BUILDING STORM

WATER DRAINAGE
SYSTEMS
ME 30

BIOLATA | YAPAC | GONZALES| OPEMA | TABIOS

 STORM WATER

Storm water is the water that results from rainfall, snowmelt, sleet, or
hail. It plays a natural role in the hydrologic cycle, but if not properly
managed, it can cause moisture problems and structural damage to
buildings.
Most storm water issues stem from
inadequate roof and surface drainage. When
runoff isn't directed away, water can:

Pond near the foundation

Enter basements or crawl spaces
Seep through cracks and porous materials
like concrete and brick
When storm water is allowed to pond next to the
building foundation or when the underground
water table rises such that it is near the basement
or crawl space floor, water can be driven into the
building area below grade.

This occurs due to hydrostatic pressure – the same force that pushes
water down a stream.

hydrostatic pressure - driving force behind water flow

Properly managing storm water involves collecting and directing runoff
from:
Roofs
Parking lots
Courtyards
It is then directed into:
A private storm sewer or drywell
A community storm sewer
Natural water bodies (creek, stream, lake, pond)
 RECURRENCE INTERVAL
Storm systems are designed based on the recurrence interval
– the statistical chance a storm of a certain intensity will
occur in any given year.
Most systems are designed for 100- or 500-year storms.
For example, assume there is a 1 in 50 chance that 5.0 in of rain will fall in a certain
area in a 24-hr period during any given year. Thus, a rainfall total of 5.0 in during a
consecutive 24-hr period is said to have a 50-year recurrence interval. See Table 16.1.
Storm water systems are typically designed to handle storm water from a specific
precipitation event. Typically it is based upon a recurrence interval of 100 or 500
years.

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 STORM SEWER
A storm sewer is a drainage system designed to carry rainwater and
surface runoff (from roofs, streets, parking lots, etc.) away from
buildings and urban areas to prevent flooding and water damage.

Private Storm Sewers

Combined Community Sewers
Separate Community Storm Sewers

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PRIVATE STORM SEWERS

also known as a private drainage system

are drainage systems owned and

maintained by private entities, such as
homeowners or businesses, to manage
stormwater on their property.

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 PRIVATE STORM SEWERS
These collect storm water from
private property (runoff from
roofs, driveways, and other
surfaces) and discharge into:
A drywell or drainage field
A low-lying area on site
A nearby water body
A private or public lake or
pond
 PRIVATE STORM SEWERS

If a storm sewer line drains a

large area, the strong water
flow after heavy rain can cause
significant damage at the
outlet. An experienced
drainage engineer should
assess the potential damage
from the outflow.

Engineers must ensure these outflows don’t cause erosion or contamination.

 COMBINED COMMUNITY SEWERS

are designed to collect both stormwater

runoff and sanitary sewage in a single
pipe. During heavy rainfall, the volume
can exceed the system's capacity,
potentially leading to overflows where
untreated mixtures are discharged into
nearby water bodies.​
COMBINED COMMUNITY SEWERS
 COMBINED COMMUNITY SEWERS
Only used if no other option is available
and if the city allows storm water to connect to sewage lines.
Storm water adds a heavy load to sewage treatment plants.
Treatment plants must be built much larger than if they handled
sewage alone.
In cities with combined systems, separating storm and sewage
lines now would be too costly.

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SEPARATE COMMUNITY STORM SEWERS
have distinct pipes for sanitary sewage and
stormwater. Stormwater is directed through its
own network of pipes to nearby water bodies,
reducing the risk of sewage overflows and water
contamination.

Modern regulations require separate systems for:

Storm water
Sewage

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 ROOF DRAINAGE DESIGN
Storm water from the roof can be removed by any of three methods:
Roof Drain System
Gutter and Downspout/Leader System
No Drain/Gutter System (Free Runoff)

Poor drainage = bad news. Water collecting around the foundation:

Increases hydrostatic pressure.
Leads to basement leaks or flooding.
Can cause foundation settlement or cracking over time due to saturated soils.
 ROOF DRAIN SYSTEM

A roof drain system is used on low-sloped roofs to collect and

remove stormwater. It features bowl-shaped drains with
strainers placed at intervals, which direct water through pipes to
the ground or a storm sewer. Roofs are slightly sloped toward
the drains to prevent water buildup.
ROOF DRAIN SYSTEM
 ROOF DRAIN SYSTEM

