21 November 2024
At PM247, we understand how frustrating surface water drainage issues can be for property owners. Pooling water after heavy rainfall can lead to serious problems, from land erosion to foundation damage. So, what’s the good news? Surface water issues are preventable with the right drainage solutions, and that’s where we come in.
With years of experience providing drainage services across the UK, our team of engineers are hugely experienced when it comes to providing surface water drainage solutions. In this article, we’ll present their perspective on surface water issues, explore the causes of poor drainage, the risks they pose, and how our professional solutions can protect your property. use our table of contents to navigate to any of the sections that you feel most relevant or start at the beginning, that is why do surface water issues occur in the first place?
Surface water drainage problems can stem from several factors, ranging from design flaws to external pressures such as extreme weather and heavy rainfall. Here’s a closer look at five of the most common issues or causes that our team have to deal with:
Inadequate Drainage Design
Some properties, particularly older ones, were built without modern drainage systems in mind. Others suffer from poor grading or undersized drains, which can’t handle heavy rainfall, leaving water to pool on the surface. With rainfall events getting heavier, weaknesses in older systems are now becoming problems, where previously they could have coped.
Blocked Drains and Gutters
Blocked drains are one of the most common issues we see at PM247. Leaves, debris, or dirt build-up can obstruct water flow and prevent the water from flowing away, causing it to back up and pool on the surface around the property.
Impermeable Surfaces
Concrete driveways, patios, and other hard landscaping features often don’t allow water to seep into the ground, leading to increased surface runoff that can easily overwhelm a drainage system.
Climate Change and Heavy Rainfall
The UK is no stranger to unpredictable weather, but climate change has intensified the frequency of heavy downpours. Many drainage systems struggle to cope with this increased demand. Particularly when heavy rain follows dry conditions, and the ground around your home is less permeable to rainfall than at other times, an increasingly common issue.
Poor Landscaping
Improper landscaping – such as flat lawns or compacted soil – can redirect water towards buildings rather than away from them, contributing to drainage issues.
Need help with your surface water issues? Click contact us to request a free quote or speak to a member of our team on: 08082 504 203
At PM247, our team have seen firsthand how ignoring drainage problems can lead to significant property damage. Here’s what could happen if water pooling is left unresolved:
Land Erosion
Standing water washes away soil over time, especially on a sloping garden, destabilising outdoor areas and altering landscapes. This can be particularly problematic for gardens, driveways, and outdoor seating areas.
Foundation Damage
Pooling surface water near the property’s base can seep into the ground, compromising foundations. Over time and with the freeze-thaw of winter, this can cause cracking, subsidence, and structural instability. A potentially costly and disruptive problem to fix.
Damage to Driveways and Patios
Water pooling on hard surfaces like driveways and patios can weaken materials, leading to cracks, potholes, or lifting. This not only looks unsightly but can also create safety hazards. A regular surface water issue will at the very least reduce the life of a driveway or patio.
Health Risks
Stagnant water becomes a breeding ground for pests like gnats and mosquitoes. In addition, it can encourage mould growth in basements or damp areas. These issues can negatively affect health.
Legal Implications
If surface water from your property spills onto a neighbour’s land, you could face disputes or legal claims. It’s essential to manage water runoff effectively to avoid these situations.
At PM247, we offer a range of solutions tailored to your property’s unique needs. Whether it’s a simple fix or a more complex drainage installation, our team of drainage engineers has the expertise to help. Here are some of the solutions that we would deploy to get your garden back to its best and eradicate your surface water issues.
A French drain is a gravel-filled trench with a perforated pipe that redirects water away from your property to a safer location, such as a soakaway or storm drain.
Water collects in the trench, filters through the gravel, and enters the pipe. From there, it flows to a designated drainage area, preventing pooling and protecting your foundations.
Don’t hesitate to contact us if you need help with surface water issues or any other drainage problems. Or call PM247 on 08082 504 203 for urgent enquiries.
Permeable surfaces use materials like porous pavers, gravel, or permeable concrete to allow rainwater to pass through and soak into the ground below, rather than running off and pooling.
Rainwater filters down through the surface instead of sitting on top. Beneath the surface, a specially designed sub-base helps manage the flow and absorb water fast and safely into the soil.
A rain garden is a shallow, landscaped dip that collects, absorbs, and filters rainwater runoff from hard surfaces like roofs, driveways, and patios.
Runoff is directed toward the garden where specially selected plants and soil layers slow the flow, absorb water, and filter out pollutants before it returns to the water table. A great solution when used in conjunction with other drainage solutions as well, or for more minor or temporary surface water issues.
