The heart of every pond or lake is its drainage system. Drainage systems vary in type, from corrugated metal pipes (CMP) to concrete box culverts to more sophisticated siphon systems, but their essential function is the same: keeping the water level in your pond from becoming either too high or too low. While most owners know they must inspect and maintain the dam, often times the drainage system itself is neglected.
CMP drainage systems are some of the most commonly installed drainage systems due to their simplicity and comparatively cheap construction cost. If your CMP system is at least 15 years old it is now reaching the later years of the expected life span. Corrosion and/or other signs of visible degradation are indicators that your system is in need of maintenance. Fortunately, there are several ways to repair an aged CMP system if caught early enough. Standpipe sleeves, Polymer patches and even internal liners can shore things up and provide you with many more years of enjoyment of your pond. A PVC siphon system can be installed with minimal disruption to the pond and at a reasonable cost in the event that your CMP system is deemed unsalvageable and must be replaced.
PVC Siphon systems and concrete box culverts, while more durable than CMP, are not without their own issues that come with age. The seals at junction seams of concrete box culvert risers degrade over time which lead to leaks. If not resealed properly, these leaks can lead to loss of water elevation or worse, erosion of the dam. The most common issue we see with PVC siphon systems is a clogged or damaged vent pipe. The vent pipe is the control center for a siphon system. A cracked or broken vent pipe and the system will never “turn on” or siphon as intended. A clogged vent pipe and the system will never “turn off” and your pond will quickly drain itself.
Drainage systems failures are costly, and once your lake starts draining it’s too late for less expensive prevention options. Having your system routinely inspected and maintained by our knowledgeable, trained staff can help unsure you enjoy your pond for years to come.