Storm water drainage systems use leaders (also called conductors) and downspouts—
vertical pipes that carry water from roof drains to a horizontal drain or the ground. Leaders
can be hidden in walls, while downspouts are attached to the building exterior.
When water is discharged outside, a splashblock (a plastic or concrete pad) is used to
prevent soil erosion and protect the foundation. Proper ground grading is essential to keep
water flowing away from the building and avoid ponding or damage.
In some areas, these pipes can connect to a combined sewer system, which handles both
storm water and wastewater. However, many places restrict this setup due to potential
overflow issues, so local codes must be checked.
ROOF DRAIN SYSTEM

Low-sloped (flat) roofs must have at least a ¼ inch per foot slope to
prevent water ponding, which can damage roofing materials. This
slope is created during construction or added using lightweight
concrete, tapered insulation, or similar materials. The roof should
always slope toward drains to ensure effective water removal.
ROOF DRAIN SYSTEM
GUTTER AND DOWNSPOUT SYSTEM

Stormwater can be directed from the roof into gutters, which are
horizontal channels along the roof edge that collect and divert water to
downspouts or leaders. The roof must be sloped toward the gutters.
Gutters are typically used on steep-sloped roofs (4 in 12 or greater) but
can also be used on low-sloped roofs. Water from the gutter flows into
downspouts, which either connect to a storm sewer or discharge
outside onto devices like splashblocks to safely disperse the water at
ground level.
GUTTER AND DOWNSPOUT SYSTEM

Downspout extensions are sloped horizontal pipes attached to the base

of a downspout that direct water at least 5 feet away from the building’s
foundation. This helps prevent water from affecting the backfill area,
especially in newer homes with unsettled soil.
Alternatively, downspouts can drain into a gravel-filled catch basin
located at least 10 feet from the foundation, which is suitable for smaller
buildings like houses. This reduces the risk of moisture issues in
foundation walls.
GUTTER AND DOWNSPOUT SYSTEM
 MATERIALS

Gutters and downspouts are made from materials like copper, galvanized
steel, aluminum, or vinyl. Vinyl and aluminum can be made seamless, while
copper develops a green patina over time. Aluminum and steel come in
many baked-on or painted colors; vinyl has limited color options.
Gutters come in various sizes and profiles, such as U-shaped (half-round)
and K- or ogee-shaped styles. The 5-inch ogee gutter is most common for
homes, while the 3x4 inch rectangular downspout is standard for
residential use.
 MATERIALS

Commercial projects use larger piping, from 3 to 8 inches inside the

building, and up to 24 inches or more for exterior systems. Larger
pipe sizes may need special wall accommodations or be exposed in
unfinished spaces and concealed in finished areas. Exterior storm
drains require detailed planning, especially when running under
roads or structures.
MATERIALS
MATERIALS
 SURFACE DRAINAGE

Surface drainage is a critical part of land development and

construction planning. It involves guiding rainwater or melted
snow away from buildings, roads, and other structures to prevent
flooding, erosion, and structural damage. Without proper surface
drainage, water can accumulate in unwanted areas, potentially
leading to costly repairs and environmental hazards. The main
goal is to manage stormwater in a safe, efficient, and
environmentally friendly way.
 DRAINAGE DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
When designing a drainage system, several important factors should
be evaluated: Site Plan and Contours
The existing layout and elevation
of the land must be studied to
determine how water naturally
flows. Adjustments to the
contours may be needed to
ensure water is directed away
from buildings and toward
drainage features.
DRAINAGE DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS

Catch Basins
are underground structures located at low
points such as along curbs or roadways. They
are covered by metal grates and designed to
catch rainwater and carry it to storm sewer
systems. They are essential in urban areas
where natural infiltration is limited due to
paved surfaces.
DRAINAGE DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS

Driveway and Curb Elevations

The height and slope of driveways and curbs influence how water
drains:
In areas where stormwater runs off into surrounding land,
driveways should be built higher than the ground so water flows
outward.
In areas connected to storm sewer systems, driveways can be
sloped downward toward catch basins to collect and direct water
efficiently.
ALTERNATIVE DRAINAGE METHODS

Swales
Swales are shallow, grassy ditches
or depressions used in areas
without storm sewer systems. They
help channel water away from
structures and allow it to soak into
the ground naturally. Swales
usually carry water only during and
shortly after rainstorms.
ALTERNATIVE DRAINAGE METHODS

