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Originally Posted On: https://www.pm247.co.uk/blog/surface-water-issues/

Surface Water Drainage Issues: Causes, Risks and How to Fix

At PM247, we understand how frustrating surface water drainage issues can be for property owners. Whether you’re a homeowner or managing a commercial property, pooling water after heavy rainfall can lead to serious problems, from land erosion to foundation damage. So, what’s the good news? These 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, let PM247 be your trusted partner for tackling surface water issues. In this article, we’ll explore the causes of poor drainage, the risks it poses, and how our professional services – such as installing French drains – can protect your property. Let’s get into it.

Why Do Surface Water Drainage Issues Occur?

Surface water drainage problems can stem from several factors, ranging from design flaws and more commonly to external pressures like extreme weather. Here’s a closer look:

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.

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, causing it to back up and pool 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 overwhelms drainage systems.

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.

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.

The Risks of Ignoring Surface Water Drainage Problems

At PM247, we’ve 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 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 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.

Health Risks
Stagnant water becomes a breeding ground for pests like gnats and mosquitoes and can encourage mould growth in basements or damp areas. These issues can affect the health and the general comfort of homeowners.

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.

How PM247 Solves Surface Water Drainage Problems

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. One of the most effective solutions we recommend is the French drain, but we also provide other services to ensure your property is protected.

French Drains: A Reliable Solution

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.

How It Works:

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.

Why We Recommend It:

• Suitable for properties with persistent water pooling issues.
• Discreet and easy to integrate into landscaping.
• Effective at managing high volumes of surface water.

PM247 French Drain Installation Process:

Assessment: We inspect your property to determine the best location and design for the French drain.
Excavation: We dig a trench with the correct slope to ensure efficient water flow.
Installation: We line the trench with geotextile fabric, add gravel, and install the perforated pipe.
Completion: The trench is covered with gravel or turf, blending seamlessly with your property.

Other Drainage Solutions We Provide

At PM247, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. Depending on your property’s specific needs, we might recommend:

Permeable Surfaces: Replacing impermeable materials with permeable options like porous pavers or gravel to reduce surface water runoff.
Rain Gardens: Landscaping features that naturally absorb and filter rainwater.
Soakaways: Underground pits filled with gravel to disperse water safely into the soil.
Regrading: Adjusting the slope of your property to redirect water away from critical areas.
Drainage Channels: Linear drains along driveways or patios to capture and redirect water effectively.

Why Choose PM247?

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:

Experienced Team
Our drainage experts have years of experience diagnosing and fixing surface water issues, ensuring your property is in safe hands.

24/7 Availability
Drainage emergencies can happen at any time. That’s why we’re available 24/7 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 competitive prices, ensuring you get the best value for your money.

Customer Satisfaction
Your satisfaction is our priority. From consultation to installation, we’ll keep you informed and involved every step of the way.

How to Prevent Future Drainage Problems

Prevention is always better than cure. Here are some tips from the PM247 team to help you avoid drainage issues in the future:

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.

Get in Touch with PM247 Today

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.

Call us today to schedule a consultation or learn more about our drainage services. With PM247 by your side, you can say goodbye to water pooling and hello to peace of mind.

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 0808 258 0440 for urgent enquiries.