When the cold, wet months hit Devon, poor drainage can quickly become a serious problem. Whether you’re managing a construction site, a commercial property, or your own home, winter brings heavy rain, water build-up, and ground saturation, all of which can cause flooding, damage, and delays.
At Hutchings Groundworks & Plant Hire, we know how vital it is to get your drainage right, especially during the winter. In this blog, we’ll walk you through how to prepare your site now to prevent costly drainage issues later.
1. Assess Your Existing Drainage
First things first, take a good look at what’s already in place. Are your drains working properly? Do you notice standing water after heavy rain? Are soakaways overflowing or draining slowly?
Identifying problems early gives you time to fix them before they get worse. Our team can conduct a full site assessment and provide tailored advice on what needs attention.
2. Clear Gutters, Gullies, and Drains
It may sound simple, but blocked drains are one of the biggest causes of winter water problems. Leaves, silt, and debris build up during autumn, and when the rain arrives, water has nowhere to go.
Make sure all drainage points are free-flowing, especially around driveways, footpaths, and low-lying areas. If you’re unsure, we’re happy to help clear or replace damaged systems.
3. Install or Upgrade Surface Water Drainage
If your property regularly floods, it might be time to install a new surface water drainage system. This could include:
- French drains
- Linear channel drains
- Soakaways
- Land drains
Each site is different, so we’ll recommend the most effective solution to keep water moving away from your property.
4. Improve Ground Levels and Gradients
Even with good drainage, poor ground levels can cause water to collect in all the wrong places. As part of our civil engineering services in Devon, we can regrade or re-profile your site to encourage proper runoff, keeping water away from buildings, foundations, and access points.
5. Use Professional Groundworks to Future Proof Your Project
Effective drainage starts with proper groundworks. If you’re preparing a site for building or resurfacing, let us design and install a drainage system that will last. By getting it right now, you’ll avoid problems for years to come, no matter the weather.
Need Help with Drainage in Devon This Winter?
Don’t wait until you’re knee-deep in water. At Hutchings Groundworks & Plant Hire, we help homes and businesses across Devon stay dry and protected all year round with expert drainage services.
Contact us today for a free, no-obligation quote and winter drainage advice tailored to your site.
