Drainage Solutions Around the House

There are many drainage systems that can be installed to protect your house from water damage. However, in the process of finding the appropriate one, it is important to draw a detailed layout of your home, and note down the areas which are the source of the problems. This will help you make the most appropriate choice out of the options present before you.

The most poular and effective drainage solutions are French drains and sump pumps. Once you have selected the drainage system, mark the plan around the house, which includes the system's channels and installation details. Finally, draw the outlet channels for the excess water that gets stored under or around your property.

Though French drains and sump pumps are the best installations, it is advisable form a system which is a combination of 2-3 drainage solutions around the house, so that you have the best protection against all water clogging problems.

French Drains: These systems can be installed anywhere and are common and effective drainage solutions. They are great for DIY enthusiasts also, as the installation process is quite easy. All you need to do is dig a trench at the base of the sloped area, and allow the French drain to capture the water and redistribute it.

Trench Drains: These are used to capture storm water, which flows over a large area like a driveway. Trench drains are conveyed to the city's storm drain system.

Run Off Drainage: These installations are used to remove top water away from the building. This water can get accumulated due to rain or due to running water. This system is used in areas where drains can't be placed around the foundations or low spots.

Sump Pumps: Using sump pumps is another effective method to combat water seepage problems, and works in extreme situations. For example when there is a low water table, which pushes the water from below the ground.

The water which gets accumulated in the pit of the sump, is drained out as it gets pumped away from the foundation by the help of underground pipes. This water gets directed to a municipal storm drain or to a dry well.

Dry wells: These are also popular as drainage systems in areas which cannot be connected to a storm water drainage system. Dry wells are filled with gravel and surrounded by filter fabric, water flows into the wells and infiltrates into the ground through the gravel.

Clean Outs: Clean outs are designed as easy access points for maintenance of the storm water, and are usually located in a bend where the debris can clog the drainage system.

Catch Basins: These are connected to storm drainpipes. These are round or rectangular concrete structures with metal grates placed on top. They capture debris which would clog the pipes in a storm drain system.

Yard Inlets: These are similar to catch basins, but are much smaller in size, and effective solutions for yards. Plastic or metal yard inlets can be purchased at a hardware store.

Gutters: These can be quite effective in areas where rainwater gets accumulated around the house. Gutters collect the run off from the roof. Then they direct the water through downspouts to the drain system. Installing rain gutters is quite easy, and can be done yourself.

These were the various drainage solutions, which can be used to protect your property against any damage due to water accumulation. Before you direct excess water to a dry well or the city's storm drain system, make sure you learn about the laws of the area regarding channeling drain water. As some laws state, that the water needs to be filtered before it is directed to the public drain.