It goes without saying that plastic is one of the most used materials in the building industry and is particularly popular when it comes to guttering systems. Due to modern technology, using plastic is easier and more cost effective than older solutions like steel or aluminium. This means that plastic and PVC are a far […]
There are a few things worth knowing the answer to before going ahead and fitting land drain. It is essential to know the ins and outs of how to correctly connect the land drains as well as where is best to use them and how the different kinds of pipes actually work. However, it will […]
A frequently asked question is whether or not it is viable to run common types of water such as rainwater into shared sewers in the UK? This is a topic worth bringing up because it is essential that any project related to drainage that you are undertaking needs to comply with local and national guidelines. […]
As it is crucial that all types of manhole or access covers are suitably durable, safe for use and fit for purpose, in the UK they are required to meet a set of standards as defined within the BS EN 124 classification. The comprehensive classification, which covers everything from gully grids and surface meter boxes […]
All houses built in the modern era should have separate drainage systems for both rainwater and wastewater, and if you are using the incorrect connections, it may contribute to water pollution! A lot of houses built after the 70’s tend to have separate drainage systems for the disposal of rainwater and wastewater which go to […]
It is essential that when installing an MDPE system you are aware of the depth it is being buried at. There are various ways to install an MDPE pipe system in the UK, including newer methods such as no-dig and low dig, as well as the classic method of fitting the pipe into a dugout […]
While the vast majority of the UK’s population relies on the main sewage system to discharge waste away from properties, it’s estimated that around 5% of houses and dwellings need to depend on off-mains solutions due to their rural location. There are a number of available options for such situations, including a septic tank, cesspool […]
Although the Environment Agency believes that a lack of water is likely to become a major issue in the very near future, UK households consume more water than ever before – the Energy Saving Trust has recently reported that the average UK home now uses around 330 litres per day, which is double the average […]
An efficient drainage system is a fundamental element of a horse riding arena, and therefore needs to be a key consideration during the planning process before you begin construction. This is because poor drainage will not only negatively impact the performance and lifespan of your arena’s surface, it could also compromise its safety too. In […]
Twinwall ducting is used by installers to ensure that pipes and cables running towards or away from a system are protected against externalities that may affect the way that they should be functioning. Ductwork also indicates to an installer that there is important underground drainage in place, further meaning that it will be left alone […]
In the vast majority of modern houses and buildings, waste pipes are connected to a soil stack – sometimes referred to as a soil vent pipe – which is a vertical pipe fitted externally on a property that serves to remove sewage and waste water from a home and divert it away to the main […]
A barrier pipe is a strong type of water pipe that is often used in the place of MDPE (medium density polyethylene) pipes in areas that have contaminated soil, this is because MDPE is not strong enough to keep contaminants out. It offers more protection than an MDPE water pipe as it is structurally built […]
A soil pipe system performs a fundamental function in every home and while they are extremely durable by design, soil or waste pipe leaking can occur due to a number of causes such as a loose connector, damaged joint, broken rubber seal, or underground drainage pipe cracks. Fortunately, a leaking soil pipe shouldn’t cause too […]
Adding a garden patio can improve the aesthetic of your home while also creating a practical space for dining, relaxing and entertaining, however before you lay down any paving slabs, you should consider a patio drainage system. By ensuring the removal of standing water from a patio – which can happen as a result of […]
One of the most common issues that can occur with gutters is water leaking from specific points across a roof drainage system, which can be particularly problematic after a heavy bout of rainfall. Unfortunately this usually happens as the result of poorly joined pipes and gutter fittings, which means it is essential to ensure that […]
For locations that are not connected to the main sewage system, an off-mains solution is of course essential to accommodate the needs of visitors and residents. This applies to temporary living accommodation in rural sites such as camping areas, as well as a small number of residential properties that can be classed as ‘off grid’ […]
Soakaway systems are a commonly relied on solution for dealing with standing surface water, as they enable you to channel rainwater from your drainage system into buried soakaway crates which then slowly and steadily disperse it into the earth. This efficient method for dealing with surface water run-off offers a viable alternative to redirecting it […]
Where to build your arena Some people have more options when it comes to Building arenas due to space, than others, so in order to choose the right location for your horse arena there are various things that you must think about prior to the actual construction. There are some that you will have thought […]
A soakaway system enables you to collect water and then slowly disperse it into nearby soil without putting additional pressure on any run off and drainage systems, which is particularly important in areas with higher than average rainfall. Installing a soakaway is fairly straightforward and requires little maintenance – you simply need to dig a […]
Failing to properly maintain a underground drainage system will inevitably lead to issues, and in the most extreme cases it may even cause a collapsed drain, which is where a drainage system undergoes so much pressure – usually from flooding caused by frequent blockages – that it collapses in on itself. This costly and disruptive […]
