Most of us don’t think about drains until something goes wrong, but the type of drainage system you have matters more than you might think. Each system does a different job, so let’s look at four types.
1. Surface water drainage
This one is all about dealing with rain. When water runs off your roof, drive, or patio, it needs somewhere to go, with surface water drainage systems guiding the flow away from your home. Designed to keep puddles from forming and help prevent local flooding, you will often see grates or drains at the edge of paths and roads doing exactly this.
2. Foul water drainage
This system handles the stuff you really want gone, such as wastewater from toilets, sinks, showers, and dishwashers. It carries the wastewater to the main sewer system and although it works behind the scenes, it is essential. Without it, hygiene would go out the window very quickly.
3. French drains
A French drain, or subsurface drain, is hidden underground. It is a simple trench filled with gravel and a pipe that moves water away from places it likes to collect, such as the bottom of a garden or near a basement wall. It is a clever fix if your outdoor space is always boggy or soggy after it rains.
4. Soakaways
Soakaways are smart underground pits that let rainwater slowly drain into the soil. They help take pressure off your drainage system and stop water from running off too quickly, and are a popular option for homes with garden space, especially where surface water needs to go somewhere.
When things go wrong
Even good systems can get blocked or damaged over time. If you are dealing with constant drainage issues and can’t see the cause, a CCTV drain survey Birmingham conducted by a company such as https://www.wilkinson-env.co.uk/drainage-services-cctv-surveys-midlands/cctv-drain-surveys/birmingham can reveal what is going on without digging everything up.
Final thoughts
Drains are incredibly important, and knowing which type you have can help you spot problems early and keep your home safe, dry, and free of messy surprises.