Drain Designs – Bringing Back the Lost Art of Drainage

For thousands of years, drainage has been one of the most important aspects of the Building Trades. in the greatest civilizations of the past nearly 30% of the effort and resources were focused on drainage.  (see https://ancientengrtech.wisc.edu/machu-picchu/machu-picchu-water-management/). Our goal at Drain Designs, LLC is to preserve the American Dream through drainage education and innovations. Smarter drainage systems can prevent our homes, buildings and properties from depreciating faster than we can pay them off. I have been hands-on researching drainage problems and solutions for over 30 years. Now through Drain Designs Franchising and The American Drain Company, LLC, we’re adding to our team of top drainage experts.

Our economic and environmental future depends on smarter building in terms of rainwater management.   Water problems are a major cause of home and property depreciation as well as builder warranty call backs (see https://www.houzz.com/discussions/3042319/drainage-issue-newly-built-home) (see https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/crucial-role-drainage-asset-maintenance-its-cost-benefits-clowery/).  

On Average, roughly 200 gallons per downspout, per inch of rain, dumps roof water down around the foundations.

 Look closely and you will see cracks at nearly all downspouts around our 20-30 year old homes and mold growing on the floor joists, heavier near the wettest walls.  

Smart drainage and waterproofing systems should last a lifetime and require very little maintenance.  Most homes either have no drainage system to carry the water away or corrugated pipe that collapses or backs up over time (often in as little as a few years).  We need to spread the news that high grade, smooth wall PVC pipe is the best – the only way to go (see – https://homefixated.com/corrugated-vs-pvc-pipe-landscape-drains/).  

Even if there is no standing water in the basement or crawl space, water can lay unseen in the concrete block leaching out and saturating the base of the homes’ footings.  By the time we see standing water in crawl spaces or near basements walls, there may be several inches sitting in the block, below grade, or stagnant in the foundation drain system.  Building code prohibits building on soft/ unstable soil but once inspections are over, inadequate, unmaintained drainage systems cause Homes to sit on soft, wet soil causing costly damage and unhealthy conditions. 

Rainwater and home preservation through better drainage is our passion.  We are the drainage specialists. My companies, Drain Designs LLC (Drainage and Waterproofing service/ installation, see draindesigns.com), The American Drain Company, LLC (world’s best drainage products, see americandrain.com), and Drain Designs Franchising LLC (Working with the best drainage teams in the world! see draindesignsfranchising.com) specialize in designing, testing and installing drainage systems as well as developing and manufacturing drainage products built to last a lifetime. 

Through my 30 years of performing structural repairs to masonry and foundations and installing drainage systems to prevent further damage, I have been amazed at how few drainage resources there are. Try to find a good drainage book online and you’ll see what I mean.  You’ll be lucky to find “drainage” in the index of most home improvement books and even building code books. Building code books are the Instruction manuals for the builders. Unfortunately, they contain very little guidance when it comes to Drainage and Waterproofing. These systems are rarely given much time during Home Inspection processes by the building inspectors. This is due to building codes being largely influenced by insurance companies. The insurance companies are more concerned with safety of the structure and consider drainage to be the homeowner’s responsibility. According to the following article, water damage accounts for 29% of all insurance claims by homeowners. (see – https://www.forbes.com/advisor/homeowners-insurance/water-damage/ )

A home drainage system costs far less than the problems it can prevent. The key to keeping a home healthy long term is installing and maintaining a good drainage system as soon as possible, ideally during construction. By the time people call us, they often have structural problems, cracked/ uneven driveways, wet-moldy crawl spaces or basements, unusable yard space, termites/ mosquitoes/ other pests, dying trees and bushes, etc. caused by poor, expired or non-existent drainage systems. A drainage system that would have cost $4000 during the initial building of the home now costs $14,000 plus the costs related to the water damage that prompted customers to call us in the first place. This is due to the extra work involved such as having to cut through concrete, work around irrigation lines, dig around dangerous power and gas lines, communication lines, etc. 

