If you find that you have a lot of standing water on your property after a heavy rain or snow melt, consider installing an outdoor drain. Standing water that stays in contact with your home’s foundation can cause structural damage or basement leaks, so it’s a good idea to start looking into solutions for different types of outdoor drains as soon as possible.
In this article we’ll review different types of drains and how they are used to minimize the risk of flooding.
4 Outdoor Drain Types
Aside from possible structural damage, storm water that has nowhere to go can end up flooding out and eroding your driveway, sidewalk, lawn, or garden. Redirecting the water and dealing with a drainage issue could save you a lot of work and expense in the future.
There are many options for outdoor drain types, depending on your particular situation and needs. Some of the most common outdoor drains include French drains, dry wells, catch basins, and trench drains.
What Is a French Drain?
A French drain is ideal for flat yards where you end up with standing water. They’re made of perforated pipes that are installed around the foundation of your home, in a trench that’s also filled with gravel. This prevents the water from standing near the foundation, helping it drain down and away from the foundation where it can’t cause any damage or leaks.
What Is a Dry Well?
A dry well is constructed to use the flow of gravity to direct water toward the lowest point in your yard. Instead of just puddling there, however, it collects in the well before slowly dissipating into the surrounding soil. This is a good solution for rainwater from gutters and roof downspouts, greywater catchments, and reducing waterlogged soil in low areas of your property.
What Is a Catch Basin?
Catch basins are very similar to the storm drains you see on streets and parking lots. They collect water runoff and direct it to a reservoir or sump pump, with the goal of carrying water away from your home. They’re typically installed at the lowest point on your property, and if you have a large property, you might need more than one installed to adequately direct all the water away.
A catch basin is comprised of a large underground tank with a metal grate at ground level to keep debris out of the tank. Once the water is in the tank, it can be pumped away via a sump pump. This is a good solution if you have a lot of standing water and your soil doesn’t drain well. So if you have heavy clay soil, this might be the best solution for you.
What Is a Trench Drain?
Trench drains perform a similar function to French drains in that their purpose is to direct water away from your home’s foundation. However, a trench drain is the way to go if the surrounding land slopes toward your home rather than away from it.
A trench drain is also known as a channel drain. It’s made of a solid precast material, or it can be cast in place, depending on your needs. This channel is covered with a grate to keep debris out of the channel. Water enters the trench, and the trench is constructed so that it directs the flow of water away from your home and property.
Expert Drain Installation and Service
Proper drainage around your property will help minimize the risk of flooding, property damage, and insect infestation caused by standing water. But installing an outdoor drain yourself is a big job, and it requires a certain degree of expertise. If you find that your property needs additional drainage, it’s best to consult with a professional before starting the job. The local plumbing pros at Mr. Rooter Plumbing can help. We have the proper training, tools, and expertise to get the job done right. To learn more or to get started give us a call or request an estimate online.