Detention Ponds
These are man-made or natural
basins that temporarily store
excess stormwater runoff during
heavy rainfall. The water is then
slowly released into drainage
systems or natural waterways.
Detention ponds help prevent
downstream flooding and reduce
pressure on sewer systems.
 ALTERNATIVE DRAINAGE METHODS

Retention Ponds
Unlike detention ponds, retention
ponds permanently store
stormwater. They are designed to
hold both surface and subsurface
water and allow it to infiltrate slowly
into the ground. These ponds also
help trap pollutants and sediment
before the water enters natural
systems.
 ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS
Land development and construction activities can significantly alter
natural drainage patterns and pollute storm water runoff. Runoff picks up
pollutants as it flows over the ground or paved areas and carries these
pollutants into the storm sewer system.
Surface runoff often collects pollutants like:
Sediment from soil erosion
Chemicals and debris from construction materials (e.g., concrete,
paint, solvents)
Fertilizers and pesticides from landscaping
Oil and fuel from construction machinery
 ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS
Most municipalities are required by federal regulations to develop
programs to control the discharge of pollutants to the storm drain
system, including the discharge of pollutants from construction sites and
areas of new development or significant redevelopment.
Federal and local regulations require:
Stormwater management plans for construction projects
Erosion and sediment control measures
Construction site inspections to ensure compliance
Use of filtration systems, sediment fences, and proper waste
disposal
 SUBSURFACE DRAINAGE

A system designed to remove excess water from beneath the

ground surface. It typically involves the use of buried pipes or
channels to lower the waterlogging, ensuring soil stability and
proper water flow.
It prevents water accumulation, which can weaken foundations
and compromise structural integrity
It reduces soil erosion and maintains soil stability, especially in
areas with high water tables
It enhances the durability of pavements and other infrastructure by
preventing water-related damage
 TYPES

01 Sump and Sump Pump

02 Interior Perimeter (French) Drain

03 Exterior Perimeter (Peripheral) Drain

04 Interceptor Drain
 SUMP AND SUMP PUMP
Sump - is a pit or reservoir designed to collect and store
water , usually excess or unwanted groundwater or
rainwater. It serves as a drainage point for managing water
accumulation in areas like basements, crawl spaces, or
construction sites.
Sump Pump - is a device installed within the sump to
remove water that collects in the pit. The pump is activated
when the water level reaches a certain point and moves the
water away from the structure.
SUMP AND SUMP PUMP
 INTERIOR PERIMETER (FRENCH) DRAIN
-is a drainage system installed inside a building, typically
along the perimeter of a basement or crawl space. Its
purpose is to intercept and redirect water that seeps through
foundation walls or collects at the wall-floor junction
- are effective in preventing basement flooding, reducing
hydrostatic pressure on foundation walls, and maintaining a
dry and stable environment. They are particularly useful in
areas prone to heavy rainfall or high water tables.
 INTERIOR PERIMETER (FRENCH) DRAIN
How it Works:
-A trench is dug along the interior perimeter of the
basement or crawl space.
- A perforated pipe is placed in the trench, surrounded by
gravel or other porous materials to filter out debris.
- The pipe collects water and channels it to a sump pit,
where a sump pump removes the water from the building.
INTERIOR PERIMETER (FRENCH) DRAIN
INTERIOR PERIMETER (FRENCH) DRAIN
 EXTERIOR PERIMETER (PERIPHERAL) DRAIN

-is a subsurface drainage system consisting of drain pipe or

drain tile laid in a trench around the outside perimeter of
the building foundation and backfilled with gravel. It
discharges into a ditch, sump, or storm sewer.
- Its purpose is to collect and redirect groundwater away
from the structure, preventing water accumulation and
reducing hydrostatic pressure on the foundation walls.
EXTERIOR PERIMETER (PERIPHERAL) DRAIN
 INTERCEPTOR DRAIN

-is a subsurface drainage system involving a drainpipe

or drain tile laid in a trench between the building and an
uphill source of water.
-It intercepts the water and discharges it into a ditch or
storm sewer away from the building.
INTECEPTOR DRAIN
 STORM WATER DRAINAGE SYSTEM INSTALLATION

Stormwater drainage system installation involves setting

up infrastructure to manage rainwater runoff and
prevent flooding. It includes planning, excavating
trenches, installing pipes, and placing catch basins and
outlets to direct water to a safe discharge point. The
system helps protect buildings and the environment
from water damage.
 ROOF DRAINAGE INSTALLATION CONSIDERATIONS

