Drainage Systems

Optimizing Drainage Systems through Surveying and Engineering

With frequent and extraordinary amounts of rainfall becoming more common in Little Rock, Arkansas, planning for an effective drainage system has become crucial for any site design. At its core, a drainage plan manages the water flow in and out of a property so it does not result in flooding. It is important to plan for drainage before beginning construction, or it could lead to unwanted consequences.


Towards the end of this page, we will cover some of the more common types of drain systems but we’d like to start by explaining the benefits we can provide through our draining surveying expertise.

Planning a Drainage System

 in Little Rock

Site Analysis and Assessment

It is important to consider the location of the residential or commercial project and its surrounding environment when drainage planning. We at First Survey Little Rock can help a client understand the existing conditions, opportunities, and constraints of a site in order to produce a properly designed and optimally functional drainage system for installation before construction.

Topography Evaluation

It is crucial to determine the topography of the site to ensure maximum efficiency when draining water from the property. First Survey Little Rock can provide a detailed topo map using the latest technology-aided surveying methods. You’ll get a complete lay of the land, from contours to slopes to elevations, so you can pinpoint where the drains should be located and how the water will flow most easily.

worker using a laptop examines the excavation for a drainage pipe and a large plumbing water system

Types of Drainage Systems in Little Rock

Even if a new draining system is not required on the property, our surveys will still reveal useful grading patterns that can aid in construction play layout. Examples range from farms and agricultural land use, where irrigation needs to be maximized for cost savings, to new subdivision designs where people’s homes and neighborhood structures are at risk if drainage planning is not executed correctly, to large commercial buildings that can suffer costly foundation issues. All of these potential issues can become nightmares to correct which is why this initial planning phase is so crucial to map out before any building begins.

  • Surface Drainage

    A surface drainage system collects and conveys excess water from the surface of a site so it won't cause disrepair. Utilizing features like slopes, swales, drains and gutters, it directs the accumulated precipitation to nearby drains to help prevent overflow, erosion, and damage to infrastructure. It is usually used in flat areas with poor natural drainage to cope with heavy volumes of surface water.

  • Subsurface Drainage

    A subsurface drainage system removes the excess water beneath the top layer of soil to maintain the stability and durability of a residential or commercial property. Saturated soil does not hold together well which can lead to foundation problems. By installing drainage pipes or tiles below the surface, the moisture can be disposed of quickly and systematically.

  • Combined Drainage

    Both drainage systems can be integrated to control and remove surplus water on the surface and subsurface the right way. When surface drainage is used in conjunction with subsurface drainage, the whole site can be drained to protect against water-related deterioration. The combination offers a comprehensive water management strategy for diverse construction scenarios.

  • Design Integration

    Designing a site's drainage system is usually a collaborative effort to ensure a functional and safe network of pipes, drains, and other structures. First Survey Little Rock can work with architects and civil engineers to assure seamless integration of drainage systems into overall project plans. We can help in creating a drain layout that optimizes performance without sacrificing a structure’s aesthetics.

Keep in mind, it is best to obtain enough information so the entire system can be planned before installing any part of it when planning a drainage system. The installation can happen in phases if needed, however the planning and mapping should all occur at once to ensure the best results over the whole span of the property. We at First Survey can conduct a comprehensive topographical analysis of any site to determine its drainage patterns for proper grading and design. In turn, you will have a reliable, low-maintenance drainage system that works in all situations.