Stormwater drains play an important role in managing excess rainfall, preventing flooding and protecting your property, but to ensure they work as they should, you need to know how to connect the drainage pipes effectively.
In this blog, we’ll share our seven top tips to help you connect your pipes properly to achieve optimal performance and longevity out of your drainage system. Whether you’re managing your existing stormwater drains or are looking at installing one of our innovative systems, such as our EasyDRAIN or DuraDRAIN or are still contemplating how to select the right drain grates, we can help you make the most out of your system.
Tip 1: Plan Your Layout Carefully
Before you start connecting drainage pipes, it’s essential to carefully design the layout for your drainage system. Keep in mind the slope of the land, the volume of water needing to be drained and the locations of your existing structures and plumbing system.
Gravity helps water move downstream smoothly, so it’s important to use this to your advantage by planning accordingly for the natural slope of your land to guide water to your stormwater drains. By using the natural slope and gravity, you can successfully force rainfall to flow into your drainage system rather than pooling around your property or on driveways.
Tip 2: Choose the Right Materials
The next thing to consider is the materials that your system is made out of. Opt for high-quality, durable materials that are designed to withstand Australia’s harsh weather conditions and elements, such as direct sunlight, excess heat and heavy rainfall.
You also need to consider where your drains will be, and if they’re likely to be walked on or driven over, you need to opt for grates that are capable of handling heavy loads and foot traffic without bending or breaking.
At Everhard Industries, our drainage solutions are all designed to be high-quality, heavy duty and long-lasting in residential and commercial properties Australia-wide. Our surface water and stormwater drainage channels, grates, pits, risers and accessories are all also easy to install as they are fully integrated systems.
Tip 3: Use Proper Installation Techniques
Proper installation is the key to ensuring your drainage system works effectively and keeps your property safe and as dry as possible drying rainstorms. To ensure your drainage system is installed properly, it’s important to follow all of the manufacturer’s instructions, guidelines and best practices.
If you choose an Everhard Industries drainage system, you will know that you’re choosing a system that is easy to install and integrate. All of our systems come with everything you need for a quick and simple installation.
Tip 4: Pay Attention to Slope and Gradient
Proper installation goes back to what we briefly mentioned earlier about gravity and your natural slope. When installing your pipes it’s important to maintain the correct slope or gradient. For the best results, it’s best to aim for a minimum slope of 0.5% to 1% to ensure that the water flows smoothly and doesn’t pool or stagnate inside the pipes.
Tip 5: Use Proper Sealing Techniques
Proper sealing is also essential for preventing leaks and maintaining efficient water flow. When connecting the drainage pipes, be sure to use rubber gaskets or compression fittings to create watertight seals at the joints and connections. Then apply sealant or waterproof tape to cover any gaps or openings and prevent water seepage or infiltration. By applying proper sealant techniques, you can protect your pipes and drainage for longer.
Tip 6: Regular Maintenance and Inspections
Once your drainage system has been installed and working properly for a while, it’s still important to check on it periodically to prevent issues. By conducting regular inspections and maintenance you can ensure it remains in optimal condition by catching and addressing leaks, damage and wear and tear, like leaks, cracks or blockages early.
Important maintenance tasks include clearing debris from drain grates and pits to make sure they don’t cause blockages or damage to the pipes or joins. By staying proactive and completing this regular maintenance, you’ll be able to prevent minor issues from escalating into more significant problems.
Tip 7: Seek Professional Plumbing Assistance
While all of our Everhard drainage systems are designed for simple DIY installations, it’s still important to be aware of your skills and limitations and know when to call in the professionals. If you’re unsure of any of the processes involved, it’s best to contact your local plumber for advice.
Professional plumbers have all the skills, knowledge and specialised tools to ensure that your drainage system is connected correctly. They can also provide valuable advice and assistance for proper installation and techniques to troubleshoot any issues. They also know all the relevant and required building codes and how you can stay compliant.
So, by enlisting the help of professional plumbers, you will be able to have peace of mind that your drainage system is in capable hands and will function optimally for years to come.
The Key to Connecting Drainage Pipes Effectively
By ensuring your pipes are installed and connected properly you can protect your property from water damage and flooding with effective drainage. And with these seven tips, you’ll be well on your way to installing and maintaining your system in the best possible condition to ensure it stands the test of time and from Australia’s harsh elements.
So, whether you’re dealing with existing stormwater drains or planning to install new drain grates, correct connection is the key to long-term success. With careful planning, durable Everhard materials, and attention to detail, you can achieve optimal performance and peace of mind for your drainage solutions.