Drainage services are far more important than they may sound. Without proper, well-considered drainage solutions, buildings can be rendered unsafe very quickly. Poor drainage systems will need to be rectified urgently if the building is to last. Unfortunately, this is an extensive, difficult and costly job to complete. For that reason alone, it’s important to get it right the first time and keep on top of maintenance.
Because drainage services cover a huge variety of tasks and can be difficult to understand, we’ve created this complete guide. You can learn what all the services we provide are and get a much better understanding of what they consist of.
New Pipe Systems
When you’re building a new property, you’re going to need new pipes. A new pipe installation is far more extensive than it sounds. In addition to laying and connecting the pipes, there also needs to be appropriate groundworks and site preparation, as well as a lot of planning. The plans need to take into account where the gas, water mains and waste pipes will go, ensuring that all have adequate space and can function as expected.
Sewer pipes in particular need to be fitted to a high standard. Installing sub-par pipework can result in leakage, which pollutes the ground. This can be smelly and unpleasant, not to mention in breach of environmental laws. If you choose to install a new pipe system without due diligence, you’ll be forking out for costly repairs that you’re legally obligated to carry out without delay. Therefore, we would always recommend using a trusted contractor like Warwickshire Groundworks for installing new pipe systems.
Field Drainage
Waterlogged fields are unsightly and will only become worse over time without a solution. High levels of water in soil over long periods of time reduces the amount of oxygen available. This means that plant matter will rot and die. The smells associated with this are particularly unpleasant, not to mention the unnecessary loss of crops.
There are a couple of ways to combat waterlogging in fields. If the issue is relatively minor, simply planting some crops could help to leach away the water. However, for more severe issues where the soil is heavily compacted and oxygen is massively depleted, field drainage services may be required.
Land drains can remove water from within the ground. These are made of flexi pipes which are placed in trenches with stones that filters the water into a soakaway. For this, a perforated pipe is used. These have tiny holes which draw the water from the soil. The water can then travel through the pipe system to be discharged elsewhere. Less water in the ground means that the soil is less compact, therefore oxygen is more easily distributed, leading to a richer soil.
Replacement Sewers
Sewers that are damaged beyond repair will need replacing. Property owners will be responsible for their own private sewers and any pipes connected to the public sewer system that are within their property boundary. Public sewers will be owned and maintained by the local water authority.
All waste systems, both public and private, require drainage services from time to time. These services can include repairs and maintenance, but sometimes replacements are required. Sewers can become damaged for a range of different reasons. There could be root growth or animal activity that destroys the pipes, blockages or even frozen water causing damage.
Because the sewer is below ground and not usually visible, detecting issues can be difficult. If you’re finding dampness or mould in your property alongside some nasty smells and can’t find an obvious reason for it, the sewer could be the problem. Upon inspection, if it seems that the damage is too extensive to repair, a replacement sewer will need to be fitted.
Trenching
Trenching is a specific form of excavation which is done in preparation for some drainage services, as well as utility installation. Trenches are a lot deeper and longer than they are wide, which makes them ideal for laying pipes and cables along. This means that trenching is an essential service when constructing new buildings that are to be connected to utilities.
As with other forms of excavation, trenching has some risks. The correct techniques and Health & Safety standards must be adhered to on site. Failure to comply with this could result in slips, falls or collapse of the trench. Collapses can be fatal if workers become trapped inside the caved-in trench, so following worker safety standards, checks and proper procedures is of extreme importance.
As heavy plant machinery is usually required to dig the trenches, the correct training and site safety standards must also be complied with. Trenching machinery must never be used before the ground is inspected, as there could be live wires below which pose an electrocution risk if tampered with.
Soakaways
Soakaways are intelligent drainage solutions for areas of land that don’t drain well naturally. They can also be used alongside a septic tank in some cases. By allowing the excess water to come through the soakaway and not soak into the ground, flooding is prevented. This makes it a great addition to properties where water damage to the foundations is a potential issue. In fact, they are an essential component of most construction projects and are required as per the Building Regulations for new homes.
To install a soakaway, a big hole needs to be dug in the ground. The soakaway is then installed in the hole. There are a few ways to do this, but the modern technique is to install a special crate with voids in. These voids create plenty of space for excess rainwater to collect in, so it won’t build up in the soil. Alternatively, aggregates and porous stone can be used to filter any unwanted water or flooding.
Septic Tanks
A septic tank is often a solution for rural properties that can’t be easily connected to the public sewer system. They are essentially large vessels for waste water to collect in. They need to be emptied every so often, depending on the size of the property and how many people live there.
Septic tanks allow the organic matter to decompose, which results in a separation between liquid and solid waste. The liquid can be drained into the nearby land, often into a soakaway, whereas the solid matter becomes a sludge.
Comprehensive Drainage Services From Warwickshire Groundworks
We provide many different types of drainage services to meet a variety of needs. No matter what drainage issue you’re trying to tackle, we can help. Contact our knowledgeable team today if you’d like to learn more about any of our services or if you want to schedule an appointment.
