What is Underground Drainage?

Underground drainage is water drainage which is routed underground, rather than along the surface. There are a number of reasons to choose underground drainage, and such systems need to be installed with care. People need to make sure that they drain to the correct location, and that they are installed with materials which are sturdy, and will be able to withstand incursions such as roots. Irrigation and drainage companies can design and install such systems for people who would prefer to leave things in the hands of experts.

Drainage is an ever present issue in any area where there is water. In some cases, the natural design of a property provides enough surface drainage that drainage is not a major problem. In other instances, people may notice pooling, soggy soil, and other signs of a drainage problem. Drainage problems need to be addressed because poor drainage can compromise the foundations of a home, damage plants in the garden, look unsightly, and make it difficult to walk around the garden or yard. Poor drainage can also contribute to erosion and other problems.

One option is to install a surface drainage system which collects water and routes it to storm drains, the street, or another suitable area. This can be unsightly, however, leading some people to prefer an underground drainage system. With underground drainage, a series of collection sites lead to underground pipes which dump out into a downhill location. Collection sites include downspouts from the gutters and grates in strategic low points around the yard or garden.

The pipes used for underground drainage need to be able to repel roots which could attempt to grow through them. Some people use a french drain system, with perforated pipes surrounded by gravel. This system allows water to quickly percolate through the gravel and into the pipes, allowing drainage to occur everywhere the pipes run, rather than collecting water at central points. This wicks subsurface water away quickly and efficiently.

Placing the outlet for a subsurface drainage system in the proper location is important. For people in urban areas, pipes should drain to storm drains or into the street, depending on local ordinances. It is important to avoid routing water into the yards of neighbors, and to avoid creating an outlet on the property itself. Residents of rural areas should try to place the outlet in a downhill location, taking some measures to prevent erosion such as putting a screen on the outlet to break up the water as it exits the drainage system.