Drains are often taken for granted. They seem to idly rest along our buildings and sidewalks, funneling away water here and there. It’s not until you have a drainage problem that you truly realize how important a proper drainage system truly is. They are an essential piece of our infrastructure and companies like Vodaland, that design and manufacture drainage systems, play a crucial role in protecting our properties from expensive water damage and flooding.
Knowing about the types of drainage systems can help you understand how to properly maintain your system and protect your property, and wallet, from water damage. Different types of drainage systems are designed for different situations, and knowing a little bit about particular drainage systems can go a long way when you have a drainage issue, or when you need to change your drainage system.
In this post, we will be discussing the four primary types of drainage systems.
The Four Main Drainage Systems
The four main drainage systems are surface drainage systems, subsurface drainage systems, slope drainage systems, and downspouts and gutter drainage systems. Each of these is designed to fulfill a particular and important purpose.
Surface Drainage Systems
Surface drainage systems are an effective and necessary way to prevent water pooling and flooding in flat areas. Commonly used as part of residential drainage systems, they are made up of shallow ditches that are dug in a parallel pattern and act as canals for surface run-off water. The channels direct the excess water away from your property and decrease the risk of flooding. Ground surface drainage is essential if you live on very flat land, as rain accumulation can become an issue without the right system in place.
Different kinds of surface drainage systems exist, from levees and open drains, to humps and hollows, and grassed waterways. The Vodaland slot drain is another type of surface drain that has grown in popularity due to its being able to offer a sleek, no-grating design while still being as effective as drains with larger openings.
Subsurface Drainage Systems
The subsurface drainage system, also known as the french drain, is an effective solution for preventing excess water from negatively impacting the root level of soil. These systems require specialized installation beneath the top layer of soil to properly function and collect any standing water.
French drains first involve excavating deeper ditches, followed by the installation of underground pipes that connect back to a large collector drain. In addition to draining excess water, subsurface drains also remove trapped water that can cause plants to rot, thus promoting healthy soil growth.
Slope Drainage Systems
Slope drainage systems are an important part of protecting infrastructure from water damage. By installing and connecting pipes into a small incline alongside the structure, excess water can flow through to lower ground with ease. Slope drains act as channels for collecting and diverting water away from areas which are susceptible to floods and erosion, reducing the risk of costly damages.
Downspouts and Gutter Drainage Systems
Downspouts and a gutter system are an essential part of every property’s drainage system. They key to protecting your home or building from potential rain water damage. Downspouts are connected to the gutters to help remove excess water from roofs and direct it into other drainage sources found on streets, sidewalks and even sewer lines with underground drains.
Without downspouts and gutter drains in place, rainwater can leak off your roof and hit your property, causing water damage and erosion to your landscape. Water that is allowed to pool on the ground near your walls can even lead to structural damage if excessive amounts accumulate. Installing downspouts and gutter systems is one of the most effective ways of keeping properties safe from expensive water damage.
