What are the Main Types of Drainage Solutions?

Is your backyard a constantly wet and soggy mess and unpleasant to look at and walk on? This can be an indication you have a drainage problem. Neglecting a flooded yard may lead to minor or more severe structural damage, therefore effective drainage must be implemented. When in doubt about how to resolve your drainage problems, seeking guidance from a drainage specialist can pinpoint the specific causes and provide effective solutions to restore your property's well-being.

Surface Drainage and Solutions

Surface drainage solutions are designed to manage and control the flow of water on the surface of soil to prevent waterlogging, erosion, and other related issues. Adequate surface drainage is particularly important for agricultural fields, urban areas, and construction sites. Considerations for implementing surface drainage include soil type, slope, land use, and the volume of water requiring management. When faced with surface drainage problems, determining the most suitable method can be challenging, and seeking advice from a drainage specialist will guarantee the installation of the most appropriate and effective solution is achieved. Effective drainage solutions include:

Grading and Contouring - Adjusting the slope or grade of the land to encourage the natural flow of water away from critical areas.Using earth-moving equipment to reshape the terrain, creating gentle slopes and ensuring water flows in desired directions.

Trench Drain - Also known as a channel drain or linear drain, a trench drain is used to manage surface water runoff. It is typically installed in areas with heavy rainfall or water flow, such as driveways, patios, sidewalks, or commercial settings like parking lots.

Open Ditches - Ditches are excavated channels that collect and convey surface water, directing it away from sensitive areas.

Swales - Swales are broad, shallow channels designed to slow down and redirect surface water, allowing it to infiltrate into the soil.: Often used in landscaping, swales can be integrated into the natural contours of the land.

Berms - Berms are raised mounds or embankments created to redirect and contain surface water. They are constructed using soil, rocks, or other materials to create a barrier that alters the flow of water.

Culverts - Culverts are pipes or structures placed under roads, driveways, or pathways to allow the unimpeded flow of water.They are typically made of materials like concrete, metal, or plastic and are sized based on the expected water flow.

Gutters and Downpipes - In urban and residential areas, gutters collect rainwater from roofs and direct it through downpipes away from the building.Gutters are mounted along roof edges, and downspouts are positioned to carry water away from the foundation.

Permeable Paving - Permeable or porous paving materials allow water to pass through, reducing surface runoff and promoting infiltration. Permeable asphalt, permeable concrete, and permeable pavers are used to create driveways, walkways, and parking areas.

Retention and Detention Basins - These basins are designed to temporarily hold and manage stormwater, preventing downstream flooding and allowing sediment to settle. Typically constructed in open spaces, these basins can be dry most of the time and fill up during heavy rainfall events.

Stormwater Management Systems - Comprehensive systems that include various components such as retention ponds, filtration systems, and engineered structures to control stormwater runoff in urban environments.Involves the integration of engineered features to address specific stormwater management needs.

Indications you Require Surface Drainage

• Standing Water
• Erosion and Soil Washout
• Soggy or Waterlogged Soil
• Basement  Flooding
• Cracks in the Foundation or Walls
• Gully Formation
• Muddy or Slippery Walkways
• Pooling Water Around Plants
• Staining on Exterior Walls
• Frequent Basement Flooding
• Property Grading Issues

Sub Surface Drainage and Solutions

Subsurface drainage is a method used to manage water beneath the surface of the soil, preventing waterlogging and improving soil conditions. When implementing subsurface drainage solutions, it's crucial to consider factors such as soil type, slope, water table depth, and the specific needs of the area in question.  As with any drainage problems, it's advisable to consult a drainage specialist who can help determine the most effective drainage solution for a particular situation. Common subsurface drainage solutions include:

Tile Drainage - Tile drainage involves the installation of a network of pipes or tubes, known as tiles, beneath the soil surface to facilitate the removal of excess water. Tiles are typically placed in a pattern across a field or area to create a systematic drainage system.

French Drains - French drains are trenches filled with gravel or rock that redirect water away from a specific area. They can be used to manage surface water as well as subsurface water. A perforated pipe is often placed at the bottom of the trench to collect and divert water. Gravel, rock, and perforated pipes are key components.

Subsurface Drip Irrigation - While primarily used for irrigation, subsurface drip systems can also contribute to subsurface drainage by efficiently delivering water directly to plant roots and allowing excess water to move downward. Drip lines are installed below the soil surface, delivering water directly to the root zone.

Mole Drains - Mole drains are temporary channels created by a mole plough to allow water to flow along a desired path. A mole plough creates channels in the soil without removing soil material, providing a pathway for water movement.

Sump Pump Systems - Sump pump systems involve the installation of pumps in designated low points, or sump pits, to remove accumulated water.Pumps are activated automatically when water reaches a certain level in the sump pit.

Curtain Drains - Curtain drains are trenches filled with gravel or rock designed to intercept and redirect subsurface water away from a specific area. They are often installed downslope or around the perimeter of an area to intercept and redirect water.

Deep Trench Drains - Similar to curtain drains, deep trench drains involve excavating deep trenches filled with gravel or rock to enhance water movement through the soil profile. Trenches are deeper than traditional drains, promoting the movement of water to lower soil layers

Indications you Require Subsurface Drainage

• Waterlogged Soil
• Stunted Plant Growth
• Soil Erosion
• Presence of Algae or Fungi
• Standing Water in Low-lying Areas
• Spongy or Muddy Lawns
• Foul Odours
• Basement Dampness or Flooding
• Cracking in Soil
• Iron Stains or Rusty Deposits
• Loss of soil Nutrients
• Mould & Mildew Growth
• High Water Table

If you need assistance with your residential or commercial drainage Purity Plumbing can offer appropriate drainage solutions based on your specific requirements. Phone 1300 257 385 to speak to one of our friendly and experienced drainage plumbers.