Stormwater drains protect your property by managing excess water to prevent flooding in residential, commercial, and industrial areas. But there are many things to consider when choosing a drain and over time, these drains may need a little TLC to keep them flowing smoothly.
But don’t worry, in this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about stormwater drains. We’ll discuss their purpose, the components, the types of drains and maintenance tips to keep them working as they should and installation options to get you started.
The Purpose of Stormwater Drains
So, let’s start with the purpose. Stormwater drains are designed to collect rainwater runoff from roofs, driveways, roads, and other surfaces and channel it to designated outlets away from your buildings. This helps to prevent flooding and preserve the integrity of your structures by protecting them from water damage or erosion.
Components of Stormwater Drains
Next, let’s explore the components that make up a stormwater drainage system:
- Inlets: The inlets are the openings or grates where water enters the drain, they’re generally located along streets or curbs.
- Pipes: These are pretty self-explanatory, like in any plumbing system, the pipes transport the water from the inlet to the detention/retention basins, waterways or treatment facilities.
- Detention/Retention Basins: The basins are responsible for the gradual release of water. They store the stormwater temporarily and then slowly release it into the environment or treatment system. This helps to prevent flooding from too much water being released at once.
- Outfalls: The outfalls are the discharge points where the treated or stored stormwater is released. These can flow into other man-made waterways or natural water bodies such as rivers, lakes or oceans.
Types of Everhard Stormwater Solutions
At Everhard Industries, we design and manufacture a wide range of stormwater solutions, including pits, risers, and grates, to effectively manage and control stormwater runoff.
Stormwater Pits
Stormwater pits, also known as catch basins or sumps, are the chambers that are installed underground to collect and temporarily store stormwater runoff before safely releasing it. We manufacture a range of stormwater pits in different sizes and configurations to accommodate drainage needs for residential, commercial or industrial properties.
All of our pits are constructed from high-quality recycled polymer for added sustainability while also providing superior strength and durability against corrosion. Our pits also have integrated outlets and connections to allow for easy connection to pipes for simple and efficient water flow and management.
Stormwater Risers
Stormwater risers, or access risers, are the vertical shafts or extensions that allow you to access the pipes and pits for cleaning and maintenance. Risers are generally installed above ground level with an easy-to-remove lid or cover to make them easy to access and reach into for cleaning.
Similar to our pits, our risers are made of recycled polymer to provide added durability to withstand heavy loads and environmental stressors. And with secure locking mechanisms and watertight seals, you can trust that they work reliably without any water infiltration. We also make them in various heights and diametres to suit your drainage system and needs.
Stormwater Grates
Finally, we have durable stormwater grates and grills. These are installed over the pits or inlets to minimise the risks of blockages from rubbish, leaves and other debris from entering the drainage system.
We manufacture our grates out of high-strength and slip-resistant materials like iron and galvanised steel so they can safely be walked or driven over. Available in a range of sizes, shapes, and patterns, you’re sure to find a grate that blends in with your property and provides suitable drainage.
Maintenance Tips for Stormwater Drains
- Regular Inspections: Check your stormwater drains regularly for a buildup of sediment or debris that can cause blockages.
- Clear Debris: Remove any leaves, trash, and other debris from inlets and catch basins to prevent disruptive and potentially damaging blockages or backups.
- Clean Pipes: Schedule routine cleaning and maintenance to ensure water flows freely and prevent obstructions or damage.
- Prevent Pollution: Be aware of chemical spills near drains. Try to prevent letting chemicals, oils, or other pollutants run into your stormwater drains as they can contaminate the water and endanger aquatic ecosystems.
- Professional Services: If you suspect there may be a problem with your stormwater drain, or even if you just want it checked, you can contact a local plumber or drainage contractor to inspect, clean or repair your system.
Protect Your Property with Stormwater Solutions
High-quality stormwater drains can help to effectively manage water runoff and protect your residential, commercial or industrial property from flooding or water damage. By understanding the purpose of stormwater drains and keeping yours well-maintained you can safeguard your property and contribute positively to sustainability.
So, whether you’re considering installing a new stormwater drain or updating your existing systems, we can help. Explore our high-quality stormwater products or contact us for advice to meet your drainage needs.