Underground Drainage

Underground drainage describes systems of pipes and fixtures that are installed underground, usually for the purpose of transporting unwanted/excess liquid (e.g., like rainwater) away from an area.

Underground drainage is an important part of construction and landscaping as it helps protect against the accumulation of too much liquid which can lead to leaks, flooding, and damp. The most common type of underground drainage is created as PVC-u, which is a specialised hardwearing plastic material. The interior of the material is more effective for flow as there’s less resistance against its ultra-smooth surface compared to older and more traditional metal or clay drainage systems.

Underground drainage is almost always terracotta orange in colour so that it can be easily identified and not disturbed if excavation work is undertaken in the surrounding area.

However, underground drainage isn’t simply about piping. A robust underground drainage system is composed of multiple elements such as gullies, bandseal adaptors, ground membrane, hoppers, connectors, inspection chambers and more.

What underground drainage systems does BC Profiles offer?

We have an enormous underground drainage offering and all our products meet the required British Standards so you can rest assured of reliability, sizing, and durability. Our products are designed to prevent clogs and blockages and transport waste with minimal fuss. Our bestselling products include inspection chambers, manhole covers, underground drainage fittings, blue MDPE water piping and above ground drainage connections.

What are British Standards?

British Standards is used in industries like manufacturing or construction to state that the product or element has been designed to a set industry-wide standard. This typically means that the product has been designed and created to precise measurements and quality to ensure reliability and computability across multiple brands.

When purchasing and installing underground drainage products British Standards are important as it helps reassure the installer that the piping, connectors, manhole cover etc. will all correctly fit regardless of the brand. This universal aspect of design also ensures reliability which in turn, reduces costs, improve efficiency, and promotes productivity.

What are the benefits of PVC-u piping vs. traditional clay piping?

PVC-u, or plastic piping, is increasingly more common today for the following reasons:
PVC-u is considerably easier to cut and join than clay, making it faster and more adaptable to fit.
PVC-u, when properly fitted and dependent on the surrounding soil, can last more than 50 years.
PVC-u allows for a much smoother interior surface which helps encourage flow and reduces the risk of blockage or clogs.
PVC-u is much lighter and as such, far easier to handle, which can be particularly useful in tight spaces such as trenches. Despite its weight, PVC-u is also incredibly hardy and not fragile or brittle unlike clay.

Why is underground drainage important?

Underground drainage is a crucial component of construction and landscaping. The system prevents an overflow of water or accumulation of other liquids which can cause leaks, flooding and dampness. These are serious problems that can potentially cost thousands of pounds to repair and therefore installing an underground drainage system is the cheapest and most effective way to prevent this.

What does underground drainage look like?

The most conventional kind of underground drainage is produced as PVC-u. This is a specific hardwearing plastic material. The core of the substance is highly effective for water flow due to the lack of resistance against the smooth surface. Older drainage systems employed metal and clay which could cause friction. Aesthetically, underground drainage is usually found in a terracotta orange, which makes it easy to spot if an inspection or repair needs to take place.

Are there other elements to underground drainage systems?

There is more to underground drainage than just piping, as a robust system would be composed of multiple facets. These include gullies, bandseal adaptors, ground membrane, hoppers, connectors, inspection chambers and more.