At some point, you may have to deal with a clogged drainage system at your home or business. One of the best ways to avoid drain system failure and water damage to property as a result, is regular maintenance. Cleaning out your landscape drainage a few times a year will help in more ways than one. Some questions you may ask yourself are, “Why should I bother with trench drain maintenance?” or even “What steps should I take to fix this problem?”.
Why Should I Maintain My Trench Drain?
An annual cleaning of your trench drain system is the best way to get the most out of your drainage application. Drainage systems are exposed to the elements and need the occasional maintenance to ensure proper water disbursement.
In many instances, trash, leaves, and silt collect over time and cause the drainways to clog and become ineffective at draining properly and taking the water away from the area. If left unattended these drain systems become counterproductive and could eventually be unsafe.
It is incredibly important to clean out your water drainage system near doorways and buildings. If debris is left to build up, the trench system can fail causing water runoff to be left sitting in undesirable areas. Left unattended this continual water may seep into and under doorways; damaging foundations, equipment, flooring even stored personal items.
What Can I Do?
There are several solutions to water drainage problems. The first step is to use the appropriate drainage system for the application. Since applications vary, there is a wide array of products to choose from.
Catch Basin
Catch basins are used for a variety of purposes and come in square sizes, ranging from 9″, 12″, 18″ and 24″. Usually found under a downspout to help with the removal of excess rainwater from a roof or awning, this aspect of your drainage system requires regular cleaning. It is designed to catch and hold heavier debris at its base allowing the water to quickly flow out and away easily.
It is important to ensure that this system is working properly.
- First, remove the grate from the basin. Some catch basin grates have screws or a locking device of some sort to hold the grate down. Grasp the grate and pull in an upward motion.
- Remove any debris, leaves, and lawn clippings and dispose of them.
- Once all blockages and debris have been removed, use a garden hose to help expel any extra silt left behind.
- Return the grate and lockdown as required.
Some systems can be fitted with a filter that rests under the grate. This helps prevent larger pieces from falling to the bottom and clogging the basin, but still allows the water runoff to be expelled efficiently.
Trench Drain
A trench drain system can be used in a wide variety of locations. Some common areas include a swimming pool, driveway, patio, walkway, or a zoo. Linear drainage systems help to move standing water away from an area.
These types of water drainage systems are typically made from polymer concrete, plastic, or other similar materials and are used in tandem with grating covers of various materials depending on the application.
Maintaining these trench systems is similar to the cleaning of the catch basins.
- First, remove the grate from the trench. Most grates are held down with locking devices or hold-downs to prevent the grate from hopping or moving. Grasp the grate and pull in an upward motion.
- Remove any debris, leaves, and lawn clippings and dispose of them.
- Once all debris and blockages have been removed, use a garden hose to help expel any extra silt left behind.
- Replace the grate and lock down appropriately.
Several of these trough drainage systems offer an inline debris basket which acts like a filter for catching larger items flowing through the channel.
Annually cleaning out your trench drains or drainage basins is a great way to ensure your systems are maintained and continue functioning to their best ability. An appropriate water drainage system is essential to any application where standing water may be a concern.
The How
Purchasing the right materials is imperative for any application. Trench Drain Systems is one of the largest distributors in the United States who are committed to providing you with quick solutions to all your surface water runoff problems. Our professional staff can assess your project requirements and quickly offer you competitive pricing and information regarding the products you need.
The experts at TDS can help you find the right drains to fit your plan and budget. Contact us for a free quote or for further information on drainage solutions visit TrenchDrain.com or DrainageKits.com
Phone: 610-882-3630
Email: Shop@TrenchDrain.com
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