Drainage Tips for Managing Heavy Rain and Water‑logging

When the sky opens up, the first thing most of us worry about is water spilling into unwanted places. Good drainage can be the difference between a quick cleanup and a costly repair. Below are simple, everyday actions you can take to let water flow where it belongs.

Home Drainage Basics

Start by checking gutters and downspouts every month during the monsoon season. Clear leaves, twigs, and any debris that blocks the flow. A clogged gutter turns a light drizzle into a roof leak fast.

Next, look at the slope around your house. The ground should tilt away from the foundation by at least two inches per foot. If water gathers near the walls, add a layer of soil or sand to create a gentle grade.

Consider installing a French drain in areas where water pools after rain. A perforated pipe buried in gravel directs water underground, keeping driveways and basements dry. The material is cheap and easy to find at local hardware stores.

Don’t forget splash‑back from outdoor faucets. Use hose‑pipe extensions that spray water onto the lawn instead of the concrete. The soil absorbs the extra moisture, reducing runoff that can flood walkways.

Urban Drainage Practices

On a city level, regular cleaning of storm drains is crucial. Municipal crews often schedule de‑clogging before the monsoon hits. Stay informed about these schedules and avoid dumping waste into drains.

Rain gardens are a smart way to soak up excess water in neighborhoods. These shallow, planted depressions let rain percolate into the ground, easing pressure on public sewers.

If you live in a gated community or apartment complex, push for a drainage audit. Professionals can spot low‑lying spots, pipe blockages, or inadequate capacity before a flood strikes.

Finally, keep an eye on weather alerts. When the forecast predicts heavy rain, temporarily redirect water from balconies or rooftops to larger containers. This short‑term storage can prevent sudden overflow into common areas.

By taking these small steps at home and encouraging broader community actions, you can manage water effectively, protect property, and stay comfortable even when the clouds dump their load.

Waterlogging Crisis Hits Guwahati: Monsoon Rains Expose Drainage and Urban Planning Failures

20.05.2025 By: Aarav Bhatnagar

Torrential rains on May 20, 2025, left Guwahati streets flooded and daily life upended. Poor drainage, blocked waterways, and vanishing wetlands worsened waterlogging across major city areas, highlighting deep cracks in urban planning and infrastructure management.