What are the different types of drainage for your home?

Effective PVC drainage systems are imperative to preserving the look and performance of any building. Most homes will have two main types of drainage system – roofline rainwater, gutters and downpipes, and soil and waste. As a homeowner you will most likely only have to take care of your rainwater system. However, if you live in an older home with a visible stack system or are considering an extension you may wish to replace some of your soil and waste system, so let’s look at both.

Up on the roof

Rainwater systems ensure any water that runs down your roof is safely directed into guttering and down a downpipe. This water is then taken into the main underground system or allowed to run off to a soak away. However, heavier rainfall patterns are putting our traditional half round or square guttering systems to the test, and many are no longer capable of handling this increased amount of water. The result is that many drainage systems overflow, which, if left, can cause damage to the exterior of a building and longer term ingress. The answer is to increase your drainage capacity.

Going deeper

There are now a wide range of PVC rainwater systems available that include deeper round and Ogee guttering systems, which have greater capacity. Both systems can handle a higher volume of water than their traditional counterparts, helping to keep rainwater away from your home. The choice of square or round is entirely a personal choice and one which will probably depend on the style of your home. The Ogee system includes decorative detailing and is ideally suited to low level roofs, such as single-story extensions or conservatories, where they can be seen and appreciated. 

When upgrading your rainwater system, you also need to consider your downpipes – particularly their number and position. A benefit of the new larger capacity PVC roofline drainage systems is the need for less downpipes. A standard detached house will usually require one downpipe on the front elevation and one on the back. Not only is this enough to take water away from the roof, but it also helps to improve the overall aesthetic of your home. However, if you live in a semi-detached or terraced house you may need more downpipes due to one side of your home (the one attached to your neighbour) not having any drainage at all. By doing your research first, you can make sure you get the most effective drainage system whilst retaining the look of your home.

Going green

Whilst most homeowners guide excess water into underground systems or soak aways, many of us are starting to look at different ways we can use rainwater. Water butts are becoming a popular way of collecting rainwater for use on our gardens and many manufacturers will offer divertors on their downpipes to allow connection to a water butt. Just remember to empty your butt regularly and keep it clean.

Soil and waste systems

On new homes, the soil and waste systems are usually hidden inside the house. However, on older, more traditional buildings these soil stacks are often visible, fixed to the outside of the house. Over time, these can become unsightly and inefficient, and you may wish to replace it. Alternatively, you may be adding a new kitchen extension or downstairs toilet to your home, which requires an additional waste drainage system linking to the existing system.

PVC soil and waste systems can help improve the aesthetic of your home as well as improve efficiency. Manufacturers will offer 110mm and 160mm PVC drainage systems, together with all relevant bends, sockets, and traps, with the majority being compatible with most existing systems, even clay. It is fairly simple to replace these soil stacks, but if you are unsure, we would always recommend getting expert advice.

Keeping your home dry and removing wastewater is important – both for the health of your house and your comfort.  Talk to your local supplier today to find out how you can achieve this by upgrading your PVC drainage system.