Why are membranes important for horse arenas? Stagnant water can lead to areas that become slushy and sloppy which is not good for equestrian arenas, as it will affect the ride quality for both the rider and the horses. Furthermore it can lead to the sub layers not performing as they should due to damage […]
When it comes to underground drainage pipes, there are not only different types to suit different applications, there are also a wide range of sizes too. In this guide, we outline which pipes are right for various types of jobs, and highlight the pipe diameters that are available. Land Drainage Pipe Coils Land drainage pipe […]
If you’re looking to save costs while also contributing to the conservation of our planet, a rainwater diverter is an easy to install option for any home or commercial property. In this brief article we explain how they work, the benefits of fitting a diverter, and how you can add one to your guttering system. […]
A low profile drainage channel is an effective way to get rid of standing water while the height of the channel allows it to sit nice and comfortable within the area it is placed. The low channel profile means that there is nothing that could cause an unnecessary obstruction to vehicles or present a safety […]
As manhole covers conceal and protect the entrances to vital inspection chambers and drainage systems, they are an absolute necessity, however when they are located near or even inside a home or commercial building, the fact is that they can be a bit of an eyesore. Unfortunately they’re also often positioned somewhere highly noticeable such […]
In this blog post we’ll summarise some of the most relevant soil vent pipe building regulations for UK installations. Before we get going, we should explain some of the terminology used within this blog post: A ‘soil stack’ is the pipework system that takes the waste water from the plumbing in the upstairs of a […]
Even though we’re more than used to heavy showers here in the UK, there’s a big difference between land that’s a bit wet after rainfall and land that’s waterlogged, as the latter can cause major issues for building foundations, any nearby structures, landscaped spaces and garden areas. Usually caused by excessive rain, clay soils, or […]
Replacing sections of an existing guttering system on a property can be a relatively straightforward job, however to avoid facing fitting issues, before you get started on the repairs you need to ensure that you purchase compatible guttering, as not all gutter pipes and fittings are the same. Here at EasyMerchant, we’re often asked how to […]
By directing rainfall away from a building’s roofing and foundation, guttering is absolutely essential to protect any property, however when purchasing gutters for a building project you shouldn’t simply choose whichever colour or style you personally prefer – it is important that you select a material and shape that’s specifically fit for purpose to ensure […]
A soak away drainage system collects surface water from rainfall in the area and re-disperses it back into the ground at a rate that doesn’t flood the nearby soil – if your property has flooding problems, it can be a great solution. Back in the day, these basically just consisted of a trench with a […]
If you have found that the area surrounding your property is often covered in surface water, you might be considering installing a soakaway drainage system to handle it. If you don’t already know, this is basically a system that involves a crate that catches water through a drain and slowly re-disperses it back into the […]
Fascia brackets are the backbone of any guttering system, keeping your lengths of gutter securely attached to the outside of your house come rain or shine. Also known as gutter clips, these are essential to keep the rainwater flowing smoothly along your gutter lengths. But they can only do their job if you’ve put them […]
There are two main methods for a drain test; the air test and the water test. The not so common are the smoke testing and mandrel testing method. All the tests are conducted in order to fix and overlook a newly installed plumbing and drainage systems. This is important because each section of a plumbing […]
If you’re looking to prevent standing water on a large paved, tarmacked or concrete area you may be considering installing channel drains to connect to an underground drainage pipe. A drain channel provides a neat, tidy and fairly simple channel solution – but unless it’s installed properly, you might not get the result you were […]
Twinwall pipe is designed to carry surface water below ground and can also be used for non-pressurised surface applications, such as a rainwater harvesting system. It is one of the most commonly installed surface water drainage systems. The pipes are made for the purpose of strength and are made using HDPE (high-density polyethylene). This type […]
A quick guide to Underground Ducting Underground cables and pipes are essential for the vast majority of commercial and residential buildings, enabling vital utilities such as electricity, gas and water to flow to and from properties, and providing fundamental connections to internet and telephone services. They also help to ensure that everything from street lights […]
Colours and Differences of MDPE Pipe It is handy to know the uses of MDPE (medium-density polyethylene) pipe as simply there are a lot of them. They are the perfect alternative to traditional materials like copper, which lead to savings on installation’s, making a project as efficient as possible. The toughness of the MDPE pipe […]
If you’re renovating a bathroom or kitchen or wanting to fit a shiny new appliance in, you’ll need to consider your waste systems, and more specifically your waste pipes. These are the pipes that connect to things like baths, showers, sinks, and other appliances, and that then connect to the main soil pipe, eventually going […]
Driveway drainage is a system put in place to allow surface water to drain away into the ground instead of flooding your driveway. When installing a new driveway it is essential to understand the importance of driveway drainage. This is because, if it is not done correctly there could be future issues that could cause […]
A biaxial geogrid is a geosynthetic compound made out of polypropylene polymers and are primarily used to reinforce and stabilise soils. They are made through a series of procedures including crossway stretching, lengthway stretching and extruding. This production process ensures that all the geogrids have high tension resistance along with a high tensile strength, which […]
