When considering home water damage protection, the majority of people think of gutters and downspouts, but there is another drainage option you may not know about – underground rain leaders. Underground rain leaders take away rainwater from your property, easing drainage pressures and protecting your foundation and landscaping without being seen. Adding underground rain leaders to your property has a number of potential benefits.
What Are Underground Rain Leaders?
Underground rain leaders are extensions of your gutter downspouts that run below the ground surface. These pipes are designed to relocate water away from your foundation. Instead of letting it pour out on the ground surface at the base of your house, these pipes direct it to a safer discharge point such as an existing storm drain, dry well, or the lower area of a yard. They collectively aid in controlling runoff and cause less erosion, cracks in your home’s foundation, and reduce the chance of a flooded basement.
Although you don’t see them in action, they are a crucial part of a complete drainage system- especially during periods of heavy rainstorm events. If your area receives a lot of rain or the soil has little drainage, consider adding underground rain leaders to your property; I believe it would be one of the wisest enhancements you could make.
Why Proper Drainage Matters
If your water is not draining properly from your roof and yard, it doesn’t disappear, it pools. Eventually, the pooling water will result in cracks in your foundation, mold, and ruined landscaping. The driveway and sidewalks will start shifting or sinking as well, if standing water is not directed away properly.
This is where underground rain leaders work wonders. Underground rain leaders will collect and channel water underground, meaning you don’t have to rely on the visible part of your drainage system. Underground rain leaders help protect areas that are typically expensive to repair, while relieving the pressure from the systems that are visible. Underground rain leaders are especially useful for properties with slope, or compact soils that do not allow water absorption.
When installing these systems, it’s also important to keep them clear. Routine inspections and drain cleaning in Montgomery County help maintain proper flow and avoid costly backups.
Common Problems With Underground Drainage Systems
Just like any other plumbing system, underground rain leaders become compromised over time. Tree roots can infiltrate joints, debris can collect and clog lines, and in colder climates, pipework can separate or crack due to freezing.
If your rainwater isn’t draining properly, you may notice water bubbling near your downspouts, saturated areas of your lawn, or water focused back into your gutters. These are signs that it may be time to consider conducting an investigation and potentially investing in a clogged drain repair in Pottstown before it takes a turn for the worse.
Benefits of Underground Rain Leaders
The best part? They remove water from your home in a neat and efficient manner. Some additional advantages include:
- Curb appeal: Landscaping stays cluttered with no unsightly, long downspout extensions.
- Foundation Protection: Keeps excess moisture away from your homes’ base.
- Long term savings: Avoid water damage that leads to costly repairs.
- Cleaner yards: Less mud, erosion, and pooling water in your yard.
If you build a new home or are improving the existing drainage, consider underground rain leaders.
Keep Water Flowing the Right Way
Underground rain leaders are the unsung heroes protecting your property. They divert water runoff and make sure your home and foundation and yard are protected from all that excess water. If you think your underground rain leader is clogged or you want to install a new underground drainage system, a drainage professional can make the difference. Planning and executing underground rain leaders properly will keep you out of deep trouble down the road (and save you headaches — and repair bills).
Need assistance with your underground rain leaders or drainage system? Call Apex Drain today for dependable service, quick diagnosing, and quality repairing solutions.
