Avoid Drainage System Problems Once and For All
- gaylynnrw
- May 26, 2017
- 2 min read
A drain tile system is not out of sight, out of mind once it's installed. Even the best drain tile system can fail if it isn’t inspected or maintained well enough. If a few preventative measures are taken, a large amount of both time and money can be saved.
Check Outlets
The most common drainage system issues are because of blockages in the drain tile. Regularly take a look at the outlets to make sure there is no blockage or damage, and there is discharge during and after rainfall.
Survey Field for Ponding
Ponding is a symptom of a failed drainage system. Take a walk along the system in the field to see if there is any excess water. If there is, it could mean there is an issue such as blockage or a blowout. If there is a blockage or blowout, get it repaired as soon as possible. These issues can become exponentially worse if left alone.
Log Crop Growth
The drainage system should be consistent throughout the entire field, producing similar crop yields. If there is a change in crop yields in different areas of the field, then there may be an issue with the drainage system.
Replace with Modern Drain Tile
If there is damage to your old drainage system, it might be time to replace the clay or concrete with a modern system. It is much easier for roots to grow into the clay or concrete systems, plus they tend to disintegrate over time. Modern drainage systems consist of plastic drain tile that can prevent these issues from occurring.
Wrap Installation in Geo-textile Membrane
As the old drainage system is getting replaced, a non-woven geo-textile membrane may also be installed. This membrane keeps the fine soil particles out of the drain tile, preventing possible blockages.
Install a Catch Pit
A catch pit may also be installed to help prevent drainage system problems. Basically, a catch pit is a chamber that water flows into through an inlet pipe, then flows out of once the water level reaches the outlet pipe. This process allows the sediment to settle in the bottom of the pit, preventing the blockage of the drain tile. Catch pits should be pumped or cleared out on a regular basis.
It is highly recommended that a routine check-up is in place for all drain tile systems. Catching a problem early can save a ton of trouble in the long-run. What are some preventative measures that you take?
Comments