A home’s drainage system forms a vital aspect of its design. Although most homeowners fail to consider the importance and functionality of a drainage system, it often ensures longevity and safety. This blog focuses on exploring the importance of a drainage system. It further discusses the meaning of drainage systems, its types and importance. Read on to learn more
What Is Drainage?
Drainage refers to the process of removing water from a specific area. Urban planning, agricultural practices and civil engineering are some of the areas where a drainage system is extremely important. Urban designers need to manage stormwater and avoid water-related damages to infrastructure and buildings. Manmade features like drains, culverts and gutters are ways of directing water away from an area. Waterlogging in agricultural areas can kill crops, as it cuts off oxygen from the roots, which farmers avoid with a good drainage. In civil engineering, the drainage system controls the flow or precipitation of water to prevent leakage and seepage in buildings.
What Is a Drainage System?
A drainage system refers to an arrangement through which liquids (especially water) are directed to an area appropriate for disposal. Whether your home has a surface runoff or underground water, drainage systems are essential for controlling water flow. With an effective drainage system, you can mitigate problems like waterlogging, flooding and erosion. The principal role of drainage systems is to safeguard communities and the environment by efficiently collecting, transporting and disposing of excess water.
Your house drainage system includes a systematic arrangement of culverts, pipes, channels and other manmade structures that direct water away from your home. One of the most common categories includes the subsurface drainage that handles groundwater control systems like tile drains. Another system includes surface drainage that handles rainwater runoff from subsurface drainage, roofs, open grounds and streets.
There are certain factors that affect the working of a drainage system, such as climatic conditions, topography, types of soil and land use. Irrespective of the weather, urban planners and designers design the systems to accommodate variable water volumes. They ensure optimal performance in normal conditions and even during extreme weather conditions like storms and heavy rainfall.
Types of Drainage Systems in Homes
Closed and Open Drainage Systems
Closed drains comprise a complex network underground. In such a system, the main network collects and transports all the primary refuse from households to treatment plants. In the case of an open drainage system, the system collects wastewater apart from sewage. Disposal of sanitary waste is inappropriate in an open drain, as it’s extremely unsafe and unhygienic.
Although the use of open drains is acceptable to a certain extent, it’s not a good choice for carrying wastewater even after the removal of solids through septic tanks. This is because people will come into contact with the water. Moreover, since they are open, the excess flow of water will result in flooding. The only advantage of having an open tank lies in the convenience of construction and maintenance since once can easily access it. Therefore, you can see most of the open drains in the rural areas. However, in densely populated urban areas, such drains will fail in their effectiveness.
Surface Drainage Systems
These drainage systems in buildings help in the removal of excess water from a surface through various channels and ditches. In certain cases, the architects and designers grade or shape the ground surface to create sloping towards the channels. Some types of surface drainage systems include open drains, hollows and humps, levees and grassed waterways.
Subsurface Drainage Systems
Designers implement this rainwater drainage system beneath the top layer of soil. It involves a network of pipes, tiles and other conduits that help in removing excess underground water. Often referred to as French drains, these systems function at the root level to remove excess water. The pipes and channels carry water into the outlet that receives water from the laterals. Sometimes, the submains divert the water to the main drain.
Sloped Drainage Systems
Builders and architects opt for this drainage construction to allow water to flow from a structure in a downward direction. This system has a connection of pipes that move down a slope. You will find the installed pipe anchored to an incline. The water is guided through the pipe and swiftly runs off the structure.
Gutter and Downspout Systems
The purpose of this system is to move rainwater away from built structures, routing it to drainage systems. Sometimes you will find gutters and downspouts connected to an underground sewer line, often referred to as underground drains.
Trench Drains
A trench drain has a wide opening that allows a high flow capacity. It is ideal for homes in low-lying areas that experience flooding. Often, trench drains come with decorative covers, offering an aesthetically pleasing appearance to your property.
Slot Drains
A slot drain has a design similar to a trench drain. Constructed using stainless steel like trench drains, it has a notable difference- the width of the channel. These drains come with a slim channel opening that does not require any drain cover. Besides, these have a subtle system that blends more seamlessly with its surroundings.
Importance of Water Drainage Systems in Your Home
Avoid Soil Erosion
Soil erosion is a common problem in areas with poor drainage. If you fail to direct water away from your home, it will erode the soil around the foundation. Besides destabilising the foundation, this affects your home’s landscaping and its overall aesthetics. In the case of a house featuring open landscapes and gardens, preventing soil erosion is crucial in maintaining its visual appeal and functionality of outdoor spaces.
Prevents Water Damage
A drainage system directs water away from your home. Often, water accumulates around the foundation and roof, which further causes leaks, cracks and structural damage. Over time, waterlogging near the foundation compromises the integrity of your home, causing costly repairs. With a well-designed drainage system, you effectively manage rainwater and runoff, thereby protecting your home from water-related damage.