Gutter Installation
Ensure gutters have a definite slope
toward the downspouts to prevent
water buildup, freezing, and corrosion.
A proper slope also helps minimize
debris accumulation (e.g., leaves,
roofing materials).
 ROOF DRAINAGE INSTALLATION CONSIDERATIONS

Poured Concrete Slabs

Plan the interior storm drainage layout
before pouring the slab, as pipes must be
placed in the ground first.
Accurate placement of pipes is crucial, and
the system should be checked for leaks
before pouring the concrete to avoid
costly repairs later.
 ROOF DRAINAGE INSTALLATION CONSIDERATIONS

Truss-Type Construction
Open spaces in trusses make it easier
to run pipes to the desired location.
Coordination with contractors is
needed when pipes need to pass by
ductwork or other large pipes in the
opposite direction.
 ROOF DRAINAGE INSTALLATION CONSIDERATIONS

Wood Frame Construction

In some cases, the width of walls may
need to be increased to accommodate
horizontal pipes passing by vertical
drainage pipes or other pipes.
 STORM DRAINAGE INSTALLATION CONSIDERATIONS

Pipe Material
Storm sewer pipes can be the same as those used
for sanitary systems, but may be larger in size.
For larger storm sewer lines, plain or reinforced
concrete pipes are typically used, rather than clay,
cast iron, or asbestos cement.
Joints do not need to be watertight in storm sewer
systems; sometimes, mortar is omitted, and
washed gravel is placed near the joint to allow the
storm drain to also serve as an underdrain to
collect subsurface water.
 STORM DRAINAGE INSTALLATION CONSIDERATIONS

Grading and Slope

Storm drains should generally have a slope
of at least 1/4 inch per foot to ensure
smooth, self-scouring flow.
A greater slope may be used since storm
sewer systems do not have fixture traps that
could lose their seals, unlike sanitary
systems.
 STORM DRAINAGE INSTALLATION CONSIDERATIONS

Fittings and Access Points

For changes in direction, long-radius fittings
are used, and cleanouts are not needed,
particularly in and under buildings.
Outside buildings, manholes are required
when a change of direction occurs or when
multiple lines are connected.
 DESIGN EXAMPLE OF A STORM WATER DRAINAGE SYSTEM

