Drainage issues are more common than you’d think and can lead to serious problems if not addressed quickly. When water lingers around your home, it becomes a magnet for pests and poses a real threat of expensive water damage to your property.
That’s why understanding potential drainage problems is crucial for residential and commercial property owners. In this blog, we’ll look into the most frequent drainage challenges and offer solutions to keep you one step ahead of any unwelcome surprises.
Improper Landscaping
If water is puddling around your property and not flowing towards your drains then the issue is likely with your landscaping and the slope of your land or drain. Start by taking note of where the puddles are located and whether they can be cleared by moving furniture or reshaping a garden bed.
If the puddles seem to be caused due to poor landscaping you may need to install additional drainage systems in these areas or consider grading your land to allow for better drainage. Professional landscapers will be able to provide suggestions or services to help guide water away from your structures and towards your drains.
Slow Draining Gutters and Downpipes
Another common issue many property owners face is slow draining or blocked gutters and downpipes. Over time and without regular cleaning, gutters can collect leaves, branches, seed pods and other debris dropped by birds or carried on the wind. This debris can cause your gutters and downpipes to clog during rain and stop water from draining away, which can cause your gutters to overflow.
Fortunately, this issue can often be rectified by clearing out your gutters and downpipes or minimised by installing gutter guards to prevent the buildup of debris. However, if your gutters and downpipes are clear and still draining slowly then they may be damaged and require repairs or replacement.
Dense Soil Type
Poor drainage can also be caused by soil issues. Certain types of soils such as clay, are denser and don’t allow for proper drainage, whereas sandy soils allow water to drain quickly. So, if you notice wet and dry patches in your yard it could be due to the soil type.
You can check if this is the issue by taking note of how long the water takes to drain away in certain areas. If it takes longer than 12 hours for the water to drain away then there is likely an issue with your soil and you may need to consult a landscaper for advice or install extra drainage systems.
Blocked Drains
Like gutters and downpipes, stormwater drains can block over time from a build-up of debris such as rubbish, branches, leaves and tree roots. Blocked drains will generally cause water to back up, overflow or drain slowly. Blockages can also be accompanied by foul odours or gurgling sounds from the channel or pipes.
To clear blockages and allow water to flow smoothly, clean out the grates first and then remove them to clean inside the channel thoroughly while checking for larger blockages from tree roots. Once clear, any puddles should drain quickly and allow your property to dry out.
Damaged Drains
When your drains fail to clear the water from around your property it could be due to damage. Our harsh sunlight, heat and heavy use can cause some drains to become brittle and crack over time. If the grates or channels crack or split it can reduce their effectiveness and cause water to puddle around your property.
Unfortunately, the only way to fix this issue is to locate the damage and repair it. However, if your drain is damaged, it may offer a good opportunity to upgrade your system to a more durable one that is designed to withstand our unique Australian conditions and constant use, such as our EasyDRAIN range.
Prevent Issues and Ensure Proper Drainage
By knowing the signs to look for and the common causes of drainage issues around your property you can make the necessary adjustments to prevent costly and extensive damages. Be sure to pay attention to any puddles around your property after heavy rains and keep your drains and gutters clear. This will ensure your property stays safe and dry.
If you need additional drainage or need to replace your existing system and want drainage that is designed by Australians for Australian conditions, look no further than Everhard Industries. Our EasyDRAIN and DuraDRAIN systems are made from strong materials that will stand the test of time, and the best part is they’re easy to install!