A 2500 sq ft roof produces about ~1500 gallons of runoff per inch of rain. That’s 30 full rain barrels worth per inch of rain, ~200 gallons per downspout – and we often get 2 – 3 inches at a time.  This is not counting additional run-off from all the other hard surfaces such as roads, driveways, other paved surfaces, neighboring properties, bare/ packed soil or gravel, etc. This runoff carries harmful nitrogen, lawn chemicals, pet waste, etc. into our drinking water sources.  

What are Smart Home Drainage Systems? 

 -They begin with proper management of hard surface runoff (roofs, driveways, etc.) such as quality gutter systems that are sized properly and keep the gutters from clogging. Oversized downspouts (3×4”, not the 2×3” builder specials) should empty into smooth walled PVC underground pipe systems designed to carry water away from the foundation and off of the landscaped property. Smart drainage systems keep run-off from driveways and patios from running over landscaped property with surface drains such as trough drains and American Drains (see Americandrain.com.  American Drains are a replacement for the outdated French drain systems).

-Drainage systems should require very little maintenance and should be built to last a lifetime. A smooth walled PVC underground pipe system, when installed properly, is virtually self-cleaning, does not clog or hold standing water and will easily last for 100 years with minimal maintenance. They should be equipped with easy access clean-outs at the top end of each drain.  If you dump a bucket of water in, you should see that water come out the other end.

-When possible, they should enable water to be stored for uses like irrigation, grey water systems, etc.

-They promote even ground saturation which promotes even settling. They will enable the permeable surfaces to more easily deal with the rain that falls directly on the property.  

-They do not consist of corrugated pipes. Corrugated pipes are commonly used in our area – and in our opinion, they are for temporary, above ground use only.  They hold standing water and silt allowing mosquitoes to breed and seeds to root and clog the pipes. Water standing in corrugated pipe attracts roots which grow through the loose, leaky fittings and into the pipe causing clogging, often in just a few years’ time.  The yard must then be retrenched so the pipe can be replaced since corrugated pipe is not strong enough to handle mechanical root removal equipment.  

This is just a bit of the information we have collected over the years.  Most of the problems we are seeing today are easily preventable. The first step is to educate builders and property owners about the importance of proper drainage. 

Our team is working hard to lead the drainage industry by example, promoting better drainage practices and encouraging builders and officials to do the right thing – do it right the first time. Drain Designs Systems can double the healthy life of your home while protecting our environment, health and our economic future. Please contact us so we can help you assess and understand your unique drainage and how it might be improved.

Drain Designs
1-800-DRAINAGE

Yard drainage is a crucial aspect of maintaining a healthy and functional outdoor space. Effective drainage systems, customized to suit specific property requirements, play a pivotal role in managing excess water runoff and preventing potential water-related issues. If you’re looking for the best Yard Drainage Solutions in Holly Springs, we can help!

Understanding Customization in Yard Drainage:

No two properties are alike, and their drainage needs vary based on factors like landscape layout, soil composition, slope, and existing structures. Customization in yard drainage involves designing systems that precisely address these individual characteristics, ensuring optimal water management.

Tailoring Solutions to Property Characteristics:

A critical step in customized drainage solutions is conducting a thorough assessment of the property. This evaluation considers areas prone to water accumulation, existing drainage issues, and the overall landscape layout. By understanding these factors, professionals can tailor drainage solutions to address specific concerns.

Custom Techniques for Effective Drainage:

Various drainage techniques can be customized to suit property needs. This includes installing            American        Drains,            French            drains, adjusting        grading,          creating            swales, implementing gutter systems, or utilizing rain gardens. Each technique is adapted to manage water runoff efficiently and complement the property’s layout.

French Drains & American Drains – Precision in Installation:

French drains & American Drains (see Americandrain.com), for instance, are versatile drainage systems that can be customized to fit different property layouts. By strategically placing perforated pipes in gravel-filled trenches, French drains efficiently divert water away from structures, preventing waterlogging and potential damage. American Drain takes this a step further For about the same price. Their new structural trench design has a perforated drain cap at the ground surface to allow water to go straight down Through the open trench and into the pipe to be carried away. It does this using panels separated by spacers which ultimately are often more cost-effective than gravel and Filter FabricPlus it’s built to last over a hundred years. The American Drain system lasts for a lifetime since it allows the cap to be removed so the internal part of the drain can be inspected and maintained if needed.