A soakaway is a pit filled with gravel or crates that sits underground and gradually disperses excess surface water into the surrounding soil.
Water from drains or downpipes flow into the soakaway. Once inside, water slowly filters through the gravel or crate system, allowing it to naturally dissipate without pooling on the surface.
Regrading involves reshaping the land around your property to ensure water flows away from structures and doesn’t gather in unwanted places.
By subtly altering the gradient of lawns or paving, we can direct surface water toward appropriate drainage areas like soakaways, French drains, or rain gardens – keeping water away from your foundations!
Drainage channels, including slot drains and linear drains, are surface-level systems designed to capture runoff and guide it away from vulnerable areas like patios, driveways, or doorways.
Rainwater enters the narrow slots or grates, where it’s swiftly redirected through underground pipes to a soakaway, drain, or other safe outlet.
At PM247, we pride ourselves on providing professional, reliable, and affordable drainage services. Here’s why customers across the UK trust us to solve their drainage problems:
Our Experienced Team
Our drainage experts have years of experience diagnosing and fixing surface water issues, they have seen it all. With us you can rest assured that your property is in safe and experienced hands.
247 Availability
Drainage emergencies can happen at any time. That’s why we’re available 247 to respond quickly to your needs.
Tailored Solutions
We know that no two properties are the same. Our team takes the time to assess your property and recommend the most effective, long-term solution.
Affordable Pricing
We believe in delivering top-quality services at the best prices, ensuring you get the best value for your money for the right solution.
Customer Satisfaction
Your satisfaction is our priority. From consultation to installation, we’ll keep you informed and involved every step of the way. Here’s what one of our fantastic customers had to say about our drainage solutions when we fixed their surface water issue:
Prevention is always better than cure. Here are some more tips from the PM247 team to help you avoid drainage issues and surface water problems:
Regular Maintenance: Keep gutters, downpipes, and drains clear of debris to prevent blockages.
Monitor Landscaping: Ensure plants, soil, and garden features don’t obstruct drainage paths.
Inspect After Heavy Rainfall: Check for signs of pooling or slow drainage after storms.
Professional Inspections: Schedule routine checks with PM247 to identify and resolve issues early.
If you’re dealing with surface water drainage problems, don’t wait for the situation to worsen. At PM247, we’re here to provide expert advice and practical solutions to keep your property safe and dry.
Whether it’s installing a French drain or maintaining your existing systems, PM247 has the skills and expertise to protect your property from the risks of poor surface water drainage.
Don’t hesitate to contact us if you need help with surface water issues or any other drainage problems. Or call PM247 on 08082 504 203 for urgent enquiries.
If you are in:
Get in touch with our drainage team today. Don’t put up with surface water issues – get them fixed now.
Common causes include poor drainage design, blocked gutters or drains, compacted or non-permeable surfaces, and/or changes to landscaping. Even new patios or driveways can cause issues if proper drainage wasn’t considered during installation.
Signs include pooling water after rainfall, soggy or waterlogged lawns, water seeping into your home’s foundations or garage, and erosion around driveways or patios. Persistent damp patches are a clear indicator.
Yes, it can damage your property’s foundations, lead to damp or mould issues indoors, cause structural movement over time, and reduce the lifespan of driveways and patios. It can also cause disputes with neighbours if runoff crosses property boundaries.
It depends on your property. French drains, soakaways, permeable surfaces, drainage channels, regrading, or rain gardens may all be suitable. PM247 can assess your site and recommend the most effective approach for your situation.
Not usually – most drainage improvements are considered permitted development. However, large-scale landscaping or changes near listed buildings or conservation areas may require permission. Always check with your local authority or ask us for advice.
Minor issues like clearing blocked drains or adding a small gravel soakaway might be DIY-friendly. However, for more persistent problems – especially those involving foundations, patios, or land gradients – it’s safer and more effective to get professional help from companies like ours.
Costs vary depending on the size of the job and the solution needed. A small soakaway or French drain might start from a few hundred pounds, while more complex installations could run into the low thousands. PM247 offers transparent quotes and competitive pricing.
Most houses in the UK do have some form of surface water drainage, usually through gullies, soakaways, or connections to the mains stormwater system. You can often check by looking for drain covers near downpipes or checking your property’s drainage plans. If you’re unsure, a professional inspection from a company like PM247 can confirm your setup and advise if and when improvements might be needed.
We offer 247 emergency support and fast response for urgent drainage issues. For planned works, we’ll arrange a convenient site visit and provide a quote with a clear timeline. Our experienced drainage engineers work quickly, cleanly, and with minimal disruption.
