When it comes to your home, you want to make sure that everything is in perfect working order. This includes the drainage system. Most homeowners are familiar with the gutters and downspouts that channel water away from the roof and foundation of their homes. However, they may not be as familiar with the underground drainage systems that play an important role in protecting against water damage.
Installation Of Underground Drainage System
An underground drainage system is a series of pipes and fittings that are installed below ground level. These pipes are used to transport foul drainage to a sewage treatment facility, while rainwater is channelled to a water course or soakaway.
In many cases, these pipes are connected to a sump pump, which pumps the water out of the system and away from the house. Properly installed and maintained, an underground drainage system can help to prevent flooding, basement leaks, and other damages caused by excess water. Homeowners who live in areas with high rainfall or flooding risks should consider installing an underground drainage system to help protect their homes.
The majority of underground drainage systems are made of PVC-u, a durable, virtually maintenance-free material. PVC-u pipes are almost always orange in color, while soil pipes are black, grey, or white.
A pipe for a brick house is commonly called a water supply system. This type of drainage system will send rainwater to a downspout. These downspouts are connected to a downpipe, which then carries the water away from the house. A man installs a water pipe for a brick house. In addition to draining rainwater, a downpipe sends the water to the sewer.
An underground drainage system has numerous advantages. It keeps rainwater away from the building, preventing a water-filled basement and crawl space. A faulty drainage system can lead to mould and fungus growth in your basement. It also transports excess rainwater to a proper disposal area or a treatment facility. An underground drainage system keeps the wastewater system hidden from view, preventing odors and leakages. It also helps keep the overall health of your community.
Types Of Underground Drainage
Various types of underground drainage are used for different purposes. The main purpose of underground drainage is to remove water from a site. The pipes are laid in a trench about 300mm wide, which acts as the pipe bed. Trenches should be lined with a layer of pea shingle or fine gravel to provide a solid base for the pipe runs. The gravel and pea shingle bed can then be backfilled with larger grade material.
The pipes are made of clay, concrete or plastic, and can range in diameter from 5 to 10 cm. They can be 200 meters long, and water enters through their joints. This type of underground drainage requires a large number of culverts, bridges, and frequent maintenance. Its advantage is that it is very effective in removing water from a large area. Among all the types of underground drainage, however, open drains are the most cost-effective and convenient.
In addition to point water collectors, storm sewers also include linear water collectors. A combined drainage system is often organised near a house, so the water from both systems is gathered in one collector well. The main disadvantage to this system is that it can increase the water storage in a property, which in turn could lead to flooding basements and cellars. There are some common mistakes made during mixed water disposal. So, it is important to consider the total load of both systems before selecting a collector.
The subsurface drainage system is also known as a French drain, and it is placed below the top layer of soil. It is designed to eliminate excess water at the root level. It involves digging deep ditches and installing underground pipes. The pipes lead to a large collector drain. Slope drains, on the other hand, use a series of pipes to move water down a slope. The pipes are then anchored into a small incline.
Regulations For Underground Drainage
There are strict regulations that apply to the installation of underground drainage pipes. They must be laid in trenches that are 300mm wide, and must provide a 300mm clearance on either side for sidefill material. The material used for trenches must be fine soil without flints or large stones. This material may include pea shingle or other granular materials. Depending on the material used, this material can be either a backfill or sidefill, and must be replaced over the pipe before mechanical compaction.
The route of the drain must avoid foundations, walls, and other structures. In some cases, additional access chambers may be required. In addition, drains must be 0.8m below the ground floor level, and if it is below this level, an architect must be consulted before proceeding with the development. Often, however, underground drainage systems may require alterations to existing structures. You may benefit from seeking advice from an OSMA underground drainage specialist to help you.
There are two types of underground drainage systems: surface-water and foul-water. The former carries water from a building to an underground sewer pipe. The latter contains a septic tank, cesspool, or other waste-water treatment system. When connecting to a sewer or building over a sewer, the local water authority must be consulted.
Despite being relatively cheap, 110mm plastic pipes are flexible and frost-resistant. This enables them to remain watertight while allowing small movements without fracturing. Plastic pipes are not impervious to pressure, but they must be surrounded by a good bedding material to prevent cracking. Pea shingle is an excellent bedding material for underground drainage pipes. In addition, uPVC pipes are often British kite-marked for safety and quality.
Cost Of Underground Drainage System
Installing a drainage system is a necessary step for many homeowners, and it will help prevent foundation damage and other problems from occurring. While some drains are used to redirect small amounts of water, others are designed to move larger volumes quickly. If you’re considering installing a drainage system, here are some things to consider before you start.
One of the first steps in determining the cost of an underground drainage system is to decide on the type of system. There are a variety of options available, including rain gardens, a depressed area to collect water, and irrigation ditches. Rain gardens and irrigation ditches can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $3,000.
While the cost of an underground drainage system may seem high, there are several different ways to save money on the project. A rain garden, for example, costs about $1,000 to $3,000, depending on the size of the garden. A rain garden is an attractive, functional way to capture water that would otherwise have been wasted in the soil. You can choose plants that grow in these conditions, or you can opt for a more conventional drainage system. Another option to discharge water is irrigation ditches, which are used in conjunction with French drains and may cost $0.50 to $1 per linear foot.
Another option to lower the cost of a drainage system is installing a surface drain. Installing a surface drain is cheaper than a fully underground drainage system. A surface drain does not require digging as deep, and pea gravel does not have to be transported to the site. However, the cost of installing a drainage system depends on the type of drainage system and the installer. Once you decide on a type of system, you can get a quote for the total cost.
Maintenance Of Underground Drainage System
In order to ensure a proper drainage system, you must maintain soil, waste, and ventilation pipes. You should conduct regular inspections of the pipes and clear out any blockages. Rodding or high-pressure water jets can clear a minor blockage, but more serious blockages may require removing a defective portion of the pipe. Make sure that the manholes are easily accessible to perform regular maintenance. Ensure that planters and floor finishes do not obstruct access to the manhole.
Poorly maintained drains can result in flooding and subsequent damages. Regular cleaning of the underground drainage system is important to prevent any blockages or water overflow. Fallen leaves and other vegetation can force water into the drainage channels. To avoid these blockages, you should clean and rake fallen leaves and vegetation. You should also inspect your underground drainage system periodically. Checking your underground drainage system is especially important during seasonal rains. If the pipes are not functioning properly, it can lead to permanent damage to the system.
You should also check your surface water inlets and laterals every year. It is advisable to inspect the drainage system after a heavy rain in order to ensure its structural integrity. Check for signs of ponding or excessive wet spots. If you notice any of these, the drainage system is most likely clogged with water and must be repaired or replaced. This prevents a costly situation from arising. Moreover, it prevents the growth of root systems and enables rapid restoration of water drainage.
The benefits of good underground drainage are many. Properly installed and functioning drainage can help protect your home against flooding, keep your property looking great, and even improve the overall health of your landscape. If you’re thinking about installing or updating your drainage system, here’s what you need to know. After reading this article, you’ll be well-equipped to make the right decision for your property.
