Plumbing Tips | July 22, 2022

The 4 Types of Drains (What’s the Difference?)

The 4 Types of Drains (What’s the Difference?)

Types of Drains

There are many types of drains, but not every type will be beneficial to you and your home. There are four main types of drains; gutters and downspouts, slope drainage system, surface drainage system, and subsurface drainage system. These four types are all different in their own way, but have one main goal. This goal is to draw water away from your home and your yard. Doing this will prevent water damage, puddles, sinkholes, and more. So which type of drain is the best for your situation?

Downspout and Gutters

Downspouts and gutters work together to drain water from your roof to the ground. Gutters line your roof and collect rain water so it can go down your downspouts. Gutters and downspouts get clogged easily with debris such as tree limbs, leaves, and other particles. These are most useful during storms with lots of rain and high winds. Your downspouts allow large amounts of water from rain storms to properly drain. This type of drain lets water flow from your roof to the ground or sidewalk. 

Slope Drainage System

Slope drainage systems are a type of drain that is installed on an incline. This allows water to naturally make its way from your home. Usually these are made from plastic, concrete, or steel. These are ideal for land that has a high incline.

Surface Drainage System

Surface drainage systems are composed of channels and ditches. These types of drains are ideal for very flat land. Without proper drainage on flat land, rainwater could create puddles of water in the yard. These aren’t only used for flat yards, but also for driveways and other walkways. These are created by digging ditches in your yard for excess water to escape from. 

Subsurface Drainage System

Unlike surface drains, subsurface drains are buried underground. Their purpose is to drain excess water from the soil. This is beneficial not only for your soil, but it also helps plants buried there. Trees and other plants will rot if they are exposed to too much water. Subsurface drains prevent this from happening by removing excess water from the ground.

Final Thoughts

Now that you know the four types of drains, you can determine what your home has. These four types of drainage systems are very common and each have their own differences. Even though they are different, they have one main goal that they are all equipped to achieve. 

Call 1-Tom-Plumber

Don’t hesitate to contact us here or call us at 1-Tom-Plumber (1-866-758-6237) if you need any plumbing, drain cleaning, or excavation service. 1-Tom-Plumber’s certified team of plumbers and drain technicians respond immediately to any emergency plumbing, drain cleaning, or water damage problem. We also handle the excavation of underground water lines and sewer main lines. Our immediate-response team is available every day and night of the year, even on holidays.

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