You’ve decided to maximise the return on investment from your land through better drainage, but you’re unsure what to do next. Here’s our guide to the key things to consider when installing land drainage.
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Decide on the Best Time to Install Your Land Drainage
It’s important to schedule your contractors between the harvest of the current crop and the planting of the next — typically August or September. If spring is dry, March/April can also be ideal, minimising crop interference while making efficient use of time and resources.
Find an Outfall
The most important consideration: where will the water go? Identify a suitable outfall such as a ditch, stream, or watercourse. The outfall will be the lowest point in your system, so begin planning from there and work backwards.
Undertake a Topographical Survey
A Topographical Survey reveals the slope and contours of your land. This information allows you to plan the layout of mains and laterals accurately, ensuring effective water flow and a successful long-term drainage scheme.
Decide Who Will Undertake the Work
Once your scheme is designed and approved, decide whether to hire external contractors or install it yourself. If you’re handling the work internally, you’ll need key materials such as land drainage coil and porous fill aggregate.
Work Out the Pipework Requirements
Determine both the length and diameter of the required pipework. Typically, 60 mm coils come in 150 m rolls, 80–100 mm in 100 m rolls, and 160 mm in 50 m rolls.
To calculate the amount of stone or porous fill required for partial backfill: Total trench length × 0.2 = tonnes of gravel needed (assuming 200 mm trench width, 600 mm average fill depth, and gravel density of 1.7 t/m³).
Other Things to Consider
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Regulations and Permits
Check local regulations and secure any required permits before starting. Projects that alter natural watercourses or impact neighbours may require special approval. -
Environmental Impact
Consider water quality, habitat protection, and erosion control. Choose sustainable drainage methods that minimise ecological disruption.
How Can We Help You?
Cotterill Civils is one of the UK’s leading suppliers of drainage products, including drainage pipe in coils, large diameter pipe, twinwall pipe and galvanised steel pipe. All our drainage products come with the UK’s longest guarantee.
Our sister company, Cotterill Contractors, can also manage the full installation process for your land drainage project.
For more information, call our expert team on 0121 351 3230 or visit our enquiry form.