Inadequate drainage on your property can lead to basement floods and leaks, erosion, standing pools of water, and damage to decks and landscaped areas, which is why a quality home drainage system is essential. The type of system you should choose and where it should be located are important considerations, ones that can be addressed by a qualified drainage contractor.
Locations for Home Drainage Systems
Drainage design and installation decisions should be made according to the types of home drainage issues you have. For example, if there are several low points in your yard or driveway that regularly collect pools of water, installing inlets at these locations may solve this problem.
If poor drainage is resulting in erosion, drainage systems may be installed at the top of a slope. This will prevent excessive amounts of water from traveling over grass and soil, which eventually causes them to break down and wash away.
If basement flooding is the main issue, drains will likely be installed relatively close to the house, usually at the bottom of a slope. For example, if water usually runs down a hill and collects against the foundation, the drainage system would be most effective if it were installed in the location where water typically pools.
Finally, some home drainage systems are attached directly to gutter downspouts. Instead of using splashblocks to stop erosion or depositing rainwater a short distance away from the house, it is transported immediately underground.
Major Components of Home Drainage Systems
Basically, all home drainage systems need an entry point for water, a method to transport that water, and a final destination for collected water. Water can enter the home drainage system in a number of ways, including small inlets, channels, trenches, and pipes. Drainage pipe is usually used to transport collected water. Ideally, it is installed so that it slopes downward, which encourages good water flow and reduces the chance of problems. The best type of pipe is corrugated and relatively thick. Finally, there must be an ultimate destination for the water. It may be pumped into the city's sewer system. Or, it can be diverted to wells or sprinkler systems so that it can be used again.
Types of Home Drainage Systems
There are many different types of home drainage systems available. French drains, for example, are basically trenches that prevent water from entering certain areas of the property. Channel drains are long, narrow grates that are often used in driveways. Area drains, atrium drains, and swales are other possibilities. If you know you'd like to have a home drainage system installed, but are unfamiliar with the numerous options available, contact a drainage contractor.
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