ADT Contracting

types of Drainage Systems

Purpose: Primarily used for directing water away from areas prone to pooling or flooding, such as foundations, basements, or low-lying lawns.
How it Works: A trench is dug and filled with gravel, with a perforated pipe placed inside. The pipe collects and directs water away from the area, typically to a storm drain or a dry well.
Best For: Areas with poor drainage, foundations, basements, and sloped areas.

Purpose: Designed to collect surface water that pools on driveways, walkways, patios, or lawns.
How it Works: A surface drain (catch basin or grate) is installed at the lowest point of a flat area. Water enters through the grate and is funneled into an underground drainage pipe to be directed away from the property.
Best For: Driveways, parking lots, sidewalks, and flat areas where water tends to collect.

Purpose: Used to direct water away from patios, driveways, or along the edges of structures like garages or pools.
How it Works: A long, narrow channel is installed along the surface, with a grate on top. Water flows into the channel and is carried away through the drainage system.
Best For: Patios, pools, driveways, and pathways.

Purpose: Used to collect and manage stormwater runoff. These are large, shallow ponds that store water during rain events and release it slowly over time.
How it Works: A catchment or retention pond holds water temporarily and slowly releases it into nearby drainage systems. These are often used in urban or large commercial developments to manage stormwater.
Best For: Large commercial properties, industrial areas, or urban developments.

Purpose: A simple technique to ensure water flows away from structures like foundations, driveways, or patios.
How it Works: The land around a building is graded (or sloped) so that water naturally flows away from the structure.
Best For: Residential lawns and foundations.

Purpose: Installed below the surface, subsurface drainage systems are used to remove excess water that accumulates beneath the ground.
How it Works: A series of perforated pipes are buried beneath the soil in areas prone to waterlogging. Water is collected through the pipe system and directed to a suitable outflow point.
Best For: Agricultural fields, golf courses, sports fields, and lawns with poor natural drainage.

Purpose: A system designed to manage water by allowing it to gradually seep back into the ground.
How it Works: Water is directed into an underground chamber or well that is filled with gravel or a similar porous material. The water collects in the well and percolates slowly into the surrounding soil.
Best For: Areas with high water tables or where surface water needs to be absorbed back into the ground.

Purpose: A shallow, often vegetated, ditch or depression designed to collect and divert water, especially for stormwater management in larger areas.
How it Works: A swale is usually gently sloped, allowing water to flow into it and be directed to another location, such as a storm drain, dry well, or retention pond. Swales are often lined with plants to help absorb and filter the water.
Best For: Large landscapes, yards, and areas prone to excess water runoff (common in commercial properties).

Purpose: Similar to a channel drain, but typically deeper and used to manage larger amounts of water over a longer distance.
How it Works: A trench is dug and a larger, often more industrial-sized drain is installed. A grate covers the trench to prevent debris from entering the system. Water is channeled into the trench and redirected away from the area.
Best For: Industrial, commercial, or heavy-duty areas like parking lots, warehouse entrances, or roads.

Purpose: Used to intercept and redirect water from large or complex drainage systems, such as in agricultural settings or large estates.
How it Works: An interceptor drain is typically placed along a contour or boundary to redirect subsurface water, often in conjunction with a French drain. It’s often used in agricultural land to prevent waterlogging.
Best For: Agricultural fields, large estates, or areas with substantial water runoff or groundwater issues.

Purpose: A system used for dealing with excess rainwater, especially in residential properties.
How it Works: Water from downspouts or drains is directed into a soakaway pit. The water slowly drains into the surrounding soil, reducing surface water runoff and helping to prevent flooding.
Best For: Smaller residential properties with limited space for large drainage systems.