What are the types of Home Drainage Systems?
RH Business Marketing Solutions
What are the types of Home Drainage Systems?
Understanding the drainage system of your house can make all the difference when it comes to waterproofing or protecting your house foundation from water damages. There are many different types of home drainage systems and their installation depends on the geology and the topography of the landscape.
Whether you are building a new house or are dealing with repair work of the previously installed drainage system, it is imperative to understand the basics of it. Any damages to this system can seriously affect the structural integrity of your house.
The real estate value of a property is also very much associated with the quality and current state of the drainage system. Water damages are expensive to deal with so, logically, no potential buyer would pay you the price for a house that is at risk.
Here is a brief guide about some of the different types of home drainage systems. Learn more to become a proactive homeowner and protect your property and loved ones from water woes.
Surface Drainage System
The surface drainage system is one of the simplest systems. It basically contains a few ground-level drains that are connected. Trenches are dug in parallel patterns. The ditches are shallow and they act as canals so that water can run through them. The run-off water is directed away from the house into a larger drain which is generally made up of PVC.
If the water keeps flowing in a directed manner, a surface drainage system effectively prevents water pooling or flooding in unwanted areas. If you are living in flat areas, this system is a necessity. The areas with high precipitation rates need adequate channels on the ground that can take away excess water.
It is also used around buildings, driveways, or walkways to prevent water pooling. Most of the residential properties built at ground level have a surface drainage system.
Sub-Surface Drainage System
As the name suggests, the pipes for the sub-surface drainage system are built beneath the top layer of soil. This system is very effective in removing excess water from the root level that has become waterlogged.
Also known as French drains, this system consists of perforated PVC piping which is installed in deep trenches. The trenches are properly covered with gravel. These deep ground ditches and pipes are connected with a large collector drain that aggregated the water coming from these channels.
In most cases, a sump pump is also installed with this system to ensure adequate water flow. It becomes a necessity when there is the fear of waterlogging damage to the plants. For most homeowners, this is an expensive proposition but is indispensable when they want to maintain healthy front and backyards.
Slope Drainage System
A slope drainage system harnesses the power of gravity and the incline of slop to carry away the excess water. This system works well for the properties that are situated at higher altitudes as compared to the main drainage lines. The greater the altitude difference is, the better this system works.
A pipe is installed that will gradually lead to a decline and the force of gravity will keep the water flowing towards the lower pipes. Plastic and metal are the two of the most common materials used for drainage pipes. All such pipes must be covered with durable grates to prevent harming anyone.
Downspout and Gutter Drainage System
The gutter drainage system is synonymous with the drainage system for most Americans. Downspouts make a channel of pipes that collects water from roof gutters and take it away from the property. It directs water away from the house to prevent water pooling in the foundation.
A downspout generally ends on a sloped structure to ensure the steady flow of water by the pull of gravity. The shapes and materials of downspout vary greatly. They could be rectangular or round and made up of steel, aluminum, or PVC.
Downspouts are designed in such a way that they are not visible from the front and thus do not affect the curb appeal of the property. Some modern house designers utilize these systems in such a manner that they become a part of the house exterior design.
A residential property can have more than one drainage system installed. Some of them work to carry away water from roofs while others are designed to take water from bathrooms and kitchens.
Components of a Drainage System
A typical homeowner knows the plumbing and drainage system of their house as far as the kitchen sink goes. Understanding the parts of the drainage system can help you identify the issues sooner rather than later. When you notice any problem in the drainage system, check all of the following components.
Internal Pipe System
It’s the network of pipes that are running throughout your home. These could be made up of cement, metal, clay, or steel. The pipelines are supposed to last as long as your home.
Vents
Vents are a very important part of the drainage system as they allow the air to enter the drains. They are generally open up on the roof. As the air passes through the vents in the drainage system, the unclean water is pulled through it without the constant need of siphoning.
Traps
As the name suggests, traps are designed and installed to capture any large-sized madrterials before they enter the drainage system. The most commonly known trap is installed in the sink. Although most of them are not so obvious, almost all of the plumbing fixtures have some kind of trap to keep the water flowing without obstructions. Keep the traps clean to prevent buildup and clogging.
Interceptors
Interceptors are installed in the drainage system to prevent the mixing of normal and hazardous wastes. Any damages to the interceptors can seriously affect the water drainage system of your area. If you observe any fishy smells which don’t seem to go away, get the interceptors checked.
Shut Off Valves
This is one of the most important things you should know about the drainage system of your house. If something goes wrong with the system, shut off these valves to prevent water damages.
How to Maintain the Drainage System of Your House?
The best approach to keep a healthy drainage system in your home is through prevention. Keep the drains clean and see what’s going down them. Keep your roof clean to prevent gutter clogs and subsequent downspout damages. If possible, use drain guards on every single drain.
For water flooding emergencies, keep the contact details of a reliable plumbing company on your sped dial.
Guest Contributor: Adele Smith