Interceptor drainage is a specialised system designed to intercept and control the flow of pollutants, debris, and excess water in the drainage system. These systems are strategically placed in areas prone to flooding or areas with high risk of contamination.
In flood management, every measure counts in mitigating risk and minimising damage. Interceptor drainage plays a pivotal role among the myriad of strategies and systems employed to combat floods. This helps in preventing pollutants and contaminants from entering waterways.
The effectiveness of interceptor drainage in flood management can be seen in the “Thames Tideway Tunnel Project” in London, UK. The interceptor drainage systems were installed along the riverbanks to capture and divert excess stormwater and sewage flows during heavy rainfall. This installation reduced the pollution and prevented the blockage, keeping water flow smooth.
Are you worried about cleaning the Interceptor drainage tank? Speak to our trained team to understand the process in detail. Call us at 02036331266 for a free consultation.
Let us understand why you should install an interceptor drainage system:
1. Pollution Prevention
Interceptor drainage systems are highly effective in preventing pollutants. They prevent pollutants such as oil, fuel, plastic, sediments, and debris from entering water bodies. If we capture these contaminants before they can reach rivers, lakes, and oceans, we can preserve water quality and protect the aquatic ecosystem.
2. Protecting Property
Flooding can cause extensive damage to your home and belongings. You can effectively manage the excess water during heavy rainfall by installing an Interceptor drainage system. This reduces the risk of basement flooding, water seepage, and structural damage. Additionally, the role of culverts in flood prevention is critical in diverting water flow and preventing water from overwhelming drainage systems, further protecting your property from flood risks.
3. Preserving Water Quality
The Interceptor drainage system is equipped with traps and filters that can capture the pollutants, preventing them from entering and contaminating nearby streams, rivers, and groundwater sources. This also stops pollutants and stormwater runoff from driveways, gardens, and roads from entering the water bodies and sewage.
Residents can have better water quality and improve the well-being of their community with safe and pure water.
4. Ensuring Compliance
Some municipalities have regulations to govern the management of stormwater runoff and prevent water pollution. Interceptor drainage systems demonstrate a commitment to the environment and compliance with local rules and regulations.
You may be required to follow these when undertaking landscaping projects, installing driveways, or making any modifications to your property.
5. Enhancing Property Value
A well-maintained Interceptor drainage system adds value to your property. It provides a sense of peace and safety to potential buyers. The increasing concern about flood risk presents the Interceptor drainage system as a selling point for properties in flood-prone areas.
Investing in an infrastructure that can protect you and your family enhances the desirability and marketability of residential properties.
6. Mitigation Liability
Inadequate drainage systems that contribute to flooding or pollution can increase your liability for damages or injuries suffered by neighbours. Homeowners have a duty to maintain their properties in a safe and responsible manner, which includes proper drain & sewer services to prevent such issues.
Installing the Interceptor drainage system demonstrates your proactive risk management behaviour, which reduces the chances of any legal dispute arising from drainage-related issues.
7. Supporting Sustainability
Interceptor drainage systems align with the principle of sustainable living by promoting efficient water management and pollution prevention. This reduces the pressure on the centralised drainage systems and minimises their environmental damage.
Sustainable habits benefit both owners and the environment by conserving water and protecting the ecosystem.
8. Extending the Lifespan of property
Proper drainage is important for protecting property from damage. Not just houses but driveways, sidewalks, and retaining walls. Excess water can undermine the stability of these structures, leading to cracks and deterioration over time.
Drainage helps to preserve the integrity and longevity of infrastructure and reduce costly repairs.
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Types of Interceptors in Drainage Systems
Interceptors are essential components of drainage systems designed to capture and remove pollutants, debris, and excess water. Here are the main types of interceptors commonly used in drainage systems:
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Petrol Interceptors
Petrol Interceptors are also known as oil Interceptors. These are designed to capture and remove oil, grease, and other hydrocarbons from water. These are installed in areas with high vehicle traffic, such as parking lots, gas stations, and industrial sites.
Petrol Interceptors utilise gravity separation technology to separate oil from water before it enters the drainage system.
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Fuel Interceptors
Fuel Interceptors are very similar to Petrol Interceptors and are used in capturing diesel fuel, gasoline, and other petroleum-based fuels. These are installed at refuelling stations, truck stops, and maintenance facilities to prevent fuel spills and leaks from contaminating soil and water.
Fuel Interceptors employ mechanisms such as baffle plates and absorbent media to trap and remove fuel contaminants from water before entering the drainage system.
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Grease Interceptors
Grease Interceptors are also known as grease traps. These are designed to capture and retain fats, oils, and grease from water. These are installed in commercial kitchens and food service establishments. These prevent fats, oils, and grease from entering and causing a blockage in the sewer system, resulting in sewers overflowing.
Grease Interceptors consist of large tanks where fats, oils, and grease mixed water are cooled and allowed to separate before entering the drainage system.
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Sediment Interceptors
Sediment Interceptors are also referred to as sediment-settling basins. These are used to capture sediment, slit, and debris carried by stormwater runoff before it enters the drainage system. These Interceptors are installed at construction sites, industrial yards, and car parks to prevent soil erosion.
Sediment Interceptors use large storage capacity and settling chambers where sediment particles settle down, allowing only clean water to enter the drainage system.
Suppose you wish to get your Interceptor drainage system thoroughly cleaned. Contact us, the drain specialists, at Elliott Environmental Drainage, at 02036331266 or drop an email at gina@elliottdrainage.co.uk.
In Conclusion, Interceptor drainage is vital in flood management and pollution prevention. It offers an effective solution for protecting the environment and public health. They provide critical infrastructure and capture pollutants from petrol to sewer interceptors.
They help control floodwater and safeguard communities. As cities continue to grow and urbanisation increases, the demand for interceptor drainage solutions also increases.