A gutter that serves the entire 3200 ft2 (300 m2 ) roof area will be installed along the
edge of the rear roof overhang to collect storm water. The maximum rate of rainfall will
be assumed to be 4 in/hr (100 mm/hr). Gutters and downspouts are sized according to
the area of roof they serve following the procedure outlined in the next slide.
SIZING ROOF GUTTERS AND DOWNSPOUTS
1. The size of each downspout is based on the number
of downspouts and the roof area each downspout will
serve.
In this design, four downspouts will be used,
each serving an area of 800 ft2 (3200 ft2/4 downspouts
800 ft2 ). From Table 16.4a for a maximum rate of
rainfall of 4 in/hr, each downspout must be at least of a
3 in diameter. If the downspouts are connected to a
horizontal storm drain, the drain is then sized as
discussed later in this section.
In metric (SI) units in this design, four downspouts
will be used, each serving an area of 75 m2 (300 m2 /4
downspouts 75 m2). From Table 16.4b, for a maximum
rate of rainfall of 100 mm/hr, each downspout would
be 75 mm in diameter. If the downspouts are
connected to a horizontal storm drain, the drain is then
sized as discussed later in this chapter.
SIZING ROOF GUTTERS AND DOWNSPOUTS
2. The gutter size depends on the area of the roof
that each portion of the gutter serves and the slope
of the gutter when it is installed.
In this design, each of the four downspouts
serves 800 ft2 . The layout would be such that the
gutter would feed into the downspout from two
sides, so that each portion of the gutter would serve
400 ft2 of roof area. Assuming a 1 ⁄8 in slope per foot,
from Table 16.5a for a maximum rate of rainfall of 4
in/hr, a 6 in diameter is selected for the gutters.
In metric (SI) units, each of the four
downspouts serves 75 m2 . The layout would be such
that the gutter would feed into the downspout from
two sides, so that each portion of the gutter serves
37.5 m2 of roof area. Assuming a 10.4 mm per m
slope from Table 16.5b, a 150 mm diameter is
selected for the gutters.
1. The horizontal storm drain is sized from
Table 16.5a; its size depends on the area being SIZING THE HORIZONTAL
served and the slope at which the pipe is STORM DRAIN
installed. The pipe is typically increased in size
as it collects the downspouts, so the first step
will be to make a sketch of the system (Figure
16.15). Next, add the area that each downspout
serves and the slope selected for the horizontal
drain to the sketch.
In this design, three downspouts are used,
serving each 1067 ft2 , and the slope is 1 ⁄4 in per
ft.
In metric (SI) units, three downspouts are
used serving 100 m2 each, and the slope is
20.9 mm per m.
2. With this information, the first length of drain
(labeled “A” on Figure 16.16) is sized from Table SIZING THE HORIZONTAL
16.5 as a 3-in pipe. Be certain that the column for a STORM DRAIN
1 ⁄4-in slope is used in this case. The next length of
drain (“B”) services 2134 ft2 and is a 4-in pipe,
while the last length (“C”) serves 3200 ft2 and is a
4-in pipe. The pipe sizes on the sketch are as
shown in Figure 16.16.
In metric (SI) units, the length of drain labeled
“A” in Figure 16.16 is taken from Table 16.5. Using a
slope of 20.9 mm per meter, a 75-mm drain
pipe is selected.
The next length of drain, “B,” services 200 m2
and a 100-mm pipe is required. The last length,
“C,” serves 300 m2 and a 125-mm pipe is required.
SIZING A COMBINED SEWER 1. First, a schematic sketch of the stacks,
downspouts, and building drain should be
made so that the relationship of the stacks and
the downspouts to the building drain can be
envisioned.
In this example, the design will continue
with the four story apartment building
(Appendix A). The sanitary waste stacks have
been previously sized (Chapter 14), and a
schematic of the design would look similar to
Figure 16.18. The DFU total (from Chapter 14) of
each of the waste stacks is added to the sketch, as
is the slope of the building drain selected (1 ⁄8 in
per foot or 10.4 mm per meter slope).
 2. Next, the fixture units served by each stack
SIZING A COMBINED SEWER must be converted into equivalent square feet or
square meters. The code sets up a ratio of DFU
and equivalent square feet or equivalent square
meters. (Figure 16.19).
The equivalent area, based on code, for the
first 256 DFU is 1000 ft2 . Any additional DFU are
converted into equivalent area on the basis that 1
DFU equals 3.9 ft2 .
In this design, the 64 DFU would be the
equivalent of 1000 ft2 .
In metric (SI) units, the equivalent area for
the first 256 DFU is 93 m2 . Any additional DFU are
converted into equivalent square meters on the
basis that 1 DFU equals 0.36 m.
In this design in metric (SI) units, the 64 DFU
would be the equivalent of 93 m2 .
SIZING A COMBINED SEWER
3. The total equivalent area being served by the building drain is determined by adding the
equivalent area to the roof area being collected.

The total equivalent area is 3200 ft2  (1000 ft2 equivalent area · 2 downspouts) 5200 ft2 . This is
noted on the schematic in Figure 16.20.

From Table 16.5, the building drain size is determined. Based on a 1 ⁄8 in slope, the building
drain must be 6 in to the main stack. The complete tabulation is shown in Table 16.8. A review of the
sketch in Figure 16.20 indicates that there is less than 200 ft developed length.

In metric (SI) units, the total equivalent area is 300 m2  (93 m2 equivalent area  2 downspouts)
486 m2. This is noted on the schematic in Figure 16.20.

From Table 16.5, the building drain size is determined. Based on a 10.4 mm per meter slope, the
building drain must be 150 mm to the main stack. The complete compilation is shown in Table 16.8.
A review of the sketch in Figure 16.18 indicates there is less than 60 m of developed length.
SIZING A COMBINED SEWER
SIZING A COMBINED SEWER
4. The equivalent area is based on a rainfall of 4 in per hr. A check of the local weather service will
indicate whether the rainfall in the proposed building location is more or less. If so, then the
equivalent area must be adjusted proportionately.

Assume the rainfall rate in the proposed location for the apartment is 5 in per hr. How many equivalent
area would the 64 DFU equal?

At 4 in per hour: 64 DFU = 1000 equivalent ft2

5 in per hour: 64 DFU = 1000 equivalent ft2  (5 in/4 in)
= 1250 equivalent ft2

In metric (SI) units, assume the rainfall rate in the proposed location of the apartment is 125 mm per
hour. How many equivalent feet would the 64 DFU equal?

At 100 mm per hour: 64 DFU = 93 m2 equivalent area

At 125 mm per hour: 63 DFU = 93 m2 equivalent area  (125 mm/100mm)
= 116 m2 equivalent area
Central Mindanao University

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