While agricultural drainage lines are usually associated with farming, they can be used in residential settings to improve soil conditions, prevent flooding, and manage excess water. However, if the drainage line is improperly constructed, it can do more harm than good. To avoid such a scenario, let\u2019s take a deep dive into the world of agricultural drains.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Before we jump to the installation process, let\u2019s first understand what AG drains are.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Agricultural drains or lines refer to slotted PVC pipes installed within a trench filled with rocks or sand. These lines are primarily employed to facilitate the removal of excess groundwater. The trench allows the drain to collect water that seeps through the surface and transport it through the perforated PVC pipe.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
The idea of agricultural drains was introduced in the United States in the late 1840s and early 1850s, employing the Swap Land Acts of 1849 and 1850. It aimed at spurring economic growth by transforming the swampy regions in the Midwest into liveable areas. Large funds were allocated to promote drainage efforts<\/a> by the federal government.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n However, later, the engineers began using these drains in residential settings to prevent flooding and improve soil conditions.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n To fully benefit from ag drains, the installation of the ag lines needs your complete focus. The best way to install these pipes is:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n It will be discussed later why Aggie drains should be a last resort, but for now, just know that if the water is already on the ground, use spoon drains. Water at the surface level should be managed at the surface. Aggie drains should be used for the water already present under the ground.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n The agricultural drains should be connected to their own pipe system. Connecting Aggie lines to the stormwater systems is something you will regret for life. It may save you some bucks but will compromise the foundation of the building.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Make sure that the agricultural pipe and the trench are placed in the direction of the water flow. Water should be able to drain using gravity in the trench.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n The agricultural drains should not be positioned closer than 1 m from the house footings. For this first meter, you can use solid pathways or grade the ground away from the house.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Only use unslotted pipes under your house. Slotted pipes will introduce more water and thus, will cause damage to the building\u2019s foundation.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n One end of the Ag pipe should be brought to the surface and capped so it can be flushed from time to time.<\/p>\r\nInstallation Process: The Nuts And Bolts of AG Drains<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Use Of Spoon Drains<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Run Separate Pipes For Aggie Drainage<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Ensure The Right Direction Of The Flow<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Use Solid Pathways<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Use Unslotted Pipes<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Cap The Ag Pipe<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n