Best Practices for Your Commercial Water Drainage Systems

Water drainage systems are an essential component of commercial properties. They are designed to efficiently remove excess water from the premises, preventing flooding and water damage. These systems uphold the property’s structural integrity and assure a safe and healthy environment for all occupants. In other words, they keep your commercial property from turning into a swimming pool and stop water damage before it starts.

Whether it’s due to a cracked pipe or an overflowing sewer, these issues can cause headaches and can cost you valuable time and resources. By knowing how to maintain these systems, you can prevent future problems and save yourself a lot of trouble. We’ve compiled some of the best practices for maintaining water drainage systems for your commercial properties.

Types of Drainage in a Commercial Property

Now, these drainage systems aren’t all the same. They can change depending on what your building needs, local rules, and where you’re located. You might be in an area with lots of rain or a place that’s as dry as a bone. Either way, you need a system that works for you.

Here are some types of drainage you might encounter on your property.

Surface Drainage: These systems help remove water that’s pooled on surfaces after heavy rain or a water leak.
Subsurface Drainage: Installed under the ground, these systems are designed to remove excess water from soil layers beneath the pavement.
Gutters and Downspouts: Usually part of your building, these components guide the water from your roofs and help prevent accumulation around the building base.
Sewer Systems: These underground pipes carry wastewater away from the building.

Maintaining Your Commercial Property’s Water Drainage Systems

Maintaining your commercial property’s water drainage systems is a task that requires regular attention and proactive measures. Here are some best practices to ensure your systems are always functioning optimally:

Regular Inspections

Regularly inspect all components of your drainage system, including gutters, downspouts, catch basins, underground pipes, and sump pumps. This helps identify any potential issues early on.

Take note of any signs of damage, blockages, or wear and tear. Some key things to look out for:

Slow Drainage: If water takes a long time to drain from your surfaces, this could be an early warning sign that something is blocking your system. In bathrooms, this is usually a clear indicator that hair or soap residue has clogged your pipes. In outdoor areas like parking lots, leaves, rubbish, or dirt could be the culprits.
Unpleasant Odors: A bad smell coming from your drains can indicate a blockage or a problem in your sewer system. This often happens when food waste or other refuse gets stuck in the drains and begins to decompose.
Water Stains on Walls or Ceilings: Unexplained dampness or discoloration on your walls or ceilings could be a sign of a leaky pipe or issues with your building’s downspouts or gutters.
Soggy or Waterlogged Ground: If certain areas of your property’s outdoor spaces are consistently soggy or waterlogged, this could be a sign that your subsurface drainage system isn’t working correctly.
Cracks in the Pavement: If your pavement has suddenly developed cracks, it might be due to a poor or failing drainage system. Excess water can weaken the soil underneath the pavement, causing it to crack or even collapse.

It is generally recommended to have the system inspected at least once a year. A quarterly inspection might be best for gutters and downspouts, especially if trees surround your building.

A semi-annual inspection is recommended for surface and subsurface drainage, typically in the spring and fall, to catch any damage that winter freezes or summer heat may have caused. If you notice any of these signs, don’t hesitate to call a professional like E. Meier Contracting for assistance.

Blockage Checks and Debris Clearing

Keep your system clear of leaves, twigs, dirt, and other debris from gutters, downspouts, and catch basins. These can block water flow and cause damage to the system. This is particularly important during the fall season, when leaves are likely to accumulate. Also, check for sediments or vegetation to ensure proper water flow and prevent backups.

Grading Maintenance

The land around your property must also be graded to direct water away from buildings and towards the drainage system. French drains or retaining walls can be added to manage water flow and prevent water from running back downhill toward your foundation.

A paving contractor like E. Meier can assist with this task. Over time, soil erosion or settlement may affect the grading, so periodic checks and adjustments may be necessary.

Sump Pump Tests

If your commercial property has a sump pump system, test it regularly to ensure it is in good working condition. Verify that the pump starts, the float switch operates correctly, and water is discharged properly away from the building. This should be done at least twice a year, ideally before the spring and winter seasons.

Winter and Summer Preparations

Different seasons also call for different preparations for your drainage systems.

Before winter arrives, take preventive measures to protect your drainage system. Insulate exposed pipes to prevent freezing and potential pipe bursts. Clear any ice or snow from around catch basins and grates to maintain unobstructed drainage paths.

Summer can be hard for pavements and your drainage systems. Clear out debris, trim vegetation, and check on your property’s grading. You want to make sure that the drainage system is clear, functional, and ready to handle heavy rainfall and increased outdoor activities. Consider additional drainage solutions to handle increased water flow and schedule professional maintenance for a thorough summer check-up. For more in-depth recommendations, E. Meier has prepared a guide for maintaining your commercial property throughout the summer season.

Address Drainage Issues Promptly

Don’t wait for any drainage issues to worsen. If you notice pooling water, slow drainage, or leaks, address them promptly. Delaying repairs can worsen the problem and lead to more significant damage.

Professional Maintenance

While some aspects of drainage system maintenance can be handled in-house, it’s often beneficial to enlist the help of professionals. They have the expertise to identify and address issues that may not be apparent to the untrained eye.

Professional maintenance teams can address more complex aspects of your drainage systems and provide advice on how to optimize your system for your specific property and location. They can conduct thorough inspections, clean underground pipes, and provide specialized maintenance. Some of the common contractors that you can consult for your water drainage systems:

Civil engineers can help design new drainage systems or modify existing systems tailored to the unique topography of the property.
Landscapers can help design and maintain the outdoor areas to facilitate proper drainage. They can create swales, rain gardens, and other landscaping features that help manage stormwater runoff.
Paving contractors, like E. Meier, can inspect your property’s pavement and identify any areas that need to be regraded to avoid standing water and maintain or repair drains in your surfaces.
Plumbers ensure indoor plumbing systems are working efficiently and not contributing to any drainage problems.

Educate Staff

Maintenance should not be the work of one person. Property managers and employees must also be aware of the drainage system and maintenance requirements. Take time to train staff on the importance of proper waste disposal and keeping the drainage system clear of debris.

Regulation Compliance

Regularly review and adhere to any guidelines or codes that govern the maintenance and operation of drainage systems in your area. Stay informed on the following:

Local Building Codes vary by city and county, but they typically dictate the design and implementation of drainage systems. They often require that systems be designed to handle a specific volume of water, which is usually based on the expected rainfall for the area.
Some states have their own regulations for stormwater management. These can include requirements for managing runoff, preventing erosion, and protecting local waterways.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates stormwater discharge under the Clean Water Act. Commercial properties may need a permit if they discharge stormwater into a municipal sewer system or a body of water.

Elevating Your Commercial Property: The Pavement and Drainage Connection

By implementing these practices, you can prevent those nasty water drainage issues on your property. You can rest easy knowing that your water drainage systems function properly and will last.

Proper water drainage is also key for maintaining your parking lots, driveway, or pedestrian areas. This is where E. Meier Contracting shines.

We specialize in installing and maintaining pavement drainage systems. Our team works tirelessly to ensure your pavement stays in top shape, minimizing the risk of water damage and saving you money in the long run.

We send a team to repair and replace damaged drains that, when left unattended, may cause damaged property. We can also permanently resolve drainage problems with a French drain.

Remember, we’re here to help!

So if you have pavement that needs a little TLC when it comes to drainage, don’t hesitate to give us a call. You’ll be glad you did when the next storm hits, and your pavement is looking just as great as it did the day before. Safe and sound drainage, less hassle for you – what’s not to love?
Make the first move today! Connect with an E. Meier expert to ease your water drainage troubles away.