Many of you are well aware of how much a storm drain is needed in a private house. It prevents the destruction of the foundation under the influence of rain and melt water. In today's article, we will consider the design features of such systems.
What is a storm drain made of?
This system is a whole network of closed or open channels. They are connected to the water collectors at their intersection points. Storm sewerage consists of channels, water collectors, sand traps and filters. In addition, it includes a viewing and rainwater well. The latter looks like a rectangular container made of polypropylene or polymer concrete.
How the system works
Those who do not know what a storm drain is in a private house often confuse it with a drainage system consisting of a network of pipes that are laid below the foundation level. Despite some similarities, these systems have a different design and purpose.
Installation of storm sewers is carried out simultaneously with the laying of the roof. Along the entire perimeter of the roof there is a whole network of gutters,funnels and gutters. Under each of the pipes there is a storm water inlet. It is connected to a system that removes water from the site.
Design features of storm water wells
Note right away that they consist of several elements. The hatch grate, the bottom with a tray and a glass are included in the package. The latter is also called a patron. It collects excess debris and dirt, so it must be systematically cleaned. The glass consists of a sealing base, a basket and a coffered partition.
The removable grill is made of metal or plastic. On concrete wells, cast-iron hatches are most often installed that can withstand significant loads. As a rule, this option is mounted on the roadway. For plastic structures, lighter gratings of galvanized steel storm water inlets are suitable. Such products are resistant to corrosion. But they are also much more expensive. The cheapest and most short-lived are plastic hatches. They are recommended for use in small areas where there is no heavy traffic.
Existing varieties
Depending on the design features that characterize a particular storm water well, they can be divided into two main groups. The first includes products with a direct-flow outlet located in the bottom of the case. Drains that get inside such a structure move from top to bottom. One of the main advantages of vertical storm water inlets is a fairly large throughput. To the most importantdisadvantages include the impossibility of arranging a hydraulic seal.
The second group includes structures with a side outlet built into one of the walls of the housing. The vertical flow that got inside such a receiver changes the trajectory of movement into the horizontal plane. Such a design is not capable of providing high throughput. But it can be equipped with a hydraulic seal, which prevents the further spread of unpleasant odors from the storm sewer through the system.
Vertical receivers of the first type are often used for arranging waste channels located along roads. Horizontal structures belonging to the second category are usually used to divert runoff from the foundations of residential or utility buildings. In addition, storm water inlets produced today can be classified depending on the material used for their production. The most popular are polymer, cast iron and concrete structures. Each of these varieties has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Plastic sump
More recently, cast iron and concrete were used to manufacture this device. Modern manufacturers have replenished this list with another modification created from high-strength plastic. At first glance, it seems that this is not a very practical innovation. However, the use of modern technologies makes it possible to make the design of such a storm water inlet as reliable as possible.
Plastic has several significant advantages. First of all, it is lightweight and easy to install. A rainwater well made from it is protected not only from corrosion, but also from chemical and mechanical damage.
Reinforced concrete structures
Similar products can often be seen on the territory of industrial enterprises and car parks. Mounting them on the local area is completely pointless. Firstly, reinforced concrete storm water inlets are quite heavy. To transport and install them, you will have to spend additional funds. And this, to put it mildly, is a considerable amount. In addition, in the process of assembling such a structure, it is necessary to use special equipment and several workers. Secondly, the device itself is considered an expensive pleasure. You will have to shell out a tidy sum to purchase it.
Plus, a reinforced concrete storm water well requires additional waterproofing. In the course of work, a special composition is applied to its walls and bottom. Hot bitumen or cement mixed with liquid glass is often used for this.