The high-strength, 170mm Industrial Guttering system from Kayflow has been put in place on a large agricultural building in Shropshire. The Grey Industrial guttering system has been used to restore and improve the shed’s original rainwater system. The owner of the small farm, Mr Tom Farmer, needed an improved guttering system with higher volume to […]
A leaking gutter joint or “gutter union” can be a real pain no matter where it is, but especially if it’s in a spot where it keeps dripping onto you or pooling right outside your door! Leaks in your guttering system can even cause much bigger problems down the line, as a constant flow of […]
Looking for some tips on how to properly install a French Drain? Read our latest post for some more information. Though installations may vary depending on the situation at hand, by the end of this article you’ll understand a standardised approach that can be modified to your unique circumstances. Although installing a French drain is […]
If you have surface water pooling around buildings due to heavy rainfall, installing a soakaway could solve some of your drainage problems. A soakaway is basically a big hole dug into a garden that collects excess rainwater and makes it drain away into the ground more gradually, rather than letting it all rush in and […]
Inspection chambers, more commonly known to people outside of construction and drainage industries as a manholes, are a vital part of any underground drainage system. They function as an access point, allowing maintenance workers to inspect and clear drains and sort out any blockages. Inspection chambers allow people into the underground system to perform maintenance […]
When you need guttering for your next project, then plastic is probably what springs to mind, but you might be surprised at the benefits of the different metal systems available and pleasantly surprised at the cost of them too when considering the advantages they offer over their plastic counterparts. There are tons of different types […]
Garden Drainage Solutions Whether you’re a keen gardener or not, a waterlogged garden is a serious problem for any homeowner, and occurs when surface water from rain has nowhere to run off, instead remaining stuck in the dirt. This is an issue that can sometimes be solved through simpler methods – aerating your soil by […]
What is a Gully Drain? A drain gully, or gully traps or gullies as they’re often called, are drains that catch surface water like rainwater and grey waste (wastewater from your dishwasher, washing machine, shower, etc.). As well as keeping out debris and preventing drain blockages, they let this wastewater drain away while keeping rodents […]
What Are Geotextile Membranes? Geotextile membranes are a type of fabric that can be installed into the ground to create a protective membrane. They can be used in a wide range of situations and have many benefits, from landscaping projects to construction, but are typically found in drainage and engineering projects. They are also commonly […]
What is Underground Drainage? Well, pretty much as the name suggests, it’s the drainage system that lives underground. The drainage system is formed from a mixture of lengths of pipe and fittings such as bends, junctions and other fittings to either change direction of the pipe or to adapt to another system. Underground drainage is […]
What is an air admittance valve? Air admittance valves, durgo valves, AAV’s or air inlet valves as they are sometimes known, allow air into the soil stack system without letting air (and thus smells) out. This stops a vacuum in the pipework and allows the waste to drain easily without letting smelly gasses out inside […]
What is a soakaway drain? A soakaway drain is mainly used to eliminate standing surface water. A typical set up would consist of a large hole or pit where water or surface water from a drainage pipe or channel drain would flow into. The water would then slowly drain away through the soil which eliminates […]
Buying a Replacement Manhole Cover: A Detailed Guide Replacing a manhole cover might look like an easy job – after all, if you can lift the old one up, putting a new one down isn’t going to seem like much of a challenge. The trouble is, it’s rarely (if ever) that simple when it comes […]
5 Tips for Laying Geotextiles Flawlessly Here at EasyMerchant, we buy our geotextile membranes in huge quantities, so we can pass big discounts on to you. That said, no matter how much you’re paying for geotextiles, you definitely want to make sure you’re getting the installation right first time. You don’t want to have to […]
What’s the difference between Foul Water Drainage and Surface Water Drainage? Properties generally produce two different kinds of water into the surrounding drainage. Firstly, there’s foul water drainage – that’s the waste that’s produced by sinks, toilets, washing machines, and so on. In addition to foul water, there’s also surface water – generally, that’s the […]
Wondering how to fit guttering yourself? Well, it might look like an intimidating job – but in reality, it’s something that even people with a fairly basic level of DIY knowledge can do. If you want to know how to fit gutters easily, we’ve put together a detailed guide that’ll take you through every step […]
If you’re building, reside in, or own property off the mains drainage network it’s crucial that you’re in the know about the changing septic tanks legislation. In an attempt to take measures against water pollution, the Environment Agency has laid down General Binding Rules, which means that after January 2022 you will have had to […]
In this guide we’ll go through the basics of performing a percolation test. which is a necessity if you’re going to install a septic tank or soakaway crates system. What is a Percolation Test? Wikipedia says “a percolation test (colloquially called a perc test) is a test to determine the water absorption rate of soil (that is, its capacity for percolation) […]
Whether you need the latest technology to help you survey or scope out your construction project, laser levels are without a doubt one of the most effective tools to help you get the job done quickly and effectively. While on the surface it may appear that all of them are created equal, choosing the right […]
Find out How to Join Different Types of Plastic Pipe & Fittings Easily With Our Online Guide! At EasyMerchant, we carry a huge range of plastic piping; so we’re often asked about connection methods. With this in mind, we’ve put together a quick glance guide that’ll walk you through how to connect the following types […]
Plastic Guttering
Metal Guttering
