4 Types Of Drainage Systems Explained | Vodaland Canada

Drains are often taken for granted. They seem to rest idly along our buildings and sidewalks, funneling away water here and there. It is not until you face a drainage problem that you truly realize how important a proper system is. They are an essential piece of our infrastructure, and companies like Vodaland Canada, which design and manufacture drainage systems, play a crucial role in protecting our properties from expensive water damage and flooding.

Knowing about the different types of drainage systems can help you properly maintain your property and protect your wallet. Different systems are designed for different situations, and a little bit of knowledge goes a long way when you have an issue or need to upgrade your current setup.

In this post, we discuss the four primary types of drainage systems.

The four main drainage systems

The four main drainage systems are surface drainage systems, subsurface drainage systems, slope drainage systems, and downspout and gutter systems. Each is designed to fulfill a specific and important purpose.

Surface drainage systems

Surface drainage systems are a necessary way to prevent water pooling and flooding in flat areas. Commonly used in residential drainage, they often consist of shallow ditches or channels that act as canals for surface runoff. These channels direct excess water away from your property to decrease the risk of flooding. This type of drainage is essential in many parts of Canada where the land is flat, as rain and snowmelt accumulation can quickly become an issue.

Various surface drainage systems exist, from open drains to grassed waterways. The Vodaland slot drain is a popular type of surface drain because it offers a sleek, no-grate design while remaining just as effective as traditional drains with larger openings.

Subsurface drainage systems

The subsurface drainage system, also known as the French drain, is an effective solution for preventing excess water from negatively impacting the root level of the soil. These systems require installation beneath the top layer of soil to collect standing groundwater.

Installing a French drain involves excavating deeper trenches and laying perforated underground pipes that connect back to a collector drain. In addition to removing excess water, subsurface drains help prevent plants from rotting, which promotes healthy soil growth and prevents your yard from becoming a marshy mess during the spring thaw.

Slope drainage systems

Slope drainage systems are an important part of protecting infrastructure from erosion. By installing pipes on a small incline alongside a structure, excess water can flow to lower ground with ease. Slope drains act as channels for collecting and diverting water away from areas susceptible to landslides or soil instability, reducing the risk of costly structural damage.

Downspouts and gutter drainage systems

Downspouts and gutters are essential for every property. They are the first line of defence in protecting your home from rainwater. Gutters collect water from the roof, while downspouts direct that water into other drainage sources on the street, sidewalk, or into underground drains.

Without these in place, rainwater can pour off your roof and hit the ground with significant force, causing erosion and foundation damage. Water that pools near your walls can even lead to basement flooding and structural deterioration. Installing a high-quality gutter system is one of the most effective ways to keep a property safe.

Contact us

If you are in need of slot drains, subsurface systems, or other drain-related products and accessories, please contact us for more information and a quick estimate!