Grading Adjustments for Optimal Water Flow:

Customized grading involves adjusting the landscape slope to direct water away from buildings or low-lying areas. This precise alteration ensures proper water flow, preventing pooling and soil erosion while preserving the landscape’s integrity. Grading considerations often need to be made to ensure that water flows into new drains or old drains rather than eroding around the drains and bypassing them. Other techniques may need to be used to prevent drains from clogging and to make them as low maintenance as possible.

Swales and Rain Gardens: Tailored Landscaping Solutions:

Swales, shallow channels directing water away from properties, and rain gardens, landscaped areas designed to absorb excess water, are customized features that not only manage water but also enhance the aesthetic appeal of the property. Rain Gardens and water loving trees and shrubs can also be a great way to stabilize wet soil and prevent erosion but care needs to be taken to allow for excess water to bleed off to prevent the rain Garden from washing away or staying too saturated, since even water loving plants only love so much water :-)

Professional Expertise in Customization:

Seeking professional guidance for customized drainage solutions is invaluable. Professionals possess the expertise to assess property needs accurately, design tailored drainage systems, and execute precise installations, ensuring optimal functionality.

Long-Term Benefits of Customization:

Investing in customized yard drainage solutions offers long-term benefits. By addressing specific property characteristics, these systems prevent water-related damage, preserve landscaping, and protect structures, reducing the need for future repairs.

Concluding opinions

Yard Drainage Solutions in Holly Springs provided by Drain Designs ensures managing excess water effectively while preserving the health and functionality of outdoor spaces. By tailoring drainage systems to suit property needs, we can prevent water and health related issues such as mold and pests, safeguard landscapes, and maintain the structural integrity of our buildings. Consulting us for tailored drainage solutions help ensure properties remain resilient against water woes, fostering healthy, functional, beautiful outdoor environments.

Seeking reliable Yard Drainage Contractors Near You? Contact Drain Designs, LLC for expert solutions tailored to your property, ensuring effective water management and a healthier outdoor space.

Does your once-vibrant lawn resemble a mud pit after every rain shower? Are you tired of battling standing water around your foundation? If so, it’s time to consider yard drainage solutions. A well-functioning drainage system is essential for a healthy yard and a protected home. But where do you begin?

Searching online for “yard drainage contractors near me“ can lead you to a sea of options. Here’s why Drain Designs should be your top choice.

At Drain Designs, we’re a team of experienced and qualified yard drainage contractors near you. We understand the unique challenges faced by properties in our area and possess the expertise to design and implement effective drainage solutions tailored to your specific needs. Here are just five key benefits of choosing Drain Designs for your yard drainage needs:

1. Expert Assessment: Our team conducts a thorough inspection of your property, considering factors like soil composition, slope of the land, and source of water problems. This detailed assessment ensures we recommend the most effective solution for your yard.
2. Customized Solutions: There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to yard drainage. We offer a variety of solutions, including French drains, dry wells, and drainage swales. We’ll discuss your options and recommend the best fit for your situation and budget.
3. High-Quality Materials and Workmanship: We use only the best materials in our drainage installations. Our experienced technicians are highly skilled and ensure every project is completed to the highest standards.
4. Long-Term Results: Our goal is to provide you with a drainage system that lasts. We use proven techniques and quality materials to ensure a long-lasting solution for a healthy, dry yard.
5. Peace of Mind: When you choose Drain Designs, you can rest assured knowing your yard drainage is in the hands of professionals. We offer warranties on our work, giving you peace of mind and protection for your investment.

Your Local Yard Drainage Specialist in Canton, Ohio

At Drain Designs, we’re not just yard drainage contractors near you – we’re your local yard drainage specialists in Canton, Ohio. We understand the specific challenges faced by local properties and have extensive experience in designing and installing drainage systems that work for our unique soil conditions and climate. We’re committed to providing our customers with exceptional service and long-lasting solutions.

The Bottom Line

Don’t let a soggy yard become a source of stress. Invest in a healthy, functional outdoor space with the help of yard drainage specialists. At Drain Designs, we offer comprehensive yard drainage solutions, expert advice, and top-notch customer service. Contact Drain Designs today for a free consultation and transform your yard into a beautiful, functional space!

