What are backyard drains called?

Author: Cooper Leuschke  |  Last update: Monday, May 12, 2025

Catch Basins A catch basin drainage system, also known simply as a “yard drain,” is a key component of many modern stormwater management systems. These basins are designed to collect and manage rainwater runoff efficiently.

What is the drain outside my house called?

A sewer drain , also known as a house sewer, is a mandatory part of any home's.

What are outdoor drains?

These humble drainage systems use a gravel-filled trench to capture excess groundwater and surface runoff before it causes issues around your home's foundation or yard. Perforated pipes buried in the gravel collect the water and redirect it away to a storm drain or dry well.

What are the drains outside my house?

A drain is a pipe that drains water and waste from a building and other buildings which belong with it, for example a garage. A lateral drain is a length of pipe which carries wastewater away from your property to a sewer. It's usually located outside your property boundary, often under a public pavement or road.

What are the four types of drains?

Types of Home Drainage Systems
  • Surface Drainage. This type of drainage system focuses on getting rid of water from the top or surface part of your home. ...
  • Subsurface Drainage. A typical subsurface drainage system can remove excess water from the soil at the root level. ...
  • Slope Drainage. ...
  • Downspouts and Gutters.

Standing Water in Lawn Flooding. How to remove standing water in yard from heavy rain and floods

What are the drains in my backyard?

Yard drains are also called catch basins. As that name implies, the purpose of this drain is to 'catch' excess surface water in a basin and redirect it. The catch basin acts like a sewer drain and directs the water through a pipe sloping away from the basin.

What are the different types of side drains?

Sides drains can be constructed in three common forms: V-shaped, rectangular or as a trapezoid (Figure 1).

Why is there a sewer drain in my backyard?

It can seem strange to come across drains in your backyard on a summer afternoon. However, these drains serve a purpose. Every property has underground drainage systems that are hidden underground. They help convey excess water from the yard and the property.

How to unblock an outdoor drain?

You can start by using the same methods you'd try for clearing an inside drain blockage.
  1. Pour boiling water down the drain.
  2. Add a cup of bicarbonate of soda.
  3. Now add a cup of vinegar and watch it start to fizz and froth.
  4. Replace the drain cover loosely and let it work its magic for a few hours.

What are the pipes outside my house?

AC Drain Lines and Water Heater PRV Lines

The two most common drain pipes that most people have on the side of their house are: Air conditioner condensate lines (AC drain line). Water heater pressure relief valve lines (PRV drain line).

What is a lawn drain?

Surface water that moves across a lawn can be difficult to control, especially if it's originating from off of your property. Fortunately, a French drain is a low-cost DIY project to manage surface water. A French drain is a trench filled with permeable materials, such as gravel atop a perforated PVC pipe.

Do plumbers deal with outside drains?

Yes, if your drain is blocked and basic methods have not cleared it, calling a plumber is the best course of action. Especially for persistent or severe blockages, professional intervention from Maintain Drains can save you time and avoid potential damage from improper unblocking methods.

What is the best drainage pipe for a yard?

Corrugated Pipe Provides More Flexibility Than PVC

That's why selecting the correct drainage materials for your yard is imperative. Solid corrugated pipe expands when ice backs up in the line and contracts during the thaw to move moisture away from the house.

What is an outdoor drain called?

Catch Basins

A catch basin drainage system, also known simply as a “yard drain,” is a key component of many modern stormwater management systems. These basins are designed to collect and manage rainwater runoff efficiently.

What is the water thing outside your house called?

A hose bib is a water faucet that sits on your home's siding. The valve that allows water to flow through the faucet—and the entire faucet itself—all reside on the exterior of the house. A sillcock is an outdoor faucet as well.

What is a sewer yard trap?

The house trap is a curved pipe of the sewer line that holds a small amount of water at all times. This water creates a barrier that prevents sewer gases and pests from coming up through the sewage system and into your home.

How do I unclog my backyard drain?

8 Steps to Fix Yard Drains & Keep Them Healthy
  1. Clear All Debris Covering Drain Grates. ...
  2. Remove Grates to Check for Large Blockages. ...
  3. Flush the System. ...
  4. Check Inspection Portals. ...
  5. Clear the System with a Drain Snake. ...
  6. Replace Grates with Fine Screens. ...
  7. Regularly Check for Debris. ...
  8. Consider Landscaping.

How to tell if an outside drain is blocked?

This blog will point out the key signs to look out for before discussing the steps to take when you think your drainage system is clogged.
  1. Slow Drainage. ...
  2. Unpleasant Smells and Odours. ...
  3. Gurgling Sounds Coming from Drains and Plug Holes. ...
  4. Raised Water Levels.

What is the best drain unblocker for outside drains?

After your drain is mostly free of water, simply pour around half a cup of soda crystals or caustic soda into the drain followed by boiling water. Be very careful when using caustic soda because it can be extremely dangerous.

How do I fix my backyard drainage problem?

Drainage and soggy lawns – what you should do now before the...
  1. Aerate your lawn. ...
  2. Amend the soil. ...
  3. Regrade your yard. ...
  4. Build a retaining wall. ...
  5. Install a French drain. ...
  6. Dig a dry well or catch basin. ...
  7. Install a dry creek bed or a rain garden.

How do I unblock my outside sewer drain?

Boil a kettle full of water and, wearing long sleeve gloves, goggles and a mask, pour it down the outside drain being careful not to cause any to splash back onto your skin. If hot water doesn't work, you can try using caustic soda, also known as sodium hydroxide.

Where do backyard drains go?

The structure of a yard drain is very simple: A small underground catch basin covered by a metal or plastic grate catches runoff water, and one or more branch drain pipes carry this collected water from the basin to some termination point—often near a street or into a municipal storm drain.

What is the difference between a trench drain and a slot drain?

All slot drains are actually trench drains with one main difference: the opening in your production floor is drastically smaller — it's a slot. Encased in the surrounding floor, the drain channel is usually shaped like a teardrop or some variation, with the top coming close together to form the “throat” of the drain.

What is a mitre drain?

Mitre drains take runoff out of table drains or directly off road shoulders where table drains are absent. These drains dispose of water in areas away from the road (See Figure 5).

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