Understanding Drainage Systems in Toronto Homes: The Ultimate Guide for Homeowners

The plumbing in our homes is more than just about being able to turn on a tap, use water appliances, and have running water; it also includes the drains and how the water leaves the home.

Drainage is a crucial part of the entire plumbing system, as it prevents water from building up and flooding your property.

It is also not as simple as the water flowing down the drain and away; there are several components that make up the overall system. While you don’t need a degree in plumbing, it’s good to have a basic understanding of what is in your home. 

What is a drainage system?

Consisting of different components, the drainage system (in the case of residential and commercial properties) is designed to lead water away from the property, preventing water damage and erosion.

The system typically consists of gutters, downspouts, drains, and pipes, which direct wastewater and rainwater away from the structure. In high-risk flooding areas, underground systems can be installed to prevent a yard from becoming waterlogged.

Internal and external drainages are different from each other. The environmental impact on the drains inside the home will be dictated by the heating and air conditioning in the different seasons. The pipes used are specifically chosen to carry water away from the home and into the main sewers, leading to the water treatment plants.

External drainage systems need to be tailored to cope with the drastic changes in temperatures, with the underground pipes being able to withstand the ground freezing around them without bursting.  

Drainage Inside Your Home

What comes in must eventually go out. The drainage system in place within a home or commercial property is designed to do just that, with regular water and wastewater initially under different pressures.

Transporting the water from washing machines, dishwashers, showers, and all sinks and toilets in the home must be done without fail, even though they may not be under the same pressure as the water going to the appliances and faucets.

The pipes carry the wastewater away to a catch basin, which is designed to collect the debris that then sinks to the ground. This aids in preventing the pipes from becoming clogged, but it can cause issues without proper maintenance. 

These pipes then connect to the main city sewage drainage system and drains in Toronto. 

Drainage Outside the Home

Gutters, downspouts, and underground drainage systems exist to prevent the rainwater from getting too close to the property and causing structural damage.

Below the ground, trenches are dug and laid with rocks and pipes to keep the water flowing and prevent water from pooling, therefore ruining your lawn and killing your plants. These are often called subsurface or French drains.

The rocks laid around them aid in filtration and let only water enter the pipes through precision perforations along the pipe, allowing the water to flow freely without clogging.

The gutters along the rooftop collect the rainwater as it falls, and direct it to the downspouts, which then flow to drains nearby, or are directed along concrete channels off the property and to the drains on the street.

Problems With Drainage Systems

With drainage systems, water is supposed to move away from the property after serving its purpose. However, there might be issues during this process.

As it flows away from inside the home, the water may have some organic matter with it, such as food scraps, hair, and more. Outside, leaf litter, sticks, and even moss that grows in the guttering, for example, can block rainwater from draining. The following issues should be addressed as soon as they are noticed. 

Clogs

Any pipe can clog up. Organic matter may get stuck on the way out, leaving small pieces behind that slowly build up to block the pipe. Oil and grease are particularly troubling, but so can an abundance of materials that should go into trash cans and not the drains. 

Foul Smells

When the drainage system is fully operational, there should be no smells. If there is, it can be very sulfurous and pungent. This will indicate that a pipe somewhere has an issue and things are backing up. Sewage drains can be particularly stinky.

Leaks

Pipes leak for a number of reasons, but you should consult a professional plumber if you are unsure what is happening. This could be because of a faulty installation, worn and old pipes, or damage caused by incorrect insulation in the winter, leading to freezing water and burst pipes.

Waterlogged Lawn

Your lawn should be just a little damp after a rainfall. If you find large, soggy bog-like areas anywhere in the backyard, then call a plumber. The underground pipes may be damaged in some way and need repair before the issue becomes more costly. 

Contact the Experts for Servicing Drains in Toronto

Brothers Plumbing has been cleaning and servicing drains in Toronto and the GTA for over 50 years. With our extensive knowledge and experience, we can perform all plumbing services with skill and efficiency.

Our plumbing services include drain cleaning and maintenance, clog removal, new installations, and even emergency callouts. All our services are fairly priced and are guaranteed to last. 

For more information, you can call Brothers Plumbing at 647-247-2230 or contact us online to get your free quote.