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When it comes to maintaining a healthy and functional building, one aspect that often goes unnoticed, but is vitally important, is the underground drainage system. These hidden heroes silently whisk away rainwater and wastewater, preventing potential flooding and water damage to a property. Let’s take a closer look at each of the components of underground drainage, such as soakaway crates, pipes, bends, branches, gullies, chamber bases, manholes, and channel drainage. Don’t forget, you can share this blog with your clients to help explain the importance of underground drainage for your construction project.
Soakaway Crates: An Unseen Hero
Soakaway crates are revolutionary solutions for storm water management. They act as underground reservoirs, collecting and storing excess rainwater from surfaces like roofs and driveways. These crates then slowly release the water into the surrounding soil, preventing surface flooding and reducing the load on the public drainage and sewer systems. They’re easy to install and are environmentally friendly, making them a popular choice for modern drainage systems.
Pipes: The Circulatory System of Drainage
Pipes are the veins and arteries of your underground drainage system, carrying wastewater away from your property to treatment plants or other designated discharge points. Proper pipe installation and maintenance are crucial to avoid blockages and leaks that can lead to expensive repairs. Choose high-quality pipes that are durable and corrosion-resistant to ensure the longevity of your drainage system.
We’d recommend PVC pipes as they are highly resistant to corrosion, warping and weather resulting from contact with water. We can supply pipes in 3m and 6m lengths directly to your site in the South East.
Bends and Branches: Navigating the Terrain
Bends are essential for smoothly guiding wastewater around obstacles and preventing clogs. Branches, on the other hand, serve as offshoots, connecting additional drainage points to the main pipeline. Properly placed bends and branches enhance the efficiency of your drainage system, preventing backups and ensuring a seamless flow of wastewater.
Gullies: Interceptors of Debris
Gullies are the unsung heroes that trap debris and prevent it from clogging the pipes. They are installed at ground level to capture surface water and direct it into the underground drainage network. Regularly cleaning and maintaining gullies are essential to ensure they function optimally, safeguarding your system from blockages and potential overflows.
Chamber Bases: Building a Strong Foundation
Chamber bases are concrete or plastic structures that form the foundation of inspection chambers. They provide access points to the underground drainage system, allowing for easy inspection, cleaning, and maintenance. Keeping chamber bases accessible and clear of obstructions is crucial for swift troubleshooting and efficient drainage management.
Manholes: The Access Points
Manholes are the gateways to your underground drainage labyrinth. They provide larger access points for maintenance personnel to enter the drainage network, enabling them to inspect and repair the pipes. Manholes come in various sizes and designs, and their covers should always be secure to prevent accidents and ensure public safety.
Channel Drainage: Safeguarding Surfaces
Channel drainage systems are designed to protect large surface areas from standing water, especially during heavy rainfall. They consist of long, narrow channels that collect and redirect water away from driveways, patios, and other vulnerable areas. Channel drainage systems are easy to install and maintain, offering an efficient solution for surface water management.
Final thoughts…
Ultimately, the underground drainage system plays a vital role in safeguarding our properties from water-related issues. From soakaway crates to channel drainage, each component plays a crucial role in ensuring efficient water management. Regular inspection, maintenance, and investing in high-quality materials are essential to keep your drainage system running smoothly. Remember, underground drainage is not just about functional utility; it’s about protecting the properties you work on and the environment.
Here at Edge, we support tradespeople by supplying low maintenance, quality PVC underground drainage in a variety of lengths, sizes, and degrees. We know how important it is to have a builder’s merchant you can rely on, so we work tirelessly to maintain high stocks of vital drainage and guttering supplies. This means we can provide next day delivery to your site in the South East using our reliable Orange Vans. Plus we offer competitive trade pricing, so why not get in touch to find out more about what an Edge trade account can do for you, and place your next order for underground drainage with us.
Get in touch with our team by emailing [email protected] or calling 0345 021 3333.
First published 2nd August 2023. Updated 29th May 2025.