Commercial Properties Need Storm Drains

You have probably noticed the storm drains around a business, at least in passing. They often consist of grates you can see on the surface, with a system beneath that sends the water away from the property, and to the local drainage system. These storm drains are made to prevent flooding around the commercial property by directing water away from the building, particularly from paved surfaces where people must walk. These drainage systems must often be capable of draining large amounts of water during and after major storms.

The Importance of Storm Drains

Storm drains are sometimes forgotten, and neglected as a result, particularly when there are not many storms. As recent significant flooding in major cities has reminded us, it is important not to let their care slip; storm drains are essential parts of the efforts to avoid severe flooding and flooding can occur anytime. So, if you don’t already have a storm drain on your commercial property, you should consider having one installed. If you already have one, then you need to make sure that it’s working properly, and if it’s not, have it repaired sooner, rather than later.

Inspecting and maintaining commercial storm drains are safety precautions. They not only protect against the power of water during and after a major storm, but they help defend your business against a lawsuit. You could be liable if the occupants and visitors to your building are put at risk as a result of the excess water. Neglecting your storm drains could cost you more than some water damage. Plus, if you need insurance against flooding, your insurer may take note of whether or not your storm drains are adequate. If they’re not, your premiums could be higher.

Common Storm Drain Issues

There are a number of potential storm drain problems that may occur. All of them can be solves—some of them with simple solutions, and others call for professional help. Waste and debris, for example, is usually cleaned up easily. If it builds up in the lower pipes, however, you may need a professional to help you unclog it. If large items, like tree roots, cover the drain, you will need experts to remove the roots and get any damaged parts fixed. Damaged pipes need professional repair, or replacement, of course.

Saturated soil can also be a problem; if the surrounding landscape does not soak water properly, it will puddle. That water should move to a nearby storm drain. If it doesn’t, then the storm drain may not be the issue. Instead, the basic landscape drainage needs work.

Professional drainage experts help your commercial property by finding the cause of excess standing water and using drainage solutions to solve them. Sometimes, it’s a matter of clearing debris. At other times, it’s a matter of replacing pipes, or even installing new drainage systems because the current ones don’t work for the landscape.

At Advantage Drainage, we solve drainage problems on both residential and commercial properties. Call us and let us assess the problem. Whether your storm drain is the problem, or your landscape, we can help you find the right course of action. Call us at 817-307-7776.

Reasons to Waterproof Your Basement

A wet, moldy, mildew-filled basement is a homeowner’s nightmare. It means the potential for extensive, expensive repairs. Your basement is part of your home’s foundation, and so water damage can cannot be left unrepaired because it might result it much more serious damage to your home. All this is why you should waterproof your basement as part of your home drainage plan and moisture defense. With strong waterproofing and good drainage maintenance, you could avoid ever having to deal with basement moisture issues.

Soil moisture around your home’s foundation can seep into your basement walls. Edges, joints, and places where moisture can make its way in are all susceptible. This can happen over a long period of time-time that is long enough for the damage to already begin. This means that, by the time you actually notice the moisture, you may already have damage to manage. However, if you waterproof your basement, you can avoid this problem.

Basement Moisture Damage

Sometimes, the sloping of soil around your home’s foundation causes more problems. If it shifts, it can put pressure on your basement walls and cause them to crack. Moisture can get in, plumbing problems can develop, and more. It’s yet another reason to take basement waterproofing measures. You might also need to ask your drainage expert about having the sloping repaired.

If you store things in your basement, this issue of excess moisture extends to even more than your foundation, which is important enough on its own. In that case, any objects down there is susceptible to moisture-related damage. Whether you store food, wine, furniture, or any other items in your basement, waterproofing can help protect your belongings.

Did you know that all basements have a little mold? There are different kinds of mold, and in dark, moist places like a basement, there will be a little mold. The concern is when excess moisture bolsters the growth of dangerous mold. When water gets into your basement, the likelihood of mold growth increases. That mold will eat the natural substances in your home, as well as get into your home’s air system and be damaging to your health.

Dust mites also like the moisture in your home. Dust mites are found everywhere and it is normal for them to be in your home to a certain extent. However, they thrive most in damp places where water and vapor seep in. This makes a moist basement without waterproofing a great dust mite breeding ground.

Defend Your Home

Overall, waterproofing your basement could make a great addition to your plan for defending against excess moisture. Basement waterproofing, a good sump pump, and other drainage measures recommended by your drainage expert could mean perfect protection against excess water at your home. Find out how to build the perfect defense at your home. Call Advantage Drainage at 817-307-7776. Let our drainage experts work with you to make the perfect water and drainage solutions for your home and landscape today.

Managing Stormwater Drainage

Does your home seem to turn into a lake when it rains? A large amount of lingering stormwater is no small matter. It could be more than heavy rain; it could be a drainage problem. It is important to figure out what is causing your property to become a swampland when it rains. Poor water runoff can ruin your landscape, leak water into your building, and damage everything. Managing stormwater drainage is an important part of your property ownership.

You can protect your property from this sort of water damage with good maintenance practices and professional solutions. Letting an expert identify key problem areas and apply necessary drainage fixes will address the immediate problem. However, you will still need to perform tasks to maintain those repairs and keep your property drier.

Causes of Stormwater Drainage Problems

Grading and blocked drainpipes are common problems when there is a lack of good stormwater management. There are many things that could cause these issues. In some places, buildings are too close together and the landscape is mounded, trapping water so that it can’t travel away. Debris can block drains, too. This is normal for any property and is why these drains must be checked and cleared from time to time. However, drain location can be a problem, too, as can settling soil that prevents water from flowing naturally into the drain.

Sometimes, a property’s drainage plan is to blame. It is possible for a drain to be installed with not enough attention to runoff. If a property has piping to direct water away and to drains, but there is still flooding, then you might need more drains. It’s like any other drainage system; you need more than one drain for all the water use in your home. Your landscape is the same.

Even if you have all your pipes and drainage systems in place, that system won’t last forever. You can install and maintain a great system, but time will take its toll. A drainage pipe can collapse and you might not realize it, until you go searching for the cause of your stormwater drainage problems.

Stormwater Drainage Solutions   
Professional inspection is essential to managing stormwater problems. You can take the time to investigate on your own, and then inform a professional of what you have found, who will take the time check it out. You might be able to find solution suggestions online, but there is no single solution for a drainage problem you may have.

Maintain your drains with regular cleaning, particularly when you experience heavy storms. Clean your gutters, too. If you have trouble with these tasks, or you can’t find time for them, there are people whom you can hire to help. You can sometimes aid drainage with some changes to the landscape, like new plants, or the removal of existing ones. You might add gravel and stones to divert water. You may also do some regrading.

Whatever you do, talk to a drainage expert about your needs and options. We know how to manage stormwater at Advantage Drainage. Call us at 817-307-7776.