A lateral drain is a pipe that runs underground from your property to a nearby utility easement so that if there is a flood, sewer back-up or other serious damage from nearby water spills or sewer leaks, your home will not be flooded or damaged. In an unfortunate circumstance where a lateral drain is necessary, it is important to know how they work so that you can properly install one at your property and know how to use it when the time comes. If you are buying a home near an area where flooding is common, you probably already know that you will need to install a lateral drain before closing on the house. A common misconception is that every home in a flood plain needs a lateral drain. This is not true. However, most homes in areas prone to flooding will have one installed by the utility companies before they build on the land to make sure they can handle any potential floods quickly and easily.If you live in an area that has experienced flooding in the past or is known to flood easily, you will need to install a lateral drain at the beginning of your home construction. Lateral drains are commonly installed in basements, crawl spaces, and garages. They are also often installed in new homes in flood-prone areas. Even if your home isn’t in a flood plain, having a lateral drain installed as part of the construction process will ensure that if a nearby utility has an issue with your property, such as a sewage back-up or a large storm that floods nearby sewers, the flood will not reach your house and cause damage. The following explainer will provide helpful information on why you should consider installing a lateral drain, what they look like and how they work.

What is a Lateral Drain?

A lateral drain is a pipe that runs underground from your property to a nearby utility easement so that if there is a flood, sewer back-up or other serious damage from nearby water spills or sewer leaks, your home will not be flooded or damaged. A typical utility easement has a pipe running underground that connects to the main utility pipeline. This is where the water will be diverted if there is a flood or sewage back-up.Lateral drains help divert water away from your home during a flood or other mishap at the utility. This helps keep the water away from your home so that it does not cause damage or put you and your family at risk. In an unfortunate circumstance where a lateral drain is necessary, it is important to know how they work so that you can properly install one at your property and know how to use it when the time comes.If you are buying a home near an area where flooding is common, you likely already know that you will need to install a lateral drain before closing on the house. This is not a decision that you can take lightly and should be part of the planning process from the beginning. If you do not have a utility easement, it is also possible to build a new utility easement on your property.

Why Do I Need a Lateral Drain?

If you live in a flood-prone area, a lateral drain can help protect your home from damage. A utility easement is where most utilities have their infrastructure, such as pipes, wires, and other components. If a utility has a problem, such as a sewage back-up or a major storm that floods nearby sewers, the flood will be diverted to the utility easement. If your home is near the utility easement, the flood will be diverted to the utility easement, and your home will be protected.If there is a flood at the utility easement, the water will flow through the utility easement where the pipes are located. If you have a lateral drain installed at the beginning of your home construction, the water will flow through the lateral drain and away from your home. This will help protect your home from flood damage.

How Does a Lateral Drain Work?

Lateral drains are usually made out of a type of plastic called HDPE, which is a high-density polyethylene. This type of plastic is commonly used in water and sewage pipes because it is very durable and resistant to chemicals, chemicals, and other substances commonly found in water and sewage.HDPE is used in construction for a number of reasons, including as a lining for water and sewage pipes. This type of plastic is very effective at preventing leaks and breakage, and it can last for many years and even decades. Because of its durability and effectiveness, it is commonly used for underground drains, sewers, and utility easements.There are many different types of plastic that are used in water pipes, and it is important to select the right one for your use. In the case of a utility easement, the plastic will be installed underground, usually about 3 feet below the surface. The plastic pipe will then lead to a nearby utility main, which will lead to the main water line in the street.

How to Install a Lateral Drain

If you live in an area that has experienced flooding in the past or is known to flood easily, you will need to install a lateral drain at the beginning of your home construction. Lateral drains are commonly installed in basements, crawl spaces, and garages. They are also often installed in new homes in flood-prone areas. Even if your home isn’t in a flood plain, having a lateral drain installed as part of the construction process will ensure that if a nearby utility has an issue with your property, such as a sewage back-up or a large storm that floods nearby sewers, the flood will not reach your house and cause damage.The following explainer will provide helpful information on why you should consider installing a lateral drain, what they look like and how they work. The information provided will also help you to know what you need to do in order to properly install the pipe. Lateral drains are commonly installed in basements, crawl spaces, and garages. They are also often installed in new homes in flood-prone areas. Even if your home isn’t in a flood plain, having a lateral drain installed as part of the construction process will ensure that if a nearby utility has an issue with your property, such as a sewage back-up or a large storm that floods nearby sewers, the flood will not reach your house and cause damage. The following explainer will provide helpful information on why you should consider installing a lateral drain, what they look like and how they work. The information provided will also help you to know what you need to do in order to properly install the pipe.