Importance of good soil drainage

Good soil drainage for Michigan Homes

Good soil drainage is an extremely critical part of building and construction design. When constructing buildings, roads, bridges, or other structures, it may sometimes seem like water systems should be an afterthought or not that important.  However and to the contrary, it is crucial to design and decide a building’s drainage system way before breaking ground. 

The reason why is that water can potentially cause a whole lot of damage if there are no plans for it, as water will pool if it rains or there is significant flooding. Should the water not have anywhere to go, it ends up in the basement with restoration services needed. Or even worse, with the water damage leading to potential foundation issues, erosion, sinkholes, or other damaging effects. 

These are definitely examples of worst-case scenarios, although even minor water damage can cause mold, discoloration, and cracking. That is why it is crucial to address the structure’s/building’s drainage options right from the beginning.

Possible causes of drainage issues

As noted, there are a plethora of issues that can occur as a result of drainage problems.  The main reason behind crawl spaces and basements is that it is not possible to drain all the water away from a residence aptly. A lot of the time, the reason this happens is because of the gutters. Sometimes the spickets become excessively blocked or not pointed away from the house as required, and the water does not follow the correct route, getting accumulated in locations around the base, with structural as well as landscape damage as the result.

It is crucial to grade your yard if you are thinking of beautifying your garden or hardscaping.  Knowledgable landscapers understand the importance of grading away from your residence and will include this in their design plans. It has been observed that several types of individuals require drainage solutions after completing a new landscaping venture and can potentially face considerable costs in repairs if not thought of beforehand. 

Another significant reason behind pooling in residence happens to be piping. It is particularly normal for the pipes to become outdated and start to malfunction. A reason behind this could be the accumulation of mineral deposits, resulting in corrosion, a significant cause of drainage problems. 

What are drainage and its importance?

The drainage system is accountable for getting rid of the excess water on the floor’s surface or at the root area of any property. Also, it is possible for the surplus water to accumulate from rainwater or excessive usage of the irrigation water. It is particularly necessary to drain water for the clearing of the system as well as pipes since it most likely will otherwise lead to leaking, flooding, gross smells, slow draining leading to water damage.  Sewage coming out from the sinks, the dishwashers, as well as the baths is capable of flowing into two places; either a blocked gully or the primary soil stack (which typically leads to an underground drain).

Rainwater is drained differently, though.  It comes from the gutters, which is a separate system that is imperative in many properties where rainwater can be turbulent as well as extended. The rainwater originating from the gutter falls into an open gully or a gridded one and then lastly, into an underground pipe. After this procedure, it is quite possible for the water to flow into a storm drain underneath a soakaway in the backyard or a road where the water goes to be percolated into the soil once again.

Importance of Drainage in a property

Property owners need to, at regular intervals, perform maintenance on their drainage systems. Usually, this matter is ignored, and the damages could be quite ruinous on the off chance something in the system develops a problem. One does not have to go into debt to maintain a proper drainage system at their residence.  Regular maintenance provides many advantages too. In the case that one would like to purchase top-quality underground drainage pipes and fittings for the property, it will be a wise idea to contact a reputable landscaping firm that provides this service. Do some research and look at the online reviews before opting for any of these companies to buy your products.

Several ways drainage helps a property:

• Prevents unnecessary water accumulation (duh!)

This may be the most significant use of a decent drainage system, enabling the water to flow freely and, for the most part, does not allow the water to accumulate, leading to eventual flooding. Additionally, a good drainage system assists in preventing any stagnant water from accumulating which, is an excellent breeding ground for mosquitoes.

• Minimizes soil erosion

Accumulation of water will eventually result in the degradation of the soil.  Then leading to a muddy floor surface which subsequently will lead to soil erosion. However, if there is an efficient drainage system on your property, no need to worry about the yard’s topsoil getting washed away.

• Ensures a wholesome “clean” living 

Regular maintenance on the drainage system will continuously wave any possible blockage that may be caused by eroded sediments or waste that has not been disposed of properly. (Ewww!)

• Prevent an unstable foundation with flaws

It is possible for the water to flow to the lowest portion of your residence (the foundation of the home) in case the drainage is not adequate. This could lead to cracks, fractures, and a house that could even collapse if not paid attention to successfully.

• Termites

Inappropriate drainage can be responsible for the development of termites. They are easily drawn to moisture that accumulates in a home’s foundation, resulting in more significant issues such as structural complications if not paid attention to promptly.

• The dreaded mold factor!

Excessive dampness in a basement will lead to the formation of moisture because of inadequate drainage, including the development of the dreaded mold. Mold can develop following a flood or after some time and remain undetected for an extended period if not paid attention to. And as we have learned, molds are extremely harmful to one’s overall health, especially to those with asthma or allergies.

• Fungus

Lawn fungus can be a botheration because the air circulation is not adequate, leading to the appropriate condition for the development of fungi. Check with a reputable landscaper to prevent this.

• Increases the value of the property

Proper drainage will help to enhance the value of any property, providing a great return on the investment. It will most likely impact the overall comfort and security of one’s home with regular inspection of pipes, vents, and drain lines, to help to prevent unpredicted plumbing repairs in the future.

What is the primary importance of drainage?

As one might guess, different styles of drains work differently. Even though all drains serve the same general purpose, whether they are installed in a building or on a bridge, a drain’s purpose is to remove excess surface water and allow it to flow to somewhere it will not cause damage. 

Mostly, drains guide water to beaches, creeks, rivers, or other water outlets to avoid damage to commercial properties, homes, and farmland. Sometimes, they just simply slow down the water absorption rate, so the land has adequate time to adjust, avoiding damages.

What is the use of drainage?

The right one for your project depends on numerous factors, but here are five popular types of drainage systems: 

1. Trench Drains – The most popular type is the grated trench drain system. This type uses a system of trenches and grates to move water towards an underground pipe, which is usually sent to a water outlet or another acceptable area.

2. Slot Drains – These drains work a lot like grated trench drains, except they don’t need the grate. With a slimmer design, they generally go into the floor or ground without the need for a covering. Slot drains are a popular design for sanitary drains, commonly found in food preparation warehouses or other buildings that require top-tier sanitation and are usually made from stainless steel to avoid corrosion and bacteria build-up.

3. HDPE Drains – HDPE stands for “high-density polyethylene drains.” These drains are prefabricated systems and work like trench drains but do not have to be built. Instead, they are put in the ground and designed around. 

4. French Drains – This type of system is most commonly used for residential projects to redirect water away from landscaping and homes. These systems use a series of pipes to move water runoff away from the property and towards the sewage, swale, or cistern.  A knowledgeable landscaping company will acknowledge this before breaking any ground.

5. Swale Drainage System – Swale systems are not much more than a shallow ditch lined with grass (or other vegetation) to prevent puddling and flooding and are used more for landscaping than for construction. 

There are even more specific drainage system types within each of these primary drainage types. Ultimately, the right drainage system for your project depends on the project at large. All these options must be investigated as well as be seriously considered before beginning construction or landscaping.