How to Maintain a Drainage System

In order to take advantage of the environmental and economic benefits of a drainage system proper maintenance is very important.
 

Environmental issues

There are cases in which drainage systems can be damaging to the environment. Subsurface drainage systems can actually channel nitrate through its drain tiles directly into streams, lakes or rivers.

Maintenance

For most drainage systems maintenance is not too difficult. You should check regularly to make sure outlet ditches haven't been blocked by sediment and inlet covers haven't been sealed by debris. Ochre and rust building up can cause a block in the drain so its important to check up on that every so often and it is also a good idea to remove water loving trees from around 100 foot of the drain. These include willow, elm, soft maple and cottonwood. For a surface drainage system make sure to inspect the outlet channel and the ditches after every heavy rain period and try to remove slit deposits and any other obstructions. Brushy types of vegetation can cause issues with surface ditches so make sure to deal with them appropriately.

Home Drainage System

For a home drainage system maintenance is a bit easier but just as important for preventing flooding or water damage. Make sure to clear any debris and seal any leaks you find. Reconnect loose pads or extensions. Raise any low spots and check for any cracks in any area near the foundation wall and waterproof where necessary.

How to Understand your Drainage System

The drainage system is an extremely important part of protecting your house from the elements but not many people understand exactly how they work or just how important they are so I am going to give you a brief overview.

All waste water from your house goes into the drainage system and then into the main underground drainage system. older houses will normally have two pipes for this, one for soil and one for waste water, and newer houses will typically have just one.
 

Where it all goes

Waste water will normally end up in the underground drainage system except for a few exceptions. in some cases the water will flow into a trapped gully linked to the underground drainage or to a main sewer. In rural areas it may even flow into a cess pit or septic tank. These normally have a metal or plastic grid to keep debris from falling into the trap and blocking it.

Rainwater

Rainwater from gutters needs to be drained separately as heavy prolonged rain could otherwise overwhelm the system. Down-pipes can be connected directly to the underground drainage or they can discharge over the grid of an open gully. From here it is either piped to a soak-away on your property or into a storm drain.

Tips

You as a homeowner are responsible for your own homes drainage system up to the point where it enters the sewer. This means if there are any blockages or damage before this area yourself and at your own expense.