Yard Drainage

Description

More drains mean less distance to wash solids and so less water is needed – most manure is deposited close to the dairy. Open or grate-covered drains work best when they have a solid wall behind them to stop waste washing past them.

Size and shape of drains to improve removal of solids and reduce blockages have been published (see links). Yard slopes are generally between 1 and 3%. Drains must be large enough to prevent water “banking” up.

Sump needs to hold volume of entire wash unless gravity flow to storage. 

Tips on Getting the Best Result

Use PVC main pipes 150-300mm diameter (or larger). Effluent pipes must have smooth interior. Open drains need grates and regular cleaning – “V” shapes flow better at low volumes. 

Pros and Cons

Planning at yard construction stage results in hassle-free drainage. However drainage is difficult and expensive to change once concrete is down. 

Issues in Making it Happen

Labour

More drains mean quicker clean-up, stone traps important to protect effluent pumps, sand wears pumps too.

Environment

Drains, pipes and sump must be sized to cope with expected volume and deliver it for storage or disposal onto pasture.