Stormwater Drainage

What Is Stormwater Drainage?

Stormwater drainage systems carry water that drains from rain falling on the building's roof and land. Stormwater drainage systems consist of underground pipes, channels, and structures receiving stormwater to lakes, rivers, ponds, and streams. This vast range of networks constitutes both private and public systems. 

It is a critical part of any county's system designed to manage storm runoff quality, quantity, distribution, and timing. One thing to note about them is that they are not part of the wastewater management system that carries waste and water from drains (like bathtubs, sinks, showers) and toilets to a plant for filtration and treatment. Likewise, stormwater does not go to any treatment plant. 

Benefits Of Installing A Stormwater Drainage System

Here are some of the advantages of installing effective and reliable stormwater drainpipes and systems:

Using Collected Water

Due to technological advancements,  stormwater drainage systems can filter water as well. With the help of these drainage systems, people can use the water for multiple purposes like putting out fires, gardening, and even drinking. 

Reduced Flooding

With an efficient stormwater management system, the chances of flooding are reduced in areas with higher flooding options than others. 

Keeping Plants Safe

Having an effective drainage system prevents water overflow, which can harm grass and plants.

Lower Risk Of Spreading Contaminants

If someone does not heed the collected stormwater, chances of diseases and contaminants spreading increase. On the other hand, an efficient rainwater drain does not let water collect, and thus it minimizes the spread of diseases because of pollutants in stormwater. 

Lowers Risk Of Icy Patches

The risk of icy patches, which form water freezing or pooling, is reduced by stormwater drainage. 

Minimizes Damage To Infrastructures

Stormwater pits indirectly help preserve highways, underground cables, pipes, sidewalks, etc. 

Components Of A Stormwater Drainage System In A House

An efficient stormwater drainage system contains various parts; here are some of them:

Foundation Drains

They divert stormwater away from the foundations of buildings; they are typically covered by gravel (for water infiltration) and perforated. In addition, one can use a filter fabric layer to wrap the gravel to inhibit the drain from sediment clogging. Thus, these drains disperse water instead of discharging it in a concentrated area. 

Gutters

They collect the runoff from the building's roof. Then, the downspouts transport the runoff to the roof drainage system. Thus, keeping the gutter clear of debris and leaves prevents clogging in the rainwater storage and roof drain system. 

Storm Drainpipes

The channel drainage transport rainwater to the stormwater system of the city. They can be made from various materials like polyvinyl chloride (PVC), aluminium, and concrete. 

Roof Drainpipes

Unlike foundation drains, these pipes are not perforated or connected to the foundation drain system. They must also be connected to the storm drain system to directly convey water to the storm drain basket, dry well, or a waterbody. 

Catch Basins

They are connected to storm drain pipes. Catch basins are either rectangular or round concrete structures having metal grates on top. They capture the debris that can clog storm drain system pipes. 

They are a practical part of any drainage system since they prevent clogging after and during a heavy storm. However, it is better to use a rake or broom to remove any debris or leaves that might have blocked the grate of the catch basin. 

Yard Inlets

They look similar to catch basins but are much smaller. One can purchase plastic and metal ones at the local hardware store. 

French Drains

One can fit them anywhere on the property that collects water. French drains are designed with perforated pipe; whereas, the filter fabric and gravel surround the pipe just like with foundation drain systems. 

Trench Drains

They are designed to carry stormwater for flood protection flowing over large areas like driveways and transport the rainwater to the city's storm drain system. 

Drywells 

One can install them in places that cannot be connected to any stormwater drain systems. For example, dry wells are surrounded by filter fabric and filled with gravel. The water flows in the wells penetrates the ground via gravel. 

Cleanouts 

They are made as easy access points to maintain stormwater drainage systems and are typically located in the bend where there are higher chances of the system clogging. 

Other Things To Consider When Installing A Stormwater Drainage System

The environmental protection agency has specific regulations for installing stormwater drainage systems; however, the application degree differs according to the site's constraints and opportunities. 

For example, drainage systems are best for permeable surfaces like lawns, garden beds, porous paths, and paving. 

Before installation of any subsurface unit like infiltration trenches or soak wells; consider the following:

Type Of Soil

Check the type of soil, as it affects most of the solutions provided by the EPA. For example, sandy soils supply a higher infiltration rate, but clay soils tend to become waterlogged. Like, the water-sensitive designs in heavy clay soil areas must be supplemented with the conventional conveyancing methods. 

Regulations

Before laying down a stormwater drainage unit, check government regulations. 

Groundwater

Determine the groundwater depth. A higher groundwater table might lower the efficacy of infiltration methods during the storms. 

Soil Depth

Make sure the soil has enough depth. Due to impervious rocks like shale, limestone, or granite, areas with shallow soil might hinder infiltration and need some stormwater pipes and retention tanks to discharge water off-site effectively. 

Slopes

Ensure that the stormwater drain system design accounts for terrain since severe sloping can increase the runoff velocity.