Drainage System Maintenance
Over time, leaves,
conifer needles, silt, roots and other undesirables
will build up in any drainage system. The key
to keeping a drainage system working trouble free
is both preventative and routine maintenance.
A drainage system
is largely sealed against
introduction of foreign matter by virtue of the fact
that it is buried and sitting in a bed of gravel,
but remember that there are still several openings
which should be kept clean.
The rain gutters
(depending on the size and number of trees in the
area) can introduce decaying organic matter as well
as such things as asphalt roofing material into the
drainage system via the downspouts. Although timely
annual cleaning of the gutters is important, even
more important is the use of strainers in the gutters
where the downspout is attached. These will hold
back the solid matter from going down the downspout
until the gutters can be cleaned.
The points at
ground level where the downspouts enter the drainage
system piping should also be kept above (or protected
from) the surrounding soil and covered.
Surface drains,
such as those found at the bottom of a sloped driveway
or outside a basement door, will collect all manner
of dirt and debris. Most drains will have removable
grates which allow them to be cleaned out reasonably
well with a wet-dry vacuum.
The number one
enemy of the perimeter drainage system is tree roots.
Clay and concrete tile system are extremely susceptible
to root induced problems. Although planting a tree
of any size within 1m (3') of the house foundation
is never a good idea, some trees are more problematic
than others for the drains (in our experience, Thuja
Occidentalis, a common cedar used often for hedging
tops the list). Consider the rooting habits of any
trees planted near the foundation of a house.
Planting any
tree right on the corner of a house guarantees future
problems.
The
final part of the maintenance routine is to have
the system professionally augered every two to five
years. The augering schedule will vary from system
to system. A properly installed modern drainage system
may not require attention for a decade , while an
old clay tile system may be kept alive only through
yearly cleanings.
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