A drainage system in a home is the system of pipes that uses gravity to pull and direct any water from the house to the main drain. These pipes are normally located beneath the house. The drainage system is comprised of a number of parts, including:
- House sewer – this is the main pipe that runs from the house to the public septic tank.
- House drain – the pipe that receives water discharge from around the house and directs it to the house sewer.
- Soil stacks and pipes – this includes the pipes used to direct discharge from toilets.
- Trap – a fitting that prevents the backflow of gases and air through the pipes to prevent odor leakages.
- Waste stack and pipe – the pipes that receive all the other discharges apart from the toilets’.
- Vent piping – the pipes that provide ventilation for the entire drainage system as well as carry odors from the house.
- Sub-house drain – the drainage system that handles waste disposal without using gravity.
A good drainage system not only helps direct water away from the foundation of the house, but it also prevents any potential risks associated with the poor drainage system. It reduces the chance of destroying or collapsing of the house.
 |
| Drainage Repair |
Maintaining a good drainage system comes with a number of benefits such as reducing the costs of drainage repair while maintaining hygiene around your home.
Why Do You Need Good Drainage Around Your Home?
There is a wide range of reasons why everyone should have good drainage around their home. Any issues from a poorly maintained drainage such as clogging and blockages, however small, can lead to inconvenience. It is important for every homeowner to enlist the help of professional drainage maintenance teams to assist in keeping the drainage functional. It not only keeps you comfortable, but also helps maintain the value of your home while also increasing its usability.
Below are seven reasons why you should maintain good drainage:
# Reduce the Possibility of Water Damages: A poor drainage normally results in puddles and water retention around the house which can affect landscaping. It will also result in marshy waterlogged soils around the foundation which can potentially cause damages resulting from a weakened foundation. It may also result in leaks in the basement among other areas around the house. Retained water has the ability to lead to the overgrowth of mold, destruction of walls, the floor and other furnishings. It would be safe to avoid the added expenses resulting from total drainage reconstruction with simple drainage fixing and maintenance.
# An Unstable Foundation: Paddles of water lying around your home after a heavy downpour is a clear sign of poor drainage. Without the proper drainage, the water in the paddles will be moving downwards towards the lower parts of the ground. This is most likely towards the foundation.
The foundation is a very crucial part of your house as it provides all the support for everything above the ground. Water retained around your foundation can result in a weak base which can lead to cracks and collapsing of the building in time. It would be cheaper to have the drainage maintained than to have the whole foundation repaired.
# Mold and Fungus Growth: There are many problems associated with poor drainage, especially in the basement areas. When water infiltrates the basement through the walls or at the juncture between the floor and the wall, it results in the increase of humidity in the area. This humidity plus the poor quality of air causes mold which usually grows over a significant period and may mostly go unnoticed. Inadequate airflow also results in fungi. Some of these are known to have health effects, especially in the respiratory tract and are also poisonous.
# Flooded Gutters: In areas where heavy downpour is experienced regularly, it is very important to have good drainage. Gutters are one of the ways to send run-off water from the roof and dispose of it safely in the drainage system. A poor drainage can result in a water-log at the bottom of the gutters. This can lead to the destruction of the exterior of your home as well as landscaping.
While it would be easier and less costly to install new and bigger gutters for the safe direction of run-off water, it would be more convenient in the long run to have a proper drainage construction. This not only reduces the drainage maintenance and repair costs; it also improves the living conditions around your home.
# Elimination of Odors: A poorly maintained drainage system around the house can lead to the escape of gases and foul-smelling air back into the house. This means that the traps that prevent potential leakages of these gases are worn out. As the drainage pipes are normally filled with stinking bacteria and decomposing matter, it would be in your best interest to maintain the drainage. Odor leakages can lead to smelly houses and offensive air quality. Always enlist the help of professional maintenance teams who can easily identify the cause of the problem and install the proper drainage system for you.
# Saves on Money: A good drainage can be a great asset which helps reduce the overall maintenance and repairs in your home. It can help reduce the need for emergency plumbing services which can be very costly. Although the installation of a drainage system around the house for the first time can be expensive, it proves to be very effective cost-wise in the long run.
# Reduce Accidents and Soil Erosion: Accumulation of excess water around your house can have devastating effects on the soil. Water makes the water mushy and muddy, which can lead to soil erosion. It can also lead to accidents associated with wet soil and possibly serious injuries. Good drainage can help in reducing the two and also in maintenance costs.
Having a properly maintained drainage is vital in ensuring your home is free of excess water. This reduces the likelihood of bursting pipes, chipped ceilings and destroyed floors, and other catastrophes associated with poor drainage. It is therefore important to not overlook the importance of timely and regular drainage maintenance and repairs.
November 24, 2018
Leave a comment