6 Ways You Can Maintain the Efficiency of Your Underground Drainage System

Underground drainage systems ensure that the flow of water moves away from foundations and structures where it could cause expensive and dangerous damage. A properly functioning drainage system requires regular maintenance.

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Thankfully, there are simple things you can do to ensure your drainage system operates effectively and efficiently for many years to come.

1. Become a Keen Observer

Underground drainage systems make it difficult to see the state of such infrastructure with the naked eye. Although any change or difference in the function of the drainage, especially after consistent rain or particularly heavy downpours, is easily seen.

Water should run off and be diverted away, so significant pooling of water may indicate a blocked drainage that is not doing the job it was designed to do.

2. Limit Blockage Caused by Leaves and Vegetation

Oftentimes, running water forces leaves and vegetation to be stuck into drainage channels and create blockage.

Such blockages can be fixed easily by removing leaves or other matter from the drainage grates to ensure that water can continue to flow as it should. Raking fallen leaves and keeping vegetation away from drainage ports is just basic cleaning that anyone can do.

3. Routinely Check Your Drainage Systems

Routinely check underground drainage systems at regular intervals. The best times to do so is before the onset of the rainy season or immediately after significant seasonal rains have occurred. The friendly experts at Total Pipeline Systems in the UK are always happy to offer additional maintenance advice if required.

4. Hire a Plumber’s Snake

There are stores that will rent a plumber’s snake for a very reasonable sum. This device is simple to use and basically requires one to extend, jiggle and push the snake through one end of the drainage system until it exits the other end, or encounters a blockage. There are both entry and exit ports for drainage, so if a significant blockage is found it may help to switch ends and try and break up the blockage from the opposite side.

5. Give it a Blast with a Power Washer

Power washers are designed to direct a high pressure jet of water through a nozzle. They are used for cleaning driveways, boats, roof tiles and other materials that are easily removed by a strong blast of water.

After loosening a blockage with a plumbers snake, insert the nozzle of the power washer and give it a good, long blast of water. Any trapped debris should soon disperse and flow freely towards the drainage exit. Start from the higher slope so that the water flows away from you. If the blockage does not move, give it a shot from the other end but be prepared for quite a large volume of water to quickly flow back in your direction and respond accordingly. If a design flaw is discovered, Total Pipeline Systems can help supply replacement parts. Simply glance through their online catalogue to find the parts you require.

6. Keep Entry and Exit Ports Clear

Another simple maintenance tip is to keep the area around the drainage ports clear from dirt and debris. Regularly sweep away any loose dirt or seal the surrounding area with small stones or rocks to act as a filter and catchment area. Often, securing garden edging and ensuring soil from garden beds is not flushed into the grates can help keep a drainage system cleaner and able to work more efficiently.

Making these maintenance suggestions a part of your regular yard work routine will help to ensure your drainage system continues to function as it was designed to do well into the future.