Water and drainage management is essential to the success of any commercial property. Poorly managed water and drainage can lead to costly repairs, health risks, sewage backups, flooding, and other problems. To ensure that your commercial property is well-maintained, it’s important to regularly inspect for issues and take steps to prevent them from occurring. 

What is a Commercial Water Drainage System?

A commercial drainage system is an integrated network of pipes, pumps, and other components used to collect, treat, transport, and store wastewater. In order for a system to be effective and efficient, it needs to be properly designed and regularly maintained. 

The right design is important because it ensures that the water flows correctly without any potential blockages or backups. Regular maintenance helps keep the system in good working condition so that it can effectively manage water and drainage on the property. 

Issues Caused by Excess Surface Water

Excess surface water can cause a range of issues if not managed properly. This includes soil erosion, flooding, property damage, and even health risks due to contaminated drinking water. Excess surface water can also hinder the use of parking lots and can affect the curb appeal and professionalism of your property's appearance. 

To prevent these issues from occurring, it’s important to understand the causes and take action to address them. 

Common causes of excess surface water include inadequate drainage systems, blocked drains, or insufficient slope on your property. Taking measures such as installing new drainage systems or increasing the slope on your property can help manage surface water effectively and reduce the risk of flooding or other related problems. 

It’s also important to regularly inspect for any signs of blockages in existing drainage systems and promptly clear them if necessary. This will ensure that your system is able to manage surface water effectively and reduce the chances of flooding or other issues. 

Benefits of Proper Drainage and Erosion Control

Properties like new home developments need stormwater management, retaining wall installation, and erosion control to prevent a drop in value. Without these measures in place, you could end up with flooded homes and delayed development. Other types of commercial properties can benefit greatly from proper erosion and stormwater management to ensure that property is protected from damage. 

Proper water drainage offers a variety of benefits, including:

Mold and mildew prevention. If left untreated, employees or tenants are left to breathe mildew and mold, which can lead to health problems. With proper water drainage, the growth of mildew and mold can be prevented. 

Flooding prevention. Excess water can eventually cause flooding to the buildings or the grounds on your commercial property, which can lead to dangerous situations, especially if electricity is involved. Preventing this flooding will save the buildings and ground from severe damage. 

Landscape preservation. With proper water drainage, you can keep your landscaping and the exterior of your commercial building looking great by avoiding erosion and keeping your flowers, plants, mulch, or other protective coverings intact. 

Protect your building. Excess water sitting near your foundation can lead to cracks that can leak into the building, leading to mold growth, mildew, and other expensive damages. 

Tips for Effective Water and Drainage Management

Here are some tips for effectively managing water and drainage for commercial properties: 

Check the condition of piping and drains: Regularly inspect pipes and drains located on the exterior of your building or lot for signs of wear and tear, such as cracks or slippage. If you notice any signs of deterioration in the piping or drainage system, call a professional to repair the issue before it becomes a more significant problem. 

Reduce water usage: Reducing the amount of water used on your property can help to conserve resources and reduce the burden placed on your drainage system. Consider installing low-flow fixtures, such as faucets, toilets, and showerheads, which use less water than standard fixtures. Additionally, consider using drought-tolerant plants and lawns to reduce the need for frequent irrigation. 

Support your landscape with proper drainage: Properly installed French drains or other types of surface drainage systems can help prevent flooding in low spots or areas where runoff is common. Make sure that these drains are regularly inspected to ensure they’re functioning optimally and clear any debris or blockages that could prevent them from operating correctly. 

Clean gutters and downspouts: Regularly clean the gutters and downspouts of your building or property to prevent the buildup of leaves, dirt, and other debris, which can cause water flow issues. Consider installing gutter guards to make this process easier. 

Prevent blockages in pipes and drains: To ensure optimal performance, regularly inspect all pipes, drains, and traps for clogs or blockages that can impede the flow of water. If you do notice any signs of a blocked pipe or drain, call a professional right away to avoid further damage and costly repairs. 

Work with Kolton Construction and Land Management 

By following these tips, you can help ensure your commercial property is well-maintained and free of water and drainage problems. to further protect your property, we offer stormwater management and drainage solutions to prevent flooding and ensure the water runoff is directed to the proper drainage sites. We also provide erosion control to reduce erosion throughout your property. 

To learn more about how to effectively manage water & drainage for your commercial property, contact Kolton Construction & Land Management today!