Drainage Terms

Footing Drain

• A footing drain is created with perforated pipe, which allows water to enter the pipe and drain away. This type of drain is usually located at the base of a concrete footing. The purpose of a footing drain is to move water away from a foundation. Within homes and buildings, the drain must be placed below the concrete slab floor.

Curb and Drop Inlets

• Inlets are generally located in public areas. Curb inlets are found along curb-sides on roads. They feature a large drainage pit that sinks under sidewalks and into a storm drain system. These inlets belong to the public drainage system and are therefore maintained by cities.

  Drop Inlets are located within open areas and focus on draining storm water. Just like curb inlets, they are usually part of a public drainage system.

Swales

• Swales are depressions between slopes. They are artificially created formations that carry drainage and water away from a designated area. The majority of homes are constructed with swales --- often located along property lines. Swales have gentle side slopes and are fairly shallow; they can be difficult to spot among some landscapes; however, they remain a vital construction safety device during storms.

Flumes

• A flume is similar to a swale in its purpose; however, a flume is more noticeable as it is a channel constructed out of concrete. Flumes generally take on the appearance of a miniature sidewalk with a shallow depression in the middle. Although flumes are not as aesthetically pleasing as swales, they can carry more drainage, making them more effective than the typical swale.