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.
| <- Back To Start | |
| 1. Perimeter (House) Drainage | |
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2. Yard Drainage |
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3. Drainage System Maintenance |
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4. Drainage Photos |
| 5. Services |