This is just a bit of the information we have collected over the years.  Most of the problems we are seeing today are easily preventable. The first step is to educate builders and property owners about the importance of proper drainage. 

Our team is working hard to lead the drainage industry by example, promoting better drainage practices and encouraging builders and officials to do the right thing – do it right the first time. Drain Designs Systems can double the healthy life of your home while protecting our environment, health and our economic future. Please contact us so we can help you assess and understand your unique drainage and how it might be improved.

Drain Designs
1-800-DRAINAGE

Smart homeowners know property protection is paramount. Leaking crawlspace and basement walls can cause unhealthy conditions in the home and need for costly remediation. Waterproofing is a fundamental aspect of safeguarding homes with basements or crawl spaces against water-related damage. Lifetime guaranteed waterproofing solutions can ensure resilience against potential threats. In this blog, we, as professionals in this field, delve into the transformative impact of innovative waterproofing solutions and their role in future-proofing your home. If you are looking for the installation of an effective Waterproofing Solution in Holly Springs, continue reading!

The Importance of Waterproofing:

Water intrusion poses a significant threat to the structural integrity of homes. Waterproofing serves as a proactive measure to prevent water seepage, leaks, and potential damage caused by moisture, thereby preserving property value and longevity.

Protecting Foundations and Basements:

Foundation and basement waterproofing are critical, as these areas are susceptible to water damage that can cause mold & structural damage. Innovative solutions such as waterproof membranes, exterior sealants, and French drains efficiently manage water and prevent seepage, safeguarding against structural deterioration.

Benefits of Innovative Waterproofing:

Long-Term Durability: Innovative waterproofing solutions offer extended durability, reducing the need for frequent repairs and maintenance.

Enhanced Property Value: A waterproofed home commands higher property value, attracting potential buyers seeking resilient and well-maintained properties.

Healthier Indoor Environments: Preventing water infiltration inhibits mold and mildew growth, ensuring healthier indoor air quality for residents.

Cost-Efficiency: While initial investment in waterproofing may seem significant, it significantly reduces long-term repair costs and potential structural damage caused by water-related issues.

Innovative Waterproofing Solutions & American Drain Waterproofing:

Technological advancements have revolutionized waterproofing, offering innovative solutions beyond traditional methods. These include advanced sealants, membranes, coatings, and drainage systems designed to provide superior protection against water infiltration. We have reimagined waterproofing and dampproofing with our patented American Drain Waterproofing which uses panels with built in spacers that provide an accessible air space between the foundation walls and the backfill soil. This allows water to seep in through the perforated panels and run directly down into the perforated PVC drain pipe at the bottom so the water never touches the walls. This is the most comprehensive waterproofing available. Visit Americandrain.com to learn more.

Environmentally Friendly Solutions:

Rainwater runoff is the number one source of pollution in many states including NC. Proper rainwater management prevents pollution. One of the best ways to go green is to preserve your home, making it last as long as possible, thereby keeping it out of the landfill. Innovative waterproofing solutions often prioritize eco-friendly materials and practices. Home preservation contributes to more environmentally conscious property maintenance.

Professional Expertise:

Consulting with waterproofing experts ensures the selection of the most suitable and innovative solutions for your property. Professionals analyze property specifics, recommending and implementing customized solutions tailored to your home’s needs.

Future-Proofing Your Home:

Future-proofing involves preparing homes for evolving challenges. Innovative waterproofing serves as a foundational step in this process, ensuring properties remain resilient against changing weather patterns, environmental factors, and potential water-related risks.

Concluding opinions

Innovative waterproofing solutions epitomize the essence of future-proofing homes. By investing in these advanced technologies and materials, homeowners fortify their properties against water intrusion, ensuring durability, structural resilience, and increased property value. For the highest quality Waterproofing Solution in Holly Springs, contact Drain Designs and shield your home against immediate water-related threats but also prepares them for the challenges of tomorrow, ensuring long-lasting protection and peace of mind for homeowners and their families.

Drain Designs
1-800-DRAINAGE