Your neighborhood’s drainage system may be something you’ve never really given thought to before. How water gets from where it’s coming from to where it won’t cause a problem is not something most of us think about. This is when you know that there has been some real planning going on behind the scenes of all the pretty stuff you can see on the surface. When there are no visible water problems, even in a huge rainstorm, you will know that the planner of your area’s drainage system worked hard to get it right.
When should drainage system construction be planned? As early as possible is the best answer. The challenge for any development, whether commercial, residential, or industrial is all in the planning. Early-stage planning can help you to find and reduce the risk of potential problems when it comes to the construction phase.
There are several things that need to be taken into consideration when drainage system construction is in the planning phase. Here are a few to get you started:
Subdivision Layout
The design for drainage in any development begins with the layout of the area. Whether you’re planning for low-density housing areas or indeed any other type of construction the lay of the land and any subsequent roads, hardscaping, or existing catchment areas need to be considered.
Catchment Area
When beginning the development planning, the design must be optimized for the entire catchment area. Future extension of the system must also be considered. This may affect drain location, capacity, type, depth, diameter, and the location of any manholes.
Local Terrain
Natural watercourses should always be retained, and the design of your drainage should follow the natural depressions closely. This is to minimize the amount of excavation needed and to keep to the natural topography as much as possible. You may also find ways to connect to those waterways to reduce further the need to excavate. This will only be possible with clever planning and design.
Drain Location
The design must be extended to cross any road or proposed road widening that is next to the development. As well as following the natural watercourse drains should also be designed to follow easements or reserves designed for drainage purposes.
There are a number of factors involved with the location of your drains including access for maintenance, ground conditions, limitations on construction techniques, and the location of overhead power lines and the width of streets. This is when you need to be confident you are working with an experienced professional who knows what they’re doing.
You now know the answer to the all-important question of when should drainage system construction be planned. And you know why… There are many things that need to be considered when planning your drainage system construction and we did not finish listing them all here.
Contact us at Limcora to find out how best we can help you with all your drainage system requirements. From planning to construction to job delivery we can help you.