Reduces Risk of Flooding
Flooding is a severe concern for homeowners, especially in regions prone to heavy rainfall. With a proper drainage system, you can reduce the risk of flooding, as it channelises water swiftly away from home. It’s important if your house’s location is in a low-lying area or near water bodies. You can opt for systems like French drains, sump pumps and swales for managing excessive water.
Protects your Home’s Air Quality
Do you have stagnant water around your home or building? If yes, you might experience the growth of mildew and mould, adversely affecting your indoor air quality. Breathing in poor air leads to various health issues, including allergies, respiratory problems and other illnesses. When you prevent water accumulation through a proper drainage system, you maintain a healthy living environment for your family.
Compliance with Building Regulations
Several regions have building codes and regulations mandating proper drainage systems in new constructions. Non-compliance will lead to legal issues, delays in the construction processes and penalties. Therefore, it’s essential to see that your drainage system meets the standards for a smooth and compliant building experience.
Enhances Property Value
A well-designed drainage system can enhance your property’s value. Potential buyers always look for homes and structures with reliable drainage systems, as it signals the proper maintenance of the property with the least chance of encountering water-related mishaps.
Common Problems in Home Drainage Systems
Enlisted are the common drainage issues experienced by homeowners.
Water Pooling in Low Areas
Water accumulation in low-lying areas is one of the most common and frequent drainage problems. Your garden, car parking areas and other open spaces are generally the most affected areas. It mostly occurs if the ground is uneven or if the soil becomes compacted, making it harder to absorb the water.
Fractures
Drainage systems experience continuous wear and tear, often leading to fracturing the pipes. You can spot cracks located near the joints. It allows wastewater to leak through, flow into the lower surrounding areas and weaken the structure.
Blockages
Slow draining sinks, toilet bowls with poor draining functions and clogged drains are some signs of blocked drainage. The most common cause of these issues involves discarding objects like coffee grounds, tissues, fat, hair and other oil residues that do not flush down appropriately.
Broken or Displaced Joints
Often, ground instability and drainage repairs move the grounds, resulting in displacement and damage of pipes. It often causes leaks and worsens structural damage.
Overflowing Gutters and Downspouts
This is a common problem, especially during heavy monsoons. Inadequate or clogged gutters fail to handle high water volumes, causing overflow and subsequent water damage to walls, foundations and basements.
Collapsed Sections of Pipes
Notice if your pipe experiences a collapse, as it prevents the wastewater from flowing efficiently, leaking into surrounding areas. It further elevates other problems like mould and mildew, weakens the ground structure and attracts pests, including mosquitoes, rats and flies.
Maintenance Tips for Home Drainage Systems
Every homeowner must keep their drainage system clean and healthy. Enlisted are some tips that you must follow to maintain the health of your drain.
Look What Goes Down the Drain
Flush away appropriate things to ensure the optimum health of your drain. When it comes to kitchens, never dispose of any fat or grease down the sink, as these congeal in the drains and block them. Avoid putting waste food down the drain and ensure it goes in the bin. In bathrooms, avoid flushing wet wipes and sanitary towels. These wastes fail to dissolve, causing blockages and bigger issues down the sewer system such as fatbergs, which are expensive and difficult to remove.
Using a Drain Guard
Drain guards are the best way to prevent unwanted objects from going down the drain. They consist of a small plastic or metal grate-like disk present on top of a plughole that collects various debris such as food. You can pull the drain guard out easily and empty the waste into your bin. You can also install drain guards in your bathrooms, as they collect any loose hair and other solid objects.
Regular Cleaning
Like other parts of your house, your drains require regular cleaning as well. Often, people discard loose hair into the drains, causing issues with bathtubs and showers. You can opt for different ways to clean your drains. If your drain experiences hair build-ups, opt for products that dissolve the hair and other solids. If you are looking for DIY solutions, a mixture of vinegar and baking soda is the best to clean out residue. Alternatively, you can also pour boiling water into your drains. You can also opt for biological or enzymatic drain cleaner. These are safer and cause less corrosion than chemical cleaners.
Observe Problems with your Drains
As a homeowner, it’s possible to detect problems with your water drainage system. You can smell and visually inspect your drains to identify the underlying problems and look for signs of pipe leakages. You might also notice issues such as wet patches on your property. Besides your indoor drainage systems, you must pay attention to the outdoor ones. Garden debris, including leaves, twigs and other materials can block your drain, resulting in flooding. Try installing a grate to keep the drains clean.
Conclusion
When water runoff fails to happen, it damages your property’s foundation and structure. Damage caused due to water is expensive to repair, especially when it affects your structure and enters the home. To prevent this, it’s essential to invest in reliable gutters and high-quality and efficient outdoor water drainage systems. With the wide varieties and brands of home drainage systems available, you can choose the most suitable solutions to help eliminate standing water, protecting your yard and home.
As a prominent and trustworthy construction firm, Brick & Bolt offers the best building construction quality. The company ensures that every project passes through 470+ quality checks through a unique QASCON system and also provides a 10 year structural warranty. Contact Brick & Bolt today to ensure the best drainage system for your home!
Mithali Konety