What Are The Different Types Of Drainage Systems Used In Buildings?

In the modern-day, drainage systems include all kinds of piping systems by drainlayers for conveying rainwater, sewage, or other liquid waste into a disposal system. The main objective of the drainlaying process is collecting, transporting and disposing of water through an outlet or an outfall. This maintains a healthy environment that is suitable for inhabitants.

Drainage systems are mainly designed for disposing of wastewater. It prevents gas from septic tanks or sewers from entering into a commercial or residential area. Drainage systems also remove excess water from residential areas. It mainly helps to keep the water away from driveways, walkways, roofs, and other spaces. Having a well-planned drainage system at home, apartment, or commercial area is a perfect choice for leading a healthy environment.

Why Are Drainage Systems Important?

Drainage systems are essential methods for removing the water from the residential area to avoid flooding. It helps prevent the mold, rotting, structural damage, and even mildew from entering. Having a proper drainage system allows the free flow of water to avoid accumulation of stagnant water that could encourage the mosquitoes for breeding. Accumulated water could lead to soil degradation as well, which in turn could to soil erosion.

Types of Drainage Systems – 

Surface Drainage Systems:

The Surface drainage systems use shallow ditches across parallel patterns to remove surface water from land areas. This system could act as a canal for the water to run off. Surface drainage systems involve dug ditches, which lead water into the main drain. The main reason for using surface drainage is to avoid flooding as well as water pooling.

Advantages:

  • Reduces Soil Erosion
  • Removes Toxic Materials
  • Removes Disease Organisms
  • Prevents Water Accumulation

Disadvantages:

  • Expensive
  • High Maintenance
  • Can contaminate water bodies

Subsurface Drainage Systems:

Subsurface drainage systems is the process of placing the drains beneath the top layer of soil. This method would remove excess water from the waste. Subsurface drainage systems are also called as the French drain in modern-day. With the use of this method, it is much easier to dig deep ditches for installing underground pipes. In this process, a massive collector drain will be connected to collecting wastewater.

Advantages:

  • Prevents water overflow in pipes
  • Reduces soil erosion
  • Decreases toxic materials

Disadvantages:

  • A bit expensive to install
  • Maintenance costs

HDPE Drains:

High-Density Polyethylene Trench Drains or HDPE drains are one of the new types of process for draining water. Pre-engineered trench drains have the modular channel sections. These systems are entirely natural to install and lightweight on the whole. High durable materials and smooth textures allow the water to flow free through the drain.

Advantages:

  • Highly durable
  • Lightweight
  • Easy to install
  • Long service life
  • Corrosion-resistant

Disadvantages:

  • Still require a grate covering
  • High sensitivity towards chlorinated treatments
  • Sensitive to temperature variations

Downspout and Gutter systems:

Downspouts and Gutter systems collect water from gutters for diverting into the ground. It is typically connected in the gutter system for carrying water away.

Advantages:

  • Flexible gutter downspouts
  • Avoids clogged drain
  • Could fill up rain barrels

Learn more: Do you need a permit for a septic tank in Auckland?