Drainage Solutions

FRENCH DRAIN

A French drain is a gravel-filled trench that includes a perforated or slotted pipe. It is used to direct surface water or groundwater away from a specific area when there is a slope available. When no slope is available, a sump pump can be added to pump the water away. This is useful with standing water on property or water intrusion around buildings

HOW DO FRENCH DRAINS WORK?

French drains provide an easy channel or water to flow through. French drains direct surface level water toward the lowest point and allows it to seep through the surface level gravel into the drain. This gravel also blocks the passage of excess debris. The water is then collected in the perforated pipe, running at the base of the drain, and directed away from the home and toward a more suitable area. French  drains differ from typical surface drains because they collect water over the entire length of the drain instead of one particular spot.

DRAINAGE DITCH

A drainage ditch is a narrow channel dug in the ground, typically used for drainage alongside a road or the edge of a property. Ditches give you the ability to drain large volumes of water away very quickly in order to avoid flooding and erosion, and to prevent it from going where it’s not wanted.

SWALE

A swale is like a drainage ditch but it’s broad and shallow, and usually covered or lined with turfgrass or other vegetation. The purpose of the swale is to slow and control the flow of water to prevent flooding, puddling, and erosion and/or avoid overwhelming the storm drain system. The main difference between an drainage ditch and a swale is drainage ditches tend to be deeper to concentrate the water flow which increases its speed and volatility, while swales spread water out to slow it down and it will percolate naturally into the soil.

CHANNEL DRAIN

A channel drain is drain on the ground with a flat grate on top level with the surface. This can be connected to pipe to direct unwanted water to a different area. Channel drains can be used places like sidewalks and pool areas.

*Contact Charleston Grounds Management at 843-779-0217 for all of your commercial drainage needs