Could Your Yard Benefit From a Drainage Trench?

A drainage trench system, also known as open or natural drainage system, consists of uncovered channels that act as conduits for waste water. Drainage trenches are often unlined, but are more effective when lined with mortar, concrete or brick. Apart from being a conduit for waste water, a drainage trench also picks up storm water flows. A drainage trench should be designed to accommodate significant volumes of waste water. Drainage trenches have many advantages.

Cost
Drainage trenches are easier and more affordable to construct than any other drainage systems. In addition, installing drainage trenches does not require labor-intensive labor. Drainage trench maintenance is less labor-intensive, unlike pipe drainage that needs to be dug up for repairs or replacement. These factors make drainage trenches more affordable in the long run.

Surface Drainage
Drainage trenches can receive waste water from your house as well as overland flow from the yard. Trenches receive more silt and rubbish than any other type of drainage system. The increased accumulation of water in the trenches facilitates the breakdown of pollutants. Trenches can direct water off your driveway, ensuring safety when driving into and out of your compound.

Solid drainage trenches help to improve drainage in your yard by diverting water from one area to another. This is important if your yard has areas that are constantly wet and other areas that are constantly dry. Drainage trenches can balance the areas by diverting excess water from the areas that have excess water to the areas that do not.

Keeps Basement and Foundation Dry
Drainage trenches do not just divert excess water from your yard but they also help to keep your basement and foundation dry. Properly positioned drainage trenches can divert water away from your yard and foundation walls helping to keep your basement dry. The size and positioning of your drainage trench is determined by the local rainfall patterns and the type of soil present in your yard.

Maintenance
Maintenance of drainage trenches is easier because the trenches are easily accessible. It is also easier to perform inspections on trenches than on buried drainpipes. In addition, properly installed drainage trenches do not require major repairs.

Removes Toxic Materials and Disease Organisms
Continuous downpour may lead to flooding, especially if you live in a flat, low-lying area. The floods may lead to the accumulation of contaminated water in your yard. Drainage trenches can drain contaminated floodwater away from your yard.

Prevents Water Accumulation
Drainage trenches prevent water accumulation by directing waste water away from your yard and home. Excessive water accumulation in your yard may kill plants and grass on your yard. The trenches also prevent accumulation of stagnant water on your yard, which is a breeding ground for mosquitoes.

Reduces Soil Erosion
Stagnant water that accumulates on your yard for prolonged periods can make the yard muddy and cause soil erosion. Drainage trenches help to balance moisture levels on your yard and reduce soil erosion.

Consult local building and zoning codes before you construct a drainage trench in your yard.