What Are the Different Types of Outdoor Drains?

Pittsburgh gets roughly 38 inches of rain per year, and it is normal for it to flood at least once a year as a result of this rain or melting snow. Drainage systems are therefore best friends for homeowners and property owners in low-lying and flood-prone areas. In this article brought to you by your friends at Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Pittsburgh, we will go over some of the common types of outdoor drains to protect your property from water damage. If your drains are in trouble, then call Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Pittsburgh to hire a trained plumber. We offer professional drain cleaning as well as drain line repairs and replacements.

The 4 Common Types of Drains

All drains work in a similar manner. They include gradients, or slopes, to harness the power of gravity and guide water down a route. This route leads water into some sort of container or another place like the municipal storm drain.

The French drain is remarkably rudimentary yet effective. It is basically a perforated pipe covered by landscaping fabric and laid within a sloped ditch covered in gravel. These are popular in flat yards where standing water regularly collects. Water comes down and into the perforated pipes, which guide the water away from your property where it can’t do damage. The gravel and fabric on top keep debris out of the pipes to prevent clogging.

The trench drain sounds a lot like the French drain, and they work similarly too. While the latter is installed on flat properties, the trench drain is more suited if the surrounding land slopes toward your property. The trench drain catches incoming water and redirects it from your foundation. Trench drains generally use some solid precast material or can be cast in place. The trenches are covered with a grate to keep out debris.

Next up we have the dry well. It uses the power of gravity to direct water to a low point on the property and collect the water in a well. The water slowly dissipates into the surrounding soil.

Finally, there is the catch basin. This is similar to the dry well, but the water in the container does not dissipate into the soil. Instead, the water in the tank is pumped away with a sump pump. A catch basin is like the dry well for properties with soil that does not drain well.

Take Care of Your Drains

Drains protect your building from severe water damage and the land from flooding and waterlogging. They are not perfect though. Grates, landscaping fabrics, and other filtration systems can allow some debris to get in the pipe or trench. This can slow down or even ruin the drain’s functionality. Regularly clean out the drains to keep the water flowing seamlessly.

Need a Plumber?

If you need a plumber in Irwin, PA to inspect or repair your drains, then call Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Pittsburgh. Our live representatives are happy to address any questions or concerns before scheduling an appointment or arranging an emergency plumbing repair.

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