Any type of building, from industrial to commercial to homes, can benefit from an in-ground drainage system for managing runoff. The main goal is to keep water from pooling, which can lead to soil erosion, flooding, and other problems. A public stormwater system or a designated drainage area will be the final destination for excess water accumulating around roads, buildings, and other infrastructure.
Key Components
- Sump pumps
Sump pumps actively transfer the water to a designated drainage point when gravity alone cannot adequately drain a low-lying area.
- Culverts and pipes
These underground pipes transport runoff from catch basins to a stormwater system or a designated outlet.
- Drainage swales
The purpose of these shallow channels is to direct surface runoff into a specified drainage area.
- French drains
This is an in-ground drainage system that uses gravel to surround perforated pipes. It diverts water away from critical areas, allowing it to seep into the earth.
- Grates and catch basins
Water can enter the drainage system through these openings. Catch basins, typically located in low areas to collect excess water, benefit from the presence of grates to prevent trash from entering them.
Here’s how to install an in-ground drainage system.
To protect your home or outbuilding from flooding and other water damage, consider installing an in-ground drainage system. The procedure for laying an in-ground drainage system is as follows:
Step One: Create a drainage system plan.
- Identify water and low spots
Find the areas that collect water, as well as the ones where you want it to go away. When planning how to direct the flow of water, keep in mind the inherent slope of your property.
- Pick Out Drainage Components
Dry wells, catch basins, and French drains are the most popular drainage systems. Dry wells aid in dispersing water into the soil; catch basins collect water at distinct locations; and French drains are ideal for expansive areas where water consistently pools.
Step Two: Get utility locations and important permits
- Utility Locates
Before digging, contact your local utility company to see if any underground utilities are available. This critical step is required to ensure safety and prevent harm.
- Permits
Installing drainage systems, particularly those connecting to public sewers, may require permits in certain areas. To find out, contact the appropriate authorities in your area.
Step Three: Gather tools and materials.
- Tools
A pipe-cutting saw, wheelbarrow, level, shovel, tamper, tape measure, and spade.
- Materials
Sod, end caps, gravel, perforated pipe, soil, drainage catch basins, and geotextile fabric are all potential covering options.
Step Four: Dig and install the drainage system
- Digging
Follow the planned path to excavate trenches. While the exact dimensions of the trench depend on the chosen drainage system, a standard depth of 18 to 24 inches is often ideal for French drains. To make sure water flows properly, the trench should have a slope of approximately 1 inch for every ten feet.
- Perforated pipe installation
Layer four to six inches of gravel on top of the geotextile fabric in the trench. Before placing it on top, ensure that the pipe’s perforations point out to the sides or downward. As required, connect pipe sections.
- Add geotextile fabric and gravel
Fill the pipe with more gravel until it is a few inches below ground level. Wrap the geotextile material around the gravel to keep dirt from getting into the system.
- Cover and compact
To prevent the trench from sinking again, fill it with sod or soil and compact it.
Step Five: Connect to a basin or outlet.
- Drainage outlet
If necessary, connect the drainage system to an existing outlet, such as a storm drain. If you’re using a catch, cover it with a grate and install it correctly.
- Test for functionality
Pour water through the system before covering it completely to ensure there are no leaks or obstructions.
Step Six: Backfill and restore the landscape.
- Backfill
Backfill the trench with sod or soil once you install and test the drainage system.
- Restore landscape
Repair damaged areas and replant grass or other vegetation to restore the landscape.
Factors to consider when installing an in-ground drainage system.
Maintenance
Regular inspections and maintenance are necessary to keep the system functioning properly.
Expert Installation Services
Expert installation is essential for in-ground drainage systems to work as intended and meet all applicable codes.
Regulations and permits
Before installation, check the local regulations and get any necessary permits.
Site Assessment
Only a thorough site study can determine the optimal drainage system.
Common In-Ground Drainage System Types
- Catch Basins
They collect runoff from the ground and channel it into a storm sewer or drainage system.
- Dry Wells
Buried beneath the surface are these structures. They collect rainwater and release it into the soil, allowing it to seep into the earth over time.
- Channel Drains
The trench is long, narrow, and covered with a grate. Roads, parking lots, and driveways widely use it to manage surface runoff.
- Sump Pump Systems
It is intended to prevent flooding in crawl spaces and basements by removing excess water.
- French Drains:
It features a perforated pipe and a trench filled with rock or gravel. In flood-prone areas, they help to divert groundwater and surface water.
The benefits of installing an in-ground drainage system are significant.
Both commercial and residential establishments can reap the rewards of an in-ground drainage system. A comprehensive rundown of the benefits is as follows:
- Keeps insects and other pests at bay
Standing water is a haven for mosquitoes and other unwanted guests. To reduce the impact of these problems and make the outdoors more pleasant, ensure adequate drainage.
- Custom-made
Your property’s design and drainage requirements can help you customize an in-ground drainage system. The system’s adaptability guarantees it will cater to your needs while delivering top-notch performance.
- Foundation protection
Directing water away from the foundation can prevent issues like structural stability, foundation cracks, and erosion. Over time, this can save a lot of money on repairs.
- Safety Improvement
Poor drainage can make driveways, walkways, and other outdoor spaces dangerously slick. An in-ground drainage system mitigates these dangers by swiftly draining any surplus water.
- Minimizes soil loss
Soil erosion can occur when water does not drain properly. An in-ground drainage system can stabilize the soil and keep flower beds, gardens, and lawns looking great.
- Improved property value
A properly planned drainage system can raise your home’s resale value. Because it reduces the likelihood of water-related problems, prospective buyers are more inclined to value a house with good drainage.
- Increases usable space:
If your property floods, you may not be able to use all of it. Thanks to an in-ground drainage system, you can enjoy your outdoor area to the fullest without ever having to worry about flooding or soggy ground.
- Floods prevention
Install an in-ground drainage system to keep your property dry during storms and severe rains. This will reduce the damage to landscapes, buildings, and other structures.
- Landscape health improvement
Water pooling in specific areas can result in mold and mildew growth, plant destruction, and soil erosion. An in-ground drainage system is an asset to healthy landscaping, preventing oversaturation and directing water where it’s required.
Applications
There are several distinct contexts in which an in-ground drainage system is useful:
- Infrastructure in urban areas
To keep the city’s drainage system in good working order and avoid street floods,
- Industrial and commercial areas
The goal is to reduce the likelihood of floods and property damage by controlling rainwater runoff from big surfaces such as roofs, parking lots, and rivers.
- Recreational areas and sports fields
This is necessary to ensure that the fields remain playable and the turf remains undamaged by water.
- Agricultural fields
In order to avoid water collection that could harm crops or stunt their growth, it is important to irrigate properly.
- Residential properties
It is important to manage rainwater runoff from gardens, driveways, and roofs to prevent waterlogging, soil erosion, and basement flooding.
Additional Tips
- Use thicker, tougher pipes to avoid potential damage due to large trees or heavy machinery.
- To make maintenance and cleaning easier, think about installing inspection ports into the drainage system.
Conclusion
An in-ground drainage system is necessary to control water runoff, avoid flooding, and stop erosion. These systems are critical for preserving property and environmental health, and they have many useful applications. They work and last longer with careful planning, installation, and maintenance.