5 Factors in Maintaining Outdoor Drains

Drainage systems are the essential backbone of any landscape project. Whether it’s a multi-million dollar makeover or a DIY upgrade, proper drainage ensures that you and your property will be protected from issues that arise from a poor drainage system.

Outdoor drainage faces unique debris management problems that should be considered when choosing drainage. In simple terms this means that grass, leaves and dirt are going to get into outdoor drainage. It's inevitable. Making the right design choices when installing outdoor drainage will help to ensure that drains can be easily maintained, to prevent them from becoming blocked by debris.

Here are the 5 most important factors to consider when choosing outdoor drainage:

1. The science of surface water management
2. Materials selection
3. Maintenance routines
4. When to consult a professional
5. The best drains for hardscape projects

This blog will delve into water management, what materials are best for longevity, how to properly maintain your drains, when to contact a professional, and the best drains to use for your landscape projects.

1. The Science of Surface Water Management

Landscape drainage is a calculated hydraulic system that manages runoff velocity and volume. When rain hits a hard surface such as a pool deck, drive way, or patio it needs a clear, intentional path to a discharge point. Neglecting your drainage system will disrupt drainage and render it ineffective or even unusable. Materials such as silt, foliage and other debris create friction within the pipes, slowing the water down. When this occurs, it causes problems such as:

• Hydrostatic Pressure: When water builds up against foundation walls, which weakens the structural integrity of them
• Soil Liquefaction: This weakens the soil to the point where it can no longer support heavy structures on it
• Plant Suffocation: Roots of plants “drown” when the air pockets in the soil are replaced by standing water, killing the plants

2. Materials Matter: Why Selection Dictates Maintenance

When selecting your landscape drainage system it is important to consider what material you use during the design phase. The material you select will directly impact how much work it will take to maintain and clean your drainage system in the future. There are 3 main materials typically used for drainage systems:

Polymer/Plastics: These are common materials in residential settings as they are the cheapest option. However, the cheap cost means there are major downsides. Since they are made of plastic, they become brittle very easily, causing them to crack and break quicker. They also require more frequent maintenance as their interior is often porous, meaning debris clogs them up and prevents proper water flow.

Concrete Channels: These are the middle ground in terms of both cost and maintenance level. They are more durable than plastic, but still crack over time due to weathering and regular use. These can also cause underground leaks that are hard to detect until a sinkhole appears and massive damage has already occurred.

Stainless Steel: Stainless steel drains are the most expensive option, but you get what you pay for. They are corrosion resistant, can withstand heavy loads without warping, last far longer than concrete or plastic channels and have a non-porous surface.

3. The Professional Maintenance Routine

To ensure that your drainage system maintains its expected lifespan, it is important to do semi annual inspections of your system. This traditionally consists of four steps:

1. Surface Clearing: The first and most obvious step, removing large debris such as leaves, mulch, twigs, stones, etc. from the grates or slot entries depending on the type of drain that you have installed. Even a small blockage can cause large backups and major issues with your system.
2. Clearing the Catch Basins: The catch basin is the “sump” of your drainage system. It’s designed to trap heavy solids such as rocks and sand before they enter your pipes. If your system includes internal strainer baskets such as a Landscape Drains Slot Drain system, this becomes a simple process that takes minutes to complete.
3. Hydraulic Flushing: This is the process of inserting a high-pressure hose into the highest point of your drainage system. A “clear” flow at the discharge point confirms there are no hidden obstructions such as root intrusions or collapsed sections.
4. Structural Integrity Check: Finally, walk the length of the drain. In this step you are looking for “settling” where the ground or hardscape has dipped near the drain. This can indicate a leak in a pipe joint that washes away the subsoil.

4. When to Consult a Drainage Specialist

While cleaning should typically be a DIY task, there are a few red flags that likely require professional attention:

• Persistent Odors: Persistent odors can indicate stagnant water or a possible cross-connection with a sewer line
• Structural Cracks: If the drainage channel is cracked, that likely means that water is escaping into your foundation which should be addressed immediately
• Root Blockages: If a plumber’s snake can’t break through a blockage, it will require hydro-jetting to clear, or possibly a full pipe replacement.
  

5. The Best Drains For Landscaping Projects

Slot drain systems such as the 4000 Series Slot Drain, 7000 Series Slot Drain, and Radius Slot Drain from Landscape Drains provide numerous benefits that will ensure you have the best possible drainage installed in your project. They sport a non-porous surface, so it is very difficult for debris to get stuck in them, making cleaning much easier. Slot Drains are also ADA compliant and their sleek, minimalist design allows them to blend in easily with any design, ensuring that you can maintain whatever aesthetic you want.

Slot drains provide a seamless opening the length of the drain that makes cleaning extra simple with limited to no interruptions, especially when paired with tools such as the Landscape Drains Cleaning Paddle.  In terms of both quality and maintenance, Landscape Drains are the best choice for any outdoor drainage project.

Contact us today at [email protected] to learn more or to speak to one of our drainage specialists that can assist you with any project you need.