewer line. To ensure that waste water does not leak back into a house, many plumbing systems include curved traps that collect dirty water and keep sewer gasses from entering.
For newer home construction, the standard for residential drainage pipes is PVC. This plastic does not corrode or rust, making it an excellent choice for the harsh conditions and chemical exposure that occur in drain lines. It is also inexpensive and easy to install, even when buried underground.
Another popular option for drainage pipes is CPVC, which has been widely used in Europe for the last 30 years. It is a non-toxic form of plastic that can resist corrosion and is not affected by cold weather, but it is unrecyclable and requires special tools for installation. A professional should be consulted to assess your home drainage needs and recommend the right type of piping material.
Downspouts and Gutters
Downspouts are an integral part of any gutter system. They ensure that during rainy days water from the roof is not left around the house and that it is safely drained away from the building’s foundation. If a downspout is clogged, the drainage system becomes ineffective. A clogged downspout can result in leaks, flooding, ice dams and damage to the home’s foundation. If you notice that your downspouts are clogged, it may be time to hire a professional gutter specialist.
Gutter downspouts are a vertical pipe that connects your gutters to the ground and carries rainwater away from the house. They can be round or rectangular and come in various sizes. They also have end caps and elbows to help them fit in corners and around curves.
If you want to install a downspout, make sure it is large enough to handle the amount of rainfall in your area. You should also ensure that it extends far enough from the home to prevent overflows and damage.
A downspout drain needs to be free of cracks and breaks. This is especially important if you live in an area that is prone to heavy storms and strong winds. In addition, it’s important that your downspout drain is anchored to the ground and secure in place. It is also a good idea to consider installing splash blocks to help disperse the rainwater further from your foundation.