So that the water is never up to your neck

Rainwater drainage systems are essential for the safety and protection of buildings, streets and squares from water damage. A functioning drainage system prevents damage to buildings and flooding and contributes to the longevity of buildings, areas and infrastructure.

The heaviest rainfall of the year is to be expected in the warmer months of the year, so now in spring is a good time to prepare these systems for the summer in the best possible way and to ensure proper functioning through correct maintenance.

In this article, you will learn more about the different designs, how they work, potential hazards, maintenance tasks and the many benefits of regular maintenance.

As a rule, surface drainage is required for sealed surfaces such as roofs (pitched/flat roofs) and paved outdoor areas (e.g. roads, parking areas, etc.). As a general rule, attention should be paid in construction planning to designing surfaces that are as open as possible with sufficient seepage areas.

Different construction methods for rainwater drainage systems

• Roof drains, emergency overflows, gutters and downpipes: Guide rainwater from roofs safely into the sewer system or rainwater storage tanks via a natural gradient

• Floor drains and road gullies: Located on roads, sidewalks or squares and channel water into the surface drainage system

• Infiltration and seepage systems: Specially designed for decentralized rainwater infiltration in order to feed the water directly into the groundwater via infiltration

• Retention systems: Temporary water storage for controlled discharge into natural bodies of water or the sewage system

• Mechanical drainage: pumps/lifting systems are used for drainage over inclines

Functionality of rainwater drainage systems

Rainwater is collected via inlet points and fed into a drain, infiltration or storage system via pipes.

Depending on the design, the water is fed into a public sewer network, into infiltration systems or into rainwater retention basins. Filter systems help to retain coarse impurities such as leaves or sludge.

Risks for correct function

• Blockage due to leaves, dirt and deposits: Can lead to backwater and water damage

• Cracks or ruptures in pipes: Leaks can occur due to frost or material fatigue

• Overloading due to heavy rain: systems that are not designed for large volumes of water can overflow

• Damage caused by roots: Roots can damage or block pipes

Maintenance tasks

Regular maintenance is crucial for proper functioning:

1. Cleaning the leaf catch baskets of roof drains, gutters and downpipes: Drainage systems should be serviced at least twice a year and leaves, dirt and moss should be removed
   
2. Checking inlet points and gullies: road drains must be regularly cleared of leaves and mud, especially important after heavy rainfall events
   
3. Inspection of pipes and shafts: Cameras can be used to detect damage in underground systems
   
4. Maintenance of infiltration and retention systems: Removing sediments and checking the permeability of the soil

Advantages of regular maintenance

• Preventing water damage: Properly functioning drainage systems protect buildings and infrastructure
  
• Increasing the service life of the systems: maintenance prevents premature material fatigue and damage
  
• Reduction in repair costs: small repairs are cheaper than extensive renovations
  
• Ensuring environmental compatibility: clean systems contribute to controlled water drainage

Resume

A well-maintained rainwater drainage system is crucial for the protection of buildings and infrastructure. Regular inspection and cleaning can detect problems at an early stage and prevent expensive consequential damage. Schedule regular maintenance to reap the long-term benefits of a functioning drainage system.

As you can see, correct inspection, maintenance and testing are essential for the reliability and efficiency of buildings and systems. In order not to overlook these important tasks, our MyBuilding24 app helps you to easily and reliably keep an eye on all maintenance obligations and reminds you in good time when they need to be carried out.

If you want to keep your properties, systems, machines and devices in top condition and have your inspection and maintenance obligations under control, then use our My Building24 APP or follow this link and register today – https://mybuilding24.com/de/ – to keep your building running efficiently and reliably for a long time to come.